October 1, 2026
Townies Baseball Eliminates La Salle. Play for State Championship vs. Hendricken
Townies beat La Salle for the third time this year
Before a packed stadium at East Providence High School on Sunday afternoon, May 31st, the Townies vaulted themselves into the Rhode Island D1 state championship series by shutting out La Salle 1-0. There wasn’t a seat to be had as people surrounded the ballfield with many watching from the sidewalk on Pawtucket Avenue.
Ben “Lefty” Hallene continued his mastery of opposing hitters by once again pitching an impressive complete game shutout. Hallene tossed a two-hitter in a well-played game. JJ Renaud’s lone 1st inning RBI for the Townies was all Hallene and the EP defense needed as they held La Salle scoreless for the rest of the game.
Although neither team mounted a strong hitting game, Townie catcher Jamison Sydney led both teams with two hits. Hallene got the Rams in order on a strikeout and two fly ball outs in the top of the first inning.
In the bottom of the first, centerfielder Aidan Martins led off with a single to center. Gavin Palombo walked and after a strikeout, Sydney singled to right moving Martins to 3rd and Palombo to 2nd. JJ Renaud then lined a drive to left which was caught but deep enough to knock in Martins for what would be the game’s only run.
In a tightly pitched game, with good defense on both sides, the game would end with no more scoring. Hallene’s two hit shutout and great errorless defense along with Renaud’s RBI drive would be enough to send the dejected La Salle Rams and fans home for the season.
Aidan Martins played another superb game in centerfield as he ranged far and wide to catch a few deep fly balls as well as Max Correiro in right field and the entire Townie defense.
Others getting hits for East Providence were Aidan Martins, Sydney (2) and Max Pawlik. After a quick celebratory meal after the game, many Townie players went to see the outcome of the Hendricken-North Kingstown game being played later. The Townies will face Hendricken on Thursday at 4:30 at R.I. College for a best of three D1 championship series. A Townie team hasn’t been in a D1 championship final since 1945.
Townies beat La Salle 9-4
Townie Head coach Bobby Rodericks had never won a game at La Salle’s home field. That changed with his Townies slamming the Rams 9-4 before an overflow crowd at La Salle Academy on May 28th. “I’ve been involved with beating La Salle before, but never here at this field. Tonight was interesting, the offense carried us right from jump. Supplying us the runs early, Charbonneau with the early homerun, that was great. JJ was great, a trooper, he stayed in the game. He looked stronger in the last couple of innings, I think he shook off whatever was going on and got a great win,” added the coach. Asked what keeps his young team going (only four seniors) with two wins against La Salle and beating Hendricken so far, Rodericks replied that “we definitely believe in ourselves. We stay together, grew together during the winter, working out, this team is really close, they may argue like brothers, but really get along so well. It carries through. If we win on Sunday. We’re in the finals.”
East Providence had sophomore JJ Renaud on the mound, and he quickly made an impact on the game. In the top of the first inning with the bases loaded, Renaud laced a double to center field, scoring two runs. Aidan Martins led off for EP with a walk. After a strikeout, Max Correiro walked and next Jamison Sydney was hit by a pitch. Renaud came to the plate and with two strikes lined a double to right center which plated both Martins and Correiro as Sydney took third base. With two outs, Kyle Desrosiers lined a single to center field and Sydney crossed the plate with the third run of the top of the first inning.
In the top of the second, the Townies brought the large contingent of EP fans to their feet when leadoff hitter, sophomore Chris Charbonneau drove a ball to deep left field for a home run. The sophomore slowed rounding second base but smiled widely when coach Rodericks at third base waved him home. “I had to tell him it was a homer,” chuckled Rodericks after the game. Next up Aidan Martins singled to center and went to second on a sacrifice bunt by Gavin Palombo. Correiro walked and Martins went to third on a wild pitch. With runners on 1st and 3rd, Correiro stole 2nd and Martins sprinted for home. Both runners were safe and EP led 5-0.
JJ Renaud continued to hold off the Rams, although he was somewhat under the weather throughout the game. “He (Renaud) was not totally himself tonight, but the kid is tough and was all in,” said Rodericks. In the bottom of the third, La Salle made a run at EP. The Rams scored two runs on a walk and a double. The Rams would scratch home two more runs in the bottom of the 5th making the game interesting at 5-4.
East Providence calmed the nervous crowd as they broke the game open with 4 runs in the top of the 6th. With one out, Charbonneau walked. Martins singled to right field. Gavin Palombo then smashed a double to right field scoring both Martins and Charbonneau to make the score 7-4. The next batter Max Correiro homered to right field plating Palombo and himself, giving the Townies a healthy 9-4 lead. Renaud would get the Rams on three ground balls to end the game advancing the Townies in the tournament winners bracket.
Martins had 2 of the Townies 7 hits in the game. Palombo, Renaud, Correiro, Desrosiers and Charbonneau added hits. After the game, an obvious exhausted Renaud explained that he was a bit off but confident he could get the job done. “I took my time, paced myself, honestly I knew one more win and we go to the finals,” said Renaud. “It’s a team win, everyone helps. This is what we do, we win together as a team.”
“I was not expecting it at all,” Chris Charbonneau said of his homerun to left field. “I didn’t realize it was out until I rounded 2nd base fast and coach Rod (Rodericks) told me to calm down, it’s a home run,” smiled the sophomore. Charbonneau repeated a theme heard throughout the Townie team; “We’re all just really close and that helps a lot. We hang around together, work out together, it’s a team effort all the way,” added Charbonneau.
Towies win over Lincoln
Before another packed house at EPHS, Alex Enright, Max Pawlik, and JJ Renaud combined for five of the team's eight hits in the come from behind victory Tuesday, May 26th, over Lincoln. East Providence didn't take the lead until late in the game. The Townies were down 1-0 in the bottom of the sixth inning. With one out and a count of 2-2, JJ Renaud lined a hard single to center field. Alex Enright then drove a triple to center field with Renaud scoring the game tying run. As Enright reached third base, he then scampered home with the go ahead run on an overthrow from the outfield to third. Pawlik then doubled to left field but after a walk to Aidan Martins the go-ahead rally ended with EP up 2-1.
In the top of the 7th for Lincoln, Hallene stopped the lions in order on a ground out, pop up and ground out to end the game in convincing fashion.
A single by Carson Mellen on an 0-2 count put Lincoln on the board in the top of the third, but Lefty Hallene stopped Lincoln from doing anything more. The senior southpaw struck out six and allowed 7 hits in the complete game victory.
Alex Enright and JJ Renaud were a force together in the lineup, as they each collected two hits for East Providence while hitting back-to-back. East Providence also turned one double play in the game and didn't commit a single error in the field.
Also getting hits for East Providence were Aidan Martins, Kyle Desrosiers and Jamison Sydney.
The state championship series will be the best two of three and starts at RI College on June 4th. Special thanks to Kris Hallene for the photos this series. This story and the upcoming finals will be updated by the ReporterToday.com.
EPHS Unified Basketball – State Champs
The EPHS Unified Basketball team, won the Division IV and State Championships for 2026. East Providence defeated Shea High 50 to 48 for the State Championship. Earlier the team stayed hot as they came back from an early deficit to beat Cranston East 41-40. They had advanced to the Divisional Semi Finals with a 62-52 win over Mt. Hope. The win was a great team effort. The team had to climb back from deficits in both the semifinals and finals but persevered to win it all with a championship. As with all state champions, the team was greeted by a police and fire escort upon returning to the high school. This included a traditional “hosing down” by the East Providence Fire Department.
EPHS Boys & Girls Track & Field
The team finished as the first public school and 3rd overall at the Rhode Island Class A Championship meet. The following Townies placed during the meet: Jack Pawlik 1st place in both the 100 meter and 200 meter with a state leading time of 21.89. The boys 4x400 meter relay once again broke the school record and placed 1st.with a state leading time of 3:22.92. The team consisted of Julian Monteiro, Julius Cortes, Jack Pawlik, and Justin Jardine, The 4x100 meter relay consisting of Isaac Rodriguez, Justin Jardine, Julius Cortes, and Jack Pawlik placed 3rd. Julian Monteiro placed 2nd in the 300 meter hurdles. Isaac Rodriguez placed 4th in the 300 meter hurdles, 5th in the triple jump, and 6th in the 110 meter hurdles. Jalen Jackson placed 5th in the 110 meter hurdles. The team heads into the final state qualifying meet, the Hendricken Invitational with a number of high seeds on the state performance list. If the team stays healthy, the potential is there to have a top three to five finish at the state meet with multiple individual state champs and all-state athletes"
The freshman members of the boys outdoor track & field team finished a respectable 5th place overall at the Rhode Island Freshman State Championship meet. Cormac Moran set a school freshman record while winning the 800 meter. Jalen Jackson placed 1st in the 110 meter hurdles, 3rd place in the 300 meter hurdles, and 4th place in the triple jump. The 4x100 meter relay consisting of Xavier Rodriguez, Logan Pereira, Cormac Moran, and Jalen Jackson 4th place. Logan Pereira 5th place in the 400 meter, and 5th place in the 200 meter. Xavier Rodriguez 6th place in the long jump. Nathan Diaz 9th place in the 100 meter.
The team finished 2nd overall at the Eastern Division Championship meet with an outstanding 118 team points. The following Townies placed in the top three of their events earning all division honors: Justin Jardine 1st place in the 400 meter with a new school record, 2nd in the 200 meter, Jack Pawlik 1st in the 200 meter, 2nd in the 100 meter, Julian Monteiro 1st in the 300 meter, the 4x400 meter relay team consisting of Julian Monteiro, Julius Cortes, Jack Pawlik, and Justin Jardine 1st place with a new school record, the 4x100 meter relay consisting of Isaac Rodriguez, Justin Jardine, Julius Cortes, Jack Pawlik 1st place, Isaac Rodriguez 3rd place in the 110 meter hurdles and 300 meter hurdles, the 4x800 meter relay consisting of Dan Lukusa, Logan Pereira, Cormac Moran, and Sean Black 2nd place. In addition the following boys placed during the meet: Cormac Moran 5th place in the 800 meter. Jalen Jackson 4th place in the 110 meter hurdles, and triple jump. Isaac Rodrigues 5th place in the triple jump. Julian Monteiro 5th place in 110 meter hurdles. Sean Black 8th place in the 1500 meter.
Congratulations to Freshman members of our Girls Track and Field program. Jordin Peckham placed 8th in the 300 Hurdles. The 4 x 100 team consisting of Laejah Preston, Avah Dorch, Lillian Costa and Jordin Peckham placed 7th. The 4 x 400 team consisting of Lillian Costa, Jordin Peckham, Caitlin Massey and Milani Azevedo placed 7th.
EPHS 2026 Softball Review
Although the softball team, 14-8, had a great season and made it to the D1 playoffs, they fell short with a 6-4 loss to Prout. The Townies defeated Prout twice before but could not keep up with Prout in bowing out of playoff action late in May. East Providence got on the board in the second inning after Audrey Bernard doubled, scoring one run. But Mia Boyajian singled down the right field line, which helped Prout tie the game at one in the top of the fourth. The Townies took the lead in the bottom of the fifth. Trinity Provencher drew a walk, and would score a run, to give East Providence a 2-1 lead. But Prout took the lead again, 4-2, in the top of the sixth.
Trinity Provencher provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led East Providence with two runs batted in. The right-handed hitter went 2-for-3 on the day. Audrey Bernard and Trinity Provencher were a force together in the lineup, as they each collected two hits for East Providence.
Coach Katie Solitro was pleased with the season. “I feel good about our program. These kids played well together and are very coachable. We will return a lot of talent next season and the program is strong,” said Solitro.
A few season highlights:
Bernard Drives East Providence Victory Over Cumberland:
The softball team (10-3) at the time, defeated Cumberland High 13-1 in a game dominated by Audrey Bernard’s four RBI, including a three-run homerun to center field. East Providence got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after Audrey Bernard grounded out, and Ava Silva singled down the left field line, each scoring one run. The Townies added six more runs in the bottom of the second inning on six hits. Caroline Welch singled, scoring two runs, Audrey Bernard homered to center field, scoring three runs, and Maura Roche singled, scoring one run. A single by Marianna Pina, and a fielder's choice by Ava Silva helped East Providence Varsity Townies extend their early lead in the third.
East Providence scored two runs in the bottom of the fourth on a home run to center field by Avery Duarte. Cassie Dulude earned the win for East Providence. The pitcher surrendered six hits and one run over four innings, striking out four and walking none. The Townies tallied 13 hits in the game. Ella Grimley and Caroline Welch each had three hits and Ava Silva was two for three at bat. East Providence didn't commit a single error in the field
10-9 Win Over Pilgrim:
Once again Audrey Bernard drove in runs to lead East Providence past Pilgrim 10-9 at Pilgrim High early last month. In the fifth inning, Bernard hit a grand slam to left field. Townie bats blistered as East Providence collected 14 hits and Pilgrim tallied nine in the high-scoring game. Pilgrim got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after Harker doubled down the right field line, and Dombeck singled to center field, each scoring one run. Pilgrim added to their early lead in the bottom of the second inning when Tuirok laid down a sacrifice bunt, scoring one run, an error scored two runs, and Hawes hit a solo home run to center field. Pilgrim took the lead in the bottom of the fifth. Hawes singled, scoring one run, to give Pilgrim Varsity Patriots the advantage, 9-8.
Trinity Provencher doubled to center field, which helped East Providence tie the game at nine in the top of the sixth. An error gave East Providence the lead, 10-9, in the top of the seventh. Cassie Dulude earned the win for the Townies. The hurler gave up five hits and three runs over five and one-third innings, striking out four and walking five. Pina led things off pitching for East Providence. The righty gave up four hits and six runs over one and two-thirds innings, striking out two and walking two. East Providence had 14 hits in the game. Welch went 4-for-5 at the plate to lead the Townies in hits. Pina and Maura Roche each collected multiple hits for East Providence. The Townies ran well on the base paths, with four stolen bases for the game.
Walk-Off Win Over Prout:
East Providence won in dramatic fashion, with a 4-3 walk-off victory over Prout at East Providence High School on April 20th. Chasing 2 runs in the bottom of the 7th, Maura Roche hit a one out double to get things rolling. Nethania Figeuroa cranked a 2 run homerun to left center field, tying the game at 3. Audrey Bernard hit a two out single, followed by Trinity Provencher launching a double down the line to deep left field, sending the winning run across the plate.
Prout got on the board in the first inning after Ana Pearce singled, scoring one run. Marianna Pina singled to center field, which helped East Providence tie the game at one in the bottom of the second. A single by Callie Smith gave Prout Varsity Crusaders the lead, 2-1, in the top of the fourth.
The Townies made the score 4-3 in the bottom of the seventh after Figueroa homered to left field, scoring two runs, and Provencher doubled, scoring one run.
Cassie Dulude earned the win for East Providence. The pitcher surrendered three hits and one run over three innings, striking out one and walking none. Lily Sheehan took the loss for Prout Varsity Crusaders.
Pina started for East Providence and the right-handed pitcher allowed three hits and two runs (one earned) over four innings, striking out two and walking three. Figueroa led the Townies with two runs batted in. The shortstop went 1-for-4 on the day. Provencher and Roche each collected two hits for East Providence.
EP defeats Moses Brown 12-0
Trinity Provencher collected three hits in four at bats, as East Providence defeated Moses Brown at East Providence. Provencher doubled in the fourth inning, singled in the first inning, and singled in the fourth inning. The Townies scored eight runs in the fourth inning on the way to victory. Audrey Bernard drew a walk, scoring one run, Ava Silva tripled, scoring one run, Maura Roche singled, scoring one run, Caroline Welch tripled, scoring two runs, Ella Grimley singled, scoring one run, and Provencher doubled ending the game on an error and solid baserunning as 2 more runs came in.
“We got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after Grimley tripled down the left field line, Provencher singled, Marianna Pina walked, and Bernard singled down the left field line, each scoring one run. The team played well and had a balanced win,” said head coach Katie Solitro,
Cassie Dulude earned the win for East Providence. The starting pitcher allowed three hits and zero runs over four innings, striking out five and walking one. The Townies banged out 15 hits.
Cassie Dulude earned the win for East Providence Varsity Townies. The starting pitcher allowed three hits and zero runs over four innings, striking out five and walking one. Bodurtha took the loss for Moses Brown Varsity Quakers. The right-handed pitcher went three and two-thirds innings, allowing 12 runs (11 earned) on 15 hits, striking out seven and walking four.
Grimley, Welch, and Provencher each collected three hits for East Providence Varsity Townies and each drove in two runs. Silva and Bernard each hit well and Pina and Provencher each stole two bases for East Providence.
EPHS Boys Volleyball
The boys volleyball team defeated Chariho in the preliminary round of the division 1 playoffs. It was an amazing team win with everyone contributing but lost to Hendricken in quarterfinal play. The match was close but Hendricken pulled out the win, 3 games to 1. Earlier last month the team defeated North Smithfield 3 sets to 0. The team was led by sophomores Connor Berndt and Ethan Mendonca. Ean Williamson also had 20 digs.
EPHS Golf
Nathan Carter and Noah Araujo qualified for and competed in the RI State Golf Championships at Cranston Country Club. Both golfers had impressive performances and represented Townies well. In recent competition, the Golf team turned in their best match of the season with a team score of 157. Senior Nathan Carter shot a 1 under 34.
EPHS Boys Tennis
The Boys Tennis team swept Smithfield 4-0 to advance to the Division 2 Semi-finals. Earlier the team took care of business against Tiverton by sweeping the Tigers 7-0. The team also swept Smithfield 7-0 to improve their record to 10-1 on the season at that time. However, the Townies recently lost in their semi-final match to Prout, 4-1.
EPHS Girls Lacrosse
The Townies upset higher ranked Ponaganset 11-6 on May 26th at Ponaganset. The win put the Townies into the tournament semifinals against Toll Gate in an away match. The winner of that match will play for the state championship on June 6th or 7th at Brown University. East Providence, although rebuilding, is the defending state champion. Earlier the East Providence was defeated by Ponaganset in overtime with a final score of 14-13. Despite the team loss, senior Alyssa Karalekas had 7 goals including her career 150th goal. The girls who scored are as follows. Alyssa Karalekas 7 goals (Her fourth goal of the night being her career 150th goal),
Sydney Olson 2 goals, Grace O'Neil 1 goal and Nadiyah Calouro-Vargas 3 goals. East Providence Goalie Wendy Monteiro-Cabral had 7 saves. In another match, EP defeated Ponaganset 8-6. The offense was led again by Alyssa Karalekas and Sydney Olson. Wendy Monteiro Cabral had 10 saves in net. In a match early last month lacrosse played a hard fought game vs. Mt. Hope but lost 14-13. They maybe played their best game of the season. Alyssa Karalekas had 8 goals and Nadiyah Calouro Vargas and Sydney Olson added two each. Goalie, Salem O’Neill had 9 saves in net.
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