For the first time in Carol Merchant’s six years at the Salem field hockey helm, her team won’t play in the season’s final game.

In fact, after watching the ball go in their own net in the final second of regulation, Merchant and her sixth-seeded Lady Blue Devils were forced to accept a 1-0 loss at No. 3 Exeter and the reality they won’t even play in the state semifinals this year. Yet the coach remained upbeat following the defeat.

Though Salem played in the state title tilt the last five years under Merchant, winning a runner-up trophy and four championships, including the last three, she said this season was one of the most rewarding experiences of her career.

“You always want to go as far into the tournament as you can, and to lose on the final play of the game is especially tough. But this was the best team I’ve ever had,” she said. “This was a fun group. There was no drama. They were hardworking, they were committed, and the sisterhood was strong.”

The camaraderie, said Merchant, is a credit to her eight seniors – captains Erica DePinto and Lauren Meissner, as well as Ashlynn Moerloos, Leeann Vadala, Jennifer Azarian, Nicole Rozumek, Taylor Healey and Katherine Foyle.

Now Merchant and 12 returning varsity players enter next season without the weight of the crown, which isn’t to say their preparation will be much different.

“The expectation is always the same. You know, commit yourself to the offseason, come together as a group, build a team and go as far as you can,” said Merchant. “There’s a great core coming back, and our JV and freshmen programs are very strong this year, so I’d say the state of field hockey in Salem is still pretty solid.”

Those returning next season include junior goalkeeper Jamie Klufts and classmates Taylor Buatti, Megan Martineau, Christie Cannone, Keri Longacre, Carly Federico, Chelsie Muldowney and Amanda Smigliani, and sophomores Megan Bench, Danica Blakslee, Erika Moretti and Melissa Higgins.