The Salem High School girls gymnastics team is hoping the third time is as charmed as the first two.

After wrapping up an undefeated regular season, the Blue Devils look for a third consecutive state championship and 15th overall on Saturday, Feb. 21, an event that takes place at Salem High School.

Ginnie LaVallo said the team came into the season with an improved attitude from last year, a scary prospect for Blue Devil opponents in the state meet.

“The girls really started with a different attitude this year and came out strong,” said the head coach. “They’re working harder, putting in new moves and cleaning up routines. We would really like to three-peat.”

On Thursday, Feb. 5, the Blue Devils defeated Pinkerton, Central and Keene to improve to 14-0 before defeating Dover and Pinkerton on Monday, Feb. 9, to conclude the regular season. SHS may prove even stronger at the title meet; captain Jess Maffeo should return after missing an extended period of time battling illness.

“She’ll do what she can,” said LaVallo. “If she can just do vault, than that’s what she’ll do. We’re just excited to hopefully be getting her back.”

The Feb. 9 meet allowed the Blue Devils to take some risks they normally avoid during regular-season competitions and give inexperienced gymnasts the chance to participate.

LaVallo said the 12-day layoff before the state championship should help the team reach full strength.

“It’s definitely a good thing,” said LaVallo. “When you have nagging injuries, an extra week can seem like a very long time.”

During the meet on Feb. 5, captain Leean Vadala earned first place on bars, second on floor and third on beam to take second in the all-around. Shireen Kirata placed second on beam for Salem, which won the event with an overall score of 132.2.

After such a dominant regular season, LaVallo said expectations are high for the state meet.

“I think this year, with such a good meet record, it’d be disappointing (not to win the state title), but not the only time it’s happened,” she said. “It’s just one day, and anything can happen.” LaVallo also said the team also enjoys the comfort of hosting the state meet.

“Having (won the last two titles) gives us a lot of experience,” said LaVallo. “Having the meet on our own equipment is nice too.”