THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 23, 2026 Page 7 ~ SHS Sachems Sports roundup: Golf returns to states after decade-long drought; field hockey earns win as fall teams battle on ~ By Dom Nicastro T he Saugus High School fall sports season is entering its final stretch, with the Sachems golf team celebrating its first state tournament appearance since 2016, field hockey picking up a victory over Wakefield and both soccer teams delivering determined efforts against Beverly. Meanwhile, the football team continues to battle through injuries and a difficult schedule, volleyball is working to build a foundation for the future, and the revived cross-country program is showing promise in its second season back. FOOTBALL BATTLES THROUGH INJURIES IN LOSS TO SALEM Saugus fell to 0-6 with a 35-6 loss to Salem on Friday, Oct. 16, but first-year head coach Greg Bluestein continues to see plenty of reasons for optimism in a young, injury-depleted squad. Senior captain Paxton Ferraro accounted for the Sachems’ lone touchdown on a toss play, capping another game in which he carried much of the offensive workload. Bluestein said the team’s effort has not wavered despite the mounting losses and injuries that have forced several younger players into varsity action. “We have a group of warriors that are giving it their all,” Bluestein said. “These kids are the ones that make coaching fun; the ones that make all the effort and hours worth it.” Among the players stepping up was Gavin Hurley, who competed with one hand in a cast. Gabriel De Souza moved into the quarterback role, while Pablo Dejesus made important defensive plays setting the edge and contributed on the offensive line. The Sachems also welcomed back Laith Haddad, who played on both sides of the ball. “Our numbers are down due to injuries, and we had a lot of kids get their first varsity reps last week. I’m proud of them for their effort and tenacity,” Bluestein said. With the season winding down, Bluestein said the focus remains on improving fundamentals, gaining experience and building consistency. He also credited his coaching staff for keeping the players motivated. Pictured left to right, the Saugus team and coaches who participated in the state tourney: Coach Joe Bertrand, Artie O’Leary, John Morello, Trey Riley, Grant Leonard, Nick Rinaldi, Jennifer Li, and Head Coach Dan Bertrand. GOLF REACHES STATE TOURNAMENT FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 2016 The Saugus golf team accomplished something the program had not done in a decade, clinching a berth in the MIAA Division 3 North Tournament with a convincing 48-24 victory over Peabody on Oct. 15. The victory gave the Sachems a 9-9 regular-season record and their first state tournament appearance since the fall of 2016. Six golfers earned individual match victories against Peabody. Artie O’Leary led the way with an 8.5-0.5 win, followed by John Morello at 7.5-1.5. Caiden Arsenault and Jason Cuddy each posted 7-2 victories, while Trey Riley won 6.5-3.5 and Grant Leonard prevailed 5-4. At the Oct. 20 state tournament, Saugus finished 11th among 11 teams in Division 3 North, gaining valuable postseason experience against the region’s best competition. Individually, Jennifer Li led the Sachems with a round of 86, tying for 39th among 76 competitors. Riley shot an 87 to tie for 45th, while Morello finished tied for 49th with an 88. The state tournament contingent included O’Leary, Morello, Riley, Leonard, Nick Rinaldi and Li, along with head coach Dan Bertrand and coach Joe Bertrand. The Sachems were also scheduled to compete in the Northeastern Conference Open on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Tedesco. FIELD HOCKEY TOPS WAKEFIELD, PUTS UP DEFENSIVE FIGHT AGAINST BEVERLY Saugus field hockey earned a 2-1 victory over Wakefield on Oct. 14, highlighted by a pair of goals involving junior Teaghan Arsenault. Meri Mogauro opened the scoring with an assist from Arsenault before Arsenault delivered the eventual game-winner off a feed from Sydney Ferreira. Goalkeeper Jordyn Ripley Deminski made four saves. Coach Julie Champigny called the second goal one of the team’s finest of the season, particularly praising Ferreira’s decision to advance from her defensive position and create the scoring opportunity. “Teaghan’s ability to finish is unmatched,” Champigny said. The Sachems followed with a 3-0 loss to Beverly, but the final score did not fully reflect their defensive effort against one of the stronger opponents on their schedule. Saugus trailed just 1-0 at halftime, thanks in part to strong defensive performances from Ferreira, Adila Dzindo and Viona Chantha. Champigny said the trio consistently disrupted Beverly’s attacks and forced numerous shots wide. Ripley Deminski finished with 12 saves, earning praise for her communication and ability to recover for second-chance stops. GIRLS SOCCER PUSHES BEVERLY BEHIND MUDAFORT’S 34 SAVES The Saugus girls soccer team delivered one of its strongest defensive performances of the season in a 2-1 loss to Beverly, with goalkeeper Lauren Mudafort recording a career-high 34 saves. Coming off a 5-3 defeat against Winthrop, coach April Martinez adjusted the Sachems’ formation and emphasized defensive organization against a Beverly team she described as one of the state’s best. The adjustments paid off as Saugus entered halftime trailing only 2-0. Senior captain Sydney Deleidi scored early in the second half to pull the Sachems within a goal, and Saugus held Beverly scoreless after halftime. Senior Maria Garcia drew the difficult assignment of marking Beverly’s top ofROUNDUP | SEE PAGE 8
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