Beginning its run at a second straight CIF-Southern Section Division II championship, Saugus girls soccer did not expect to be playing from behind.

After regrouping from an early one-goal deficit, the Centurions showed why.

Saugus sweeper Kaitlyn Hamersky opened the flood gates in the 31st minute and the Centurions cruised to a 6-1 victory over Arcadia on Friday at Saugus High School in the first round of the CIF-SS Division II playoffs.

“It sends a message,” said Centurions head coach Natalie Helgeson. “You know what, we peaked this time last year. Look out for Saugus.”

After the Apaches (13-6-2) took a 1-0 lead in the fifth minute, the Centurions (16-3-4) got two goals from Hamersky, and one from Serena Smith-Banas, Brittanie Sakajian, Shasta Fisher and Jamie Molacek.

“Once we stung them, I think we really (set) them off,” said Arcadia head coach Paul Miles. “This was a premier team. They are top-notch. They don’t have one weakness that I can see.”

The Apaches’ Hayley Greep scored off a throw-in from Sydney Dreves to take the early advantage, which Arcadia held for most of the half.

Saugus poured on the offense, but was one touch from breaking through, until Hamersky headed in a cross from Molacek.

“We just kept pounding,” Hamersky said. “When I put that one away, we got all hyped up and wanted it more.”

Minutes later, Saugus took the lead when Smith-Banas headed Jill Allen’s throw-in to the back of the net.

The Centurions went up 3-1 going into halftime when Sakajian shook off the Apaches’ physical defense, dribbled into space at the top of the box and squeezed the ball between Arcadia goalkeeper Shelby Dreves and the left post.

“They were definitely brutal,” Sakajian said of the Apaches’ style of play. “All I know is we had to stay smart and fight through their brutality.”

Saugus executed more of its precise play in the second half and earned a 4-1 lead off Hamersky’s second goal after another long throw from Allen in the box.

The Centurions scored again in the 54th minute after Sakajian was pulled down by an Arcadia defender.

Instead of calling a foul, the official granted the advantage when Fisher picked up the loose ball and took off toward the goal.

After beating the last defender, Fisher placed the ball just out of Dreves’ reach.

Ten minutes later, Saugus recorded it’s final tally thanks to Molacek’s goal at the top of the box.

“Our first goal was to win league,” Molacek said. “Now we want to be CIF champion repeats.”

The next step will be Wednesday at 3 p.m. against the winner of Yucaipa and Colony of Ontario.