As head coach Katie Solitro sees it the East Providence High School softball team enters the 2024 season not so much "rebuilding," but hopefully rather "reloading."

That's what happens when a squad loses six regulars to graduation, including the sport's all-important pitcher-catcher combo. In the Townies' case, multi-year No. 1 hurler Keira Quadros and her batterymate Ava Mendence were among a core group of contributors who graded out of the program last spring.

East Providence is coming off a 10-8 regular season in 2023 at the state's top rung. The Townies won their first playoff game over Chariho before dropping their next two to Cranston West and Cumberland in the double-elimination Division I championship tournament.

"This year is going to look much different for East Providence softball," said Solitro. "We have some new faces looking to make waves in a tough division."

In the stead of the aforementioned pitcher-catcher tandem steps a handful of capable players. Sophomore Cassie Dulude and freshman Marianna Pina will get first crack in the circle with junior Hannah Bone also likely to see innings toeing the rubber.

"All three pitchers are young and lack experience at the varsity level, but have worked extremely hard in the offseason to prepare themselves for their chance," Solitro said.

Junior Emma Boisseau moves from third base to become the Townies' starting receiver. Another junior Brennyn Alves and freshman Audrey Bernard could also see time behind the plate.

Junior Mackenzie Pimentel returns to the lineup for another season as East Providence's starting shortstop with classmate Sylvie Patterson looking to become the Townies' regular second baseman after spending most of last year as the team's Designated Player (DP), the softball equivalent of baseball's Designated Hitter (DH). The other infielders on the squad include freshman Shelby Quinn, senior Natalia Palermo and senior Mackenzie Jordan.

After an outstanding debut last spring both defensively and at the top of the EPHS batting order, sophomore Trinity Provencher is back to helm centerfield. Junior Brennyn Alves, freshman Audrey Bernard and sophomore Nethania Figueroa are in the mix for the two corner spots. Bernard and Alves can also each play first if warranted. When not pitching, Pina and Bone should also see some playing time either in the infield or outfield.

"We have a bunch of returning and new talented players able to fill a variety of key spots this season, and personally I feel their potential could help lead up to a very successful season," Solitro explained. "Many have put the work in during the offseason, and it shows."

Solitro said though leading up to opening day she hasn't decided on a firm defensive lineup, "we have a lot of versatility on the field." She called the many options available to her as "a very good problem to have."

At the plate, Solitro said EPHS also has "many strong bats to choose from," but much like around the diamond she's still "trying to figure out what is the best combination to produce runs."

On the season to come in general, Solitro added, "This motivated group of girls are developing a team chemistry that I feel is going to surprise a lot of people...We're excited for another season of softball with another great group of kids that are going to give everything they have every single game."

East Providence was slated to begin its 2024 Division I schedule with three road games: April 1 in Smithfield at 4 p.m.; April 5 in Providence against Moses Brown at 4:30 p.m.; and April 9 in Warwick against Pilgrim at 5 p.m.

The Townies' first home game of 2024 is set for Thursday, April 11, against visiting LaSalle at 4 p.m.