BUCKFIELD — A year ago, the Buckfield girls’ soccer team had one of those seasons that provided a whole new experience — and one that only makes them want more. 

“It was great,” Buckfield senior Naudia Wesley said of the Bucks’ run to the regional final. “We weren’t really expecting it, but we were working for it. We worked really hard. Last year, we did what we needed to do to get where we wanted. Now we just want to go farther.”

The Bucks reached the regional final for the first time in 23 years before losing to Richmond. Buckfield last reached the Western D final in 1990, and last won a title in 1989. After last year’s success, the Bucks enter this season with a little extra enthusiasm about this fall’s potential.

“This group is always excited,” Buckfield coach Travis Magnusson said. “No matter who they’re playing against, they’re excited to play. They definitely know where they were last year and want to get back to that game. That was special to them, and they want to experience that again.”

The Bucks went 8-8 in 2012 and lost in the Western D semifinals. They returned just six upperclassmen last fall but fought to an 8-4-2 record in the regular season and finished with seven shutout. The Bucks allowed just 19 goals, six of which were scored by NYA, a Class C team. Prior to the loss to Richmond in the regional final, the Bucks had recorded four straight shutouts.

It will be a challenge to match that success this fall, but the Bucks are looking forward to trying.

“I think we’re definitely capable,” junior fullback Alexis Bennett said. “No one expected us last year and no one is expecting us this year, from what some of the other coaches said. It makes us angry and I want to do everything I can to win a championship.”

The Bucks lost six regulars from that team and only have one veteran senior returning in Wesley. Still, the Bucks have a solid group of experienced juniors with Bennett, Ashley Campbell, Alyssa Therriault, Courtney Keough, Jenn Dobson, Bri Damon and Olivia Dooley. Sophomores Mae Kolin and Kalie Litchfield also return from last year’s squad.

“We have a lot of new faces,” Magnusson said. “About half our team is new. We have seven or eight people that saw a lot of time last year. The others around them, that round out the starters, saw a little bit of time. We’re not as deep as we were the last two years, but the players we have are a lot more experienced.”

The Bucks hope that seasoning pays off and helps keep Buckfield on a competitive course. Last fall’s experience showed the team what it takes to achieve that level of success. They bring that to the table this fall.

“Being in my third year, the players you move up with, you get more team chemistry,” Bennett said. “Your kick gets stronger. You know you need to communicate. You know what you need to do.”

With so many new players, the veterans are trying to encourage and show that working on fundamental skills, communicating and working as a team can go a long way.

“We need to have good communication on and off the field, and we always have to keep it positive,” Wesley said.

The Bucks also know they need to stay focused. They can be pleased with last year’s results but that success wins them nothing this fall. It’s a new season and an even steeper challenge.

“When we played the better teams in the past, they felt intimidated a little bit,” Magnusson said. “Now they feel like they’re one of the better teams. With that, there might be a little pressure on them at times because now people are gunning for them too.”

Magnusson is emphasizing the need to keep working and continue the progression.

“I think we’re going to be a different team in November compared to what we are right now,” Magnusson said. “It all depends on how we progress. If we’re still at where we are right now, then we probably won’t have a great season. If we improve like I hope to, we’ll be right there again.”

The defending regional champs from Richmond are expected to be favorites again this fall. Greenville and Rangeley have solid clubs returning, as well.

The Bucks took a positive first step Friday with an impressive 8-0 win over Valley. Damon scored four goals while Wesley added three.  Litchfield added the other goal while Dooley earned the shutout.

The Bucks get a look at Greenville on Tuesday and play Greater Portland Christian on Friday. Then Buckfield plays at Rangeley the following week and Richmond on the 23rd.

“I want to go back,” Wesley said of the regional final. “I want to win. That’s what we all want.”

kmills@sunjournal.com