SAUGUS — Another year, another challenge for Steve Almquist and the Saugus softball team. One year after losing eight seniors and having to almost completely rebuild, the Sachems once again have to replace some big holes on their roster.
Looking at things in a positive light, Saugus only lost three players to graduation, meaning a solid core is returning for the Sachems this year. But when you consider that the three players lost were the biggest contributors to the team’s offensive success last year, replacing them becomes more of a challenge.
Alex Almquist, Caity Sheehan and Katie Italiano were the anchors of the team last year. Alex Almquist and Sheehan were named NEC all-stars for their contributions, and Steve Almquist knows it’s not an easy task to replace that production.
“It’ll be tough for sure, especially replacing those two,” Almquist, entering his third season at the helm, said of his two all-stars. “They were pillars of the program, two of the best players I’ve seen at Saugus. And then when you add Katie in there, that’s a lot to replace.”
But replace them they must, so it comes down to the returning players to now lead the way. That responsibility could fall on a trio of juniors in Emma Howard, Sadie DiCenso and Brittney Sudanowicz, who have all continued to improve in their time with the program. Howard, a three-year varsity player who played shortstop last year, hit .400 last spring, while DiCenso hit .420 and led the team in doubles. Sudanowicz, who has experience in both the outfield and the infield, is projected to potentially replace Sheehan at third base this season.
Last season was a solid one for the young Sachems, as they went 11-9 during the regular season and earned the 14-seed in the Division 2 North tournament. While the season ended with a first-round loss to Danvers, their second early-round loss in as many seasons, the Sachems were able to take away plenty of lessons.
“The younger players have gained a lot of experience over the past couple of years, especially last year,” Almquist said. “Now it’s their time to step up and make their mark on the program like the players before them. It’ll be a tall task, but I think they’re all up to it.”
One of the brightest spots from last year’s team was freshman pitcher Caitlyn Wood, who burst onto the scene and took her place as the ace of the Saugus staff in just her first varsity season. Now, as a sophomore, Almquist expects even more big things out of her.
“She had an outstanding season last year, especially for a freshman,” he said. “She’s worked really hard this offseason and gotten a lot stronger, and you can tell she just really loves the game. I think she’ll improve and have an even better year this season.”
The Sachems opened up the preseason, like most other teams in the area, inside the gym on Monday. Numbers are up yet again this year with 44 players trying out, and they’ve grown every year since Almquist took over in 2016.
“The first year I took over, I think we had 28 girls come out to tryout,” Almquist said. “Last year we had 36 and this year it’s 44, so that’s great to see. It’s a good problem to have, for sure.”
The Sachems will open up their season April 5 with a non-conference game against Waltham.
