Rhode Island Girls HS Preview: Eight Teams Now In Two-Division Format

Eight teams will again participate in Rhode Island Girls HS hockey. The RIIL had gone with a two-division format of four teams each this winter.

Division 1 will have defending champion LaSalle, East Bay Eagles, South County Storm and the Burrillville Co-op.

Division 2 consists of Smithfield Co-op, Cranston/East Greenwich, Mt. St. Charles and Warwick Co-op.

DIVISION 1

LASALLE ACADEMY (12-0-0)

Coach: Sean McMamara

The three-time defending state champs enter the new season without their top five scorers from a year ago but don’t expect them to backslide too far, if at all.

With that, seniors Patrice Dafonte, Kendal Brown, Bitsy Walsh, Aimee Rego and Hannah Pezzelli, and junior Sofia Calabro will be relied upon heavily to pick up the slack. Expect freshmen Maddie Bradley and Eliza Barker to contribute immediately.

A stingy defense is paced by seniors Jaiden Tonucci and Carina Cardi, junior Adrianna Dooley and sophomore Allison McNally. Look for freshman Maeve Kelly to see some time.

A key for the Rams is the return in goal of junior Kate Grivers (0.63 gaa). A new freshman in goal is Ava Zoppo.

SOUTH COUNTY STORM

Coach: Sydney Collins

Looking to challenge in the new division format, the Storm boast a good group of returning players.

The forward group is powered by junior Jade Shabo and sophomores Julianna Bucci, Ginger Osgood and Josie Dinonsie. Three freshmen added are Mia Moffitt, Lauren Avedisian and Mackenzie McCarthy.

Sophomores Katja Keegan and Michaela Bucci, and junior Melanie Morrison will handle things defensively.

The Storm also return both goaltenders in juniors Veronica Sabatino and Meredith Mason.

EAST BAY EAGLES (7-5-0)

Coach: Mike Cox

The Eagles will fly with a younger team this winter, one that plans to put in the necessary hard work to achieve success.

Up front, senior Tayler Defraites and junior Peyton Whittet (11 pts) will be vital to the East Bay offense. Two freshmen to watch are Addyson Whittet and Margeaux Boneu.

Defensive cornerstones are senior Layla Rappleye and junior Mallory Cox (12 pts).

Junior Sara Turillo should get the call between the pipes.

** The Burrillville co-op will also be in Division 1. No information was available as of post time.

DIVISION 2

MT. ST. CHARLES CO-OP

Coach: Vanessa D’Andrea

With the majority of its roster back, the Mounties are primed to make some noise.

Senior captain Riley Trudeau leads a host of returning formers that includes senior Allison Murphy, juniors Rachael Mahalaris, Leah Laquerre and Ava Pitocchi, sophomores Olivia Marcoux and Keira Niquette, and freshmen Sasha Senn and Spencer Cameron.

On defense, look for senior Sophia Ziniti, juniors Brooke Forget, Nicole Manning and Alexis Vercauteren, and sophomore Olivia Sturtevant.

In net, senior captain Grace Davenport and junior Sarah Hartenstine form a solid unit.

SMITHFIELD/COVENTRY/MOSES BROWN

Coach: Kerri Nadeau

Utilizing a strong defensive game, this co-op is ready to be a challenger, looking to play each opponent tough.

A good group returns up front, led by senior Mia Stilley (8 goals), junior Ava Pomposelli and sophomore Alyssa DiMaria (6 goals). Sophomore Sienna Chin-Gerding and freshmen Camylle Ursillo and Kaylin O’Connor will contribute.

Three defensemen return in junior Lauren Falls (6 pts), senior Kristi Georgantis and sophomore Quinn Faria.

Two new goalies – freshmen Ava Porter and Abby Enos – join returning senior Kylie Whelan.

CRANSTON/EAST GREENWICH

Coach: P.J. Bessette

The Thunderbirds may lack overall experience, but they will have fun competing in the league.

Junior Ava Gallonio and sophomore Braelyn King will be key forwards. Sophomore Lyric Watts is a key defenseman, with junior Hailey Davis doing the job in goal.

WARWICK CO-OP

Coach: Donald Centracchio

Chariho has joined this co-op arrangement which will help with overall numbers as Warwick aims to be in the mix in Division 2.

Having junior goaltender Mary Centracchio, a first team all-state selection last winter, back will be a big help.

A young forward to watch is freshman Ayla Paley.