Dartmouth High soccer coach Mark Poirier has led the girls varsity soccer team since 1987, following his stint as junior varsity coach for the boys team beginning in 1976, so he already has a defined routine for his team.

"Every season, we start with the goal of hoping to win Old Colony League," said Poirier. "If that doesn't happen, we want to qualify for the [state] tournament." Poirier added that the girls varsity team has qualified for the tournament for the past 15 years, at least.

The team had 12 practices before kicking off the season on September 7 against Sandwich. Poirier said he dedicated pre-season training to developing team chemistry more so than skill.

“I spend the whole season preaching that this is a team game,” said Poirier. "I don't feel like we're playing great in any area, but it's about playing more connected to each other," said Poirier.

Poirier said the players already have a lot of experience playing varsity, including the goalkeeper, many of the defenders, and some of the midfield players, which offsets some of the obstacles that come with a new season.

"It's always hard if there's not enough experienced players," he said. “I’m hoping the new people we’ve brought in will compliment [the other players].”

Team captain Cali Andrade has high hopes for the season. "We should be strong this year. Our goalie [Rachel Pereira] is experienced. She's not afraid," said Andrade, explaining that Pereira received playing time last season when the varsity goalie got injured.

Right now, the team is meeting their competition for the first time. They won their season opener against Sandwich, faced Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational-Technical High on September 9, and Somerset Berkley Regional High School on September 13.

"You're sort of finding out what each team has. We're trying to come out with a victory and manage the oppressive weather conditions," said Poirier, referencing the end-of-summer heat.

The next game will be against Bishop Stang High on September 15.