Softball Game Preview: Pilgrim Patriots vs. Smithfield Sentinels

Pilgrim is a perfect 10-0 against Smithfield since April of 2018 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Monday. The Patriots will venture away from home to face off against the Sentinels at 5:00 p.m. Pilgrim is coming into the contest hot, having won their last three games.

Pilgrim is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Rhode Island's top teams: West Warwick, who was ranked 14th at the time (Pilgrim was ranked 17th). The Patriots put the hurt on the Wizards with a sharp 6-0 victory on Friday.

The result came thanks to Gretchen Dombeck's shutout, as she gave up just three hits. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks any time she's pitched this season.

Skylar Hawes

Runs Batted In (Career)

05/01/26 vs West Warwick	4
04/06/26 @ St. Raphael Academy	2
04/02/26 vs North Kingstown	2
05/21/25 vs La Salle Academy	2
05/08/25 vs Coventry	2

At the plate, the team relied heavily on Skylar Hawes, who went 2-for-3 with one home run, four RBI, and one double. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high. Natalie Fratus also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.

Pilgrim hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team has now struck out at least three batters in three consecutive games.

Meanwhile, Wednesday just wasn't the day for Smithfield's offense. They came up short against Chariho on Wednesday, falling 13-0. The Sentinels have struggled against the Chargers recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive lost matchup.

Pilgrim's win bumped their record up to 4-7. As for Smithfield, their loss dropped their record down to 5-7-1.

Pilgrim skirted past Smithfield 2-1 when the teams last played back in May of 2025. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Patriots since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.