Pinkerton Academy has won the last three NHIAA gymnastics titles, and it should come as no surprise if the Astros extend that streak this season.

Pinkerton, which has gone unbeaten against in-state competition in each of the last two years, lost standout Courtney Thompson to graduation, but still has several key performers from a team that finished second in last season's New England meet. It was the highest finish for a New Hampshire team at the New England meet since 1995-96.

Senior Olivia Bogaczyk, junior Brittany Capozzi and junior Amanda Cioli are among the returnees. Bogaczyk won the bars at last season's state meet and then placed third in the all-around at the New England meet, but is still nursing a severe ankle injury suffered in August. Pinkerton coach Chelsie Veilleux said Stanford is among the Division I schools recruiting Bogaczyk, who isn't expected to compete in a meet until January.

"She just got cleared to compete and hopefully she'll be at 100 percent for the state meet," Veilleux said.

Junior Kaylee Pacunas, freshman Samantha Day and freshman Jacqueline Bogaczyk (Olivia's sister) are three of Pinkerton's other top performers. Pacunas is back after missing last season because of a conflict with her club team.

"We lost Thompson, who's now at UNH, but with a healthy roster we have more depth and talent than we had last year," Veilleux said. "We're definitely the favorite, but Salem will be right on our tail. I think you have to look at Salem, Londonderry and Pinkerton."

Kyle Redmond has replaced longtime coach Ginnie LaVallo at Salem, which is seeking its first title since 2009. Salem has one of the state's top performers in Kadianne Tommasi. Salem also added freshman Nina Whittacker, who Veilleux said will likely be one of the top performers in the state.