Lasting legacy of success: One last look at Saugus’ 2025 senior female athletes

By Dom Nicastro

With the new high school sports season around the corner for Saugus High School athletics, it’s worth one more visit to what was one of the best female athletic classes in recent memory. The 2025 graduating female athletes at Saugus more than made their mark across multiple sports, with girls’ soccer, basketball and softball each reaching the postseason every year for the past four seasons. Along the way came Northeastern Conference (NEC) championships, unforgettable playoff runs and a group of multi-sport athletes who set a standard for the younger Sachems to follow.

This senior class was defined not only by talent, but by dedication, leadership and a deep bond forged from years of playing together in youth leagues. “I think this class was so successful because of our work ethic and our relationships with each other,” said Taylor Deleidi, a multi-sport athlete and 2025 graduate headed off to Endicott College this fall. “We’ve all been playing sports together since youth leagues, and it made us such good friends and gave us the ability to work together.”

Soccer: consistent contenders on the state stage

The girls’ soccer team wrapped up its 2024 season with a 14-3-3 record and a No. 9 state ranking under first-year Head Coach April Martinez. After a 5-1 opening-round win over East Bridgewater — highlighted by senior Madison Botta’s four goals — the Sachems fell just short in the Round of 16 against Pope Francis, 3-2.

Botta finished her senior campaign with 38 goals, 16 assists and 92 points — earning All-Conference, first-team All-State, and first-team Eastern Mass. All-Star honors. Coach Martinez believes her 137 career points may be the highest in school history.

Senior Layla Manderson anchored the defense with her strength, leadership and commitment to fitness, earning All-Star recognition as one of the state’s top center backs. Danica Schena, a defensive midfielder and softball standout, was relentless in stopping attacks before they reached the back line. Senior Taylor Deleidi — a three-sport captain — brought energy and skill as a wing midfielder, helping power the Sachems’ offense and transition play. Ashley Rezendes and Tori Carter were also strong contributing seniors.

In total, Saugus had five all-conference or all-star selections, finishing second in the NEC behind only Masconomet. “Having strong athletic and competitive athletes have helped make the athletic program excel,” Saugus girls soccer coach April Martinez said of her seniors. “They have set a standard for the younger generation…”

Basketball: steady playoff presence

On the hardwood, the Sachems were the model of consistency. Over the past four years, they compiled double-digit wins each season and Northeastern Conference championships, highlighted by playoff victories in 2024 and 2025. This past winter, Saugus went 13-7, notching a 59-25 tournament win over Auburn before bowing out to East Bridgewater in the Round of 32. Deleidi, who also starred in soccer and softball, called beating Division 1 Chelmsford during the regular season one of her favorite basketball memories — especially after losing to them earlier in the year.

Madison Botta and Ella Castle were huge parts of the basketball team’s success. A tournament win over North High in 2024 represented the first postseason victory for Saugus girls basketball in recent memory. The seniors’ work ethic and camaraderie, built over years in multiple sports, translated to the basketball court, where their leadership and versatility helped the program maintain its winning tradition.

Softball: nine straight tournament appearances

If one sport defined the 2025 seniors’ legacy in terms of consistency, it may be softball. The program has now reached the state tournament for nine straight years, and this class played a key role in keeping that streak alive. Out of six 2025 graduating seniors, two played multiple sports: Taylor Deleidi (soccer and basketball) and Danica Schena (soccer). They helped contribute to four straight tourney appearances, an average of 11-plus wins per season and two NEC Lynch Division titles.

“One of the phrases that we had printed on our practice jerseys one year was ‘Leave Better Than You Came,’ and each of them has done this, not only as players but as individuals,” Almquist said. “There is no question in my mind that they will all go on to do amazing things in their lives. I will miss them all tremendously, not because of their abilities on the softball field, but because of the fine young ladies that they have become.”

Lily Ventre was a five-year starter at catcher. Ventre leaves as perhaps the most prolific offensive player in recent memory. Her senior year numbers — .690 batting average, 40 hits, 37 RBI and four home runs — tell part of the story. She also surpassed 100 career hits, RBI and runs scored, despite missing time to injury and a shortened COVID season.

Known for her defensive excellence in center field, Schena committed just two errors this year while hitting .394. She was a 2025 team captain, NEC All-Star, Agganis All-Star and Gold Glove Award winner.

Deleidi was a four-year starter and versatile player and notched a .372 batting average her senior season while also winning 25 career games on the mound with 161 strikeouts. She pitched a no-hitter in her very first varsity start as a freshman.

Alexa Morello was a gold-glove caliber first baseman, hit .351 this spring and was named a 2025 NEC All-Star, Agganis All-Star and team Unsung Hero. Hannah Duong and Maya Pina were both outfielders who embodied the “team first” mentality, earning Unsung Hero and Coaches Awards for their selflessness, hard work and willingness to contribute in any role needed.

Setting the standard

Saugus coaches agree — this group has raised the bar.

“They have set a standard for the younger generation to come,” said Martinez, who praised their athleticism, competitiveness and leadership. “Having strong, athletic and competitive athletes has helped make the athletic program excel.”

2025 Saugus girls seniors: a strong legacy of success:

Saugus girls soccer

2021: 10-8. Beat Sandwich, 2-1; lost to Norwell, 5-0, in Round 32.

2022: 12-5-1. Beat Southeastern, 6-0; Beat Tantasqua, 2-1; lost to Belchertown, 3-1, in Round of 16.

2023: 14-3-1. Beat North Reading, 1-0; lost to Medfield, 1-0, in Round 16.

2024: 13-2-3. Beat East Bridgewater, 5-1; lost to Pope Francis, 3-2, in Round of 16.

Saugus girls basketball

2022: 12-9. Lost to Bishop Stang, 55-30, in Round of 32.

2023: 13-7. Lost to Archbishop Williams, 52-44, in Round of 32.

2024: 13-7. Beat North High, 58-12; lost to Dover-Sherborn, 60-34, in Round of 32.

2025: 13-7. Beat Auburn, 59-25; lost to East Bridgewater, 68-42, in Round of 32.

Saugus softball

2022: 13-7. Beat Belchertown, 13-1; lost to Austin Prep, 12-0, in Round of 32.

2023: 11-9. Lost to Bristol-Plymouth, 13-4, in Preliminary round.

2024: 10-10. Lost to Oakmont Regional, 7-6, in Preliminary round.

2025: 12-8. Lost to Hudson, 16-7, in Preliminary round.