The Cranston East softball team is enjoying a big turnaround season in Division III and recently clinched a spot in the upcoming playoffs.

The Bolts struggled last season, failing to win a game. This spring has been different, though, as they are currently 6-7 in league play, good for fifth in the division. After a slow start to the spring, East has gone 5-3 down the stretch.

“They are so willing to work hard every day. They have that grit and hunger to get those wins. They’re not satisfied with their record, they want more,” said East coach Jordan McHale, who has seen the team’s confidence grow in recent weeks. “They’re walking up to bat now thinking they’re going to crush that ball. It’s a huge difference to be able to go up there and not doubt yourself. The last few years were a little tough, but the fact that they could turn it around and play with confidence, that has helped us get those wins.”

East picked up two big wins last week, beating Classical 13-2 the edging Rogers in a 14-13 comeback win in extra innings.

Jazelle Monteiro led East at the plate against Classical, going 2-for-4 with four RBI while Trisha Lizarda also knocked in two runs. Maya Mendonca got the win in the circle, going five innings and picking up 10 strikeouts.

Rogers jumped out to a big 8-1 lead through the first two innings, but East would chip away and go on to score seven runs in the final two at bats to force extras. Rogers scored three runs in the top of the eighth, but the Bolts would respond once again and put up four runs in the bottom half to get the walk-off win.

Jaylanie Rosado led East at the plate going 4-for-4 with two home runs and four RBI. Leanna Garcia went 3-for-5 with three RBI.

As the playoffs approach, McHale hopes that the players continue to ride the momentum, believe in themselves, and rise to the occasion as the division’s new dark horse.

“It’s 100 percent going to be the confidence and knowing that they can keep up with these teams. We’ve got a little bit of depth, we have girls that are willing to learn, we have freshmen that we have thrown in that have been able to play. They have been able to ask seniors questions and they’re willing to learn so it’s great to have that,” said McHale. “We have seniors that can reflect on the past two years and have that knowledge. To be able to have that and be able to teach these kids is huge. Having these wins will help their confidence grow in the next few years.”