By Tim DunnCorrespondent

FALL RIVER — It’s been a learning season for the Bishop Connolly softball team, who field a team made up mostly of first-time players and freshmen.

The Cougars endured a 15-3 Mayflower Athletic Conference home loss to Holbrook on Tuesday, one that was called in the fifth inning due to the 10-run rule. While Connolly coach Dan Boudria faces the challenge of developing a team filled with newcomers to compete against schools with flourishing programs, he still expects a good season.

“There’s a lot of new kids right now and were actually building everybody’s game. I’ve got a lot of freshmen,” said Boudria. “We’re putting people out there who haven’t played before and we’re doing everything we can to get them trained, but we still expect a good season.”

Boudria says that he’s been putting a focus on teaching the fundamentals of the game, particularly with hitting. In Tuesday’s loss, Holbrook pitcher Caroline Curtis struck out 10 Connolly batters and only allowed three hits.

Connolly (1-4) also needs to improve its defensive ability from pitching to fielding. Holbrook came away with 11 hits in the five innings, including two inside-the-park homeruns, by Curtis and second baseman Kylie McKeon.

What Boudria does have in his roster however, is leadership. The coach named two of his senior captains, who also have the most playing experience on the team, as critical assets to not only the Cougars’ production on the field but also with their teammates.

“Megan Quigley, a senior captain, helps us out a lot with what she does. Also, Emma Mello is one of our leaders. They’re both great captains and do an amazing job for us,” Boudria said.