SAUGUS — It was anybody’s game on Tuesday when host Saugus squared off with Marblehead in field hockey action. Both sides showed off some of their strengths, but when the final whistle blew, a score of 1-1 had to do.
Fast forward to the third quarter, when Saugus finally found its breakthrough. After a long, dribbling run from freshman Teaghan Arsenault, she found fellow rookie Julia Strout, who slotted one in for a 1-0 cushion.
“Teaghan Arsenault worked her butt off to carry the ball down the field. It was a great pass to Julia and a beautiful goal,” said Saugus coach Barbara Guarente. “They worked really well together. They have the same speed and same talent, so they complement each other well. Overall, it was a great goal. Her stick was down and it was a great pass from Teaghan.”
Arsenault – due to her work ethic and ability to get behind Marblehead’s defense – was someone Guarente praised postgame.
“She gave everything she had,” Guarente said. “There’s nothing left in that girl after that game. Her skillwork was great.”
But with 8:41 remaining in the fourth quarter, Marblehead found its equalizer.
A ball sent in front of the net led to a scramble. Gabby Hendy was there to poke it home and tie the game for the Magicians.
Tuesday ended in a draw. That said, two head coaches looked at things differently.
“I’m always proud of the team, but I think they could’ve shown up for each other a little bit better today,” said Marblehead coach Mia Maccario. “They’ve shown up a lot for each other throughout the season, but today, it didn’t seem like it was there.”
Despite applauding her team’s passing, Maccario believed “Our biggest thing today was the drive.”
“I don’t know why or what it was. It could have just been one of those types of days. Today, they did a lot of good things, like passing. They had some great passes today,” Maccario said. “I just think we need to work on our communication still – just so they know where everyone is on the field. We need to be hungrier for goals. There have been so many games this season in which we need to figure out how to get the ball in the back of the net.”
The opposite was said on Guarente’s side.
“I thought we played outstandingly,” she said. “They’ve gone from Friday’s game against Danvers which was outstanding, but losing 1-0. Then, we didn’t play as well as I liked but won 5-0. Then today, we played like we did against Danvers… I’m loving it. I’m loving how we’re backing each other up.”
Marblehead looks to rebound at home this Friday against Beverly (4 p.m.). Saugus returns the same evening, but travels to Peabody for a 4:30 p.m. date with the Tanners.
