Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, NOVEmbEr 1, 2024 ~ Saugus High School Sachems Sports roundup ~ By Dom Nicastro SAUGUS BOYS’ SOCCER AWAITS POSTSEASON FATE The Saugus boys’ soccer team tied Peabody, 1-1, in its regular season finale. The Sachems finished 6-8-4 with 16 points, just two shy of qualifying for the postseason via the .500 winning percentage. The Sachems could still get in via the rankings system but will have to wait. Jhony Castillo scored the goal to tie it up 1:18 into the second half. SAUGUS FIELD HOCKEY SHOWS MOMENTUM Saugus finished the season 5-12-1. Jordyn Ripley Deminiski, the goalie, had 197 saves for the season. She had an 81.4% save percentage. Julia Upton had six goals and three assists. Angelina Dow had five goals, and Teaghan Arsenault had four goals and four assists for the season. “That is great news for us because all four of the people mentioned will be back next year,” Saugus coach Barbara Guarente said. “One of the most exciting games to watch for the season was our away game to Marblehead. We won, 4-1. The game was back and forth for the entire 60 minutes.” Audrey Comeau (captain) scored in the first quarter to tie it up 1-1. She then netted another goal in the second quarter putting us up 2-1. Angelina Dow scored in the fourth quarter off a penalty stroke, and Sydney Ferreira finished it up with a goal off of a corner. “It was also nice to see both of our seniors score in the Voke game,” Guarente said. “Sami Sarnacchiaro (captain) MOTOR VEHICLES | FROM PAGE 8 vented the vehicle from going into the building,” Chief Ricciardelli told The Saugus Advocate. “The vehicle came to rest against the building and there was no structural damage. I know that the restaurant was open for business the next morning,” the chief said. Oct. 12. 2024, CVS, 1075 Broadway (Route 1 South): At about 2:49 a.m., a 28-year-old scored in the first quarter off a corner rebound, and Jake Guarnieri scored in the second quarter off a rebound. If everyone comes back for next year we will have a strong team.” SAUGUS VOLLEYBALL CLOSES SEASON WITH OPTIMISM FOR FUTURE The Saugus High School volleyball team wrapped up its season with a 7-13 record, a result that didn’t meet the team’s goal of reaching .500 but marked another step forward under Coach Mikayla Niles. In just two years, the program has achieved nearly 20 wins, a significant improvement for a team that historically struggled to be competitive. “We’re losing, but we’re not losing to these teams like they’re pulling us out of the waters...we’re competing and we’re battling,” she added. Niles is confident that the team’s progress is setting a solid foundation for future seasons. As the Sachems say goodbye to a core group of six seniors, Coach Niles reflected on the impact of each player. Both starting middles, Gia Saunders and Abby Woolridge, are among those graduating, leaving big shoes to fill in a crucial position. “There’s no replacing the way that they play. They’re just dynamite players,” Niles said. Saunders, in particular, has established herself among the top players in the division in blocks, kills and hitting percentage. “She’s made a statement for herself,” Niles said. “It’s been awesome to be by her side and watch her grow into this dynamite and animal of a player.” Other seniors include Brianna Feldman, who stepped into the libero poRandolph man accelerated his 2016 Toyota and struck the building, causing exterior wall damage. Summary Comment: From parked position, driver accelerated forward, into front of building (minor damage). Officer Paulo Marques noted in his report that the driver left the area with property damage, but was later identified. Police issued a citation, and the man faces additional criminal complaint issues, according to the police report. sition after an early-season injury sidelined the team’s regular starter. Feldman was huge in digs and passes, stepping up in what Niles described as a “tough position” and embracing her role as an “unsung hero” for the team. Olivia Chaisson, who played right side, also made her mark. “She’s a dancer, so everything she does is just so precise and fancy,” Niles said, adding that Chaisson always found a way to get the ball over the net when the team needed a reliable play. Kayla Villafranche and Katie Barletta, the remaining seniors, contributed both on and off the court. Villafranche battled injuries throughout the season, while Barletta, despite limited playing time, maintained a strong presence on the sidelines. “She was always cheering her team on...it just shows the type of person she is,” said Niles. Looking ahead, Niles is optimistic about her returning players, particularly Gabriel De Souza, a sophomore who made a significant impact as a defensive specialist and found his rhythm as libero in the final games. “I think it’s safe to say he’s found his calling,” Niles said. As she reflects on the season, Niles takes pride in the team’s growth. “We’re making that shift, and now we’re battling in there. It’s nice to see that coaches, players, and parents recognize it,” she said. For Niles, the goal is clear: to build a program that competes fiercely and consistently, while fostering a supportive environment that encourages her players to give “150% always.” Here are the season leaders for the Sachems: Kills: Gia Saunders led with 104 kills. Hitting percentage: Saunders also SAUGUS GIRLS SOCCER CLOSES REGULAR SEASON STRONG, SETS SIGHTS ON PLAYOFFS With a decisive finish to its regular season, the Saugus High School girls soccer team capped off a 13-2-3 regular season record, clinching the No. 8 seed among 68 teams in Massachusetts Division 3. Following dominant performances, including a 7-1 victory over Wakefield and a 3-0 shutout against Somerville, Coach April Martinez’s squad is poised to make a deep playoff run. Madison Botta was hot in the past two games, netting four goals and two assists against Wakefield, followed by two more goals against Somerville. Shawn Sewell, Shay Sewell and Selena Garcia each added goals. “Selena’s contribution has been fantastic,” Martinez said. While the team prepares for its playoff opener, likely scheduled for early next week, Martinez plans to focus on refining key areas like penalty kicks, set pieces and formation adjustments. The weeklong rest period also offers a much-needed break, especially for injured senior starter Liliana Hernandez, who remains in a boot but may return for the postseason. Reflecting on the season, Martinez is proud of her team’s journey. “They did better than expected,” she said. “I’m very happy with how they played and worked together.” tops this with a .241 percentage. Total blocks: Saunders leads with 36 blocks. Digs: De Souza has the most with 110. Serving aces: Aly Mabee leads with 54 aces. A BAD START FOR 2023: Saugus firefighters moved toward the front entrance of Macy’s after a 74-year-old Winthrop man crashed into the glass front doors on Jan. 2, 2023. Saugus police deemed him “an immediate threat” and notified the Registry of Motor Vehicles. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate)
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