If forced to choose a model for postseason success, last season presented the ideal scenario. Dan Young, entering his fourth season as coach of the Salem girls volleyball team, now has two state titles to his credit.

Two years ago, he said, the squad peaked early, yet was able to rely on pure talent to finish undefeated and win a championship. Last year, the Lady Blue Devils scuffled and battled all season, but were playing their best volleyball when it counted most. The end result was the same. This season, Young said he may not have a choice.

“The plan right now is to openly admit we’re going to struggle early, which doesn’t necessarily mean the wins won’t be there, but it may look a little ugly in September,” he said. “We have the ability to be very good. I think how good is going to be up to us. We may not be at the level of the team say two years ago, but the potential is certainly there to be as good and maybe even better.”

Though lacking established superstars, the team is balanced and deep. In fact, girls fighting for playing time at SHS would be clear starters on most squads throughout the state, he added.

“There’s still a lot of questions that need to be answered, as far as who is playing and where, and that’s not a bad thing,” Young said. “It’s not that they’re not playing well. It’s that a lot of players are playing well.”

This season, some solid returning players are stepping into new roles and are complemented by talented up-and-comers, some of whom played junior varsity last year.

Senior Amanda Saab, said Young, is the best offensive player in the state, while Becca Weiss is slated to be the team’s pace setter. Both players have started every game during the past two title runs.

“They’re certainly who I’m leaning on for leadership,” said Young.

Robyn Ciriello, who started all last year, takes on more responsibility and moves to the outside, and junior Courtney Wright, said the coach, presents an interesting dilemma in that she’s one of the top two defensive players on the floor, and yet she’s a superb hitter. Most likely, she’ll play libero, though that could change.

Peters are expected to see a big increase in playing time. Both, said Young, are talented enough to start at libero for any team in Class L.

Junior Erica Begin and Melissa Oulette bring youth and size to the starting lineup, and Nicole Boucher has the unenviable task of replacing all-state setter and record holder Lauren Delaney.

“She’s not going to be able to take over for Lauren, and she doesn’t have to … Erika will be fine being her own player,” said Young of the powerful, 5-foot-10 junior. “And I’ll tell you this, I’ve never seen a player improve from one year to the next and take on a new position like Nicole’s done.”

Sophomore Erika Gallo and freshman Kerry White are also expected to contribute. While the athletic prowess of the entire team is superb, Young said this year’s unit is by far the smartest team he’s ever coached. In fact, one of the Lady Blue Devils’ goals this season is to avoid getting even one C amongst their report cards.

“That speaks to the caliber of players they are,” said Young. They’re very heady.”