Surrounded by reporters after his team’s loss to top-ranked, unbeaten Merrimack, Kendrick Whittle answered every question dutifully and politely, but his mind was elsewhere. For proof, any onlooker needed only to follow his eyes.

Roughly 20 yards away, his Salem girls soccer team waited quietly and patiently for the mentor. Some players were in tears. Others offered hugs of consolation. Whittle kept glancing at them, awaiting his chance to comfort and encourage the girls.

They’d certainly earned it following a 14-3-2 campaign that ended with a 1-0 setback Nov. 5 in the Class L semifinals. Following a 6-9-1 mark in 2007, the Blue Devils went 12- 2-2 in 2008’s regular season, earning the No. 4 seed in the tournament.

The group then allowed one goal in 240 minutes of postseason play.

“Last year, when the season ended, I told them to work hard and stay focused,” said Whittle. “This effort, and they gave 100 percent throughout the year, is a result of their dedication to the cause.”

Merrimack was simply a superior foe, but if not for a Tomahawk goal in the 39th minute – just before halftime – the two teams may still be playing.

“We made one mistake that led to a goal,” said Salem’s coach. “But our backfield has been terrific the whole year.”

On offense, the locals couldn’t score for the first time in nearly two months. They were shut out by Central – the eventual state champions – on Sept. 16.

Whittle credited six seniors with ensuring the team played no favorites and functioned as a single unit.

Salem loses its captains, midfielder Courtney Russell and back Caitlin Peters, who start along with classmate Liz Edgerton, a midfielder. In addition, Kayla Provenzano, Sarah Mc- Cook and Sarah Viehl graduate.

“I can’t say enough about this group of kids – all six of ’em – and what they’ve done for this team,” said Whittle. “These kids are as tight(-knit) a group as you’ll see.”

However, eight starters return with an eye toward taking one more step in next year’s playoffs.

Juniors Bridget Klecan, Kristine Gosson, Sarah Raye, Avery Neusch and keeper Sarah Snyder carry that final-four experience into 2009, as do sophomores Gina Righini, Hanna LaRochelle and Cassie Chase.

Juniors Olivia Connors, Katherine Donovan, Katherine Conway and Amanda Vaudreuil; sophomores Mackenzie Miller and Aja Metcalf; and freshmen Nicole English and Jersey Burns are also eligible to return.

“I don’t even want to go over there and talk to them,” said Whittle, taking a deep breath and preparing to do just that. “This is going to be so tough.”