FITCH WINS SIXTH STRAIGHT OVER THE SPARTANS

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By Ty Bartell

AUSTINTOWN OH- The Fitch softball team continued their dominance this season, this time against longtime rival Boardman on Tuesday, defeating the Spartans 12-2 and invoking the ten-run mercy rule in the sixth inning. The victory marked the second consecutive time Fitch has invoked the mercy rule against Boardman in as many days.

After keeping Boardman off the board to open the game, Fitch’s offense took charge. Freshman Kaliana Ray led off with a single and eventually scored on an RBI bunt single by junior Kylie Folkwein. Boardman tied the game in the top of the second with a double by Alex Ward who then swiped second and came home on a wild pitch. However, Fitch responded with a four-run inning, highlighted by a two RBI-single by “Ace of Base” Ayla Ray to take a commanding 5-1 lead.
Fitch’s offense continued to excel throughout the game, with key hits from junior Abby Toth, and junior Samantha Severn. Pitcher Sydnie Watts gave up a rare home run in the fourth inning to Maddie Wymer, her first of the season!

The Falcons’ offense wrapped up the game in the bottom of the sixth with a clinching RBI from Toth, securing the 12-2 victory. Ayla Ray nearly hit for the cycle and recorded three RBI, while Toth also added three RBI with two singles and a double. Severn contributed two doubles and two RBI, and Morgan Roby added an RBI and two singles.

With the win, Fitch improved to 11-1 overall and 5-1 in league play. The Falcons will face the undefeated Champion Golden Flashes on Thursday, April 25, at 5:00 p.m. Boardman (8-9) will look to bounce back as they host the Poland Bulldogs on Thursday.

TATAR SHINES ON MILESTONE DAY

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HOWLAND, OH-Brooke Tatar was absolutely electric yesterday, knocking two homers and driving in seven runs to lead the Howland Tigers to a dominating 16-1 victory over the Warren G. Harding Raiders. The game, held at Warren G. Harding, was also a milestone event as Tatar reached her 300th career strikeout—a testament to her prowess in the circle- but she also would dazzle with her bat on this career day.

Right from the first inning, the Tigers were all over the scoreboard. Tatar set the tone with a clutch single that brought in two runs. Maya Kubancsek kept the momentum going with a double that added another run to the tally. The relentless attack continued into the second inning with Madison Schmitz’s double scoring another run, followed by Tatar smashing another two-run single.

The fourth inning turned into a showcase of power with the Tigers plating six runs off six hits. Alyssa Massucci started with a solo homer, followed by Tatar’s commanding two-run shot to center, and Brianna Deeter added a solo homer of her own. Sydney VanNess chipped in with a triple that scored another run, and an error brought in yet another run. The fifth inning saw no let-up as Tatar launched another solo home run to center, part of a four-run inning that stretched the lead to 16-1.

In the circle, Tatar was just as formidable. Over three and a third innings, she gave up just one hit and an unearned run while striking out nine. This performance brought her to a career milestone of 300 strikeouts. Meanwhile, Karly Trisler faced a rough outing for the Raiders, surrendering 15 earned runs over five innings.

The Tigers’ lineup showed depth and ferocity, accumulating a total of 20 hits. Key players like Massucci, Kubancsek, Luman, Schmitz, and Deeter each collected multiple hits, demonstrating the team’s offensive strength.

Despite the tough day, Azarriah Phillips managed a hit for the Raiders, and Chayse Powell stole two bases. They also turned a double play, showcasing some solid defensive moments in a challenging game.

The Tigers are now gearing up to take on the Lakeview Varsity Bulldogs this Thursday. With the momentum from this game and Tatar’s historic performance, it’s shaping up to be another thrilling matchup!

LAKEVIEW LEAVES NO DOUBT AGAINST THE INDIANS

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GIRARD OH- Lakeview wasted no time in their 18-6 victory over Girard on Tuesday, getting their offense rolling early and fast.

Leading the charge for Lakeview was Kennedy Bartlett, who went 3-4 with an impressive 4 RBI and 2 runs scored. Hallie Capan also had a big day at the plate, driving in 4 runs with a 1-3 showing. Makenna Werner and Kalyssa Werner each contributed with 3 hits, with Makenna adding 2 RBI and scoring 3 runs, while Kalyssa drove in 1 run and scored 3 times. Ava Bacon and Izzy Haines also chipped in with 2 hits apiece and combined for 2 RBI and 3 runs scored.

On the mound, Bacon was dominant, pitching 4 innings, allowing just 4 hits and no earned runs while striking out 10 batters.

Girard’s offense had some highlights, with Caylee Wilkes driving in 2 runs on her 1-2 performance, and Ava Serrano and Malina Serrano each contributing multiple hits. Molly Durkin also added an RBI for Girard.

However, Lakeview’s offense was too much to handle, as they cruised to the 18-6 victory, showcasing their firepower and securing another impressive win.

GARFIELD SQUEEZES OUT A SEASON SPLIT WITH CRESTVIEW

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GARRETTSVILLE OH- Garfield secured a thrilling victory over Crestview on Tuesday night, earning a split in the season series with a 5-4 win, thanks to a late surge of 3 runs in the bottom of the 6th inning.

Garfield’s offense showed grit and determination, with Olivia Zicari going 1-3 with 2 RBI and scoring a run, while Gabriel Groves contributed with a 1-3 performance, driving in a run and scoring one herself. Maddie Wilson added a hit and scored a run, and Juliana Genovese scored 2 runs on her 1-3 showing.

In the circle, Genovese pitched a complete game for Garfield, battling through 7 innings, allowing 11 hits, 3 earned runs, and striking out 5 batters to secure the win.

Crestview put up a fight, with Emma Snyder driving in 2 runs on her 1-4 performance, and Katie Lissi going 4-4 at the plate, scoring 3 runs. Sadie Halloran and Eme Cook also contributed to the offense with hits and runs scored.

On the mound for Crestview, the pitcher held Garfield to just 4 hits and 1 earned run over 6 innings, striking out 6 batters.

But it was Garfield’s late-game heroics that sealed the victory, as they battled back to earn the hard-fought win and split the series with Crestview.

POLAND MAKES USE OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY

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POLAND OH – A Northeast 8 Conference game between Struthers and Poland finished with a commanding 16-5 win for the Lady Bulldogs, who improved their record to 7-8 on the season and 6-2 in Conference Play.

Olivia Horn picked up her 7th victory in the circle over 3 innings of work scattering 3 hits and collecting 6 strikeouts.  Poland Seminary’s offense ramped-up for 17 hits in the abbreviated game. Leanna Boccieri and Lilly McDonald each had 3 hits with McDonald doubling in 2 RBIs.  Mary Brant, Leanne Williams and Olivia Horn each had 2 hits with Horn plating 3 RBIs and Williams 2 RBIs.  Junior second baseman Kylie Hudran had 4 RBIs with a double and Cassie Blanch doubled in a run.
The Lady Wildcats had 8 hits in the game capped by Vivian Marker who homered in the contest and Emma Morris who had 2 hits.  Also, Ava Hall tripled and Katie Morris doubled for Struthers.  Morgan Minno took the loss on the hill for Struthers scattering 9 hits and allowing 8 runs.
The Lady Bulldogs resume NE8 Conference play at South Range on Wednesday.
*Contributed By John Boccieri

CLIPPERS CLEARED FOR HIGH ALTITUDES

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COLUMBIANA OH- Columbiana continued their dominance in the EOAC on Tuesday with a commanding 15-0 victory over Leetonia.

The offense was firing on all cylinders for Columbiana, led by Caitlynn Pleska, who went a perfect 3-3 at the plate with 3 RBI and 3 runs scored. Ella Dota contributed with a 2-3 performance, driving in 2 runs and scoring 2 herself, while Mackenzi Gamble also went 3-3 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored. Alaina Johnson reached base twice with a 2-2 showing, adding a walk and scoring 2 runs, and Landry Smith went 2-2 with 2 runs scored and a walk.

On the mound, Pleska was dominant, pitching 3 innings, allowing just 2 hits and striking out 7 batters without conceding a run. Smith followed suit with 2 innings pitched, allowing 2 hits, striking out 3, and keeping Leetonia off the scoreboard.

Columbiana’s relentless offense and solid pitching performance secured another impressive win, keeping them at the top of the EOAC standings.

CHAMPION LOOKS UNSTOPPABLE

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LIBERTY OH- Champion’s offense was unstoppable on Tuesday as they unleashed a 28-3 onslaught over Liberty, adding another win to their flawless 11-0 season.

Leading the charge for Champion’s offense was Bella Meyer, who went a perfect 5-5 at the plate with a home run, 5 RBI, and 4 runs scored. Gabby Gradishar also had a stellar game, going 3-5 with an impressive 6 RBI and scoring 5 runs. Addie Warzala contributed to the barrage with a 3-3 performance, including a home run, 6 RBI, and 4 runs scored. Sam Strock went 2-4 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored, while Bella Weber added 2 RBI and crossed the plate 3 times on a perfect 2-2 showing.

On the mound, Sam Strock pitched a solid game for Champion, going 4 innings and allowing 6 hits, 3 earned runs, and striking out 4 batters.

Despite the offensive onslaught from Champion, Liberty had some bright spots at the plate. Sara Horn went 2-2 with 3 RBI, Mia Parker added 2 hits and scored a run, and Rachel Strohmeyer reached base with a hit and a walk, scoring a run.

However, it was Champion’s day as their relentless offense and solid pitching secured another dominant win, extending their perfect season record.

WARRIORS PULL OFF THE SWEEP

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NEWTON FALLS OH- Brookfield sealed the deal with a sweep over Newton Falls on Tuesday, taking down the Tigers for the second straight day with a convincing 14-4 victory.

The offense was firing on all cylinders for Brookfield, led by Cadence Huffman’s monster performance, going 4-5 with 5 RBI and 3 runs scored. Arianna Jones contributed with a 3-4 showing, driving in 2 runs and scoring 2 herself, while Jasmine Hubbard went 2-4 with 2 RBI and 3 runs scored. Hailey Toy also chipped in, going 2-4 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored.

In the circle Madison Obermiyer pitched a solid game, going the distance with 7 innings pitched, allowing 4 runs and striking out 7. It was another impressive win for Brookfield, showing their dominance on both offense and defense!

HOBAN WALK OFF CAPS OFF LATE RALLY

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AKRON OH- In an exhilarating matchup on Tuesday night, Hoban softball staged a remarkable comeback to secure an 8-7 walk-off victory. Trailing for most of the game, the Knights scored three runs in the final two innings to claim the win in dramatic fashion.

Hoban’s offense came alive when it mattered most. Taylor Gerring led the charge with a 2-4 performance, including a crucial home run, driving in one run and scoring twice. Nevaeh Peters went 3-4 with an RBI, while Adeline Herstitch and Elli Weigand each contributed two hits and an RBI. Weigand also drew a walk, helping to fuel Hoban’s late-game rally.

Gracelyn Schultz anchored the Knights’ pitching staff, delivering a solid performance on the mound. Despite allowing 10 hits, Schultz held her composure, allowing no earned runs over 7 innings while striking out 5 opposing batters.

Facing adversity, Schultz’s resilience and determination kept Hoban in the game, giving the offense the opportunity to stage their comeback.

In the end, Hoban’s never-say-die attitude paid off as they rallied late to secure the thrilling walk-off win. The victory showcased the Knights’ ability to stay composed under pressure and their unwavering determination to come out on top. With this win, Hoban continues to demonstrate their competitive spirit and resilience as they look ahead to future matchups.

BLUE DEVILS COMEBACK AND WALK IT OFF

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MCDONALD OH- In a thrilling matchup on Tuesday night, McDonald softball found themselves in a battle against Mineral Ridge, needing to mount a comeback from a 4-0 deficit to secure a walk-off victory in extras, winning 5-4.

McDonald’s offense showed resilience as they fought their way back into the game. Isabella O’Brien led the charge, going 3-5 at the plate with 2 crucial RBIs, including the game-winning single in extra innings. Aubrey Evans also contributed with a 3-4 performance, driving in a run. Bri McCombs and Gianna Mancini added RBIs of their own, while Miley Titus went 1-4 and scored 2 runs.

On the mound, Isabella O’Brien stepped up in relief, pitching 4 innings of stellar ball, allowing no hits, no runs, and striking out 8 Mineral Ridge batters. Bri McCombs also pitched well, going 4 innings and striking out 4, despite giving up 4 runs on 4 hits.

Mineral Ridge put up a strong fight, with Aaliyah Wall leading the offense with a 2-4 performance and scoring a run. Sydney Wylie and Lily Merolillo also contributed with hits, while Maddie Gerberry and Maggie Collins each drove in a run.

Mineral Ridge’s pitching put up a solid effort, with the team combining for 7.2 innings, allowing 10 hits and 3 earned runs while striking out 4 McDonald batters.

In the end, McDonald’s comeback effort paid off, securing them a hard-fought victory over Mineral Ridge in extra innings. The win showcased McDonald’s determination and ability to rally when facing adversity, further solidifying their position as a competitive force in their league.