The girls basketball team hopes to have another successful season despite the loss of several key players.

Although the team is young, it has had time to prepare during its preseason with scrimmages against Holy Cross, Montgomery Blair and Poolesville.

“Considering last year and how many players we lost, I think we played really well,” senior captain Shira Racoosin said. “We have a lot of new and returning talent which will contribute to a successful season.”

The Bulldogs defeated 2011 and 2012 state champion, Gaithersburg, 53-45, Dec. 11.

Freshman Nicole Brodkowitz led the team offensively with 12 points with the help of Racoosin and sophomore Japria Karim-Duvall.

“It was so exciting to win against them,” Brodkowitz said. “They were back-to-back state champions. The team is definitely going to go far this year. We have great chemistry.”

The team had another strong win over Sherwood, winning 51-22 Dec. 7.

According to Coach Katelyn McMahon the team played well defensively. Racoosin led the team in rebounds while Brodkowitz scored 14 points and senior captain Katie Jenkins scored 12 points.

“We need to stay focused and keep our season goals in mind, but we are playing well as a team.” McMahon said. “I have high expectations.”

Previously, the team lost 71-41 in its season opener against Damascus Dec. 5.

According to senior captain Alaine Thronson, the team played a hard game considering the skill level of their opponent. The guards had a tough time setting up offensive plays against Damascus’ tall defenders.

“We mainly need to work on our offensive completion, like running the plays, and scoring and the effort on defense,” Thronson said.

The team played Springbrook Dec. 17, Northwest Dec. 19, and will play  B-CC Dec. 21. Over winter break the team will also host the Bobby Miller Tournament.