Saugus softball team looks to contend for tourney berth

  Despite losing three key senior players from last season’s team that won 14 games and advanced in the playoffs, the Saugus High School softball team is looking to contend for the tournament again this spring. Last year’s all-star players – third baseman Felicia Reppucci, ace pitcher Fallon Millerick and second baseman Ryan Moloney – have departed, but Head Coach Steve Almquist expects his team to be competitive and in the postseason hunt in 2023.

  The Sachems sport a young team with many underclassmen. Almquist believes the leadership of co-captains Devany Millerick, who will play at shortstop, Ava Rogers, who will see time at first and third base, and catcher Lily Ventre will serve the team well. All three players have a lot of varsity experience, including postseason games.

  “We’re going to have our ups and downs this year, but just because we’re young, that’s no excuse,” Almquist told the press during the preseason. “We still expect to compete for the [Northeastern Conference Lynch Division title] and we expect to make the tournament again. These kids are hungry and they’re competing for positions.”

  If last year is any indication, a potential slow start shouldn’t deter the Sachems, who went on a 12-4 surge after opening the 2022 campaign 1-3. They routed Belchertown, 13-1, in the Div. 3 preliminary round before falling to Austin Prep in the Round of 32. Saugus would conclude with a 14-8 overall mark.

  Almquist pointed out that the players are very familiar with each other from playing together in the local youth softball leagues. He said that winning is a major goal but the program’s success is not simply determined by wins and losses. “We tell the kids ‘if you leave the year better than when you came in, that’s success. Leave better than you came,’” he said.

  The Sachems are scheduled to open the season Friday afternoon on the road against Marblehead. They are then off until Wednesday, April 12, when they travel for a tilt at Danvers and a game at Winthrop next Friday, April 14.