WINTHROP — Saugus and host Winthrop squared off in season-opening girls lacrosse action Friday. Despite some expected rust, both teams showed flashes of potential, which led to an overtime win for the Vikings, 8-7.
The game was back and forth with Winthrop taking a 4-3 lead into halftime. The Vikings shot out of a cannon with a 3-1 lead, but Saugus scored two unanswered goals, thanks to Ashley Rezendes.
The second half mirrored the first. The Vikings held the lead for the majority, but no matter the deficit, Saugus fought back and equalized, 7-7, late in the fourth quarter.
“Today was really good,” said Saugus Coach Barbara Guarente. “They came in with the right mentality and knew what to do. Even when they were down, they knew they were going to come right back up and get back into the game. They always have a very positive attitude.”
Leading the return back were captains Rezendes (2 goals), Tori Carter (3), and Caitlyn Dixon.
“Tori and Ashley played the whole game. Both are captains and the leadership of this team is strong. Caitlyn Dixon is on defense and is also a captain who has great leadership, too,” said Assistant Coach Ellen Fee. “They know the game and they’re always helping the younger kids out there. These three are very impressive.”
In overtime, however, Winthrop found its game-winner. Although it’s not ideal to lose game No. 1, Guarente was proud of her players.
“I thought they played great today. The defense was on fire. Eden (Miniscalco) was on fire in the attack – she was doing very well today,” Guarente said. “I think, overall, we played very well. We’re learning a new zone and they did well in it today.”
Guarente praised goalie Jordyn Ripley-Deminiski, who played in her first lacrosse game.
“It was her very first game ever and she was outstanding. She’s not afraid. She moved to the ball, moved her stick down, and did all the right moves. I’m very proud of her,” Guarente said. “She had some great throws out, too. She can only get better from here.”
The Sachems look to build on their positives ahead of Tuesday’s home-opener against Northeast Metro at 4:30 p.m.
