Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, SEpTEmbEr 12, 2025 ~ Saugus Fall Sports roundup: soccer opens, field hockey honors a legend ~ By Dom Nicastro t’s been a busy start to September for Saugus athletics, with both soccer programs kicking off their seasons and the field hockey community gathering to honor longtime coach Barbara Guarente. Here’s a look at the latest. I GIRLS SOCCER: YOUNG SQUAD TAKES EARLY LUMPS, SHOWS GRIT The Sachems knew this fall would be a transition year after graduating nine seniors, including seven starters, from last year’s conference championship team. Head Coach April Martinez has a youthful roster, with two eighth graders and five freshmen seeing varsity action. The season opened with a 2-0 loss to Swampscott, both goals coming in the second half. “It will take some time to work with this younger class who are new to the varsity team,” Martinez said. “I continue to see improvements every day. The younger girls are adapting to the speed of play and physicality that comes with varsity soccer.” Saugus then faced a powerhouse opponent in St. Mary’s, falling 7-1 but showing signs of growth. “The final result doesn’t reflect the hustle, physicality and teamwork the girls showed on the field,” Martinez said. “Their effort [and] resilience were something they should be proud of.” Senior captain Shalyn Sewell scored the lone goal, assisted by freshman Georgia Condakes, who impressed on both ends of the field. In goal, senior Peyton DiBiasio had a standout performance, while Amanda Rezendes anchored the back line. Eighth grader Mikayla Le drew praise for marking St. Mary’s’ best player and “doing her job PETITION | FROM PAGE 9 duction in contractual services and a reduction in staff is nothing more than a progress killer.” School Committee Member Stephanie Mastrocola said she appreciated Ceciliano’s efforts to share his concerns. “I understand how important transportation is and also the safety of the children as well. Please know this deWELCOME, COACH: Anna Enwright, Jordyn Riply-Deminski, Barbara Guarente, Sydney Ferreira, Audrey Comeau and new coach Julie Champigny. to slow down the attack.” Martinez said the team is focusing on fundamentals, such as winning 50/50 balls, movement, communication and combination passing. “Success may not be winning every game but improving and growing as a team,” she said. BOYS SOCCER: NEW COACH, TOUGH EARLY SLATE The boys soccer team opened the season with a pair of defeats. New Head Coach Josh Crespo took over the program this fall. The Sachems fell 3-1 at Swampscott in the opener. Sophomore Luan Faria scored Saugus’ lone goal, assisted by senior Anthony Francisco. In their home debut, the Sachems lost 2-0 to Masco, leaving them at 0-2 with one goal scored and five conceded cision was not targeted at any specific income or family household. I would never deny a child education due to either of those factors,” Mastrocola said. “These decisions are never taken lightly on my part. I have made phone calls, set up meetings and talked with people in other districts to see if there is a better way. This state at this time is facing not only a bus shortage through the first week. While the early results haven’t gone their way, Crespo noted that his group has strong leadership in senior captains Carlos Miranda and Daniel Ganda, and he believes the team’s intensity can be a strength. FIELD HOCKEY: CELEBRATING BARBARA GUARENTE Before the field hockey team even played its opener, the Sachems paused to honor the woman who shaped the program for more than three decades. Former Head Coach Barbara Guarente, who retired after last season, was recognized in a pregame ceremony. “It was a great night recognizing the retirement of longtime teacher and coach Barbara Guarente,” athletics director Matthew Sebut drivers as well. Along with yes, the cost of everything is going up,” she said. “Unfortunately, Mr. Ceciliano, changing the policy is not going to do anything about the current bus situation and cost. I have listened and will continue to try and find solutions. Thank you for reaching out.” School Committee Member Ryan Fisher urged Ceciliano and other parents rino said. “The Sachems opened the season with an 8-0 win over Malden with the highlight of the night being friends, alumni and Barbara’s family joining us to celebrate the special occasion.” Guarente herself reflected on her 35-year career with a mix of gratitude and nostalgia. “It was a sad and happy occasion. Sad due to the fact that it was the end of my career for a job that I have totally enjoyed… I have many memories and coached great kids. I will truly miss being a part of this organization when I finally do not volunteer anymore,” she said. For 33 years, Guarente has been a pillar of the Saugus athletic community. “Through her leadership and devotion she has helped shape, not only champions on the field, but outstanding individuals in life,” Serino said. who are concerned about the school bus transportation policy to attend future School Committee meetings to participate in public comment periods. “The district has been very candid about the limitations of the budget, and like many surrounding districts, we’re offering transportation for mandated students as required by law,” Fisher said. “I understand why someone would sign a petition. If I thought it would restore a service without requiring heavy cuts to classroom faculty, I’d sign it myself,” Fisher said. “I encourage those with concerns to come to School Committee meetings, reach out to us directly, and become involved in the budget process. There are trade offs and no easy solutions, and we can use all the participation we can get.”
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