The Wareham High School girls basketball team was full of enthusiasm for the season before its first game on Dec. 19.

There are five seniors on the team this year, when last year there were none, so coach Dave Brogioli said he is excited to hit the ground running.

“I’m excited to do way better than last season,” said Gabby Lefrancois, a team captain. She said experience, strong leadership and setting standards high will make this season better.

Last year, the team won four games in 16, partly due to many players being injured, Brogioli said. He said it was hard for the team to catch up while dealing with the injuries.

“This year we’re more committed and more serious,” said Cienne Fernandes, a team captain.

The team lost its first game on Dec. 19  against Middleboro with a score of 32-24, but they have been preparing for the season and are planning to stay strong. They lift weights, have practices in the fall and have a summer league to stay sharp.

“Practices were more upbeat and high-energy this year,” Lefrancois said.

The varsity team has 10 players and 13 are on junior varsity. Everyone on the varsity team has at least a year under their belts, Lefrancois said, and she believes the experience will pay off.

Brogioli’s strategy for the season is to focus on defense first and rely on toughness and grit to propel the team forward. Lefrancois said staying energetic will play a big part in the success she sees for the team.

“We want to keep the pace up and control the pace,” she said. “We want the other team to be dead tired in the fourth quarter while we still have energy.”