Early in Cape Coral’s season-opening volleyball match against Port Charlotte Tuesday, the Seahawks displayed solid court coverage. On more than one exchange, players dove to the floor to keep the ball alive.

The Seahawks know with a lack of experience — and height — they’ll need to remain focused and battle for every point this season.

“We had a lot of new players playing for the first time,” coach Savanna Gindele said. “I know they’ll improve.”

After hanging close through the opening game, the Seahawks allowed their concentration to slip. Port Charlotte defeated the host Seahawks 25-21, 25-10, 25-14 on the opening night of the high school volleyball regular season.

The Seahawks are trying to make progress after a 3-14 season last year. They expect it to be difficult with only two returning seniors in Lindsey Turner and Shelby Rowe. Rowe (5-foot-8) is the tallest player in the lineup.

Both players agree that they want to help the team set the foundation beyond this season.

“We have a really young team,” Turner said, “but there’s a lot of potential.”

“We’re definitely going to grow,” Rowe added.

The Seahawks got off to a promising start against the Pirates. Rowe served the first two points of the match and the Seahawks’ defense set the tone for an 8-4 opening run. Sophomore Cassie Maselter served an ace during that stretch.

The Pirates went on a 12-2 run to take a 16-10 lead, but the Seahawks kept the pressure on. Sophomore Jennifer Le served three straight points to cut it to 20-17, but the Pirates were able to close out the game.

The Seahawks traded the first four points in game two, including a shot by Turner, but the Pirates began to find holes in the defense more frequently.

Taylor Eiken (10 kills, seven digs) and Holly Krzeminski (six kills) spearheaded the Pirates’ attack.

They built leads of 12-3 and 21-10 in game two, and scored the last four points. The final game was much like the second game.

Gindele said the Seahawks lost focus after playing well at the start.

“It’s frustrating,” she said. “We got down mentally.”

The Seahawks (0-1) look for their first win Thursday when they travel to Lehigh.