While most people might have expected a bit of a struggle for the Salisbury girls’ tennis team as it graduated its top two singles players, Falcon head coach Rob Benson wasn’t one of them.

Despite graduating Leandra Roelker and Claudia Crouthamel, Benson knew he still had plenty of talent throughout his lineup. And now he’s seeing the results of that talent in its new positions.

“I think we are surprising some people,” Benson said. “Everyone is playing well. They are giving me more than 150 percent effort.”

Salisbury’s most recent victory, a 5-0 win over Palisades, improved the Lady Falcons to 4-1 in the Colonial League through the early portion of the fall season. The Lady Falcons’ only loss in conference came to Moravian Academy (5-1).

The team’s No. 2 and No. 3 singles players, Vivian Rogers and Anna Biship, have not lost a Colonial League match yet. Those two suited up at No. 1 doubles a year ago, but have transitioned into the singles circuit.

The Falcons’ No. 1 singles player, Lil Crouthamel, has become one of the Lady Falcons’ unquestioned leaders. She recently defeated Central Catholic’s Emma Gordan (6-4, 1-6,7-6), an impressive nonconference victory for Salisbury’s top player.

“I like playing No. 1 singles because you know that you are playing the best competition,” Crouthamel said. “As far as leading, I do try to help the inexperienced girls. But I have to say all of the starters really have helped us win some of the matches where I lost my match.”

A number of newcomers have also made a big impact for Benson this season. Salisbury’s No. 1 doubles tandem of freshmen Paige Gibbons and Bryn Kubinsky have only lost to Central Catholic and Moravian’s doubles teams so far. And newcomer Sarah McGee has teamed up with third-year player Katie Denver at No. 2 doubles to win five of six matches this season.

“She [McGee] has only been playing for less than a year, and she is doing really well,” Benson said. “I’m happy with everybody. Lil pulled the Central Catholic match out, which was huge for her.”

While impressive thus far in 2017, Salisbury’s biggest test lies ahead. Results from Tuesday’s match against 5-1 Southern Lehigh were not available at time of press. The Lady Falcons host Notre Dame (Green Pond) team on Thursday. The Crusaders came into this week at 6-0.

“It is a big week, but it’s not going to hurt us if we lose,” Benson said. “I actually think we have the capability of beating both teams. If that happens, it happens. We get them both again.

“The other coaches are, let’s say unpleasantly surprised, that my singles players are doing as well as they are.”

“Personally, I’m not surprised at this quick start,Crouthamelel said. “I’m sure a lot of the other teams are. We have some great talent and a bunch of athletic girls.”