Back in NEC, Saugus softball seeks to keep growing

Despite missing out on the state tournament for the second time in as many seasons, 2014 served as a major step forward for the Saugus softball team.
The Sachems finished 7-13 overall in their lone season in the Cape Ann League. This spring, they return to the Northeastern Conference with a roster that coach Jessica Lucier believes has both the talent and depth to earn a spot in the postseason.
?Last season was a tremendous improvement from (2013) when we finished 3-17,” she said. “Our team, relatively speaking, is still young, but we have a terrific group of upperclassmen who will bring their wealth of experience and knowledge each and every day.”
Pitching will again be the catalyst to Saugus? success, with juniors Shannon Gayron and Brooke Westmoreland set to shoulder the load.
?Both bring a different style of pitching, which makes them effective in the circle,” said Lucier of the duo, which will alternate at first base while the other toes the rubber.
After graduating four seniors, including all-conference middle-infielder Jacklyn Murphy, the Sachems will rely on catcher Jessica Allen, a four-year starter, and utility player Tayla Varney to continue growing as team leaders.
Pauline Ascolese (shortstop) and Mikayla Niles (center field), like Gayron and Westmoreland, will enter their third season as established starters.
Tori Beauchamp, Vic Benoit, and Jillian Cooper will round out the junior class with each being expected to find playing time at several positions.
Among the sophomores, Alex Almquist (second base) and Caitlyn Sheehan (third base) will help ease the loss of Murphy. Eve Oszlewski (utility) and Katie Italiano (outfield) provide more depth.
Pending the weather and field conditions, Saugus is set to open the season with its first conference game on April 13 at Marblehead.
?Even though we are back in the NEC, our everyday approach will be the same,” said Lucier. “We will focus on our team and look to strengthen our skills and knowledge of the game so we can be prepared for whoever we face.”Matt Fraser can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @MattFraserDI.