By ALEX SPONSELLER The Warwick girls hockey co-op split its first two games of the season this winter, topping Cranston/East Greenwich 6-4 then falling to South Country 8-1.

Georgia Feld led the way against Cranston/EG in the opener with two goals and an assist while Ella Centracchio and Meg McCamish each scored a goal and an assist. Katherine Canning and Faith Kennedy also added goals in the win. Goalie Mary Centracchio racked up 31 saves in net for the Lady Titans.

McCamish scored Warwick’s lone goal against La Salle while Feld helped on the assist. Mary Centracchio finished with 46 saves.

The Lady Titans have a young roster this season, but is still led by a solid six senior leaders.

New Warwick coach Don Centracchio has been pleased with the team’s start and is excited to integrate the younger players into the mix.

“We’re very excited about the team. They’re young, but we have six seniors. We have a large base of freshmen and sophomores so that will sustain the program for the future, we have a (sophomore) goalie, our core is going to be strong,” said Centracchio. “Our program has a lot of beginners, but they are all athletic and develop quickly. I’m hoping that now they get their reps every day and can start to develop. We’re starting to adapt, they’re going to start to realize that it will be hard work and there will be good teams out there. They’re trying very hard and sometimes their inexperience gets in the way of them producing. But we have two solid lines, five defensemen, and we just need practice. The players are there every day, work hard, ready to learn.”

He is especially proud of his group’s resiliency after going through a two-week quarantine as well as a delayed start to the winter.

“We suffered through a 14-day quarantine and we started later than most schools. So we have had interrupted practices. It’s a difficult beginning, but in terms of the team gelling together, they’re doing a great job,” said Centracchio. “With that senior leadership, they’re showing the younger players the ropes and helping keep everyone positive.”

Next up for the Lady Titans will be the powerhouse La Salle Rams this weekend. Although the team is still getting up to speed, Centracchio is sure that it can compete with anyone in the state and work its way into contention.

“The ultimate goal for this year is to finish it. Our goal is for our team to stand clear of any more COVID cases, have fun and be there every day. I think that we can be a playoff team, I am confident in them, I think that we can make it deep in the playoffs,” said Centracchio.

In his first year leading the way, he has also appreciated the support of the school department and parents when dealing with the unusual season.

“It’s difficult. I’m not so much concerned about the coaching aspect because I have been coaching hockey for 28 years. But following all the COVID protocols at the rink, in practice. Having to communicate through email more. It’s almost like not getting into coaching as much as you thought,” said Centracchio. “Myself along with the school department and parents have been working very hard to give these girls a season.”