Last year Mountain Valley moved up from Class C to Class B … and ended up improving its win total by three games, finishing 18-2 and advancing to the B South semifinals. The Falcons took the top seed into the postseason, and almost made it farther, but they lost 34-32 to Lincoln Academy.

They lost two three-year starters, but return Ashley Russell, one of the Mountain Valley Conference’s top players and the team’s leading scorer.

They also return four-year starter and two-way standout Liza White and shut-down defender Emily Billings, along with the first player off last year’s bench, Emily Laubauskas.

Those players are only part of a big class of seniors with prior varsity experience; there’s also Julia Perry, Abby Mazza, Chelsea Allison and Grace Briggs.

That experience will be key as the Falcons, under fourth-year coach Ryan Casey, are looking to remain contenders in the MVC, along with Boothbay and Monmouth, and at the B South tournament.

Coach: Ryan Casey (fourth year)

Conference: MVC; Class: B South

Last year’s results: 18-2 (lost in B South semifinals)

Returning athletes: Seniors — Liza White, Ashley Russell, Emily Billings, Emily Laubauskas, Julia Perry, Abby Mazza, Chelsea Allison, Grace Briggs.

Key losses: Karen Flaherty, Sydney Petrie, Tori Ryerson.

Promising newcomers: Juniors — Brooke Carver, Emma Casey, Alyvia Lee, Amanda Petrie; Sophomores — Courtney Carrier, Leigha Carrier, Taylor Henry; Freshmen — Avery Sevigny, Saydie Garbarini, Kierstyn Lyons.