Saugus powers to season-opening win at Marblehead

  Having gotten off to a slow start in 2022 by losing three of its first four games, the Saugus High School softball team is looking to reverse that scenario this season. The Sachems got 2023 off on the right foot with a convincing 7-1 road victory over the Marblehead Magicians last Friday afternoon.

  Saugus wasted no time by rallying for three runs in the top of the first inning. From there, the Sachems tacked on four more runs, and ace pitcher Taylor Deleidi held the Magicians to just one run over her complete-game, seven innings of work. Deleidi tossed a no-hitter in her only varsity start last year against Stoneham – a game where she filled in for last year’s ace Fallon Millerick.

  Against Marblehead, Lily Ventre, who missed much of last season due to injury, got things going for the Sachems by popping a two-run homer to give Saugus a quick 2-0 lead in the opening frame. It became a 3-0 contest when Kaitlyn Pugh drove in Ava Rogers. Marblehead did score its lone tally to make it a 3-1 game before Saugus pulled away by registering the final four runs of the affair.

  Sachems Head Coach Steve Almquist was obviously pleased with the opening day effort from his squad. “Any time you can come over to Marblehead and get a win, it’s extremely gratifying,” he told the press after the game. “[Marblehead is] very well coached. They do everything the right way.”

  In the past, Marblehead has always been a tough place to play, as the Magicians field formidable teams year in and year out. Almquist also cited the solid overall defensive play in last Friday’s opener, particularly at shortstop from Devany Millerick and the fielding at first base from Alexa Morello.

  The 1-0 Sachems, who have no seniors on the roster this spring, played at Danvers on Wednesday and follow that up with a matchup at Winthrop on Friday. The Sachems are then on the road for a fourth straight time when they travel for an 11 a.m. Patriots’ Day tilt next Monday at Waltham. The Sachems have another away game at Swampscott next Wednesday, April 19, before finally coming home to face Gloucester next Friday, April 21.