The Nansemond River High School golf team is looking forward to bouncing back from a down year last season.

For the first time in a few years, the Warriors golf team missed out on the regional playoffs last season. With a young team, it was more of a rebuilding season for Nansemond River. This year, the Warriors expect to be much better after gaining a lot of experience.

“Everyone has gotten better,” Warriors Coach Brandon Frye said. “The players came back better, and we have an experienced newcomer as well. I’m predicting a much better season as far as our team average. We didn’t make regionals last year, but I feel it’s a very realistic goal for us this year.”

For the first time in several seasons, Nansemond River didn’t win the annual city championship — that accomplishment went to King’s Fork High School. Frye and the Warriors believe if they continue to take things one match at a time and continue to progress, they can achieve the city championship again this season.

“We been working on our golf etiquette as well as learning the rules,” Frye said. “So, in these first couple of matches we have to start the season we just don’t want to focus on the score too much but rather just focusing on our games and getting better and how we go about that.”

With the Warriors-hosted invitational this Friday, they will get a chance to face very good competition, and Frye likes the opportunity it will give his young golfers. After the first week, the Warriors will have a chance to compete against their rivals, King’s Fork and Lakeland High School, within a week’s span.

“I’m excited for the season and what we have as a team,” Frye said. “I expect us to continue getting better. We have a young team with just freshman, sophomores and juniors, so it’ll be fun watching them progress now and the next couple of seasons.”