HAMPDEN – The eight members of Rose’s Raiders tennis team didn’t even pick up the sport until the age of 40, but today, five of the women are heading to a national championship in Palm Springs, Calif.

“We aren’t being left behind because we aren’t 19 or 15,” said Rose Dennis, 46, of Hampden, who captains the “gals” aged 40-58 years old.

The Raiders will join 16 other teams, ranging from as far east as the Carribbean to western states like Hawaii, all invited to California for having won their regional tournaments.

For this Bangor team, it’s the first time a woman’s team has made it to a national competition in 14 years.

“In the game of life, this is a big life token,” said Dennis. “It’s all been so much fun getting here.”

Fun but tough. Rose’s Raiders, which formed in March, first had to win the Maine North division. From there, the team traveled to Falmouth to compete in the state competition.

“It was 85 degrees and there were barely any fans,” said Dennis. “We were sweating buckets [at Falmouth]. It was intense.”

The real test came on Aug. 26 when the team traveled to Springfield, Mass., to compete in the New England regionals. Dennis and teammate Laurie McLean were the last team to compete in a doubles match that would determine the winner.

Rose’s Raiders won by a set.

Although the players are excited by the opportunity to be surrounded by a highly competitive atmosphere, Dennis said the team is all about having fun.

“If we weren’t enjoying ourselves, we wouldn’t be doing this,” said Dennis, noting that the team camaraderie and meeting new people are something she embraces.

Five players will represent the team in Palm Springs, where they will compete in the women’s 2.5 category, the lowest ranking of USTA tennis.

“We’ve proven that anybody can do this,” said Dennis. “At no time do I want to say I’m too old to start something. It’s never to late to start something new.”

The Raiders practice under local pro Dean Armstrong at Bangor Indoor Tennis on Mecaw Road in Hampden. Armstrong, however, will not make the trip this weekend due to a no-coaching rule for the championship.

The representing team will include Dennis, McLean, Sandy Deluck, Tracey Arsenault, and Ann Boomer.

“We have no anticipation of doing anything but playing well,” Dennis said. “Win or lose, we’ve already won because we’re there.”

For more information about joining a team or open clinic, contact Armstrong at 942-4836.