WESTHAMPTON — Only six tenths of a point separated the Hampshire Regional gymnastics team and its third consecutive Western Massachusetts championship last season. The Raiders put up 137.7 points, slightly behind Westfield’s top score of 138.3.

As heartbreaking as the second-place finish was for Hampshire head coach Lisa Anthony and the team, they all knew it came down to the tiny details, which are fixable during practice.

Whether it happened to be a knee that was bent too much, one flexed foot or the smallest of wobbles on the beam, the minuscule gap that stood between Hampshire and Westfield has inspired the Raiders throughout the entire offseason. And they’re ready for their season opener on Saturday, a quad meet with Minnechaug, Chicopee Comp and Agawam.

“It’s been very motivating,” Anthony said, referring to the runner-up finish last season. “And especially losing by that little … That was unfortunate for us last year, but we know that could’ve gone either way. This year we’re really going to try to stick our routines and tighten up our legs. But it’s hard getting everything done in only three hours a week.”

When Hampshire hosts its first meet this weekend, it’ll be a different atmosphere than it’s accustomed to. The home venue for the Raiders’ meets is now Roots Gymnastics Center in Westfield instead of their own gymnasium at the high school.

An advantage to that is certainly the fact that the team won’t have to waste practice time setting everything up and breaking it all down before and after practices, but there have been a few bumps in the road, too.

Not only is the travel a hassle, Hampshire can only practice there three times a week for only one hour at a time. That comes out to three hours a week, which is seven hours less than the Raiders’ schedule in 2023 — where they enjoyed five two-hour sessions per week.

Add in that Hampshire started practicing two weeks later than other teams in the area due to a backed up schedule at Roots, and it’s no understatement that it has been a rocky start for the Raiders.

“Being at Roots is a totally different atmosphere,” Anthony said. “Our challenges with practicing there has mostly been transportation, trying to get the kids from Hampshire to there, because there are no buses. Another big challenge is practicing only three days a week for one hour. It’s hard to get everything done when you have 17 kids on your team. That hour goes by really fast.

“The positive end is that we don’t have to set up or break down the equipment, which is great,” Anthony added. “We have awesome equipment there because they have extra beams and bars and floors. That helps out. And it’s really nice, and there is air conditioning.”

Last year, Hampshire was guided by its one senior, Tyler Hetu. He had a very decorated career donning red and white, and on top of being a stellar athlete, his leadership skills stood out the most. His strong qualities showed the returners how to be the ultimate teammate.

“We totally miss him,” Anthony said of Hetu. “Not only was he a really good gymnast, he also helped coach the younger kids. He was always cheering everybody on and he inspired everybody … He overall is just a great guy, and he will be missed for many reasons. We definitely feel his void.”

Now a trio of seniors — Maddie Hollister, Julia Sicard and Angelina Osiecki — lead the way for the Raiders and are expected to step into fill the void that Anthony said Hetu has left. Hollister placed sixth in all around at Western Mass. in 2023 and Sicard took first place in bars.

Avery Tudry placed in vault at Western Mass., Ryen Delisle placed in floor as did Catalina Ocampo. The Raiders also roster several underclassmen that are capable of performing with the best of them in a multitude of events.

As always, Hampshire has high expectations once again given all the returning talent, and a trip back to the mountain top is the goal.

“Our team looks good,” Anthony said. “As far as depth goes, we thankfully had some new young, talented kids join the team this year. Actually, this first meet we’re missing three all-around kids that are older. So I have three seventh graders competing this weekend. That will be good for them.”