~ 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 first-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 field, consistently competing at a high level.

Martinez reflected 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 five 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 effort resonated with the team and the community, bringing awareness to breast cancer research. “I reached out to Mass General Hospital, the cancer 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 significant 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 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 final stretch of the regular season, Martinez remains confident 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 playoffs.

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 No. 1 seed, followed by Medfield, Norwell and Nipmuc Regional. Weston, Norwell and North Reading (No. 7) are the lone unbeaten teams in the division.

The Saugus football team is ranked No. 27 at 1-4 in the 35-team Division 5. The top 16 teams make the tourney, and you also need to win at least three games to be in the mix, meaning the Sachems would have to win their final three games.

The Saugus field hockey team is ranked No. 47 out of 56 teams in Division 3 with a 2-9-1 mark. Teams can make the tourney with a .500 or better record or a top 32 spot in the rankings.

The Saugus boys soccer team is ranked No. 41 out of 65 teams in Division 3. The Sachems are 5-8-2 with three games to go and would need to win all three to make the postseason, unless they can creep up to No. 32.

The Saugus girls volleyball team is ranked No. 54 out of 64 teams in Division 3. At 5-8 with five games to go, the team needs to win four to qualify.

Saugus High School Hall of Fame induction ceremony

There will be a Saugus High School Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday, November 2 at 6:00pm at the Elks.  Anyone interested in tickets to attend the event please email Saugus High School Athletic Director Matt Serino at: mserino@saugus.k12.ma.us