East Electrifies Hurricanes

A strong offensive performance by one opposing player wasn't enough to overcome the Cranston East girls' basketball team Monday night.

The Cranston East Thunderbolts (6-6, 5-5 in league play) faced a road game against Warwick Vets (5-8, 2-7 in league play). The Hurricanes Jessica Arnold had a huge night, scoring 32 points, but East came away with the 63-54 victory.

Arnold knocked down two three-pointers and a jump shot in the beginning of the game, the last three givoing her team a 9-6 lead. Bolts junior Erinn Reilly sank a three to tie the game and a fast break layup by senior Jesse Handler capped off an 8-0 run for East.

The Bolts Emely Ramirez drilled a three with about seven minutes left in the first half, upping the lead to 22-14. Warwick Vets responded as Brittany Alejo sank a layup cutting East's lead to 25-19.

During the next four minutes of play, the Bolts went on a 9-0 run. Reilly made a three ball and had an assist during the run. Cranston led 34-21 at halftime.

"We played very well in the first half," Bolts coach Rick Perrotta said.

Early in the second half, East had a 43-29 lead. Arnold was key during a 9-2 run, which cut their deficit to 45-38. She scored four points during the streak.

With about five minutes left in the game, Arnold capped off a 9-3 run with a fast break layup. The Hurricanes were charging back and trailed 51-47.

But the Bolts sealed the victory over the next three-and-a-half minutes. They played strong defensively during their 11-2 run to put the game out of reach. Junior Kelsy Evje scored four of her 13 points during the run. East won the game 63-54.

Rich Perotta, Bolts head coach, was satisfied with the victory. "Always good to get a win on the road," he said, "They [the Hurricanes] are a good team."

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