The Cranston Co-op boys’ hockey team picked up its first in-state win of the season on Friday, edging Division I-Eccleston Barrington 3-2 on a late goal by Zachary Torres. 

The Falcons jumped out to a 2-0 lead, getting a goal from Jaycob Hargreaves in the first period with Justin Neary picking up the assist. 

Cranston continued that momentum into the second period, when Neary once again set up a teammate, this time Nicholas Kopsick, for a goal that pushed the lead to 2-0. 

Barrington would battle back, though, as Nick Bernardo found twine midway through the second frame to cut the Eagles’ deficit in half, 2-1. 

And Barrington continued its comeback bid early in the third period, as Dominic Robidoux found the equalizer just over three minutes into the third, tying the game at 2. 

But with only one minute, 32 seconds left in regulation, Cranston would find the game-winner off the stick of Torres. Austin Alzate and Sam Eacueo picked up helpers on the late goal. 

Darren DeAngelis picked up the victory in goal for West, turning aside 24 of 26 shots sent his way. 

With the win, the Falcons improved to 2-9 overall.  

Cranston will be back in action in search of its first divisional win on Friday, when it travels to Smithfield for an 8:30 p.m. puck drop. 

East wrestling continues strong season

The Cranston East wrestling team is putting together one of its strongest seasons in recent memory, as it currently sits at 10-1 in the Division II standings. 

The ’Bolts are coming off of a 3-1 week, in which it defeated Smithfield 60-24 on Monday, before defeating Middletown 59-12 on Wednesday. 

East then hosted a tri-meet on Thursday, splitting a pair of matches. It coasted past Ponaganset 51-21, and suffered its first loss at the hands of East Greenwich, 42-30. 

The ’Bolts were set to travel to West Warwick on Tuesday and host Burrillville on Wednesday, but results were unavailable at press time.