The Conant girls' tennis team won its first match of the season Thursday afternoon, outlasting White Mountains for a 6-3 victory.

Communication, team unity and hard work are the keys for this relatively inexperienced Oriole team under head coach Gloria Morison this spring. 

"I say this every year with the returning players, the second year they come back, even though they haven't played for nine months or whatever it's been, they just seem to pick it up a lot faster the second year,” Morison said. “So, they're playing better. They're getting a ball back in play. They're excited that they get some volleys. Their serves are more consistent. They're just more consistent, and so it makes playing a lot more fun. Even if you don't win the match, at least you're getting the ball back-and-forth more."

Conant's roster is nearly all juniors, save one freshman and one senior, captain Jessica Yap, Yap said she has worked her way up the ladder to the Orioles' No. 1 spot through "hard work and never giving up," and she hopes to lead her teammates by example this season. 

"I hope for our team to do our best," Yap said. "Even if they miss a ball, they should commit to the ball, run to the ball. no matter what happens, even if they can't get it over or hit it out. Perseverance is really important for the team."

The Orioles persevered Thursday for their win over the visiting Spartans. Yap lost her No. 1 battle with White Mountains' Kaya Nkwen-Tamo in an 8-5 marathon that lasted well over an hour, but came back and paired with Caroline Rockhill for an 8-3 doubles win over Nkwen-Tamo and Aubrey Merrill. 

Yap and Morison both pointed to strong communication as the key to success in doubles. 

"You've got to check in with your partner in between points," Morison said. "If you notice something like 'don't hit to her forehand' or 'hit it to this other person who's not as strong' or something like that -- or just say 'that was a great shot' -- just check in or strategize."

Emily Lewis and Sabina Smith added another win at second doubles, and the Orioles got singles wins from No. 2 Rockhill (8-1), No. 3 Lewis (8-2), No. 4 Smith (8-6) and No. 6 Ellie Leblanc (8-2). Ella Little was competitive with White Mountains' Kiara Koxarkis, but lost 8-5.

The victory came just one day after the Orioles' season-opening shutout loss at St. Thomas Aquinas, but Conant has already improved enough to pick up a win, and if they can keep growing, it will be a successful season regardless of final record. 

"I'd love to finish 7-7 at minimum or better," Morison said. "But I've really encouraged the team members to set goals for themselves and set goals as a team that are not just 'I want to win my match.' Like 'I want to feel better with my serve' or 'I want to have a successful doubles match where I feel really connected with my partner and we did well.' It doesn't always have to result in a win, but just to have their game improve. I'd like to see their confidence improve -- and just have fun."

Conant (1-1) hosts Monadnock (0-2) Tuesday afternoon.