Kendrick Whittle is confident this year’s group is fit for another deep run in the Class L postseason. Indeed, after losing three starters from last season’s semifinalists, the Salem High School girls soccer coach was greeted by a team in tip-top physical shape.

“This is my fourth year coaching this team, and this is the most fit this group has come into preseason,” said Whittle. “Everyone is ready to go.”

In total, Whittle graduated six seniors from the 2008 squad, and though he lost some important pieces, he said he believes the nucleus of his team is already in place.

Salem should be a threat on both sides of the ball, with capable offensive playmakers and tenacious defenders who held opponents to just one goal in 240 minutes of postseason play last year.

Avery Neusch, Kristine Gosson, Hanna Larochelle and Mackenzie Miller have the task of keeping opponents from putting shots on net against senior goalie Sarah Snyder, another returning Blue Devil.

Also back in 2009 are Gina Righini, Cassie Chase, Bridget Klecan, Amanda Vaudreuil and Sarah Raye.

“Hopefully we can use last year in making it as far as we did to get us going early on and get us through the season,” said Whittle. “If we can find a nice core of two or three girls who can add to what this group already has, we’ll be in very good shape.”

Though the coach wants his team to use its postseason experience as motivation, he also knows a return trip to the final four is not guaranteed.

“One of the things I try to focus on is that it’s not how far you make it that defines success,” said Whittle. “If you get too caught up in making it to a certain point, then you are setting yourself up for failure.”

The Blue Devils averaged just over two goals per game last season, finding the back of the net 38 times during a campaign that featured a 10-game unbeaten streak.

Whittle said he is confident in the team’s offensive potential, particularly because of Raye and Chase, whom Whittle called two of the best strikers in the state. Still, the majority of the Blue Devil offense should flow from work at the opposite end of the field.

“We have a very good defense and an outstanding goalkeeper, which allows us to be very aggressive on offense,” he said. “There are times when you change your style of play based on opponent, but I think we’ll try to put the pressure on.”