Merrimack Valley Life

High School Sports

Despite humble finish, SHS girls volleyball projects rosy future


Seniors Christina Fernandez and Isabella Sangermano (shown with some of their biggest fans) commanded the girls volleyball squad. Courtesy photos

Seniors Christina Fernandez and Isabella Sangermano (shown with some of their biggest fans) commanded the girls volleyball squad. Courtesy photos

Like the backdrop of fall foliage, the Salem High girls volleyball team underwent its maturation in 2022, oftentimes projecting a brilliant future.

Despite a roster of only two seniors, coach Sean Stewart’s crew churned out a respectable 6-12 finish, falling just a nudge shy of qualifying for the NHIAA Div. 1 tourney.

“I think we were all a little bummed that we didn’t make the playoffs,” admitted Stewart, the team’s second-year coach. “But it doesn’t take away from all the hard work everyone put in this season. I’m very proud of them for that.”

Thankfully, the Blue Devils were graced with the senior tandem of Christina Fernandez and Isabella Sangermano, both of whom assumed leadership roles to the younger SHS performers. It was the stunning 32-assist, 3-ace outing of Fernandez that lifted Salem to a 3-2 taming of Alvirne on Oct. 11. Meantime, Sangermano helped deliver a 3-1 blow to Merrimack with a three-block effort on Sept. 28.

“Those two have been so important to the team, especially coming out of last season,” said Stewart, noting the 4-10 finish in 2021. “Christine and Izzie have helped define the new culture of Salem volleyball by serving as mentors and leaders for the underclassmen.”

 

 

Among the blossoming young talent are sophomore outsides Madi Mohan and Lily Amiss, who will perhaps spearhead the Devil attack come next season. Mohan tallied 11 kills, four aces and four digs in a 3-1 drubbing of Winnacunnet, while Amiss drilled 12 kills, 11 digs and two aces in the triumph over Merrimack.

“They are two very well-balanced players,” Stewart pointed out. “They play all six rotations and really stepped it up for us.”

Sophomore Alisha Deleon also fortified the Salem cause, successfully transitioning from outside hitter to the libero position.

“I’m really excited to see what she has in store for us the next few seasons,” said Stewart.

Furthermore, softball ace Addison Lucier will return next year to provide some senior seasoning.

The Devils’ field hockey crew poses after a 2-0 shutout win over Nashua South.

The Devils’ field hockey crew poses after a 2-0 shutout win over Nashua South.

“She’s certainly a natural competitor,” added Stewart. “And she’s very vocal with the team. She’s a two-year starter, so I’m looking for her to make more of an impact on the court next year.”

With others like Bailey Ruel and Sarah Bolduc returning to the fray, the young Devils look to ride into 2023 on a collective upswing. As such, Stewart knows his squad’s chances of reaching the postseason will improve exponentially.

“We made a lot of forward strides from last season to this season,” assured Stewart. “I’m very optimistic for what the future may bring.”

In other action …

Struggling through a 5-10-1 season, the SHS field hockey team capped off 2022 on a high note, edging out Merrimack, 2-1. Molly Mosto and Emersen Poulin accounted for the Devil goals, while Lyndsay Troisi turned aside four shots to ice the win.

David Jacques (left) celebrates a touchdown for the SHS varsity football team.

David Jacques (left) celebrates a touchdown for the SHS varsity football team.

Ten days earlier, Salem blanked Nashua South, 2-0, behind the two-goal performance of Jen Olson. Troisi racked up four saves in the win.

Hoping to find its late-season mojo, the boys soccer team fizzled down the backstretch, dropping four of its final five games en route to a 4-12 finish. However, the Blue Devils went out with a bang, spanking Alvirne, 4-0, in the season finale.

Salem scored twice in each half, with Christopher Gonzales notching a goal and an assist to propel the offense. Senior Matt Ferreira collected the win with eight saves in the Devil net.

The SHS football team bid adieu to its rebuilding year, but not before posting an impressive 45-12 beatdown of Alvirne. Finishing at 2-7, coach Steve Abraham’s crew relied on a punishing run game, sending four different Devils to the end zone.

Amassing 168 yards on just eight carries, David Jacques exploded for touchdown runs of 41 and 66 yards. Justice Casado pitched in with a nifty 75 yards on five attempts, scoring on 41- and 66-yard TD scampers. Casado also hauled in a 17- yard touchdown pass from Nolan Lumley.

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