The Cranston co-op field hockey team is in the final week of its regular season and has beaten the odds as it sits in position to not only qualify for the playoffs, but possibly earn a home game in the first round.

The Thunderbirds’ roster is filled with 15 underclassmen, many of which had zero field hockey experience entering the year. The team has improved throughout the fall and entered the final week with a 3-4-1 record with two games remaining. If the co-op can win each of its final games, then it will be positioned for a possible home playoff game.

“They’re all excited. We’re climbing the ladder right now, starting at the bottom and taking one step up at a time. All of these girls have improved, I’m proud of all of them. We have 15 (underclassmen) and are starting a new goalie who has played unbelievable,” said coach Matt Davis.

The team most recently picked up a 2-1 win over playoff-bound Toll Gate on the road last week. Lily Tillinghast and Reece Vitale scored goals to pace the offense.

Cranston’s defense has been steady all season long, but the Thunderbirds are still looking to find consistency on offense. Davis is hoping the team takes a step forward offensively come playoff time.

“They work very hard in practice, they listen. They are like sponges and they soak everything up. We played (first place) Lincoln 5-0 earlier this season and it was not close, then we played them the following week and it was 2-0. We dominated that game but just didn’t get the scores. Defensively we’ve been great, we play well at the midfield. We just struggle to score goals,” Davis said.

The team took on Rocky Hill on Tuesday afternoon but the results were not available at press time. The Thunderbirds wrap their season up on Thursday when they host Classical for the season finale.

Chemistry has also helped the team gel fast despite its youth. With such a large core of underclassmen, that camaraderie has actually paid dividends, according to Davis.

“They’re excited and they’re having fun. They’re all friends and that is what is great about having seven freshmen coming in at once. Having those friendships helps,” said Davis.