SAUGUS — Saugus’ girls soccer team, ranked No. 9 in the Division 3 state tournament, has been masterful in scoring early goals this season. The Sachems consistently put their opponents on their heels early.
Well, it happened again in Wednesday’s round-of-32 matchup against No. 24 East Bridgewater at the Christie Serino Jr. Athletic Sports Complex. Madison Botta scored her first of four goals in the Sachems’ 5-1 win. They take on No. 8 Pope Francis this Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
After Botta’s opening strike, the hosts weren’t done – not by a long shot.
With 14:21 remaining in the first half, junior playmaker Shalyn Sewell found a darting Taylor Deleidi upfield. When the ball reached Deleidi, she one-timed the ball over to Botta, who caught the defense napping and scored a one-on-one goal against the netminder.
“We were down Shawn (Sewell) tonight because she got a red card. Botta definitely stepped up and I put Taylor (Deleidi) up top and she definitely stepped up, too,” said first-year Saugus coach April Martinez. “Botta scoring four goals tonight was ridiculous.”
The Vikings got a goal back near the end of the half, for Saugus to lead 2-1 at the break.
Martinez said her halftime message was the same as it’s been over the last few weeks of the season.
“Which was to come out hard and get another goal,” she said. “The main thing was to win the 50-50 balls because if you win those, you control the game and give us the best chance to win.”
The Sachems started the second half like they did the first. After a quick throw-in, Botta picked up the ball and traveled 28 yards before firing one in for goal No. 3.
And when you’re down a key player like Shawn Sewell, others have to step up. That said, one player not named Botta or Deleidi who was ready to perform was eighth grader Selena Garcia.
Garcia might’ve been the youngest player on the field, but she made up for it with her speed. Ahead of Saugus’ next goal, she sprinted past multiple defenders before the ball went out of play. Her hustle turned to a reward as the ensuing throw-in landed to the feet of Shalyn Sewell, whose shot was parried wide, but Natalie Justice was there for the rebound to make it 4-1.
“Coming into this game, we knew we were going to be down one of our best strikers,” said senior Danica Schena. “Our eighth grader (Garcia), who had to step up tonight, played fantastic.”
Defender Layla Manderson wasn’t happy about conceding a goal, but was proud of her team’s fight and effort.
“We just wanted to come into this game pressuring them hard and giving 110 percent,” Manderson said. “We played great and passed well.”
What makes Saugus a tough out is its ability to keep coming in waves – no matter what the score is.
“Even after we’re up with a lead, we try to keep up the pressure and the intensity,” Liliana Hernandez said. “We treat the game as if it’s 0-0 the whole time.”
To that point, Botta cashed in again for her fourth goal. She continued to pressure the Vikings’ backline and her intensity forced an error.
Now, Pope Francis. For Manderson and Hernandez, they know it’s going to be a tough game, but are ready for the challenge.
“It’s going to be a really good game,” Manderson said. “We’re just looking to come out hard and score quickly. I’m looking forward to, hopefully, not letting in any goals, but we know we’re going to need to step up our defense if we don’t want that to happen.”
“We want to look good while we’re playing,” Hernandez said. “Not only do we want to keep scoring, but we want to make sure we earn that win. From our passing, our composure, and winning the 50-50s, we want to make sure we’re at our best on Saturday.”
