Season Preview: Cranston East Girls Field Hockey

Despite struggling to make the playoffs the past few seasons, The Cranston East girls Field Hockey Coach Robert Finelli believes that his team cares more about winning this season and is going to work hard to make the playoffs.

The Thunderbolts have started the season 2-2-1 and are coming off a tough overtime loss to Tollgate on the road. After the game, Finelli said a loss like the one to Tollgate wouldn't have affected his team emotionally all that much last season.

"The upside in all of this is, last year I think they would've just packed up their stuff and went home and forgot about it. No big deal. But we've got girls over there that are visibly upset."

Finelli continued, "It matters to them now. And if that's what comes out of this, then that's great. It bothers them now. And that's a good thing."

The team's newly discovered drive looks like it will propel the Thunderbolts into viable contention for a playoff spot. Finelli stresses the slogan "make winning matter" to his team and despite the loss to Tollgate, they've already had an undefeated week and have the opportunity to bounce back from the tough loss.

Cranston East will have a couple difficult games coming up, including a newly founded Athletic Director and Chief's Cup game against South Kingstown. The other will be just as challenging, as the Thunderbolts will face off against the defending champion Smithfield Sentinels next week.

Some key players on the Cranston East squad are attackers Talya Fishbach and Nina Steiner, whom coach Finelli describes as a ferocious athlete, and Beatrix Kanno, all among the best players in the state, Finelli said. Mollie Maguire anchors the defense and Melody Francisco is in goal for the Thunderbolts.

"Melody Francisco is as good or better than any goaltender I've seen in the state. I know there is a lot of great goalies in the state of Rhode Island, but I'll keep mine," Finelli said.

"It's a team effort and we've just gotta go to work," Finelli said.