March 28, 2024

SPORTS REVIEW

Posted

Mayor’s MS Cup Games Feature Close Battles
The first annual Mayor’s Cup for middle school baseball and softball exceeded expectations before a large supportive crowd at the new East Providence High School sports complex late last month.  As noted in prior Reporter articles, Martin (once Central) and Riverside have played each other for decades. The intra-city rivalry has been strong and yet a key source of sending student-athletes to the high school through the years. “Wildcats and Vikings transforming into varsity Townies someday. This was a good opportunity for middle schoolers to play at the great complex we now have and for little leaguers to watch,” said Townie head baseball coach Bobby Rodericks. Also excited was the Townie softball head coach Katie Kenahan. “This was such a great RMS/MMS middle school matchup today for the Mayors Cup! The future is bright for Townie Softball,” said Kenahan. “I want to give a special shout out to our current lady Townies for showing up to support the Vikings and Wildcats,” added coach Kenahan. Indeed, both high school baseball and softball players were on hand to support the middle school teams.

Townie Athletic Director Alex Butler trotted between the adjacent baseball and softball fields throughout, as the middle school games played simultaneously. “A great chance for the community to see what our young people can accomplish. Love this atmosphere,” said Butler. The city’s three little leagues were invited. Players from girls and boys teams were in attendance. At the baseball field, representing Rumford little league were Vin Fisher and Matt Baptista; Central had Leo Hall and Myles Hall and Riverside LL sent Josh Hallene and Jaxson Enos. The little leaguers were invited to throw out the first pitch, with each firing a strike. After introductions of the teams, EPHS student Kennedy Salgueiro sang a moving rendition of the National Anthem. Similar activities went on before the girls softball game.

As the ‘play ball’ call went out, both fields saw exciting action from start to finish. The boys game featured a pitchers’ duel for seven innings. Will Haggerty of Martin and Jonathan Renaud of Riverside were almost unhittable. Renaud of RMS struck out eight Wildcats and gave up just three singles in seven full innings of pitching. Martin’s Haggerty struck out fifteen Vikings while allowing three hits. Neither pitcher gave up a run and both defenses played well. As the game went into extra innings, pitching changes were made and both teams had a chance to win the tightly played game. In the sixth inning RMS had hits from Renaud and Alex Enright but couldn’t score. RMS had another chance in the eighth inning on leadoff walks to Jacob Sousa, Bryce Levesque and Aidan Martins. However, a hard-hit line drive out by Enright to first, ended up in a double play killing a Viking rally. Martin scored their lone run in the bottom of the eighth for the win. Will Haggerty smashed a hit that he stretched into a triple. An intentional walk to Jamison Sydney, a couple of fielder’s choices by Josh Shanty and Max Correiro led to a game winning single by Max Pawlik which plated Haggerty for the Martin extra inning win. “Truly a great game which both teams should be proud of,” said Athletic Director Alex Butler.

The girls softball game, going on at the same time, was just as thrilling with a similar score. The teams battled into the seventh inning with Riverside holding on to a slim 1-0 lead. The Vikings had pushed a run across the plate in the third inning which turned out to be the only run they would need. Martin had runners on second and third in the bottom of the sixth, but Riverside held off the Wildcats rally.  “A great softball game with quality offense and defense from both schools,” said high school softball coach Kenahan, “Many future Townies out there today,” she added with a smile.

“The inaugural middle school baseball Mayor’s Cup goes to Edward R. Martin Middle School with a 1-0 victory over Riverside Middle School. Great game by both teams. The Mayor’s Cup for softball goes to Riverside after the girls thrilling 1-0 win. A great performance by both schools and a really fun night,” said Mayor Bob DaSilva after the game. “Let’s see who gets the trophy next year.”

In the nightcap under the lights, the Townie varsity baseball team shut out Prout memorial 5-0 with timely hitting, good defense and superb one-hit shut out pitching from Tim Robitaille.  

EPHS SOFTBALL
The Townie girls softball team defeated Prout early last month, 12-2- ending the game early in the 6th inning with the mercy rule.  The Townies Keira Quadros held the crusaders to 2 runs, with 12 strikeouts and no walks.  “Our bats were explosive from start to finish, with Ava Mendence launching the first out of the park homerun on our beautiful new field,” said head coach Katie Kenahan.  “Emma Bergeron continued to stay hot, adding a triple, a double, and a single. Emma Boisseau added a hard hit double as well as a single.  Josley Sosa, Sylvie Patterson, Trinity Provencher, Mackenzie Pimentel, and Kayleen Kim each added singles in key scoring situations.  Mariel De Jesus had a run saving diving catch in left to end a late inning rally by the Crusaders.  In the top of the 6th, the Townies loaded the bases and Freshman, Trinity Provencher ended the game with a walk-off shot hit hard enough to score the runner on 3rd,” added the coach in her post game comments.

The softball team also defeated Moses Brown last month,11-0 behind Keira Quadros’ 12 strikeouts and Ava Mendence superb catching behind the plate. The pitcher/catcher duo allowed only one hit and one walk. Keira also had a stand up double, and a single.  Emma Boisseau was 2 for 4 with an RBI double, RBI single, and an RBI fielder’s choice. Emma Bergeron had two singles and an RBI as well. Freshmen Trinity Provencher and Cassie Dulude each contributed an RBI single as well. EP also had wins over Barrington,14-4 and Smithfield, 6-3.   The team is 5-3 as of this writing.

EPHS BASEBALL.  OPENING DAY TRIBUTE TO JUSTIN ROCHA
They were classmates and graduates of EPHS, Class of 1998. Current Townie Head baseball coach Bobby Rodericks and Justin Rocha played on a talented baseball team under former coach Joe Smith. Rocha was an accomplished All-State athlete, and captain of both the baseball and football teams. During his senior year he was named MVP of the baseball team and helped lead the football team to an undefeated state championship title. He also played softball for the Warwick and Providence Firefighter Leagues.

Rocha, was 43 when he died this past October, and had been a Warwick Firefighter for 17 years. He left behind his wife Jessica and children Cole and Riley Rocha. The home opener for EPHS was bittersweet for Justin's family as Rodericks invited them to attend the inaugural Townie baseball game at the school's brand-new ball field. Justin's mom, wife, children and other family and friends were there. "Our team is dedicating this season to the memory of Justin Rocha. We hope to keep his dedication to Townie athletics alive," said Rodericks.  The team is wearing the initials JR on their baseball caps.

In a move that brought solemnity to the ballpark, Rodericks named young Cole Rocha an honorary team Captain and asked the young Rocha to throw out the first pitch. To the cheers and some tears in the large crowd, Cole Rocha fired a strike to his dad’s former teammate, Rodericks, who was at home plate. In the crowd was former Townie baseball coach, Joe Smith. Smith, now long retired from teaching and coaching, came back to honor his former field captain and marveled at the new ball park. "We had a good team back then. Justin was one of the state's best," said Smith who stayed and watched the entire game.

As the Rocha family gathered toward the end of the game, former Townie classmates bid farewell and Jessica Rocha thanked everyone. "This was a very moving day for our family. Thank you all so much," said Jessica Rocha.

"Cole was nervous but did a great job. Thank you coach Bob Rodericks and the Townie team for this special heartfelt moment. We're feeling blessed and thankful for the love that surrounds us. Go Townies," said Justin's mom Joan Perry.

The final scoreboard wasn't what the Townies had hoped for, but in the end those in attendance left with a feeling of Townie Pride and love for one of their own who passed way too young. "Opening Day here at East Providence High School will be forever memorable despite the 4-1 loss to a well-respected Chariho baseball program," said coach Rodericks after the game. "My very close group of friends lost someone special to us. I had the pleasure of being teammate and fellow captain in high school with Justin which solidified our lifelong friendship. Having his family and friends here today, especially at EPHS’s opening day, would have made Justin proud knowing his Townie roots will forever be embedded in the baseball program," added the EP coach. 

EP in Walk Off Win against Middletown
The Townies came away with a walk-off 4-3 win against Middletown High on April 29th at EPHS.  East Providence took a 1-0 lead in their half of the first inning on a leadoff walk to jack McKnight who stole 2nd base and moved to third on a nicely placed sacrifice bunt from Kyler Lorenz.  McKnight then scampered home on a pass ball.  The Townies would score two more in the fourth inning to take a 3-0 lead.  Colin Roche hit a double and stole second base.  Oliver Andrews walked and also stole a base putting runners on second and third.  A bunt single by Steve Estrella and an errant throw scored two Townies.

Middletown however, rallied to tie the game at 3 in the top of the sixth inning.  A leadoff double by the Islanders and an error scored runs for Middletown.  Oliver Andrews made a great stop of a line drive but his overthrow to first brought in the runs.  The score remained tied at three until the eighth inning.  With two outs in the eighth, Colin Roche walked.  Next Oliver Andrews walked and Tim Robitaille slashed an infield single to load the bases.  The game ended with the 4-3 Townie win when Steve Estrella plated Colin Roche with a solid single to center field.  Other Townie wins last month were against Pilgrim, Johnston, North Providence and Narragansett with losses to Barrington, Mt. St. Charles and Chariho to date.

EPHS Boys Volleyball
The Boys volleyball team travelled to Toll Gate and picked up a key win at the end of April, 3 games to 0. The game scores were 25-19, 25-21 and 25-17. “We struggled to find consistency but picked up the win eventually,” said coach Dan Cabral.  “The JV team continues to improve as the picked up the win as well 2 games to 1.” T he Townies have other wins last month over St. Ray’s, Pilgrim, Tolman, West Warwick and Lincoln.  Losses have come from Westerly, Cranston West, Barrington and Central in mostly close contests.  One of those close matches was the loss to Barrington.  Barrington took the match 3 games to 1; 18-25, 18- 25, 25-21 and 21-25.  The Townies Junior Varsity squad beat Barrington 2-0.  “Our players worked hard and a few errors hurt us but we did have some highlights,” said coach Dan Cabral.  “DJ Lepine had 15 Kills and 12 Digs while Xavier Graca had 6 Kills and 18 Digs for us.”

Earlier the Townies varsity and juniors defeated West Warwick.  Varsity won 3 games to 2.  Varsity scores were 21-25, 29-27, 19-25, 25-19 and 15-10.  DJ Lepine had 22 Kills and 7 Aces with Xavier Graca adding 8 Kills and 13 Digs.

The Townies defeated Tolman/Shea EP 3-2.  Scores were 25-14, 25-12, 12-25, 24-26, 15-13.  Loden Broe had 25 Assists with 4 Aces and Trent DeCosta 4 Aces and 12 Digs for the winners.

EPHS Tennis
The defending Division III tennis champs have moved up to Division II and the Townies are looking good.  After winning their first five matches, East Providence lost to a tough North Kingstown late in April.  East Providence had defeated Cranston West, Ponagansett, West Warwick, Middletown and Portsmouth before losing to NK.  “The team looks to finish the regular season strong and compete deep into the playoffs,” said coach Slade Sharma.  “We have some talent once again.”

EPCLL Honors Memory of Anna Glover
East Providence Central Little League dedicated the concession stand at the Robert Rodericks and Robert Amaral little league fields at Pierce Stadium, to the late Anna Glover who passed away in 2001.  Glover started the first concession stand in the city that was run by the leagues “women’s auxiliary” which she managed for over 25 years.  “Anna Glover remained a league volunteer long after her son and husband were no longer active in the league,” city council president Bob Rodericks told the April 28th opening day crowd.  “She (Glover) and my dad would tow a portable concession stand from field to field selling refreshments to help raise money for the league.  Today, more than 50 years after Mrs. Glover began the concession stand, we dedicate the permanent stand here with a commemorative plaque and say thank you,” Rodericks added.  Dave and Anna Glover’s son and daughter-in-law were in Florida and couldn’t make the dedication but other family members were in attendance and two great-grandchildren were on hand to throw out the first pitch.  “Thank you for this great tribute! She loved East Providence Little League, especially the kids.  These are great memories for our family,” wrote Steve and Judy Glover.

EPHS Tennis May Schedule

5/01/23 4:00 PM @ Narragansett

5/04/23 4:00 PM East Greenwich @ Home

5/08/23 4:00 PM @ Providence Country Day

5/11/23 4:00 PM Classical @ Home

5/15/23 4:00 PM @ Tiverton High

6/03/23 12:00 PM State Championship Slater Park

EPHS Volleyball May Schedule

5/02/23 6:30 PM Westerly @ Home

5/04/23 6:30 PM @ Cranston West

5/08/23 6:30 PM Pilgrim @ Home

5/12/23 6:30 PM Central @ Home

5/15/23 6:00 PM @ West Warwick

5/18/23 6:30 PM Lincoln @ Home

5/24/23 6:30 PM Toll Gate @ Home

5/26/23 6:30 PM @ Barrington

EPHS Baseball May Schedule

5/01/23 4:30 PM Cranston East @ Home

5/03/23 4:00 PM @ St. Raphael Academy

5/05/23 6:00 PM Tiverton @ Home

5/10/23 5:30 PM @ Woonsocket

5/12/23 6:00 PM Westerly @ Home

5/13/23 10:00 AM Woonsocket @ Home

5/16/23 5:00 PM @ Westerly

5/18/23 4:30 PM Ponaganset @ Home

5/23/23 4:00 PM @ Ponaganset

EPHS Softball May Schedule

5/02/23 7:00 PM  Cranston West      

5/04/23 5:30 PM  Cumberland @ Home

5/06/23 12:00 PM Scituate @ Home

5/08/23 6:00 PM  Chariho @ Home

5/10/23 4:30 PM  @ Prout School

5/12/23 4:30 PM  La Salle @ Home

5/16/23 5:00 PM  @ Pilgrim High

5/17/23 4:30 PM  Moses Brown @ Home

5/24/23 3:30 PM  @ Smithfield High  

5/25/23 6:00 PM  West Warwick @ Home

EPHS Golf May Schedule (no scores available)

5/03/23 3:00 PM Mt. Hope @ Agawam Hunt Club  

5/08/23 3:00 PM Middletown, Tiverton @ Agawam Hunt Club      

5/10/23 3:00 PM Barrington, Mt. Hope @ Agawam Hunt Club      

5/15/23 3:00 PM Rogers @ Agawam Hunt Club      

5/17/23 3:00 PM Portsmouth, St. Mary @ Green Valley Country Club      

5/30-31/23 7:00 AM State Championship Multiple Schools @ Cranston Country Club

BayView Varsity Softball Schedule

05-02-23  5:00 PM      Pilgrim High School   Home                                     

05-08-23  4:30 PM      Scituate Home                                    

05-10-23  4:00 PM      at St. Raphael Academy                                                        

05-12-23  5:00 PM      Coventry High School            Home                                    

05-16-23  4:15 PM      Cranston West            Home                                     

05-18-23  5:00 PM      Cumberland High School Home                                           

05-19-23  4:30 PM      at Moses Brown School                                             

05-23-23  4:15 PM      at North Kingstown High School

BayView lacrosse Schedule

05-01-23  4:00 PM      at Providence Country Day                                       

05-03-23  5:00 PM      Johnston High School Home                                    

05-06-23  2:00 PM      East Providence High School Home                         

05-09-23  4:30 PM      Rocky Hill Country Day Home                                             

05-11-23  5:00 PM      Westerly Home                                             

05-17-23  4:30 PM      Cranston East  Home 

East Providence Recreation offers Summer Theatre Camp:
The East Providence Recreation Department will offer a one-week summer theatre camp for youth ages 8-12, July 10- July 14, 2023, from 9 AM -3 PM at the East Providence Recreation Center, located at 610 Waterman Ave.  EP Recreation in collaboration with Island Players Theatre group is excited to announce a week-long theatre summer camp for aspiring actors ages 8-12.  “This camp will introduce students to the joys of the performing arts through fun games and various acting exercises. Students will learn the basics of stage performance, acting, directing, script writing and end with a short play of their own creation for parents and friends,” said a recreation department press release.

Classes will be taught by University of Rhode Island theater alumnus, Ryan Alexander. “Our goal is to ensure students learn about the arts in a fun and safe environment. Come join us and discover the actor in you!”  The camp fee is $195 per student. Pre-registration is required. Registration is available online @ www.eastprovidence.recdesk.com.  Students should bring a bagged lunch, water bottle and snacks.  For more information, please call the Recreation Center at 401-433-6360.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here

Share!
Truly local news delivered to every home in town