SAUGUS — Despite a great showing by a young Saugus softball team Friday afternoon, the Sachems couldn’t quite get it going as they fell to Masconomet by a score of 10-2 at Parcher Field.
Captain Fallon Millerick threw a complete game for the Sachems, tossing seven full innings with four strikeouts, one walk, six hits and 10 runs. While the stat line may not show it, Millerick’s performance was something Saugus coach Steve Almquist was very proud of, and rightfully so.
“Fallon pitched very well, and I don’t think the stats really reflect that,” said Almquist. “There were some defensive lapses that led to some extra runs, but Fallon was able to pitch her way out of tight spots and there weren’t that many. There was never an inning that we thought she couldn’t get out of.”
Ava Rogers’ bat led the offense for the Sachems, as she went 2-for-3 with two singles. Danica Schena also went 2-for-3 with two singles, while captain Gianna Costa went 1-for-3 with a single late in the game.
However, in spite of getting their bats to the ball, the Sachems’ offense was stonewalled by a rock-solid Masco defense.
“With any young team, there are always going to be growing pains, but honestly, I’m just proud of the effort these girls are putting in,” said Almquist. “The stuff they displayed was great whether it was on offense or defense. Just a few things we need to tighten up.”
Almquist was especially impressed with how well his team responded and bounced back from a “rough loss” to Gloucester in its last game.
“We responded really well, and the things we needed to work on, we did,” said Almquist. “We fixed a lot of mistakes, and that’s all I can ask of these girls. For us, it’s not about winning every single game, it’s about coming out each day and improving. Being better than we were the game before.”
There is something to be said about the heart and soul of this team. Each girl was cheering loud and proud of their teammates whether it was at the plate or in the field, they never stopped talking or cheering.
“The chemistry between these girls is absolutely amazing,” said Almquist. “They’ve been playing together since they were little, coming up through little league together, and they’re always cheering.”
The captains of this team also received a lot of high praise from Almquist. “Our captains, Gianna, Felicia (Repucci), Fallon and Ryann (Moloney) have been absolutely amazing,” said Almquist. “They’ve helped so much with taking some of the newer players under their wing. They also just help motivate everyone in the dugout and really keep everyone’s head up.”
The Sachems (1-3) look to bounce back on Monday against Stoneham (10).
