Saugus softball team opens season 2-1 behind strong youth performances, Ventre milestone

By Dom Nicastro

The Saugus High School softball team kicked off its 2025 campaign with a 2-1 start, highlighted by dramatic finishes, breakout performances from underclassmen and a major milestone from senior captain Lily Ventre. The Sachems opened the season on March 31 with a thrilling 10-9 walk-off victory over Cambridge Rindge & Latin. Down 8-5 heading into the bottom of the sixth, Saugus rallied to tie the game, capped by an RBI triple from sophomore Sydney Deleidi and eighth grader Layla Demonte’s first varsity hit.

“This was a very exciting back-and-forth game,” Saugus Head Coach Steve Almquist said. “Even though our offense scored in every inning, we were trailing at several points but came up big when it counted.”

After Cambridge scored again in the seventh, senior captain Alexa Morello delivered a game-tying ground-rule double, and eighth grader Sofia McCarrier raced home on a passed ball to secure the win.

Senior Taylor Deleidi and McCarrier split time on the mound. Deleidi pitched three innings, allowing four earned runs, while McCarrier earned the win in relief with four innings of work, allowing five runs (one unearned) and striking out six.

“I couldn’t have been happier with how both performed,” Almquist said. “We have a little more pitching depth this year, so I’m trying to spread the innings around to not put as much pressure on Taylor.”

Senior captain Lily Ventre led the offense, going three-for-three with two doubles, a walk and a run scored. Morello reached base four times and drove in one. Alannah Duong, a freshman, added two doubles and two runs scored.

In its second game, Saugus fell 7-4 to Swampscott on April 2. The Sachems jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning, powered by a three-run home run from Ventre and an RBI single from senior Hannah Duong. However, despite outhitting Swampscott 10-8, Saugus left 12 runners on base and couldn’t capitalize in key moments.

After her first-inning homer, Swampscott intentionally walked Ventre in each of her next three plate appearances – all with runners on base. “Now that’s respect,” Almquist said. “They even walked the bases loaded with one out. To their credit, the strategy paid off.”

McCarrier made her first varsity start and pitched a complete game, allowing seven runs (five earned) on eight hits and seven walks while striking out two. “I could not have been any prouder of the way she competed and kept us in the game,” Almquist said. “She struggled a bit with control, which I think had to do with nerves and the cold – it was in the mid-30s by the time the game ended – but she battled.”

Alannah Duong continued her hot start with a three-for-three performance. Morello went two-for-three with a walk, while Demonte, McCarrier and Arianna Chianca each contributed hits.

On April 4, the Sachems bounced back with a 6-5 win at home against Winthrop in another tight contest. Ventre again starred, going two-for-two with four RBI, two walks and a run scored. Her first-inning single marked her 100th career hit – an all-time high under Almquist’s tenure.

“What makes this so impressive is that Lily has missed 12 or 13 games due to injury, and pitchers tend to pitch around her,” Almquist said. “She is such a humble kid who works so hard and had no idea she got the milestone. I couldn’t be any happier for Lily – she deserves everything she gets.”

Saugus scored three runs in the first and added another in the second. After Winthrop rallied to take a 5-4 lead in the third, Ventre delivered the go-ahead two-run single in the fourth. The game ended in dramatic fashion, as Demonte made a diving stop at third base with two outs in the seventh, recovering to get the force out and preserve the win.

“That was a highlight-reel stop for anyone, never mind an eighth grader, and most certainly saved the game for us,” Almquist said. “She’s a quiet kid who doesn’t exhibit a lot of emotion, and I felt so happy for her when she made that play.”

McCarrier earned her second win with a complete-game effort, allowing five runs (two unearned) on three hits and six walks while striking out seven.

The Sachems are getting contributions from every class level. Almquist noted that two eighth graders, three freshmen and a sophomore are all seeing regular playing time.

“It’s been a bit of a puzzle trying to figure out what pieces fit where, but we will get there,” he said. “What I really like this year is the positivity of the kids as well as the sense of togetherness. The vibe was phenomenal right from day one of tryouts.”

Saugus was scheduled to face Waltham on April 8, but the game was postponed due to rain. They’ll look to build on their early momentum this week with games against Masconomet (April 10 – after press deadline) and Gloucester (April 12).

“Going 2-1 and winning the week is something I’m very pleased with,” Almquist said. “Every game is going to be a growth process for us. I’m excited to see how things unfold with this group.”