Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 18, 2024 ~ Saugus High School Sachems Weekly Sports roundup ~ By Dom Nicastro SAUGUS GIRLS SOCCER TEAM PICKS UP ANOTHER TWO WINS The Saugus High School girls soccer team continued its standout season, currently boasting an 11-1-2 record under fi rst-year Head Coach April Martinez. Ranked as one of the top teams in Massachusetts Division 3 (No. 6 out of 68 teams), Martinez’s squad has impressed on both ends of the fi eld, consistently competing at a high level. Martinez refl ected on the team’s recent 4-2 win over Bishop Fenwick, a game that held personal significance. “Saugus and Fenwick have always been rivalries, more so now because I used to coach there and had those girls for four years,” she said. The game, which was tied 2-2 with less than fi ve minutes to play, saw the Sewell sisters – Shawn and Shalyn – play key roles in securing the victory. Shawn Sewell scored the go-ahead goal with an assist from Shalyn, and minutes later, Shalyn found her sister again for a header to clinch the win. The game also served as a fundraiser for cancer research, a cause close to Martinez’s heart. The eff ort resonated with the team and the community, bringing awareness to breast cancer research. “I reached out to Mass General Hospital, the cancer If We Happen To Meet By Accident ... You’ll Be Glad You Found Us! There is a difference between the rest and the BEST! Celebrating 46 Years In Business! TONY’S AUTO BODY Call or Visit 781-321-0032 34 Sharon Street Malden, MA 02148 TONYSAUTOBODYLLC.COM COME VISIT OUR STATE OF THE ART BODY SHOP • Computerized Paint Matching (State of the Art Spray Booth) • Computerized Frame Machines • P.P.G. Refinishing System • R134 + 1234yf A/C Machines Fully Insured -RS2415 Insurance Company Approval ALL OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED! TONY BARTOLO Owner 46 Years Let Us Handle Your Next Insurance Claim. Go With the BEST It Doesn’t Get BETTER! RENTAL CARS Available A CHaRM CENTER MESS: This pile of discarded tires at the town’s CHaRM Center grew to 286 tires before they were removed on Oct. 1. (Courtesy Photo to The Saugus Advocate) center,” she said. “They created a page for us... and we brought in over $1,000.” In their most recent league match, Saugus dominated Salem with a 6-2 victory. Madison Botta led the way with a hat trick and two assists, while Shawn Sewell added two goals, and Shalyn Sewell contributed a goal and two assists. Danica Schena had one assist. Martinez gave her second-string players signifi cant time in the second half. Looking ahead, Martinez knows the importance of her team’s upcoming matches. They are now trying to secure the highest seed possible in the postseason. “We have Peabody, which is always a big match. They also tied Danvers, so that’s going to be a big match for us,” she said. While the offensive firepower of players like Botta and the Sewell sisters garners attention, Martinez is quick to credit her defense. “We wouldn’t be as successful as we are without my back four,” she said, highlighting the leadership of captain Layla Manderson, who, “in my opinion, is probably one of the strongest defenders in the league.” Martinez also pointed out the contributions of sophomore center TIRED OUT | FROM PAGE 7 fi lled and the tires kept coming,” he said. This week, Brazis laid out a plan he hopes will allow for back Maria Garcia and wing defenders Liliana Hernandez and Ashley Resendez, noting how well the group has jelled this season. As Saugus gears up for the fi nal stretch of the regular season, Martinez remains confi dent in her team’s ability to compete at a high level. “Everybody has been contributing to the points this year, which is great,” she said, emphasizing the depth and versatility of her roster. With only four games remaining before the postseason, Saugus is positioning itself as a strong contender in Division 3. “Peabody and St. Mary’s will be good preps for the tournament,” Martinez said, noting that the competition will only intensify as they approach the playoff s. SAUGUS MIAA POWER RANKINGS UPDATED The latest MIAA power rankings for Saugus fall sports teams are out. The aforementioned girls soccer team leads the way in Division 3 with an 11-1-2 record and No. 6 seed, up four slots. The Sachems are right behind No. 5 Danvers (10-2-3). Weston is the SPORTS ROUNDUP | SEE PAGE 9 neat storage of old tires at the center for years to come. He’s asked for the construction of fi ve more tire racks, which he TIRED OUT | SEE PAGE 18
9 Publizr Home