THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 Page 13 Sachems beat Salem to clinch NEC South title By Greg Phipps T wo memorable achievements in the Saugus High School softball team’s 2021 season have come against Salem. Starting pitcher Leah Ventre hurled a perfect no-hit game in the season opener against the Witches, and Saugus clinched this year’s Northeastern Conference (NEC) South championship with a 12-0, five-inning victory on Tuesday at Salem’s Mack Park. The season-opening triumph was also a 12-0 final, and Tuesday’s contest was pretty much put on ice in the opening inning. The Sachems, who improved to 8-2 overall, exploded for 10 runs in the top of the first – an outburst that was ignited by Cat Schena’s two-run home run over the centerfield fence. Coming off a close 3-2 loss at Peabody on Monday when they managed just two hits, the Sachems wasted no time getting their normally vaunted offense in gear against Salem. All told, Schena had two hits and drove in three; both Kirby Dalton and Alexa Ferraro stroked two hits and had two RBI. Also contributing offensively were Lily Ventre, who scored three times, and Felicia Reppucci, who singled and drove in a run. Saugus proceeded to tack on two more runs over its final four at bats to account for the total output. Pitcher Leah Ventre was not as dominant as she was in the first meeting between the teams. In fact, the Witches threatened with the bases loaded in the bottom of the first. But Ventre escaped the jam unscathed and settled down after that. She gave up five hits, walked only one batter and fanned four in her five-inning effort. Head Coach Steve Almquist was feeling good for his team after the game. “It was very exCat Schena shared a high-10 with Head Coach Steve Almquist as she rounded third base after hitting a first-inning home run on Tuesday at Salem. Ava Rogers slid in safely ahead of the throw home in Tuesday’s win at Salem. (Advocate photos by Greg Phipps) Cat Schena followed the flight of the ball after connecting for a two-run homer against Salem. Kyra Jones prepared to make contact in an early inning at bat on Tuesday. THIS WEEK ON SAUGUS TV Sunday, June 13 from 9 to 11 p.m. on Channel 8 – “Sunday Night Stooges” (The Three Stooges). Monday, June 14 all day on Channel 8 – “Movie Monday” (classic movies). Tuesday, June 15 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Board of Health Meeting from June 7. Wednesday, June 16 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 22 – Cheer Performance from June 9. Thursday, June 17 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Town Meeting from June 7. Friday, June 18 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 22 – SHS Graduation from June 4. Saturday, June 19 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 22 – Boys Lacrosse vs. Gloucester from June 10. Saugus TV can be seen on Comcast Channels 8, 9 & 22 (Public, Governmental and Educational). For complete schedules, please visit www.saugustv.org. ***programming may be subject to change without notice*** Second baseman Kirby Dalton threw from her knees after making a nice stop of a hard-hit grounder on Tuesday. citing. It’s been a while since a Saugus team pulled this off, so the kids were excited,” he told the press after his team secured the league’s South title. “I’m happy for them. The kids worked really hard, so it’s good to see that hard work come to fruition.” Tuesday’s win gave Saugus an unblemished 7-0 record against NEC South opponents, but the upcoming schedule provides some challenges. The Sachems took on Marblehead on Thursday at home, and then travel to face Swampscott on Friday. The team will celebrate its Senior Day on Monday against Danvers. Monday’s one-run defeat at Peabody broke a six-game winning streak. Almquist is hoping his squad can get on another roll. “There’s some tough games coming up. We’re hoping to rail off some wins and improve our positioning for the state tournament,” he observed.
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