The Pilgrim softball team is rolling in Division I and won its first six games as it looks to make a deep run in the postseason.

The team picked up a 7-6 win against city rival Toll Gate last week. The Pats mounted a 7-0 advantage but the Titans would score six unanswered runs, but were unable to catch up as Pilgrim earned the win.

Genna D’Amato and Madison Tuirok each had two hits while D’Amato and Marin Prest drove in runs for Pilgrim. Gretchen Dombeck earned the win in the circle and struck out two batters.

Abbi O’Connor knocked in two RBI for the Titans while Avry Dewar, Emma Harrold and Ava DelVicario also drove in runs. 

Pilgrim turned around to beat visiting Chariho 5-3 on Monday afternoon in another close battle. Pilgrim held a 3-0 lead but the Chargers tied things up in the top of the sixth. The Pats managed to score a pair of runs in the bottom half of the inning and closed the door in the seventh. 

D’Amato came up big once again, driving in three runs on two hits. Adrianna Pettinato and Carli Harker each drove in runs in the sixth inning to regain the lead for Pilgrim. Gabriella Santiago earned the win in relief, tossing 1 1/3 innings, allowing no hits, no runs and picking up a strikeout. 

The Pats look to be a strong contender once again in the crowded Division I field. D’Amato and Prest return as veteran seniors for the group while Pilgrim boasts an impressive sophomore class, headlined by Tuirok, who leads the team in hits and runs, and Sylar Hawes, who has three home runs this season.

“That’s the key, we return almost the entire team from last year. There’s a lot less teaching that needs to be done, the young kids are picking it up quick with that experience,” said Pilgrim coach Carlos Rodas. “We’re very fortunate (to have) that (sophomore) class. I think Skylar and Maddie Tuirok are two of the top five players in the state. That doesn’t happen every time and as coaches we feel very fortunate.”

Pilgrim has taken on a variety of teams across different divisions with the Rhode Island Interscholastic League’s new RPI format. The Pats, although unbeaten, have had their share of tests as their last three wins came by a combined four runs. 

“I think it’s been eye opening for the girls. We’re using some of these games to get ready for the iron of our schedule, but maybe we’re in our opponents’ crosshairs a bit,” said Rodas.

Pilgrim faced West Warwick on Wednesday, but the results were not available at press time. The schedule will intensify with matchups against division powers in the coming days, as Pilgrim will be taking on Chariho, Cranston West then Coventry in its next three games, all of which are in the top six of the DI standings.

Of course, the Pats will also be taking on unbeaten, first-place La Salle twice down the stretch in what could be a championship preview. 

“La Salle is the two-time defending state champions. Until someone knocks them off, the division will go through them,” said Rodas. “We’re going to keep chopping away here and hopefully have a chance to take a hack at them.”