Sports Update

Rumford Little League Hosts State All-Star Championship
Rumford little league was selected by Rhode Island little league officials to host the Major Division All Star championship at the Kimberly Ann Rock Complex off Ferris Avenue.  Although the tournament held on the last couple of days in July was interrupted by some stormy weather, everyone involved was pleased with the efforts of local city and league officials to ensure a good experience.  The four teams involved were Smithfield, Cranston Western, South Kingstown and Pawtucket.  Rumford Little League president Michael Fisher spoke with the Reporter at length and provided tourney results.  “We have seen some great baseball during this State Championship,” said Fisher.  “The week started with a double header on Saturday which didn’t disappoint. Smithfield and Cranston Western battled it out in a 2-1 win by Cranston Western in game 1. The Cranston Western runs came on a 2-run homerun by CW pitcher Macin Galligan,” reported Fisher.

Game 2 was a pitching duel between Pawtucket and South Kingstown. SK pulled off the 1-0 victory to move on to the winners bracket final.

Sunday, July 23rd was another double header featuring Smithfield vs. Pawtucket in Game 3 and SK vs. Cranston Western in game 4. Smithfield beat Pawtucket by a score of 5-0. SK was able to hold off Cranston Western on 2 2-run homeruns in the game with a final score of 5-3. SK moved on to the Championship with that win. Cranston Western would head to the losers bracket final in a rematch vs. Smithfield.

“The rematch was nothing short of amazing,” said Fisher.  “Two unbelievably talented teams faced off on Tuesday night. With the game at a 0-0 tie in the 3rd inning the game was called due to weather and pushed to the following night. Wednesday did not disappoint. The bats got hot right away for both teams and it was a back-and-forth game for the final 3 innings. Both teams clawing back from behind to lead. Going into the bottom of the 6th inning Smithfield had its back against the wall down 4-3. That’s when Connor Curtis stepped to the plate and blasted a game tying home run well over the left field fence. Next batter hit a double off the wall and advanced on a passed ball to get to 3rd base. Gavin Gibree stepped to the plate with one job to do.  He ripped a high pop fly into left field that was caught by Cranston Western, however, the damage was done and the ball was deep enough to score the game winning run in walk off fashion. Smithfield moved on to the championship vs. SK.”

Rain Again Delays Tournament:
Championship game 1 began Thursday, July 27 under grim conditions. Smithfield got on the board early with 2 runs in the first. The game was then suspended due to weather in the middle of the second inning. The game resumed on Friday evening. South Kingstown got on the board with timely hitting in the top of the 3rd inning. “That’s when Connor Curtis stepped to the plate once again and blasted a 2-run homerun over the left field wall to give Smithfield a 4-1 lead. Smithfield would tack on one more run to increase the lead to 5-1,” said Fisher.  In the top of the 6^th, South Kingstown wouldn’t quit and scored 3 runs to make it 5-4. With runners on 1st and 2nd and 2 outs, Smithfield was able to get South Kingstown to ground out to shortstop to end the game. At press time Smithfield and South Kingstown were scheduled to play a win or go home Championship game Sunday, July 30^th.  The winner will move on to Regionals in Bristol, CT with the hopes of a trip to Williamsport for a run at the national championship. ReporterToday will post updates on line

East Providence leagues participated in opening rounds of District Two play.  Results:
Rhode Island District 2 Tournament Opening Round:
King Philip/Warren 10, Middletown 1
Pawtucket 10, Riverside/Central 0
Portsmouth 4, Barrington 3
Newport 4, Rumford 3

Elimination Bracket - Round 1 (eight teams remain):
Middletown 3, Riverside/Central 2 (eliminated)
Barrington 4, Rumford 2 (eliminated)

Winner's Bracket Semifinals:
Pawtucket 4, King Philip/Warren 0
Portsmouth 7, Newport 1

Elimination Bracket Quarterfinals (six teams remain):
Barrington 1, King Philip/Warren 0 (eliminated)
Middletown 9, Newport 2 (eliminated)

Winner's Bracket Final:
Pawtucket 3, Portsmouth 1

Elimination Bracket Semifinal (four teams remain):
Barrington 3, Middletown 1 (eliminated)

Elimination Bracket Final (three teams remain):
Barrington 3, Portsmouth 2 (eliminated)

Championship Game:
Pawtucket 1, Barrington 0 (Title Game)

Riverside Post 10 Legion beats Cranston 15-0 in mercy-rule win late July
Riverside Post 10 ATC Townies Junior Legion slammed past the Gershkoff/Elmwood Sports Post 20 Juniors from Cranston, in a 15-0 mercy rule victory late July at Pierce Stadium in East Providence. The game only lasted into the fifth inning with Post 10 starter Lefty Hallene firing a two-hit shutout.

The third inning was a scorekeeper's nightmare and seemed to go on forever with everyone batting twice and one player with three plate appearances. There were 13 runs scored. That third inning saw the Townies amass 7 hits, draw 7 walks, steal several bases and 4 players scored two runs each.

Earlier this month Post 10 defeated Post 2 in Warwick 18-0 in another Mercy Rule shortened game.

With the win over Cranston, the Post 10 team avenged a close 5-4 extra inning loss to the same Cranston team on the previous night at Cranston. Both teams were atop the league with 11-2 records and this win gave Riverside Post 10 the top playoff seed and propelled them into the final four championship which started on July 28 in West Warwick at the Ray Silva Field. Post 10 won an opening round championship game on July 30^th and will get a berth in regional play because of their top seed regular season finish.  Final details will follow in the ReporterToday online.

TEAM ROSTER: #1 Jonathan Renaud, #3 Gavin Palombo, #5 William Haggerty, #7 Nolan Lorenz, #8 Dillon Vieira, #9 Connor Marley, #10 James Lynch, #11 Cole Kepner, #12 Max Correiro, #14 Jamison Sydney, #14 Ben Humm, #15 Jayden Healy, #16 Benjamin “Lefty” Hallene, #21 Oliver Andrews, #27 Chris Promades, #29 David Murphy, #34 Aiden Martins and #40 John Vaughan. Coaches are Kevin Lethbridge, Frank DeVall and Ben Emond.

Bay View names Fallon Scorpio as new Athletic Director  
St. Mary Academy - Bay View ("Bay View") announced the hiring of Fallon Scorpio '10 as the new Athletic Director. With an exceptional background in education, leadership, and sports, Scorpio brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to empowering young athletes.

As a distinguished alumna of St. Mary Academy - Bay View, graduating in the class of 2010, Scorpio has consistently exhibited a fervor for education and leadership. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Health Policy and Management from Providence College, where she honed her strategic planning, problem-solving, and team management skills. Furthering her education, Scorpio obtained a Master's Degree in Sports Leadership from Northeastern University, acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the business aspects of sports and equipping herself with the ability to lead and inspire teams.

Scorpio's expertise extends beyond her academic achievements. She takes immense pride in owning the East Coast Softball Academy and H.I.T. Center of RI, seamlessly combining her love for softball with her passion for mentorship and skill development. Additionally, she serves as the President of the East Coast Scorpions, a non-profit softball organization dedicated to empowering young athletes.

Demonstrating her unwavering commitment to community engagement, Scorpio actively coaches the next generation of athletes at Bay View. This pivotal role allows her to share her extensive knowledge, motivate players, and foster an enduring passion for the game. Leveraging her robust foundation in health policy and her expertise in management, Scorpio is wholeheartedly dedicated to making a lasting impact in the sports industry.

Principal Dr. Marcela Rossi expressed her support, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Fallon Scorpio back to St. Mary Academy - Bay View as our new Athletic Director. Her impressive educational background, leadership skills, and passion for sports make her an ideal fit for our community. We have complete confidence in her ability to enhance our athletic program and inspire our student-athletes to reach new heights."

Scorpio's appointment follows a rigorous selection process conducted by a diligent search committee, which recognized her exceptional qualifications, dedication, and potential to lead the athletic program to new levels of success.

"Coming back to Bay View as Athletic Director is a true honor and privilege," stated Scorpio. "Being able to give back to young women at Bay View and aid not only in their growth and development as athletes — but as people — is an opportunity I am extremely excited for."

In addition to her remarkable achievements, Scorpio was recently honored as a 2023 Bay View Alumna Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, a testament to her outstanding contributions and accomplishments. Her leadership was further exemplified by leading the Bay View softball team to the division championship this past spring.

Prospective families interested in learning more about Bay View's exceptional academic and athletic programs for young women and girls are invited to attend the all-academy open house on October 15.

East Providence High School’s “The HERD” planning 2^nd Full Season
The student organized athletic booster group at East Providence High School is excited about beginning their second full year of supporting each other on and off the athletic fields and gymnasiums. The group of students is made up of all classes and has a faculty advisor, Townie varsity basketball coach and social studies teacher Joseph Andrade.  “I listen to the student’s ideas, but they do the bulk of the organizing and leg work,” said the affable Andrade.

The HERD, as they have named themselves, is made up of non-athletes, athletes and any student who wants to promote and support fellow Townies.  They attend games in large numbers, loudly support their classmates and show respect to opponents.  Often, they organize college-type theme-oriented dress, such as white-outs or red or black-outs with same color tee shirts.  “We are already trying to continue to bring the crowd to some of the fall games, we will expand a little more this year,” said advisor Andrade.  “Last year we saw what worked and what did not work. There will be more students involved with morning sports announcements with collaboration with AD Alex Butler and we will have more students helping with social media and also graphics.  The expansion of merchandise also will happen this year,” he added.

EPHS 2023 graduating athlete Ava Mendence excelled in softball and became a member of the HERD.  When not at her own games she was attending other athletic contests supporting classmates.  “I’ve enjoyed playing softball at EPHS since my freshman year and I joined the HERD in my junior year,” said Mendence.  “I became beyond excited when the HERD became an official club at school.  I would learn what it was like to attend a high school sports game and support others, since we lost so much of that due to Covid,” she added. 

“Being a part of the HERD caused me to meet many new friends across all classes.  It has made my senior year very special.  Mr. Andrade had our backs with the crazy ideas we had and it made things special.  The school environment has changed for the better and all classes are involved, not just upperclassmen.  The HERD has taught me to be proud of my school and where I’m from. I definitely will take that to college with me,” said Mendence.  Mendence will attend Roger Williams University in the Fall.

 EPHS AD Readies Fall Season
EPHS Athletic Director, Alex Butler (abutler@epschoolsri.com) is preparing for the upcoming Fall athletic season.  Anyone looking for an option for FREE physicals, please go to universityorthopedics.com/FreeExams.  Everyone must have a current physical uploaded in their Family ID registration.  High School Fall Sports for 2023 begin on Monday August 21st.  Football begins on Monday August 14th.  Middle school sports begin on August 28th.  Family ID registration for Fall 2023 opens on June 15th.

All athletes must have an up to date physical uploaded to Family ID when they register.  Families can check the high school web site for specific links and information. A student’s registration will not be completed if you do not upload the physical.   Please check the date of your physical so it is not expired. 

Athletes new to EPHS or that have never played a sport must also submit a notarized and signed Assumption of Risk Form.  Please see link at the high school athletic’s page. Please contact the coaches for more information:

Boys Cross Country:  rlyons@epschoolsri.com

Girls Cross Country:  ppiros@epschoolsri.com

Boys Soccer:  jtvieira@epschoolsri.com

Girls Soccer:  mresendes@epschoolsri.com

Varsity Football: jstringfellow@epschoolsri.com

Freshman Football: dramos@epbgc.org

Girls Tennis: ssharma@epschoolsri.com

Sideline Cheer: crebollo@epschoolsri.com

Girls Volleyball: abutler@epschoolsri.com

Unified Volleyball: kcoutoulakis@epschoolsri.com

Link to Family ID: https://www.familyid.com/organizations/east-providence-high-school-athletics

UPCOMING EPHS EVENTS

Soccer:Boys Varsity Injury Fund vs. Moses Brown School vs. Barrington @ Barrington High School - Victory Field Friday, Sep 1, 2023 5:00pm

Volleyball:Girls JV Non-League vs. Scituate @ East Providence High School Friday, Sep 1, 2023 6:30pm

Volleyball:Girls Varsity Non-League vs. Scituate @ East Providence High School Saturday, Sep 2, 2023 9:00am

Cross Country:Girls Varsity Injury Fund vs. Multiple Schools Deerfield Park, Saturday, Sep 2, 2023 9:00am

Cross Country:Boys Varsity Injury Fund vs. Multiple Schools @ Deerfield Park, Saturday, Sep 2, 2023 9:00am

2023 Fall School Sports for Boys and Girls Include:
Cross Country Boys, Cross Country Girls, Football, Tennis Girls, Volleyball Girls, Cheerleading, Field Hockey, Soccer Boys, Soccer Girls, Unified Volleyball.