Coach: Tanya Evans (second year)

Class: C; Conference: MVC

Last year’s record: 9-6 (lost in Class B South quarterfinals).

Returning Players: Seniors — Morgan Dalton (M), Alexis Beardsley (F), Sydney Shaffer (G); Juniors — Emily White (F), JuJu Doiron (B); Sophomore — Emily Castonguay (F).

Key Losses: Alex Bessey (F), Sadie Storer (M).

Promising newcomers: Juniors — Erin McPherson (F), Brooke Buote (F); Freshmen — Ari Armanndi (M/F), Hanni Johnson (M/F).

What to expect: Spruce Mountain is back in the Mountain Valley Conference this year. Coming from a KVAC schedule, the transition to the MVC will provide challenges with the defending state champs in Oak Hill, plus Winthrop, Lisbon and Dirigo, which have had successful seasons in recent years. One of Spruce’s goals is to make it to the semifinals, having made it to the quarterfinals last year. With nine seniors who have played together since middle school, the Phoenix are eager to start the season.