Carol Merchant had to admit, anything less than a championship last season would have been a disappointment.

After all, the Salem field hockey team featured five all-state seniors, including the state’s Player of the Year, Carolyn Malloy, and a handful of other veteran standouts who had worn the crown the two previous years.

Now Merchant, who has led the Lady Blue Devils to four titles and one Class L runner- up trophy in her five years at the helm, faces a different type of challenge, though the expectation remains the same.

“It was really special in a lot of ways to three-peat. I mean, it’s difficult to win one, but to go back-to-back-to-back was really an amazing accomplishment for us, especially because the best team doesn’t always win,” said Merchant. “That’s something we’re gonna try to make work for us this year. We’re not going to be flashy, but we’re going to be solid at every position.”

All but one player, senior Erica DePinto, are new to the starting lineup this season, yet the team returns a wealth of experienced players ready to take their turn hoisting championship hardware.

Seniors Nicole Rozumek and Lauren Meissner, as well as junior Chelsie Muldowney, saw plenty of playing time last season, while Carly Federico, Leeann Vadala, Katie Foyle, Ashlynn Moerloos and Amanda Smigliani also earned a taste of varsity action.

“This group of players trained side by side against our seniors who left last year,” said Merchant. “They know what it takes to put together a good tournament run, and they made those players who left better players. And in doing so, they became good players themselves.”

This year’s squad also features “super sophomores” Melissa Higgins, Meghan Bench, Danica Blakslee and Erika Buatti.

Jamie Kluft is expected to be solid in net, said Merchant, who added seniors Taylor Healey and Jenn Azarian should step in at forward and score their share of goals in 2008.

Statistically, admitted Merchant, four straight crowns is a challenging goal, yet she said she like’s Salem’s chances.

“We’re going to have to fight, but I definitely think we’re going to win a lot of our games.”

The Lady Blue Devils were scheduled to open their fifth title defense in the last six years on Wednesday, Sept. 3, against Winnacunnet.