When two-time defending state champion Salem traveled to upstart Goffstown – in the midst of its finest season ever – both coaches agreed the contest provided a fine late-season litmus test.

At the end of three tightly contested games, Salem was still on top, but Goffstown had closed the gap.

After defeating the hosts, 25-22, 25-18 and 25-18, the Lady Blue Devils improved their record to 12-2, and the Lady Grizzlies dropped to 10-4.

“They’ve improved a lot. Matt (Leonard) has done a great job with them … I think they’ve got all the pieces to be very successful, and they’re young,” said Salem coach Dan Young of a Goffstown squad that’s already doubled its previous programbest win total. “They’re a tough team that has a chance to win some playoff games, and I don’t think they would be upsets. I mean, what are they, 10-4? What more could you ask for?”

In each of the three games, the Lady Grizzlies were tied, 15- 15, before Salem’s experience helped the visitors pull away. It’s that prowess in tight games, said Leonard, that his team must grasp before Goffstown finds itself among the Division I elite.

“(Salem) walked over us in years past. They’re obviously a great team, they’re two-time defending state champs, they play tough defense, and (Young) always brings up great hitters. It’s like a factory over there,” said Leonard. “Tonight we played one of our best matches of the year, and the good news is we still have room left for improvement. But right now, I’m not sure we’re there yet.

“We still haven’t done anything in the playoffs,” he continued. “We’ve made the playoffs the last three seasons, so this will be our fourth in a row, but we still need to get that first playoff win before we’re competitive for anything.”

The Lady Blue Devils, on the other hand, are getting healthy at the right time, and Young said Salem’s remaining schedule – against sub-.500 Manchester Central, Trinity, Keene and Merrimack – allows his squad to work on fundamentals heading into the postseason.

“We need to clean a lot of stuff up … I think our passing has gotten a lot better, but I don’t think we’re playing particularly well in all facets of the game,” said Young. “I think we’re playing better now than we were last year at this time. We’re on schedule right now to have a chance.”

Salem closes the season at Merrimack on Friday, Oct. 24.