Ponaganset Softball Stuns Johnston, Secures Spot in D-II Championship

PROVIDENCE — Ponaganset's impressive run through the Division II softball tournament continues as they prepare for the final weekend of play. On a perfect Tuesday evening at Rhode Island College, the Chieftains delivered another upset, this time defeating Johnston 5-2. Key contributions from Claire Barrett and Ella McKenney at the plate, along with Mattea Mello's stellar pitching, propelled Ponaganset past their opponents.

The Chieftains, seeded seventh, have eliminated several teams along their journey, including Barrington, Kent County, and Portsmouth. Only the top-seeded Lincoln remains as they advance to Saturday's title match. Barrett made a significant impact early, hitting an inside-the-park home run in the second inning that reversed a deficit and put Ponaganset ahead 3-2. McKenney later secured the victory with a two-run triple in the fifth inning.

Mello showcased her skills in the circle, retiring eight consecutive batters on two separate occasions and allowing only two runs, both scored in the first inning. “This is a big confidence builder for our team,” Mello expressed. “I feel like we’re going to keep carrying this energy to the weekend.”

The Chieftains faced some challenges in the second inning, but a double by Haleigh Mooney and a walk from Elke Pearson set the stage for Barrett's powerful hit, which solidified Ponaganset's lead. Barrett remarked, “Finally coming together. Bringing our energy up. Everyone is doing what we need to do to win the games.”

Johnston initially took the lead in the first inning with a run on a walk and a single, but the Chieftains quickly turned the tide. Mello, who struck out 14 batters while walking just two, credited her teammates for their support during the game. "I love pitching in games like this with big crowds," she said. "My team was so good. They were supporting me all the way. I fed off their energy."

Ponaganset's path to the title round has been fueled by a tough regular season, which included matches against several Division I opponents. This victory marks their second championship round appearance in three years, where they will face Lincoln again at 7:30 p.m. Barrett reflected on the journey, stating, “It’s honestly amazing... it just feels amazing being under the lights. Mattea throwing that last pitch and us winning the game — it was honestly the best feeling."