The Saugus softball team got the 2018 season started on a high note on Thursday afternoon, taking down Waltham, 8-7, in the Sachems’ season opener.
Caitlin Wood pitched a complete game on the mound, giving up four earned runs on six hits with eight strikeouts. Alexa Ferraro led the way on offense, going 3-for-4 with a triple and an RBI. Nystasia Rowe and Taylor Bogdanski each went 2-for-4 with an RBI, while Sadie DiCenso and Ashley Shaw each went 1-for-3 with a double.
“It was a pretty good offensive performance for us to start the year,” said Saugus coach Steve Almquist. “Considering that this is our first time outside all year, you can’t ask for much more that this.”
Saugus (1-0) will host Everett on Monday.
SOFTBALL
Innovation Academy 14, Lynn Tech 2
The Lynn Tech softball team played in frigid conditions and dropped the season opener to Innovation Academy on its home turf. Pitcher Shyla Jackson scored the first run, and Melina Sanchez scored their second run for the game. The Tigers play again on Tuesday against Minuteman Tech.
BASEBALL
St. Mary’s 17, Mystic Valley 0
The St. Mary’s bats exploded and the pitching was just as good in the season opener. Lee Pacheco, Jason Coppola and Tommy Cash each had two RBIs, while Colin Reddy and Louis Vidal added two hits apiece.
On the mound, Bobby Alcock struck out nine batters in three innings of work, while Vidal struck out five batters in his two innings of relief work.
The Spartans (1-0) travel to Arlington for a meeting with Arlington Catholic this afternoon.
Catholic Memorial 1, St. John’s Prep 0
In a game that only saw seven total hits from both sides, the Eagles simply couldn’t find a way to get a run across the plate in their season opener. Jake Sanderson had a solid game on the mound, tossing 5 2/3 innings and giving up just one run on three hits.
St. John’s Prep (0-1) travels to Malden Catholic Monday afternoon.
BOYS LACROSSE
Manchester-Essex 9, Swampscott 7
A six-point effort from Kyle Fitzgerald wasn’t quite enough to push the Big Blue past Manchester-Essex. Fitzgerald had three goals and three assists to lead the way, while Colin Walsh had two goals and one assist. Vincent Palmer had one goal and one assist, Darian Wulf had one goal and Tim Perlman had 11 saves in net.
Swampscott (0-2) hosts Essex Tech on Saturday.
GIRLS LACROSSE
Masconomet 11, Marblehead 6
The Magicians fought hard but couldn’t score enough to get past an aggressive Masconomet team.
Hadley Carlton led the way with three goals, while Niamh Healy had one goal and one assist. Callie O’Neill and Sarah Campbell each had one goal, while Carolyn Arthur had one assist. Goalie Maeve Caldwell had 12 saves in net.
The Magicians will host Hamilton-Wenham at Piper Field this afternoon.
“We will take today’s game and learn from what worked well and what we need to tweak for tomorrow,” said Marblehead coach Annie Madden. “Collectively, our team had 21 ground balls and gave 100% out on the field.”
BOYS TENNIS
St. John’s Prep 5, Xaverian 0
The Eagles finally got onto the court after having their season opener delayed a few times, and they were able to blank rival Xaverian at home.
Mikey Prokopis got the win in first singles, 6-0, 6-1, Jacob Salacci took second singles, 6-2, 6-4, and John Malolepszy earned the win in third singles, 6-0, 6-2.
In doubles play, the team of Amal Raisingani and Carlton Riester won the first match, 6-3, 6-2, and the team of Griffin Atkinson and Brendan Ziegler battled to win the second match, 6-1, 4-6, 7-5.
St. John’s Prep (1-0) will take on BC High this afternoon, weather permitting.
GIRLS TENNIS
Pope John 5, St. Mary’s 0
It was a tough season opener for the Spartans, as they were shut out at home. Katia Disconstanzo in first singles, Christina Puleo in third singles and the double team of Madison Desmond and Jesse Dorsi all played close matches in the loss.
St. Mary’s has a quick turnaround with a match against Bishop Fenwick this afternoon.
