Saugus Youth Lacrosse welcomes first girls’ team in Opening Day

By Tara Vocino

Saugus Youth Lacrosse welcomed its first girls’ team during Sunday’s Opening Day at Saugus Middle-High School.

Belmonte STEAM Academy fifth grader Summer O’Brien, 10, said she is nervous about Opening Day. She plays for the Fighting Flamingos, which is a fifth to eighth grade team that doesn’t have physical contact, like the boys do.

Her mother, Girls’ Team Representative Caitlin O’Brien, said they are super excited to have girls be a part of the youth lacrosse program.

“They have been wanting to integrate women,” O’Brien said. “With lacrosse gaining popularity, it’s amazing that Saugus is branching out, giving girls the opportunity to have a foundation.”

Saugus Youth Lacrosse Program Director Justin Scarpuccio said there are 103 youth girls’ lacrosse programs in the state, excluding Saugus.

“There’s currently a varsity high school and junior varsity at Saugus High School,” Scarpuccio said. “So, the interest was there, but it seemed like no one wanted to make it happen at a youth level.”

He remembered when he was a child wanting to play lacrosse when Saugus didn’t have any program 28 years ago. He said his mother tried to get him into different town programs, and no one would accept him into their program because he was out of town. Then, parent John Morris started lacrosse so his son Nick could play.

“I knew how those girls felt not being able to play or have played for another town without your friends,” Scarpuccio said. “They just wanted the opportunity.”

If all goes as planned, they will offer girls’ lacrosse teams of all ages next year.

Belmonte STEAM Academy fifth grader Julianna Cassio, 11, said she and her teammates are so excited to have their first game. The season runs through June.

Her mother, Noelle, said today is exciting since it’s the first lacrosse for girls against Lynnfield at Lynnfield High School.

“They’ve never played before,” Cassio said. “It’s a great learning opportunity.”

The Fighting Flamingos lost 6-1 during their first contested game on Sunday. Samantha Serra scored the first ever goal for the Fighting Flamingos program, according to Scarpuccio.

On the boys’ end, Saugus Middle School sixth grader/defense Lukas Sullivan, 11, said it was very fun playing. They won 13-7 against Danvers Youth Lacrosse Falcons.

“We had good defense by Billy Lauziere and well-rounded offense by Assistant Captain Gavin Diozzi,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan said they hope to kick off a strong season. Approximately 75 boys and 25 girls play in the league.

Belmonte STEAM Academy fourth grader Declan Lacey, 10, who is a goalie, said he feels lucky. They won 7-4 against the Danvers Youth Lacrosse Falcons.

“I ran up the field and gave them a good pass,” Lacey said. “I saved a few shots.”

On the same team, Belmonte STEAM Academy fourth grader Cadin Arsenault, 10, who is a midfielder, said he gained three goals, which were passed by Lacey. Arsenault gave direction to the other players.

“We’ll have a bigger crowd, now that the girls are here,” Arsenault said. “I’m excited to play  alongside my friends.”

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