A teary East Providence softball team ended their season, losing a 6-4 heartbreaker to Prout during a Division-1 home playoff game on Friday night. Head coach Katie Solitro said, despite the loss, the season was one to be proud of for the Townies, who finished with a 12-8 record. 

"The season came to an end after a year filled with hard work, dedication, and countless memories both on and off the field," she said. "The players grew together, competed with heart, and represented their school with pride every game. The season just ended sooner than we hoped."

 

Both teams had trouble scoring runs until the sixth inning. The Townies scratched out a run in the second inning when senior center fielder Trinity Provencher doubled and scored on a double by Audrey Bernard, to give East Providence a slim 1-0 lead. 

Senior ace Cassandra Dulude was dealing early, striking out six in four innings, while allowing four hits and four walks. But Prout plated a run in the fourth inning to knot up the game 1-1. 

Coach Solitro, who used both of her two top pitchers in many games this season, decided to take Dulude out and replace her with flame-thrower, Marianna Pina. The junior righty walked the first batter she faced in the top of the fifth, then took down Prout in order, ending the inning with a strikeout to preserve the 1-1 tie. 

The Townies took back the lead in the bottom of the fifth when Nathania Figueroa singled with two outs and Prout sophomore pitcher Megan Gardiner imploded. Figueroa took second, third and home on walks for a Townies 2-1 lead. It looked like Prout may have to go to a second pitcher with the bases loaded and Bernard at the plate. But Gardiner got the Townies five-hitter to pop a flyball to right field to end the inning. 

 

Prout plates three in the top of the sixth

Izzy Woodmansee singled for Prout to start off the sixth. The next two batters bunted to put runners on second and third with one out. Pina got leadoff hitter Mia Boyajian to hit a shallow flyball to Provencher in centerfield which kept the runners at bay for second hitter Sara Slitt, who tattooed a Pina offering into the right-center field gap. Provencher got to the ball and heaved it into catcher Caroline Welch, but the throw was late and both runners scored to give Prout a 3-2 lead. Two hits later and Slitt scored for a Prout 4-2 lead.

The Townies went down in order in the bottom of the sixth. Coach Solitro inserted Dulude in hopes of slowing down Prout, but the Crusaders used their momentum to add two more runs and take a 6-1 lead into the bottom of the seventh. 

Townies fight back and score two in the seventh 

East Providence never gave up. Roche walked and scored on a two-out double by Pina to make it 6-3. Then Provencher belted a long single to left field to plate Pina and cut the lead to 6-4. She moved to second base when Bernard singled and the Townies had the tying run at the plate in Ava Silva. The sophomore smashed a 1-2 pitch to to left field, but Prout outfielder Lily Sheehan made the play to end the game. 

Coach Solitro said that the team showed resilience this season. 

"They never stopped supporting one another. From exciting wins to tough losses, the players remained committed to improving each day and building a strong team culture that will continue into the future."

 

She wanted to thank the senior class for their leadership, commitment and dedication. 

"Their impact on the program goes far beyond statistics and wins. They set an example for younger players through their work ethic, sportsmanship and love for the game. The memories and contributions they leave behind will not be forgotten, and they have helped build a foundation for future success."

 

She also said that despite the loss, there is still much to celebrate.

"The team created lasting friendships, shared unforgettable moments, and represented their community with determination and class. With many talented players returning next season and the lessons learned this year, the future of the program remains bright."