The Cranston West softball team earned a statement win on Monday afternoon when it rolled past second-place Pilgrim,12-3.

The Falcons were coming off a 2-1 extra inning loss to St. Ray’s and also fell to the Pats in a 3-2 extra inning battle earlier this season. The Falcons wasted little time on offense, going up 2-0 in the first inning and scoring four more in the third to take a 6-1 lead. West had another four-run inning in the fifth to run away with the decisive victory.

Nicole Silvestri led the way at the plate, going 3-for-3 with three RBI and a home run. Mia Santomassimo also added a pair of RBI on two hits while Payton Wells hit a two-run home run as well.

Pitcher Mia Crudale got the complete game win, allowing just one earned run on five hits while striking out six batters. 

Pilgrim was led by Madison Tuirok, who knocked in two runs while Brianna Raleigh added another.

“This is a confidence booster after a tough loss to St. Rays. That score didn’t reflect how well we hit. This was a good confidence booster and with the RPI, it’s good for us,” said West coach PJ Bessette.

“We knew we had to come in and play our A-game. We knew we had to control the game and support (Crudale) with our bats. My goal was just contact,” said Silvestri. 

Silvestri has recently been working her way out of a slump at the plate, and her bat will be needed as the Falcons gear up for a Division I playoff run.

“It was good to get Nicole back, sometimes she tries to do too much as the number four hitter, but tonight she played loose. She was more comfortable and hit the ball hard. That was great,” said Bessette, who was also proud of Crudale, who shook off a shaky fifth inning by shutting the door on Pilgrim in the last two at bats. “Mia is tired, she’s pitched a lot of innings in not a lot of days. But we kept her out there, she battled and finished strong,” said Bessette.

The Falcons are set to play their season finale on Thursday against Cumberland. From there, the team will enter the playoffs as either the fourth or fifth seed.

The Falcons reached the state championship last season as a surprise team considering its young roster. Now, the Falcons are confident and seasoned as they look to finish the job.

“This was an important game and we had to leave it all out there. We came back ready to go. Our experience helps keep our composure, helps us stay calm and help each other through things,” said Silvestri. “Our energy is a big thing, if we have it, we do good.”

Bessette added: (Our experience) is what’s going to carry us. The seniors have stepped up, it’s hopefully going to be a good run for us. We’re starting to play how we’re supposed to be playing.”