The Pilgrim softball team dropped games to first-place La Salle and Cranston West as the Division I playoffs get set to begin later this week.

The Pats had La Salle on the ropes as they led 3-2 in the sixth inning in Providence, but the Rams would put up five runs in the bottom of the inning to take control. Despite Pilgrim scoring three runs in the top of the seventh, two of which coming on a home run by Genna D’Amato, the Rams would come up with the final two outs to close out the win.

D’Amato finished the day with three RBI on two hits while Madison Tuirok and Skylar Hawes also knocked in runs. Pitcher Gretchen Dombeck pitched all six innings and allowed four runs while striking out five batters.

The Falcons wasted little time on offense on Monday, 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 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. 

The Pats were back in action against La Salle in the regular season finale on Wednesday at home. Despite the losses, Pilgrim maintained control of second place in DI.