By ALEX SPONSELLER The Cranston West girls lacrosse team has jumped out to a solid 3-3 start this season and looks to make a postseason run in next month’s playoffs.

The Falcons best win to date came in a 14-0 shutout over Johnston. Aria Lee led the way with four goals while Julia Levy added three. Delanie Short scored a pair of goals in the win, while Amber Paquette, Kylie Paliotta, Estella Kue, Michaela Consiglio and Emily Abendroth all added one apiece. Goalie Rachel Zarrella recorded six saves.

Lee has been on fire to date, and also had a six-goal game in a loss to Chariho earlier in the season.

Despite jumping out to a 3-1 record, the Falcons have hit a bump in the road suffering consecutive losses to Pilgrim and North Kingstown.

Although West is feeling some urgency after the tough week, coach Bianca Madonna has been encouraged by the team’s effort in the losses.

“Some of our losses have been good losses. The intensity has been there and the girls have played their hearts out. Although it’s a loss, it’s a win in the book because they’re learning from that experience. We can capitalize on a loss, practice a few things and have it help us,” said Madonna.

Madonna added: “It’s going better than we expected. As a team, a lot of the girls have either played on travel teams or played in the offseason. We are losing six seniors, but we have a very good underclass coming up. Our main focus is the girls playing together and helping each other. As a team, we work really well together which makes an impact on the field.”

Through the first six games, the West defense has been stingy and has kept the Falcons in every game that they have played. Madonna hopes to see the offense click as the schedule enters its back half.

“We are very strong on the defensive end, our defense has stepped up tremendously throughout the whole season. Offensively, we have a few players that are crucial. Right now, we are just trying to find a balance. We need the offense to set up a little bit more, get after ground balls, go through our transitions a little better,” said Madonna.

The Falcons took on Lincoln on Wednesday, but the results were not available at press time.

Looking ahead, Madonna hopes the team will improve offensively while continuing to work well as a unit.

“Our biggest thing that we need to work on is our transitions. That is one key thing that we struggle with. Also, capitalizing on turnovers,” said Madonna. “We’re a fast-paced team so we play better against fast teams. That gives us the momentum to get the ball moving. We just need to keep doing what we’re doing - working hard, motivating each other, and being good role models.”