The reigning Division III champion Cranston East softball team is rolling this spring as it sits at 3-0 in league play.

The Bolts most recently beat Central at home on Monday in an 11-1 win. Cydnee Meekins led the way at the plate with four RBI on two hits while Gianna Tocci drove in a run on three hits. Nevaeh Fatorma scored three runs in the win as well.

Pitcher Lexi Montalban pitched five innings, allowing just one run while striking out eight batters to pick up the win in the circle.

East had a huge season in 2024, finishing undefeated and as DIII champs. It was the first title in program history.

Now, with some familiar faces and some new ones, the Bolts are hungry to defend their title and look to be in good shape to do so.

“We have the same mentality going into the season. That grit and that want to fight our way to the top. We lost a few seniors that were a big part of the team, but everyone is so flexible and willing to adjust to new positions. The underclassmen have stepped up which has been huge,” said East coach Jordan McHale.

Fatorma and Jaeda Viveiros return as team captains this season. Fatorma rose to be one of the division’s top players and McHale is expecting the Assumption-commit to produce on and off the field once again.

“I’m expecting big things. She’s a natural athlete, she’s a captain, I have faith that she’s going to lead this team along with Jaeda. She’s a fantastic player,” said McHale.

Montalban has stepped into the circle in her first year as the team’s full-time starter. She has made an immediate impact and has allowed just three earned runs in the team’s three league contests.

“She’s crushing it. She’s taking the opportunity and running with it. She worked hard all winter and it’s showing,” said McHale, who has also been impressed by Meekins’ breakout as she leads the team in average, runs, RBI, hits and slugging percentage. “She’s a hitter. She can crush it. I had no doubts in my mind. She’s got the confidence, she knows she can hit that ball.”

As the Bolts prepare to make another deep run, McHale hopes that last year’s title will help the team maintain its confidence and take pride in building a long-term contender.

“They’re so capable of doing this all the time, they’re capable of being a top team regardless of the situation we’re in,” said McHale. “They know they can build something big with this team for years to come. Their confidence is up and it’s going to carry.”