The Johnston boys volleyball team has had a solid start after being elevated to Division II this spring, as it currently sits with a 4-3 record.

The Panthers earned some hard-fought wins in the process, beating Woonsocket and Pilgrim 3-2 while also defeating Central 3-1. The Panthers beat the Villa Novans twice.

Johnston’s losses came against Central Falls, Westerly and most recently undefeated, first-place Lincoln on Tuesday night. 

After winning back-to-back titles in DIII, the Panthers still managed to go 12-5 and reach the postseason last year with largely a new core. The Rhode Island Interscholastic League realigned the divisions heading into the seasons and decided to bump the Panthers up to DII.

Key returners for the Panthers have been all-division standout Balla Marone as well as Ryan Carvalho and Santo DiRaimo.

Here are some other updates on Johnston’s teams: 

BASEBALL

Chariho 8, Johnston 1

The Johnston baseball team is searching for its first win after losing, 8-1, to Chariho on Monday.

Matt Clements drove in Jayvin Adamo for the team’s lone run. Adamo finished the day with two of Johnston’s three hits.

Aiden Neil took the loss on the mound but finished with 10 strikeouts for Johnston.

SOFTBALL

St. Ray’s 3, Johnston 0

The Panthers were dealt their first loss of the season when Saints’ ace pitcher Isabella Sousa clinched the no-hitter.

Johnston pitcher Haley Boudreau was sharp as well, tossing a complete game and racking up 17 strikeouts.