The Vaqueros line up a brand new team as they prepare for the new season with a tough attitude and the aim set at success.

The 2011 Vaqueros team had an impressive 8-2 run during the regular season before getting knocked out in the first round of the playoffs to state champions, Santa Monica.

“I think we can win conference,” head coach Debbie Ekola said. “At least we have a chance for it.”

This year’s team features six freshmen and two second-year players, while last season’s team was packed with returning players.

“I am still getting to know all the girls, their games, and their personalities,” Ekola said. “I think we have more potential this year because we’re stronger at the top.”

The Vaqueros played well in their preseason games last weekend. They defeated last year’s Northern Cal runner-up Reedley on Thursday (8-1), Fresno on Friday (6-3), and finished their three-day road trip by sweeping Sequoias on Saturday.

Freshman Sophie Angner is a former Swedish Junior National Doubles Champion and the top ranked player on the team. Angner only dropped four games in her three singles matches combined as she dominated her opponents in straight sets.

Coach Ekola said she has great faith in Angner’s talent and describes her as a “pennies from heaven player.”

“I haven’t competed in a few years and know little about the other teams,” Angner said. “I’m going to do my best and hopefully I can win all my matches.”

Angner and Swedish freshman Henrietta Spetz, ranked number two, will team up in doubles.

“We have a really strong ladder,” Spetz said. “Our number four, five and six are really good which is important to win in team tennis.”

Although the expectations are high within the team, the coaching staff still has the bitter aftertaste from last year’s sudden exit in the first round of the playoffs.

“I had a great team, a good cohesive group,” Ekola said. “What went wrong? Santa Monica was that good.”

Assistant coach and former head coach Louella Parsons is another addition for the new season. Parsons has been around the team since she retired as head coach in 2008 and was asked to take the official position as assistant coach by Ekola, who is also her daughter.

“We don’t know how the competition is going to be,” Parsons said. “I think we have a better team this year but they might have improved theirs too.”

The Vaqueros host San Diego Mesa in their season opener at 2 p.m. on Thursday Feb. 9 at City College.