Midway through the Wareham Girls Softball season, Janine Goulet is finding that her players need a head cheerleader as much as they need a head coach.

“We started off the season very well,” said Goulet, who has coached for the past four years. “We’ve had a couple of tough games in the past few weeks, and I think its taken a shot to their confidence. As soon as they get down they have a tough time facing adversity.”

The team is coming off a season where it earned a state playoff berth after years of not being competitive. Before the 2016 season, the team posted records of 1-19 and 0-20. After a string of early wins, the team is now 7-8.

Goulet said after this year’s promising start, which was made possible in part by senior pitcher Neely Eddleston, it’s not a matter of talent, but tenacity.

“They’re doing themselves a disservice by sitting back and letting the uncontrollables of the game take over instead of picking up their heads, putting their shoulders back and going out for the next play,” said Goulet.

She noted her players are all accomplished students and involved in extracurriculars. Goulet said her goal now is to transfer that energy onto the field.

“They’re all leaders outside of softball and off the field,” she said. “I know they can make these plays and routine outs. Confidence, especially in girls sports, is so important. I’m so confident they can live up to their potential on the field.”

The team’s next game is scheduled for May 18 against Dighton-Rehoboth at Dighton Rehoboth starting at 4 p.m.