There are plenty of positives surrounding the Salisbury girls tennis team.

To go along with doubling the size of their roster from a year ago, the Falcons have already eclipsed last season's win total. Monday's win over Wilson (1-6 in Colonial League) has Salisbury (3-6 overall; 3-4 in Colonial League) just under .500 in league play around the season's midway point.

"I'm happy with a lot of the progress they've made," said head coach Rob Benson. "But when you're dealing with teenage girls, it's like a box of chocolates: you never know what you're going to get.

"But overall, we've got to be happy with the program. We got twice as many young ladies out as we had before. Last year we only had five. Now we have 10. They're having fun and they're learning the game."

Benson is pleased with the amount of progress the entire team has shown over the season. Freshman Leandra Roelker, in particular, is having a solid season for the Falcons at the No. 2 singles spot. Roelker picked up win number seven with her 6-0, 6-0 victory on Monday.

"She [Roelker] has all the shots," said Benson. "She just has to learn how to use them. I'm real pleased with what she's done, and she's made great progress in the mental game."

The combination of Faith Moore and Claudia Crouthamel led the Falcons to a 6-4, 6-0 win in one doubles match, a match that ultimately gave Salisbury the win. Those two, as well as Tricia Pingerelli, have combined for two wins in one doubles spot.

"Tricia [Pingerelli] and Faith [Moore], they had never had a racquet in their hands until about six weeks ago," said Benson. "The improvement I've seen from all of the young ladies is great"

Laura Albright and Hannah Kuhn represent the team's No. 1 doubles pair, and have put together a 3-6 record thus far.

"I like the improvement they've made," said Benson. "Unfortunately, they're playing the toughest doubles teams."

Michelle Dang has two wins each in both singles and doubles play, giving her a 4-5 mark for the season.

The team's No. 1 singles player, Talli Oliver has the task of facing each team's top talent every match. However, she's been able to gain experience that goes well beyond her record. She was able to take two games from her Wilson opponent on Monday, a player ranked in the top 200 nationally in the 14 and under age group.

In an effort to keep up the solid play in the season's second half, Benson is looking for an improvement in the mental aspect of the game.

"I'd like to see them play smarter," said Benson. "Now they know how to stroke the ball, [and] now they've got to work on the mental game."

Results from Tuesday's match against Palisades were not available at time of press. The Falcons travel to Pen Argyl on Wednesday.