MARBLEHEAD — The Marblehead field hockey team hosted the Saugus Sachems in a defensive matchup Tuesday. The Magicians’ third-quarter goal was enough to hold off the visitors in a 1-0 final.
The win gives Marblehead its second of the season and behind first-year head coach Mia Maccario, the Magicians are starting to click.
“I think we’re starting to get it. There is still, and always is, room for improvement,” Maccario said. “I’m trying new players in new positions. I changed up the lines and I think we did well with that today.”
The game was scoreless entering halftime with both teams having opportunities to score. That said, both defenses refused to give in.
In the third quarter, a shot from Marblehead’s Clara Donovan caused a scramble in front of the net. The ball fell to Savannah Caruso who tucked one to give the Magicians a 1-0 lead with just less than five minutes remaining in the third.
“It was exactly what we’ve been practicing the last two practices,” Maccario said. “It’s nice to see it roll into a game situation. I was proud of that.”
Marblehead continued to apply pressure offensively, but the Sachems stayed firm, heading into the final quarter down just one.
Saugus had its chances in the fourth quarter, but to no avail. After the game, head coach Barbara Guarente still found positives in light of defeat.
“I think they played well. I wish they could have put it in the net,” Guarente said. “A tie would have been nice to get out of this game. We moved the ball around a lot and I’m proud of them.”
Guarente liked her group’s ball movement and defense.
“I can’t ask any more from my defense today,” she said. “Our defense has been on fire the last three or four games. We’re getting there.”
She also praised a few individuals.
“Midfielders Jessica Bemberg and Julia Strout, in addition to my defender Grace Fiore, all played well today,” Guarente said.
Saugus is a young team, normally fielding at least three eighth graders.
“We have improved immensely. We have three or four eighth graders playing all the time – they have really improved,” Guarente said. “We are a young team. They’re starting to catch on and move into open space, which is good since they didn’t know what open space was at the start of the season. We’re doing well.”
For Marblehead, Maccario highlighted a freshman for her performance in the midfield.
“Keliane Salem has been doing very well for us. She’s our center-mid and she’s been holding her own out there as a freshman,” Maccario said.
As for a first-year coach, it’s all about being on the same page as your players, according to Maccario.
“I’m learning a lot about myself as a coach, as well as how to work with so many different personalities on the field,” she said. “It’s a huge learning lesson, so it’s good since they’re learning and I’m learning.”
Saugus will travel to Masco on Friday while Marblehead hosts Peabody the same day.
