SAUGUS — Saugus’ girls lacrosse team began its season with a 4-1 record, but has dropped two consecutive games, including Thursday’s 12-1 loss against Masconomet. Despite the final score, first-year coach Amanda Jacquier said the team is taking positives from a pair of negatives.
“Their positivity is still so strong and their spirits are high. They work hard and that’s what I’ve always asked for. Continue to work hard and give me 110 percent, even if we’re down by 20, and they did,” Jacquier said. “The girls play hard, even if they’re getting scored on or if things aren’t going their way. We can’t get better if we aren’t playing hard teams. This is a learning opportunity and there are things we need to work on, but for the most part, we just need to hold our heads high and get right for the next game.”
Masconomet led 5-0 after the first quarter and increased its lead to 7-0 before Saugus’ Nikki Breton made a cut into the middle of the Chieftains’ defense. After Breton received the ball, she made one quick move and fired a goal to make it 7-1 late in the second quarter.
Although Masconomet was more efficient with its shot placement, Saugus had plenty of chances to score. Aly Mabee, Natalie Justice, Breton, and Teaghan Arsenault created opportunities to score.
The Sachems were missing a couple of key starters, but Jacquier trusted her freshmen to step up. She was pleased with their performances.
“We’re missing some of our starters, so I put in my freshman Selena Garcia and she worked so hard and played that middie position,” Jacquier said. “I’m so proud of her. I’m thankful for all of our freshmen who are stepping up and giving their all for me and for their team.”
Another player who stood out was Arsenault, who consistently helped Saugus move the ball upfield with her speed.
“She works hard and she’s hard on herself, but we’re working on building that confidence because she can do it and I know she can do it,” Jacquier said. “She has an amazing shot — a really fast shot. She’s a great asset to our team.”
Saugus eyes the win column Monday when it travels to Marblehead at 2:30 p.m.
“We’re learning as a team and growing as a team. I’m excited [about] how far we’ve come throughout the season,” Jacquier said. “This is just a learning opportunity for us to get better.”
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
Photo: Spenser Hasak | Purchase this photo
