Still in 1st

The Cranston East softball team’s emergence as a DIII contender continues as it sits at 8-0 and in firm control of first place in the standings.

The Bolts have been the division’s most complete team to this point this season as they have been dominant in all phases of the game.

Freshman pitcher Isabella Sousa has been lights out in the circle and threw her first no-hitter last week in the team’s 2-0 win over Shea. Sousa and company hosted Tiverton the next game with the winner claiming sole possession of the top seed, and the Bolts made a statement by rolling to a 6-0 shutout.

“These past two games we have been so excited. We just come into every game with the most energy possible and this game, the score reflected that. Our team chemistry is insane, everything has been great for us. It’s really been blending. Our chemistry has led to this, things have meshed and that’s important. Being friends with your team and that’s what helps us work together so well,” said Sousa after the win against Tiverton, who was also thrilled to get her first no-no. “It was the best feeling ever. It was an insane moment for me, it was unreal.”

The Bolts jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first two innings against Tiverton and never looked back. Sousa allowed just two hits and racked up 14 strikeouts. Nevaeh Fatorma went 3-for-3 at the plate and knocked in two runs while Mariah Means-Waldorf drove in three runs on two hits.

“It feels amazing. From freshman year winning no games, then last year pulling through, now here we are. Having fun is important. We’re confident and before each game, we tell ourselves that we’re going to win,” said Fatorma of the team’s blazing start.

The Bolts have also used aggressive base running to their advantage and added six more stolen bases against Tiverton, with Fatorma accounting for three of them.

“It’s big, in practice we work on base running a lot, we work on our speed. Our speed is good,” said Fatorma.

Sousa added: “It’s such an advantage, every extra base you can take means something. Those extra bases converted to extra runs and that really defined the game for us.

The Bolts will now enter the back half of their schedule as the team to beat in the division. After returning to the playoffs last season, East is confident that it is ready to take that next step toward a championship, especially with a new ace in the circle.

“(Sousa’s) been amazing, especially when she pushes through games like today, when she threw her no-hitter, that felt amazing for the whole team,” said Fatorma. (The key will be to) keep hitting the ball, keep our defense sharp and Izzy staying sharp like she is right now.”

Sousa has been thankful to have a solid core behind her as she settles in as the team’s present and future ace.

“Just knowing that being in the game is important. I know I have my team behind me. It doesn’t matter if we’re ahead, if we’re down, I know that these girls are there for me and that is what helps me be calm in the circle,” said Sousa.

The Bolts faced defending champion Mount St. Charles on Monday and collected another win, rolling to a 14-3 decision.

Fatorma led the way at the plate with three hits and three RBI. Sousa racked up 12 strikeouts in five innings and allowing one run.