After dropping a tough opening day decision to Westerly, the Cranston West girls soccer team would bounce back to hold off Lincoln 2-1 in the home opener last week.

West got on the board early when junior Saniyya Chase found the back of the net. Chase would double the West lead late in the half with a header to give the Falcons the 2-0 advantage.

Although the Lions got on the board in the second half and pressured the West defense down the stretch, the Falcons were able to hang on to secure their first win of the year.

“It was good to start off with a goal and we were able to hold them off in the end. We played a good first half but just need to clean up the second half. We just wanted to win, we were coming off a loss and really wanted this.” said Chase, who credited teammate Guilia Dorsey on setting up the highlight reel header. “It was a great shot by Guilia, but I was just there.”

West’s four-year starter Oceanna Orlandi finished the day with 8 saves in net.

The Falcons endured a rebuilding year in 2023 but improved as the season wore on to finish with three wins and a playoff berth. With plenty of returning upperclassmen in the fold, including some key players at all positions, Chase believes that the team has the depth and connection to make a run in DI.

“We have really good team chemistry, we all like each other and we work well as a team. We work well together, we talk, we have fun, it’s a family. Everyone can play at the varsity level here and everyone plays their role,” said Chase.

Although West was happy to get its first win, the late surge by the Lions was also a wakeup call moving forward.

“It made us aware that we had to play cleaner in the back and hold possession more, have cleaner passes. We’re playing some really good competition this year and we’re going to have to play cleaner,” Chase said.

The team faced off Bishop Feehan in a non-league game on Saturday and tied 0-0. Chase and Sarah Pimental scored for West in the opener against Westerly. The Falcons were back in action on Tuesday night against Cumberland, but the results were unavailable at press time.