Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, SEPTEMbER 4, 2026 ~ SHS Sports Roundup: Saugus girls’ soccer, golf teams ready for new season ~ By Dom Nicastro The fall sports season has arrived at Saugus High School, and the Sachems are already back on the fields and courses preparing for another busy autumn. As teams settle into their early-season routines, there is plenty of optimism surrounding the Saugus athletic program. This week, we take a look at what’s ahead for the girls soccer team under Coach April Martinez and a golf squad that has already started its season with a victory under Coach Daniel Bertrand. GIRLS SOCCER CARRIES ON A FAMILY TRADITION For Martinez, leading the Saugus girls soccer program is about considerably more than wins and losses. Martinez played four years at Salem State College before joining her father, Ted Moriello, on the Saugus coaching staff. Moriello served as the Sachems’ head coach for 18 seasons and coached his daughter during her senior year of high school. Martinez watched her father complete his final season while undergoing treatment for terminal cancer. He died only weeks after the season ended. “His dedication to the players, the program, and the community left a lasting impact on me,” Martinez said. After Chris Coviello, who succeeded Moriello, retired, Martinez felt taking over the program was a natural progression. “Saugus girls soccer has always been a part of my life,” Martinez said. “Coaching this team is in my blood, and taking on this role was truly a no-brainer. It is an honor to continue the tradition and legacy that means so much to me and my family.” Senior captains Maria Garcia, Sydney Deleidi and Amanda Rezendes will lead a Sachems team Martinez believes will be defined by work ethic, determination and competitiveness. Garcia is a second-year captain whom Martinez calls the “glue” holding the team together. Deleidi, also a leader in basketball and softball, was Saugus’ fourth-leading scorer last season with seven goals and four assists. Martinez believes she could double that production this fall. Rezendes will anchor the defense and brings what Martinez described as an outstanding work ethic and determination. There is talent beyond the captains, too. Sophomore Selena Garcia enters the season stronger and faster after an impressive offseason playing club soccer. Senior Lindsay Mishol returns to soccer and gives Saugus additional speed and scoring ability. Senior transfers Ava Lacasse of Malden and Tania Pineros of Peabody have also made strong early impressions. The Sachems are young, however, and replacing scoring lost to graduation over the last two years will be a Aluminum Aluminum Everett Everett Aluminum Supplies Celebrating 66 Years in Business! •Vinyl Siding •Carpentry Work •Decks •Vinyl Siding Decks • •Carpentry Work •Fully Licensed •Free Estimates • • Replacement Windows • Carpentry Work • Roong • Fully Insured• Fully Insured Fully Insured Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com • Replacement Windows •Roong Free Estimates Fully Licensed • Roong 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! Everett Aluminum Supplies major challenge. “As our younger players gain experience and our team continues to grow together, I am confident we can overcome those losses and develop into a well-rounded, competitive team,” Martinez said. Saugus opens the regular season Tuesday, Sept. 8, at home against Salem. Martinez is joined by JV coach Mike Bluette and assistant Kylie Phillips, a former Saugus captain and recent Salem State graduate. GOLF SACHEMS OPEN WITH A VICTORY Bertrand, now in his third season as Saugus varsity golf coach and sixth year with the program, enters the fall with improved depth and an experienced leadership group. And the Sachems are already in the win column. Saugus opened Aug. 31 with a close victory over Northeast Metro Tech. Senior Trey Riley won from the No. 1 position, eighth-grader Jennifer Li won at No. 4, junior Nick Rinaldi prevailed at No. 5 and Zack Modini earned a win at No. 6. “It took everyone to show up for our first match,” Bertrand said. Riley, junior John Morello and senior Artie O’Leary captain the 23-player roster. Riley is a returning all-star who led Saugus in wins last season and regularly competed against the Northeastern Conference’s best golfers. Morello is another returning all-star who brings versatility and high expectations for himself and his teammates. O’Leary, meanwhile, has competed at the varsity level for four years. “Artie is the rock of Saugus golf and has been since his freshman year,” Bertrand said. “He sets the example for the younger golfers on the team, and they all look up to him and listen when he speaks — great golfer, better leader.” Li could become one of the team’s most intriguing newcomers. The eighth grader has already broken into the rotation and earned a victory in her first match. Freshmen Grant Lenord and Devin Voong, who both competed as eighth graders, should also see match action. Rinaldi is in his first season with the Sachems and has already shown he can contribute. Bertrand hopes improved depth can help Saugus turn close matches into victories after the Sachems frequently battled opponents deep into matches last season. “If we can flip some ties into wins or a couple hole losses into ties,” Bertrand said, “we might be able to sneak up on some teams that have gotten the better of us in the past.” More than anything, Bertrand wants his younger players to learn from an experienced group that understands how the game should be played. “We have three great captains that do a great job of setting a good example,” Bertrand said. “If anything, I hope the younger guys see that and strive to be like them.” Summer is Here!
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