The Cranston Western Little League softball senior team fell in its state championship series against Portsmouth in three games.

Portsmouth would roll to a 19-8 win in the best-of-three clash, but CWLL would rebound to win 15-6 the next game. Portsmouth would take an early lead in Game 3 and hold off a CWLL push to get the win and punch its ticket to regionals.

Gianna Tocci and Daniella Garcia led CWLL at the dish in the three games, combining for 13 hits and 11 runs. Lexi Montalban pitched 14 innings across two games and picked up 12 strikeouts.

Natalia Garcia-Maxcy was clutch behind the plate as well, securing two outs at the plate and allowing just four passed balls in three games.

CWLL coach Caroline Crudale was proud of her team’s performance, especially considering that the team had little time to prepare as a unit prior to the series.

“It was great that the girls came back to win the second game. It felt good that the girls clicked because we only practiced for three days and then we were in the states. These girls played their hearts out and did a phenomenal job,” Crudale said.

Each team had potent offensive lineups, so pitching was key in the three games.

“Both teams could hit the ball. We hit the first game and then the game changer was in the second game, we started Lexi Montalban at pitcher and it was her first real senior game and she was lights out. Limited walks, great fielding behind her. Portsmouth had a lights out pitcher as well, but once we hit her, we started making contact and getting lucky on hits,” said Crudale.

Although the girls’ run was cut shorter than the ultimate goal, Crudale has no doubt that the team will be right back in the mix next summer.

“These girls are eligible to play next year so I think that they have a real shot to make it to regionals. These girls have what it takes” said Crudale. “With the training that they do in the spring and fall, they are only going up from there. They have that competitive edge and if they keep at it, they can definitely make it to regionals next year.”

Members of the CWLL All-Stars included: Anastacia Hafferty, Ava Wiggin, Daniella Garcia, Natalia Garcia-Maxcy, Kiara McGarty, Gianna Tocci, Mikayla Taveira, Dawn Malaga, Leanna Garcia, Tatianna Pacheco, Lexi Montalban and J’Lani Santana. Coaches were Caroline Crudale and Paul Pacheco.