Faith Wahlen thought they might have a shot.

The No. 6 Lady Blue Devils, who compiled a 9-6 regular season record, forged a two-goal lead in the first half of the Division I quarterfinals against 13-3 Londonderry, the No. 3 seed.

But a barrage of second-half goals by the Lady Lancers – seven in the first 10 minutes – sent the Salem girls lacrosse team home for the season.

“Londonderry came out the second half absolutely on fire, and it was pretty much just us trying to catch up the rest of the half,” said Wahlen of the 12-7 playoff defeat. “Londonderry was just one of those teams we couldn’t get past.”

Salem lost to Londonderry, 9- 6, on April 25, then fell again, 14- 12, in the regular-season finale on Thursday, May 29.

“We had a couple injuries and certainly had our ups and downs, but overall it was a great season for these girls,” said Wahlen. “We stayed in a lot of games against some real quality opponents. We just couldn’t squeak through.”

Now, the team must learn to play without five of its leaders if it hopes to return to the postseason in 2009.

Alyson Higgins, Sara Halbich, Tatum Dyer and Taylor Dyer all graduate, and junior Kyleigh Keating, said Wahlen, won’t be back either.

“I’m losing a bunch of kids I’ve had since their freshman or sophomore year, so they’ve been with me a long time,” said Wahlen. “Overall, they had a great season, and there are going to be some big losses, but I definitely have some leaders I expect to step up next year.”

Salem returns 12 of its 17-player varsity roster, including freshman Aja Metcalf and sophomore Chelsie Muldowney, who Wahlen said solidified her defense in front of junior goalie Emily Cook this season.

In the midfield, juniors Sarah Viehl and Nicole Rozumek had fine seasons and gave their coach plenty of reason for hope next year.

“I think Nicole is going to replace my Taylor Dyer. She’ll pretty much be everywhere,” said Wahlen.

On the attack, sophomores Alissa Horta, Lauren Burnett and Avery Ncusch return for their second season and look to continue their progression.

“Toward the end of the year they just completely stepped in and contributed and two ended up being starters in the playoffs, so I expect all three to really step into new roles next year,” she said.

Also expected to be back are current juniors Lauren Santo and Melissa Putnam, and sophomores Christine DiChiara and Alison Vivinetto.