Girl's Soccer Aims to Start Where They Finished

Don’t expect a let down for the girl’s soccer team this year.

Despite losing a heartbreaker in in the final minute, this year’s Marauder team looks to be back in the hunt in the Bay State League and beyond.

“When we have possession of the ball, we are going to be dangerous,” said Dedham coach Don Savi.

The Marauders will open up the regular season Wednesday when they . The site of the Marauders first home game has yet to be determined.

Dedham easily handled Medway 4-1 in an hour-long scrimmage this week that gave a glimpse into the Marauders' offensive firepower this fall. Lead by seniors Jenna Savi and Sarah Warjas up front along with junior Emily Hill, Dedham scored early and often in the first 40 minutes of play.

“We’ve worked hard this summer and we’ve done well in preseason scrimmages," said the swift-footed forward Savi, who scored the second goal of the game.

Savi, who showed off her skills with numerous free kicks and corners that created several scoring opportunities for Dedham, credited as a key in propelling her team this season.

“We did well,” said Savi, “we are all faster and stronger and better.”

Coach Savi, Jenna's father, credited the improved outside midfield play in beating Medway, a team, which could contend in the Tri-Valley League this year.

“Offensively, I think we will be able to score goals,” said coach Savi. “We have some talented kids up front and in midfield, we just got to make sure we have all eleven players playing well.”

The Marauders have nine returning starters from last year’s (16-4-5) squad, and 15 players in all returning to varsity.

Look for freshman Megan McFarland and Andrea Bradbury to add some offense and defensive punch to a team already balanced on both ends with goalie Ellen Masalsky and Kayla Sharpe returning to anchor the defense.

Dedham’s fourth goal of the day came when Hill, who minutes before had a beautiful run at the net with her shot going wide, regrouped and made a beautiful cross in front to Warjas who finished easily, and gave the Dedham faithful plenty to cheer for as the game winded down.

“We just pass and move and create opportunities and finish,” said the forward Savi of her offensive-minded squad.

While coach Savi was pleased with the offense, he was seen roaming the sidelines emphasizing the importance of moving without the ball, and beating defenders to the ball in the midfield.

“We got to move without the ball better,” said coach Savi, who will reach the 200-win plateau with his next victory.

“We are shooting to be better in November [the postseason] then now, obviously.”