By Bob Rodericks
Huge April for Townie Athletics
"Four contests, four wins - all at our campus," - Townie Athletic Director Alex Butler. “April 16th was a great day for us on campus. Four contests, four wins,” said East Providence Athletic Director Butler’s thoughts on a winning day in April on the EPHS campus. In addition to the huge Townie baseball win over defending champion Bishop Hendricken and the softball win over Bay View/PCD, on April 16, Townie followers saw other exciting action. The Softball team started the day with a 1-0 win over Bay View. Marianna Pina and Cassie Dulude combined for the shut out. Audrey Bernard singled to start the second inning and scored on a fielder's choice by Ava Silva. That run was all the girls needed to secure the win.
The Boys Tennis team was up next and they swept the Westerly/Chariho Co-Op 7-0. The Baseball team continues to stay hot with a 3-0 win over Hendricken. JJ Renaud pitched the complete game shutout and the team played solid defense with timely hitting. The Boys Volleyball team defeated Coventry 3 sets to 1. The team was led by Ean Williamson with 20 digs and 2 Aces as well as Ethan Pereira with 16 Kills and 2 blocks. All in a days work for Townie athletics.
EP Boys Outdoor Track and Field
In other recent action, the Townies boys outdoor track and field team placed 3rd overall at the RI Class A Relay Carnival. The following boys placed during the meet: the 4x100 meter relay consisting of Issac Rodriguez, Justin Jardine, Julius cortes, and Jack Pawlik 2nd place, the 4x400 meter relay consisting of Logan Pereira, Cormac Moran, Julius Cortes, and Justin Jardine 2nd place, the high jump relay consisting of Jaidyn DaSilva, Joseph Durand, and Giovanni Daluz 3rd place, the long jump relay consisting of Isaac Rodriguez, Jaidyn DaSilva, and Giovanni Daluz 2nd place, the distance medley relay consisting of Sean Black, Cormac Moran, Dan Lukusa, and Logan Pereira 4th place, the 4x800 meter relay consisting of Sean Black, Cormac Moran, Dan Lukusa, and Christian Mendez-Molina 4th place, the sprint medley relay consisting of Logan Pereira, Jaidyn DaSilva, Jalen Jackson, and Michael Hu 5th place. Solid day for the team.
The outdoor track and field team improved to seven wins and two loses by defeating Rogers and PCD and losing to Barrington. Individual winners for the Townies were: Jack Pawlik in the 100 and 200 meter, Julian Monteiro in the 110 and 300 meter hurdles, Justin Jardine in the 400 meter, the 4x100 meter relay consisting of Isaac Rodriguez, Justin Jardine, Julius Cortes, and Jack Pawlik. The 4x400 meter relay consisted of Julian Monteiro, Isaac Rodriguez, Julius Cortes, and Justin Jardine.
EPHS Girls Lacrosse
The East Providence Girls Lacrosse Team beat Cranston East in Cranston on April 27th. The score was 12 - 4 led by Alyssa Karalekas with 8 goals and 2 assists. Sydney Olson had 1 goal and 5 assists. Nadiyah Calouro-Vargas scored 2 goals and 1 assist. Penelope Flynn netted 1 goal. “A great win for the Townies!” said coach Nick Boyce.
In other action, the Townies Sydney Olson scored 3 goals including the lacrosse OT winner against North Smithfield. East Providence won in overtime early last month, 8-7. The girls who scored are as follows:
Penelope Flynn 3 goals, 19 Ella Benson 2 goals and Sydney Olson 3 goals (The third goal being in overtime to win the game). East Providence Brooke O'Donnell had 3 saves. “Our team has been off to an exciting start,” said Head girls lacrosse coach Nick Boyce.
The team did suffer a loss to the PCD/BavView/St. Ray co-op suad, 11-9. Scoring for East Providence were Alyssa Karalekas 4 goals, Sydney Olson 3 goals and Nadiyah Calouro-Vargas with 2 goals Townie goalie Brooke O'Donnell had 8 saves.
For the PCD co-op Sofia Daponte had 4 goals, Dorothy Karl 3 goals, Sofia Moreno Molina 2 goals and Sophie Sullivan with 2 goals. Goalie Evelyn Cooper had 13 saves.
EPHS Softball Review
Bernard Drives East Providence Victory Over Cumberland
The softball team (10-3) 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 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.
Marianna Pina Leads EP Past Ponaganset
Marianna Pina collected four hits in four at bats, as East Providence defeated Ponaganset 10-3 at Ponaganset High School. Pina tripled in the fourth inning, singled in the fifth inning, singled in the second inning, and singled in the seventh inning.
East Providence got on the board in the second inning after a wild pitch scored one run. The Townies scored six runs in the fifth inning on the way to victory. An error scored two runs, Pina singled, scoring one run, Ella Grimley doubled, scoring two runs, and Megan Pita singled, scoring one run.
Ponaganset made the score 3-1 in the bottom of the second after Selah Michael singled, scoring two runs, and Ella McKenney grounded out, scoring one run.
East Providence tied the game in the top of the fourth thanks to an inning starting triple by Ava Silva, followed by a triple by Pina, and a wild pitch. Pina earned the win for the Townies. The hurler allowed two hits and zero runs over four innings, striking out five and walking two. Cassie Dulude stepped in the circle first for East Providence. The starting pitcher allowed four hits and three runs over two innings, striking out three and walking three. East Providence had 11 hits in the game. Grimley led East Providence Varsity Townies with three runs batted in from the number seven spot in the lineup. The outfielder went 2-for-3 on the day. East Providence was sure-handed and didn't commit a single error. Ava Silva was solid out in Right Field, errorless on the day with 5 great catches.
Dulude & Pina Pitch EP to 4-0 win over Prout. Provencher Home Run.
Townie hurlers Cassie Dulude and Marianna Pina combined to shut out Prout High School 4-0. Each pitcher only gave up one hit and two walks with 4 and 7 strikeouts respectively.
In a home game the Townie softball team continued their winning ways in an impressive shutout over Prout. East Providence moves their record to 3-1 at that point. Ep got on the board in the bottom of the sixth inning. One out back to back walks for Cassie Dulude and Caroline Welch juiced the bases, and Ella Grimley doubled down the left field line, followed by Trinity Provencher with a homer to left field, each scoring two runs.
Grimley, Audrey Bernard, and Provencher each collected one hit for East Providence. Grimley and Provencher were tough to handle back-to-back in the lineup, as each drove in two runs. East Providence was sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error. Welch anchored the Townies behind the plate.
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 Baseball Review
Townies hiccup at Cranston West
In a late April game, the Townies had some air taken from their high-flying balloon with a 9-1 defeat at the hands of Cranston West on April 29th. The Falcons scored five runs in the second inning, which helped them defeat East Providence. A ground out by Jayden Healey put East Providence on the board in the top of the first but Cranston West took the lead 3-1, in the bottom of the first thanks to singles by E Santana, C Bastani, and A Silvestro. The Falcons stunned the Townies with five runs on four hits in the bottom of the second inning. They added another run in the third.
The Falcon hurler surrendered just four hits and one run over six innings, striking out three and walking six. JJ Renaud took the loss for East Providence as the sophomore pitcher allowed nine runs on 11 hits, striking out four and walking two. Kyle Desrosiers came on in relief for the Townies and gave up three hits while walking none, but the Townies couldn’t recover.
Max Correiro, Jamison Sydney, Aidan Martins, and Gavin Palombo each had one hit for East Providence, with Jayden Healey getting the RBI. East Providence did get one double play in the game. The Falcons turned three double plays in the game.
Townies Remain at the Top of D1 Play
The 10-2 Townies excited their fans with a rare back to back no-hit pitching of JJ Renaud against Portsmouth followed by Lefty Hallene against Smithfield. Both pitchers were in their first start for East Providence on the mound.
Townies Beat Top Ranked Hendricken. 3 hit Shutout Pitching of JJ Renaud & Team Defense
Number one ranked Hendricken High School came into East Providence High on April 16th as a strong favorite to stay undefeated on the season. But the young Townies had a different idea. Sophomore JJ Renaud pitched a complete game shutout allowing the Hawks just three hits while striking out seven. Renaud, who played for the Hendricken JV team last year, decided to transfer to his home EP Townies and hasn’t disappointed Townie nation. Renaud hurled a no-hitter against Portsmouth in his first ever varsity pitching appearance and kept the Hawks scoreless in Thursday’s 3-0 win.
“It was a big game obviously, and we try not to individualize teams we play, but we knew going into this week that we had two huge games with Westerly and Hendricken,” said Townie Head Coach Bobby Rodericks after the game. “This is only my second time beating Hendricken as a coach and it was very special with JJ on the mound coming over from Hendricken last year. He showed a lot on the mound tonight. JJ got out of a bases loaded, no outs situation in the last inning. Just an awesome performance,” said the Townie coach. At one point late in the game, Renaud seemed to experience some leg discomfort on his plant leg. He was visited on the mound by the coach and team trainer but stayed in the game. “I had a relief pitcher warming up in the bullpen just in case, but JJ told me ‘get that kid out of there (bullpen), I’m not coming out.”
The Townies jumped out to the lead in the bottom of the first inning after Kyle Desrosiers grounded out, scoring one run, and a dropped third strike scored two runs. Kyle Desrosiers and Lefty Hallene were a one-two punch in the lineup, as each drove in one run for East Providence. The Townies had patience at the plate, piling up seven walks for the game. Jayden Healey and Max Correiro led the team with two bases on balls each. Max Correiro and Gavin Palombo each stole two bases with the Townies stealing six bases in the game. East Providence turned a key double play in the game and didn't commit a single error. Jamison Sydney was solid behind the plate.
After the game Renaud credited his teammates with playing great defense to compliment his pitching. “That last inning when they loaded the bases with no outs, I just kept on with one pitch at a time, trusting my defense. Lefty (Hallene) was great on first base and the team executed plays all night. It was definitely a special win. I felt I had to prove something and I think I did. It feels good,” said the 10th grade Townie. “It was special playing again with all my friends I grew up with in EP and having family involved. I’m having a great time here, it’s fun.”
Former East Providence teacher, coach and Townie Hall of Famer, Bob Fontes was at the game. “I’ve been following baseball games at the high school level for over 70 years. Renaud’s pitching tonight was the gutsiest performance I’ve ever seen.”
Townies JJ Renaud tosses No-Hit Complete Game Shutout over Portsmouth
East Providence defeated Portsmouth 5-0 last month behind the no-hit, complete game pitching of sophomore JJ Renaud. Renaud was brilliant on the mound as he pitched flawlessly, just missing a perfect game. The Townies played great defense and Gavin Palombo led East Providence with two hits in two at bats and stole two bases. The Townies scored two runs in the third, one in the fourth and two more in the fifth for their 5 runs. Renaud did the rest as he held Portsmouth hitless with pinpoint control throughout the game. Renaud struck out eight and only walked two while getting the complete game win in his first ever start. Renaud transferred from Hendricken where he played as a 9th grader, to his hometown Townies. "We were both kind of emotional after the game. His teammates were jumping and hugging him knowing the game and win was big for the sophomore who recently lost his grandmother, Diane Rodericks. She was a big part of JJ’s baseball career and life,” said head coach Bobby Rodericks (stepson to Diane).
Lefty Hallene hurls No-hit win for EP over Smithfield
EP’s Lefty Hallene then shut out Smithfield High 3-0. Hallene struck out seven batters along the way. It was the Townies second no-hitter in three games. “No hitters are special and very rare. Fortunately for the Townies baseball program we have experienced 2 in 3 games! Congrats to Ben “Lefty” Hallene on his first varsity appearance on the mound earning a no hitter in a 3-0-win vs Smithfield,” said an excited EPHS head coach Bobby Rodericks after the game.
East Providence scored two runs in the bottom of the 2nd inning. With one out, JJ Renaud beat out an infield single and moved to second base after Alex Enright walked. Max Pawlik flied out to center field with Renaud alertly tagging up and racing to third. Renaud would score on a bases loaded walk followed by Enright scoring after a walk. The Townies went on to win the game 3-0 with Hallene holding Smithfield scoreless. Gavin Palombo, Max Pawlik, Kyle Desrosiers, and JJ Renaud each had a hit for East Providence. Max Correiro walked three times. The Townies turned two double plays in the game.
Desrosiers dominant on the mound in complete game 8-0 shutout over Coventry
Palombo Blasts Homerun
Kyle Desrosiers was strong on the mound and didn't allow a single run as EP defeated the Coventry High Oakers 8-0 in a late April D1 game at Coventry HS. Desrosiers allowed just four harmless hits and remained strong until the last pitch. The Townies scored in the top of the second inning after Ben Lefty Hallene grounded out, Chris Charbonneau singled to center field, and Aidan Martins hit a sacrifice fly, each scoring one run. Gavin Palombo homered deep to left field in the top of the seventh for what would be a knockout blow against the Oakers.
Palombo led East Providence with two runs batted in. Max Pawlik added two hits and the Townies were patient at the plate with nine walks for the game. Aidan Martins, Gavin Palombo, and JJ Renaud each walked twice. Aidan Martins stole two bases as the ever-running Townies stole five bases in the game. East Providence turned a double play to end the game as Desrosiers finished the shutout.
Correiro’s Grand Slam blast in the 8th wins it for EP over Lincoln 10-6
It was a game of highs and lows for East Providence in a wind-swept game at Lincoln High on Thursday April 23rd. The Townies won 10-6 in extra innings. The Townies took an early 3-0 lead in the second inning after JJ Renaud walked, Jamison Sydney singled, and Gavin Palombo hit a sacrifice fly to build a quick lead. Sophomore pitcher JJ Renaud was moving along until Lincoln scored five runs on four hits in the fourth inning to take the lead, 5-3. Jose Figueroa came in to pitch for the Townies and held off Lincoln as the lions would score only one more run, but it was a big one.
With Lincoln now leading EP 5-3 and things not looking good for EP, the Townies rallied in the seventh inning. East Providence would take the lead back when JJ Renaud singled, scoring one run, and Jamison Sydney doubled, scoring two runs. Going into the last inning, the Townies were leading 6-5. However, Caden Oldham homered to right field for the lions which tied the game at six.
The Townies dejection turned to euphoria when EP once again rallied in extra innings. With Chris Charbonneau on second base, Chris Palombo and Aidan Martins were both hit by pitches. Stepping up to the plate was Max Correiro. A base hit would tie or put the Townies ahead again. Correiro brought his teammates and the crowd to leap in joy as he blasted a towering grand slam over the right field fence.
Figueroa and then Kyle Desrosiers would hold off Lincoln as Figueroa would earn the win for East Providence. He gave up three hits and one run over three and one-third innings, striking out five and walking two. Kyle Desrosiers finished up on the mound for EP holding Lincoln scoreless.
Jamison Sydney led East Providence with four hits in four at bats and 3 RBI. Sydney was also solid behind the plate. East Providence played flawless defense with no errors.
A lead late for win over Cranston East
East Providence baseball Townies snatched the lead late in their 1-0 victory over Cranston East Varsity in a home game. The game was tied at zero in the bottom of the sixth when Kyle Desrosiers laid down a sacrifice bunt, scoring Aiden Martins with the games only and winning run. Martins reached on an infield single. Max Correiro had flown out to left-center with Martin advancing to second base. Desrosiers then bunted Martins home for what would be the winning run.
Each team pitched well with each registering five strikeouts. Lefty Hallene earned the win for East Providence. The starter surrendered two hits and zero runs over seven innings, striking out five and walking one. Edward McClung took the loss for Cranston East. The righty went six innings, surrendering one run (zero earned) on four hits, striking out five and walking two. Jamison Sydney, Aidan Martins, Max Correiro, and JJ Renaud each had a hit for East Providence.
Defeat Westerly 8-3 behind Desrosiers 10K pitching
Kyle Desrosiers struck out 10 batters as East Providence beat the always tough Westerly Bulldogs 8-3 last month. Kyle Desrosiers scattered seven hits and two runs over six innings while walking just one. The bulldogs scored in the first when Dante Pruitt singled in a run to lead early 1-0.
East Providence jumped into the lead in the bottom of the first when Max Correiro hit a sacrifice fly, scoring one run, Kyle Desrosiers tripled, scoring two runs, and a wild pitch scored one run. The Townies extended their lead to 5-1 in the bottom half of the second.
Jamison Sydney, East Providence number eight hitter, led the team with two hits in three at-bats. Gavin Palombo went 1-for-3 at the plate and led the team with two runs batted in. Jayden Healey led East Providence with two walks. Overall, the team had six walks for the game. Jayden Healey and Aidan Martins each stole two bases for the Townies with Ep stealing seven bases in the game. Jose Figueroa pitched one inning of relief for the Townies. (Some game stats here provided by GameChanger, Inc. 2026)
EPHS Boys Tennis
The Boys Tennis team took care of business against Tiverton on April 29th, sweeping the Tigers 7-0.
EPHS Boys Volleyball
The 8-2 boys volleyball team defeated East Greenwich 3 games to 0 on April 29th. The Townies were led by Seniors Alex Robinson with 26 Assists, Ean Williamson 20 Digs as well as junior Ethan Pereira with 12 Kills.
EPHS Golf
And also 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.
Team Standings as of April 30th according to the RI Interscholastic League
Baseball: 10-2
Softball: 9-3
Lacrosse Girls: 2-3
Outdoor Track Boys: 4-1
Outdoor Track Girls: 4-2
Tennis Boys: 9-1
Volleyball Boys: 8-2
The East Providence Reporter will update school athletics at www.ReporterToday.com. If you would like more coverage of your school or team, contact bobrodericks@gmail.com.
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