Monday's RIIL Playoff Highlights: Key Wins in Softball, Volleyball, and Baseball

EDITOR'S NOTE: Coaches are asked to submit game results each weeknight by emailing pjsports@providencejournal.com between 6 and 10 p.m.

The North Kingstown softball team kept its championship hopes alive thanks to a dramatic walk-off home run by Mia D’Andrea. In a nail-biting contest against No. 9 Prout, the fourth-seeded Skippers secured a 4-2 victory on their home field. With one out remaining, D’Andrea launched a two-run homer to left, completing a comeback that started with a single from Alexis St. Germain. This win propels North Kingstown into the Division I losers’ final against No. 2 Chariho on Wednesday at 5 p.m. at Rhode Island College.

North Kingstown's lineup was bolstered by strong performances from Amelia Fries, D’Andrea, and Ella Mezzanotte, who collectively accounted for six of the team's eight hits. St. Germain not only contributed offensively but also excelled in the pitcher’s circle, allowing just one hit while striking out twelve batters and issuing one walk.

In the Division II losers’ semifinal, Ponaganset pulled off a significant upset, defeating third-seeded Portsmouth 15-5. The standout for the Chieftains was Ella McKenney, whose impressive performance included a three-run home run and six RBIs. Natalia Scorpio also made her mark with a two-RBI double in the first inning, giving Ponaganset a strong start. The Chieftains will face No. 2 Johnston in the losers’ bracket final on Tuesday at Rhode Island College.

Meanwhile, in boys volleyball, Mt. Hope advanced to the Division III championship by sweeping Hope 3-0. The Huskies showcased their dominance with key contributions from Jackson Gould, Bradley Harrington, and Dylan Oliveira, ultimately winning the match with scores of 25-16, 25-19, and 26-24. They will now await the winner of the matchup between St. Raphael and Exeter-West Greenwich in the finals on Saturday.

In baseball, Blackstone Valley Prep secured a thrilling 9-7 victory over Exeter-West Greenwich in the Division III Pod 2 final, marking a significant milestone for the program in just its third season. Alex Torres delivered a stellar performance, both on the mound and at the plate, leading BVPCF to a championship matchup against the undefeated Woonsocket.