Page 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 15, 2025 Lasting legacy of success: One last look at Saugus’ 2025 senior female athletes Saugus High School 2025 softball seniors: Left to right: Lily Ventre, Alexa Morello, Danica Schena, Taylor Deleidi, Maya Pina and Hannah Duong. By Dom Nicastro W ith the new high school spor ts season around the corner for Saugus High School athletics, it’s worth one more visit to what was one of the best female athletic classes in recent memory. The 2025 graduating female athletes at Saugus more than made their mark across multiple sports, with girls’ soccer, basketball and softball each reaching the postseason every year for the past four seasons. Along the way came Northeastern Conference (NEC) championships, unforgettable playoff runs and a group of multi-sport athletes who set a standard for the younger Sachems to follow. This senior class was defined not only by talent, but by dedication, leadership and a deep bond forged from years of playing together in youth leagues. “I think this class was so successful because of our work ethic and our relationships with each other,” said Taylor Deleidi, a multi-sport athlete and 2025 graduate headed off to Endicott College this fall. “We’ve all been playing sports together since youth leagues, and it made us such good friends and gave us the ability to work together.” Soccer: consistent contenders on the state stage The gi r ls’ soccer team Saugus High School 2024 girls soccer seniors: No. 11 is Tori Carter, and on her back is Madison Botta; No. 10 is Layla Manderson, and on her back is Taylor Deleidi. wrapped up its 2024 season with a 14-3-3 record and a No. 9 state ranking under first-year Head Coach April Martinez. After a 5-1 opening-round win over East Bridgewater — highlighted by senior Madison Botta’s four goals — the Sachems fell just short in the Round of 16 against Pope Francis, 3-2. Botta finished her senior campaign with 38 goals, 16 assists and 92 points — earning All-Conference, first-team Saugus High School 2024 girls soccer seniors: Left to right: Madison Botta, Taylor Deleidi, Ashley Rezendes and Tori Carter. All-State, and first-team Eastern Mass. All-Star honors. Coach Martinez believes her 137 career points may be the highest in school history. Senior Layla Manderson anchored the defense with her strength, leadership and commitment to fitness, earning All-Star recognition as one of the state’s top center backs. Danica Schena, a defensive midfielder and softball standout, was relentless in stopping attacks before they reached the back line. Senior Taylor Deleidi — a three-sport captain — SENIOR FEMALE ATHLETES | SEE PAGE 17 Saugus High School 2025 girls basketball seniors: Left to right: Madison Botta, Ella Castle and Taylor Deleidi.
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