High school girls volleyball isn’t a huge sport in the Upper Valley, with just three varsity programs active. It remains a game of growth.

As such, learning experiences are as valuable as victories. Hanover and Mascoma both missed their respective state tournaments and will be looking to step up this fall. Across the river, Hartford faces stiff competition in a 19-team league after a 10-win season in its second varsity campaign.

Here’s a look at the teams:

Hanover

Coach: Hunter Gosselin (second year).

Last year: 4-10, missed state tournament

League: NHIAA Division II.

Returners: Seniors — Braelyn Pearl, Kenzie Loughman, Laura Schaner. Juniors — Claire Starosta, Ellie Molina, Kate Wehmeyer.

Newcomers: Senior — Taylor Robles. Juniors — Mary Matter, Hudson Cusimano, Eliza Des Cognets. Sophomores — Bella Poisson, Casey Wilkinson

Outlook: With half the team new to volleyball, what the Bears lack in experience they make up with dedication and effort to learn the game, second-year coach Hunter Gosselin said.

“We are still adjusting to the faster pace of the varsity level,” Gosselin said. “I think if we are able to master our fundamentals, play with confidence and communicate effectively, we will be a more competitive team than last season.”

Hartford

Coach: Megan Geiselhart (second year), Natascha Niffka (second year).

Last year: 10-5, lost to Burlington in playdown.

League: VPA Division I.

Returners: Seniors — Felicity Adams, Melodie Dansereau. Juniors – Haley Maxham, Isabella Trombley, Charlotte Winn, captain. Sophomores – Julia Bonnett, Amara Johnson, Maya Johnson, Emmariah Taylor, Elye Ashline, Morgen Putnam

Newcomers: Juniors — Lyndsey Davis, Violet DePierro, Ivy Rohrbach. Freshmen — Abigail Chatlos, Bailee Duling, Alexis Mckay, Airica Monaco, Emma Pelletier, Aubrey Shumway

Outlook: “I am confident in the team’s chemistry and the team’s ability to communicate and adjust accordingly in the moment,” coach Megan Geiselhart said. “And because of that, I am confident that this season is going to be a strong season for the Hartford volleyball team.”

Mascoma

Coaches: Eric Ramage (seventh year), Kelly Ramage (seventh year), Jayden Bates (first year).

Last year: Did not make playoffs.

League: NHIAA Division III.

Returners: Seniors — Abigail Shannon, Anna Sullivan, Natalie Thoresen, Abigail Waugh. Juniors — Sara McKinney, Trinity Hill, Baylee Hill, Rosey Ibey.

Newcomers: Juniors — Audrey Webber, Adeline Josephson. Sophomores — Rory Giguere, Ryleigh Giguere. Freshmen — Sabrina Hodge, Lyla Payson.

Outlook: Royals coach Eric Ramage has a roster with nearly half the players without varsity experience, but he is hopeful for improvement.

“Positive team that is working to improve on last year’s record with new setters and other players on varsity for the first time,” Ramage said.