The Saugus softball team clinched a Northeastern Conference South title Tuesday, cruising past Salem on the road 12-0 in five innings.
The win moved the Sachems to a perfect 7-0 in NEC South games on the year.
“It was very exciting,” Saugus coach Steve Almquist said. “It’s been a while since a Saugus team pulled this off so the kids were excited. I’m happy for them. The kids have worked really hard so it’s good to see that hard work come to fruition.”
Pitcher Leah Ventre led the way once again for the Sachems, throwing all five innings and allowing just five hits and one walk with four strikeouts.
Cat Schena had the big bat for Saugus, lacing a home run and going 2-for-3 on the day with three RBI. Senior captain Kirby Dalton and shortstop Alexa Ferraro each went 2-for-2 with two RBI. Third baseman Felicia Reppucci was 1-for-3 with one RBI and catcher Lily Ventre was 1-for-1 with a pair of walks and three runs scored.
Saugus (8-2 overall) has three games left starting this week at home against Marblehead Wednesday (4) and at Swampscott Friday before Senior Night against Danvers Monday (4).
“There’s some tough games coming up,” Almquist said. “We’re hoping to rail off some wins and improve our positioning for the state tournament.”
BASEBALL
St. Mary’s 5, Matignon 0
The Spartans closed out the regular season with a win thanks to a combined pitching effort by Jason Donohue, Andrew Luciano and Terence Moynihan. Donohue threw three innings, allowing three hits with five strikeouts and one walk. Luciano added another three, allowing one hit with one strikeout while Moynihan pitched one inning and allowed two hits with one strikeout.
Moynihan also got the job done at the plate with a pair of hits and three RBI. Ryan Fraher added one hit and two RBI.
St. Mary’s (13-5) has some days off before hosting Arlington Catholic in the CCL Cup quarterfinals Friday (4).
BOYS LACROSSE
Austin Prep 7, St. Mary’s 6
The Spartans battled hard in their regular season finale, but came up just short against their CCL foe.
Zach Barden led the way for the Spartans with three goals.
St. Mary’s (10-5) hosts Bishop Fenwick in the quarterfinal round of the CCL Cup Friday night (7) at Manning Field.
St. John’s Prep 10, Catholic Memorial 0
The Eagles locked up a spot as co-Catholic Conference champions with BC High and the No. 1 seed heading into the Catholic Conference tournament with the win.
Luke Surette led the way with three goals while Tommy Sarni had two goals and two assists. Charlie Wilmot had two goals and Michael Kelly and Tyee Ambrosh each had one goal and one assist. Lucas Verrier had one goal, Jimmy Ayers had two assists and Pat Atkins had one assist.
Defensively Sean O’Brian and Christian Rooney had strong games. Kaden Quirk had six saves while Teddy Cullinane added one.
St. John’s Prep (10-1) ends the regular season at Billerica Thursday (6).
BOYS VOLLEYBALL
St. John’s Prep 3, Catholic Memorial 0
The Eagles blanked their Catholic Conference rivals thanks to Sam Westlund hitting .571 and Matt Ciampa putting up some solid blocks. Michael Murphy led the team behind the service line with 23 serves.
The Eagles close out the season at 10-1.
