Sports Roundup: Thunderbolt Swimming Teams off to Scorching Start

The Cranston East boys swimming team has started the season by winning four straight meets and remain undefeated at the mid-point of the season. They trail South Kingstown in the Division II standings by half a game, as the Rebels have started the season with five victories in a row. The Thunderbolts have outscored their opponents by 108 points on the season, winning each meet by an average of 27 points.

Swimming has been an area of strength for East all season long. The Thunderbolts girls swimming team is in third place in the Division II standings, with a 4-1 record. Their only loss was to unbeaten, 6-0, and division leading Westerly High School. East has rebounded from that defeat and have won three straight meets, each by 17 points or more.

Cranston West's girls swimming team sits in first place in the Division III standings, having compiled a 6-1 record. North Providence, who sits a half game back at 5-1, handed them their only loss on January 18th. It was a narrow defeat, as North Providence won 49-45.

Cranston East boys hockey has continued their momentum and are making a playoff push, attempting to climb up the standings. They have won 5 out of their last six games and now sit in fifth place in the Division III standings with a 6-4 record in league play. Their only loss in the last six league games, came to undefeated Johnston/North Providence. The Thunderbolts should have gained confidence from that loss, as the Cougars won the game 2-1. East put a pounding on Warwick Vets this past Saturday, winning 15-0. The Bolts winning ways should continue this weekend, when they face winless Woonsocket, who they crushed 16-0 earlier in the season. East gets a rematch with Johnston/North Providence Friday February 10th at Smithfield Municipal Rink.

The Cranston West Falcons boys hockey team snapped their five game losing streak this weekend, defeating North Kingstown. West lost to the Skippers two weeks ago, North Kingstown's only victory thus far. The Falcons are in 8th place in Division I and need to put together a winning streak in order to qualify for the playoffs.

Cranston East's boys basketball team sits at 5-5 in Division I league play and faces an important game on Monday night against Coventry, with whom they are tied in the league standings. The Thunderbolts are 2-2 in their last four games and look to get back on the winning track on Monday night.

The Cranston East girls basketball team sits in sixth place in the Division II league standings, with a 5-6 league record. The Thunderbolts face two important games this week. Wednesday they travel to Warwick Vets, to take on the struggling (1-9 in league play, 2-14 overall) Hurricanes. On Friday night, East will host West Warwick. West Warwick sits above the Bolts at 6-5 in league play. With two victories, the Bolts can position themselves for a playoff berth.