Cranston National Budlong softball and the Cranston Ravens have had a great deal of success in recent years, and will look for more of the same heading into this season.

CNB offers Little League recreational programs for girls ages 9-18, while the Ravens produce Amateur Softball Association teams for girls ages 5-18.

CNB and the Ravens have both been successful in multiple divisions.

Last year, the CNB Little League All-Stars won state titles at both the Minors and Majors Divisions, with the minors team winning the New England title and placing third at the Eastern Regionals. The majors team placed sixth in the Eastern Regional.

The Ravens compete in Class-B at the ASA level and often defeat Class-A teams in tournaments throughout the season.

As for achievements last season, the 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U and 16U teams all had impressive seasons, highlighted by the 8U and 10U teams claiming ASA state championships. The 12U, 14U and 16U teams were all state runner-ups.

In a total of 61 tournaments spanning over all divisions in 2014, the Ravens earned 14 first-place finishes, while placing in second in nine tournaments and finishing in third in two other tournaments.

The Ravens’ program is open to all girls throughout the state, while the CNB Little League all-stars are only for girls within the CNB boundaries, with the girls also having to play in the CNB recreational league.

Those who wish to play all-stars can tryout following the spring recreational season.

CNB was Cranston’s first fast-pitch softball league, establishing itself in 2000, with many players joining the league in 2012 – the year that the Cranston Ravens were established.

As the league continues to have success, the hope is that the number of players will continue to grow.

P.J. Bessette is the President of the new CNB Girls’ Softball League, and also serves as the Chairman for the Cranston Ravens. Bessette is happy with the way that the programs have progressed in recent years.

“We’ve grown each year, and we’re still growing,” Bessette said.

Bessette is also the head softball coach at Cranston East and has had a number of softball players from the CNB ranks go through East and play for the ‘Bolts.

He has seen it firsthand that CNB softball and the Ravens prepare players well for the next level.

Although the leagues are competitive, the goal is to have fun while players learn the skills to hopefully move on to play at a higher level.

“It’s about the girls learning the game, fundamentals and having fun,” Bessette said. “We hope that when the girls get to high school, they’ll have a chance of making their teams.”

In terms of playing fields, the complex at Aqueduct is in the process of being converted into an all girls’ softball complex.

For allowing this to happen, Bessette wanted to thank Tony Liberatore and his parks and recreation staff for accommodating the growing interest of the league.

Tryouts are set to be held on Saturday and Sunday of this weekend at Cranston East from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Girls that are interested in playing can register online at cranstonravens.com or in-person at tryouts.