Sports Update

Townies’ Karalekas named All-Academic by USA Lacrosse
Alyssa Karalekas of EPHS was recently named All-Academic by USA Lacrosse.  According to USA Lacrosse, an All-Academic honoree is a “player who exhibits exemplary lacrosse skills, good sportsmanship on the field, and represents high standards of academic achievement in the classroom and exhibits exemplary lacrosse skills with good sportsmanship on the field.” 

Karalekas, a 2026 honors graduate of East Providence High School, has achieved a lot in her four years at EPHS.  An all-star soccer player she became proficient in lacrosse, which is a relatively new sport for Townies.  Karalekas surpassed all expectations as she scored more goals than anyone in Townie lacrosse history.  She scored a four-year total of 173 goals with 66 in her senior year.  Karalekas has been recognized as RI Coaches Association as a First Team All-State and All-Academic award recipient.  She will attend prestigious Wellesley College and continue playing lacrosse.

In her junior year, Karalekas led the team to an undefeated season and a D-3 state championship. She received the D-3 player of the tear award and was 2^nd team All-State and First Team All-Division.  She also scored all seven of the team’s goals in the win.  During her high school career, she was All-Academic in each year. She was number 4 in the 2026 graduating class of EPHS and earned an academic scholarship to Wellesley College.  Although receiving offers to play in D-1 colleges, Karalekas chose Wellesley for their high academic reputation.   

Riverside Little League

RLL/CLL take Minors 10U District Title
“Spring 2026 saw Riverside Little League's largest registration over the past years with a 23% increase in kids from last Spring.  A Lot of credit is due to the many new volunteers and board members who have dedicated their time to making sure all our players get the best baseball/softball experience,” said league president Justin Coppa in a recent interview.

“This Spring saw the Ron Silva Complex come to life with many nights off all 3 fields in use, which greatly benefited our snack shack which besides food and beverages, also includes a lot of new Riverside LL swag for our players and parents to wear.  We always encourage everyone to "show their Pride in the Side."

The regular season was a success from Opening Day to Memorial Day and finally ended with our Awards Night.  The kids at all levels from T-ball through Jr/Sr enjoyed the lasting memories they made with old friends and new.  Those memorable moments continued into the Summer with our 11u and 8u All Stars.  These were the first Riverside AS teams in over 3 years and we are extremely proud of them getting us back on the map.  We also want to shout out that our combined softball teams with EP Central had a fantastic run in the minors 10u tournament, winning the district championship over Barrington.  Our 8u All Stars will take the field the next two weeks at Slater Park in the Andreozzi Tournament which features 16 teams from around the State.

Finally, this Summer, Riverside hosted its first ever wiffle ball league.  Kids from all over the East Bay signed up to show their skills in everyone's favorite backyard game.  With 12 teams in two divisions, we will soon crown the summer champions of 10u and 14u.” 

We're only just getting started in the 02915.  Many new facility improvements are on the docket and we will continue to invest in our kids by offering Fall Ball and Winter Clinics to prepare for the Spring of 2027.  Be on the lookout for our famous Meat and Lobster Raffles @ Stevie D's Tavern in the offseason.

Rumford Little League Reach 10U Semifinals
The Rumford Ron Silva 10U All-Stars made it to the semifinals after a gutsy, 7-6 win over East Providence Central Little League at Kimberly Rock Field in late July. The two teams had a back-and-forth game, with Rumford taking an early 4-2 lead after the first frame. Central battled back with two runs in the top of the second, which was broken up with a run by Rumford in the bottom of the third. That was answered with a Central run in the top of the fourth, and each team scored in the fifth.

This brought the teams tied into the final inning, 6-6. Levi Anthony was able to draw a bases loaded walk to advance the winning run across the plate; one of 11 walks that Rumford drew on the evening.  Rumford played well moving on but lost out to Portsmouth for the chance to make the finals.

14^th Annual Townie Baseball Camp a Success
Many area youth enjoyed the recently completed Townie Baseball Camp held at East Providence High School.  The camp completed its 14^th consecutive year “and keeps growing,” said EPHS head baseball coach Bobby Rodericks.  The camp, previously held at Pierce Stadium, now utilizes the turf fields at the high school.  “The mission of the camp is to teach skills, proper techniques, and the correct approach to the game, all in a fun-filled atmosphere,” said Rodericks. Participants received personalized tee shirts and a box lunch every day.

The camp focused on hitting, fielding, bunting, base running, other skills, drills, and fun competitions.  Contests with prizes and awards were handed out at the end of the last day.  Camper fees go to the Friends of Townie Athletica for high school and middle school sports.  New for 2026 was a second week in July, just for pitchers and catchers.

Area EP Youth on NE Bay Sox Tourney Championship
The NE Bay Sox 17U put together another dominant performance at the Firecracker Sports 17u 4th of July Showcase Tournament, finishing a perfect 5-0 and outscoring opponents 52-9 on their way to their second tournament championship of the summer.  Kyle Sherman Jr. was named Tournament MVP after an outstanding offensive performance:  5-for-9,  3 Doubles,  1 Triples,  5 Walks,  4 Runs Scored,  7 RBI

There were many other notable performances:

• C.J. Smith:  7-for-13,  5 Runs Scored,  2 RBI
• Karter Perreira:  6-for-13,  3 Doubles,  2 Triples,  1 Home Run,  5 Runs Scored,  7 RBI,  5.0 IP,  2 Hits,  0 Runs,  7 Strikeouts
• Jacoby Davidson: 6-for-13, 2 Triples, 2 Walks, 4 Runs Scored, 7 RBI

Cole Arruda and Reid Ulmschneider each logged 5 inning complete game victories with 10 strikeouts.  Aidan Martins and Jack Bouchard were awesome defensively making a number of great plays throughout the tournament.

ATC Townies Squad Captures Hometown '26 Baseball Tournament in NY
ATC Townies 13u capped off a 5-0 weekend at the Hometown '26 Baseball Tournament presented by 3&2 Baseball in Buffalo, NY in late July. The team had solid pitching, defense, and great base running during pool play to clinch the 2nd seed with a 3-0 record.  They missed out on the #1 seed by 2 extra runs given up. But the team broke out the bats during bracket play, outscoring opponents 27-5 in the final 2 games to bring home the championship. The team is managed by Tom Wall, with assistant coaches John Quinn, Adam Mancini, and Tom Pora.  (The Reporter thanks Kris Hallene for the update and photos.)