FALCONS FINISH OFF UNDEFEATED TRIP TO THE BEACH

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By Ty Bartell 

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH SC- The Austintown-Fitch Lady Falcons’ varsity softball team wrapped up their participation in the 2024 Grand Strand Classic at Field #3, a converted baseball field at the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Recreation Center, with an unblemished 3-0 record in the tournament and an undefeated 4-0 mark on the season, culminating in a dominating 19-0 victory over the Princeton, West Virginia Lady Tigers (7-5) in an early Thursday morning matchup.

From the outset, the Falcons set the tone with a commanding 9-run outburst in the top of the first inning, fueled by three hits, two hit-by-pitches, and three walks. They continued their offensive onslaught with four runs in the third inning and five more in the fourth, invoking the mercy rule to conclude the contest.

Leading the charge were the dynamic Ray sisters, who occupied the top two spots in the lineup. Freshman center fielder Kaliana Ray showcased her prowess, going 3-for-3 with a walk, including a triple and a pair of doubles, while scoring every time she reached base. Senior shortstop Ayla Ray made her presence felt with six RBIs, highlighted by an inside-the-park grand slam home run, her second homer of the season, to cap the explosive opening frame. She also contributed with RBI singles in the third and fourth innings. Both ladies contributed with some dynamic defensive plays.
Sophomore catcher Kylie Folkwein added three RBIs, including a two-run triple, while sophomore infielder-pitcher Jewels Farmer chipped in with an RBI infield single as a pinch-hitter in the fourth.

On the defensive side, junior pitcher Sydnie Watts and senior designated player/left-handed pitcher Vita Kelty combined for a four-inning no-hitter, supported by a strong defensive effort from their teammates. Watts, a Georgia Tech verbal commit, recorded four RBIs with a bases-clearing double in the first inning and another RBI double in the fourth.

Additional contributions came from various players, including sophomore second baseman Sam Severn, who went 2-for-3 with a pair of singles, and sophomore infielder Abby Toth, who walked and scored a run.

With the victory, Austintown-Fitch improves to 4-0 on the season and looks to build on their early success. Fans can stay updated with Austintown-Fitch softball throughout the season, with live games, scores, stats, stories, and more available on YSN.

LADY CARDS FIGURE IT OUT AT THE BEACH

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MYRTLE BEACH, SC- In a spectacular display of power hitting, Leah Figueroa led the Canfield Cardinals to a convincing 10-0 win over Spring Mills  Cardinals on Thursday at North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex.

Figueroa’s bat was on fire as she smashed two home runs, totaling four RBIs on the day. Her impressive display of hitting prowess came in the third and sixth innings, leaving the opposition struggling to contain her explosive offense.

Pitcher Malena Toth was equally outstanding in the circle,  delivering a masterclass and perfect performance with 16 strikeouts. Toth’s dominance stifled the opposing batters, as she kept them at bay with zero hits and zero runs allowed over six innings, issuing no walks in the process.

The Canfield Cardinals wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Faith Morell igniting the offense in the third inning with a triple that brought in a run. An error further contributed to the Cardinals’ early lead before Figueroa’s first home run of the game added two more runs to the scoreboard.

In the sixth inning, Canfield continued to pile on the runs, with Alexa Ignazio and Jessica Shugart contributing RBIs before Figueroa once again showcased her power with another towering home run.

The Cardinals’ offense was firing on all cylinders, amassing an impressive 12 hits throughout the game. Sydney Lutz and Faith Morell led the charge with multiple hits each, providing ample support for Figueroa’s offensive onslaught.

Defensively, Canfield Cardinals Varsity exhibited precision and composure, committing zero errors in the field. Figueroa was particularly active, handling the most chances with 16 opportunities.

With this dominant performance, the Canfield Cardinals have set the stage for further success as they look ahead to their next challenge back in the Buckeye State against Boardman on Tuesday. 

SOUTH RANGE CATCHES WAVE OF MOMENTUM IN VICTORY

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MYRTLE BEACH, SC- In a commanding performance on Thursday, Gretchen Bartels showcased her hitting prowess, driving in five runs on three hits to lead the South Range Raiders to a resounding 13-1 victory over the Harbor Creek Huskies.

Bartels wasted no time making her mark, delivering a clutch double in the first inning to bring home two runs for the Raiders. She continued her offensive onslaught in the second inning with another pivotal double, driving in three more runs to extend South Range’s lead.

The Raiders’ early offensive surge was further bolstered by Jayli Wilt’s RBI single in the first inning and Giada Pauline’s bases-loaded walk in the second, underscoring the team’s depth and versatility at the plate.

On the defensive side, Wilt was stellar on the mound for South Range, allowing just three hits and one unearned run over five innings while striking out seven batters. Her commanding presence and precision pitching kept the Harbor Creek offense in check throughout the game.

Despite a determined effort from Harbor Creek’s Talon King, who battled through five innings, the Raiders’ relentless hitting barrage proved too much to handle. South Range capitalized on their opportunities, amassing an impressive 15 hits against the Huskies’ pitching staff.

Joining Bartels in the offensive onslaught were Anna Aey and Keira Brogan, each contributing three hits to the Raiders’ formidable lineup. Pauline also made her presence felt with two hits, showcasing South Range’s depth and offensive firepower.

Although the Harbor Creek Huskies managed to muster some offensive production, including hits from Brooke Przybylski, Addison Lucas, and Rylee Vogt, their efforts were not enough to overcome South Range’s dominant performance.

As the game progressed, South Range demonstrated their defensive prowess, turning two double plays to thwart any potential rallies from the Huskies and maintain their commanding lead.

With this impressive victory under their belts, the South Range Raiders continue to assert their dominance in the league, poised for further success as they march forward in pursuit of their championship aspirations.

MOHAWK BRINGS DOWN THE BULLDOGS

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Lydia Cole drove in four runs on two hits to lead Mohawk past Poland 11-1 on Wednesday. Cole doubled in the second inning, scoring two runs, and hit a home run to center field in the fifth inning, scoring two.

Mohawk jumped out to the lead in the bottom of the second inning after Cole doubled, scoring two runs, Reagan Magno singled, scoring one run, and Mylie Pistorius homered to right field, scoring two runs. They then scored two runs in the bottom of the third on a home run to center field by GiGi Cowher. Cole homered to center field, scoring two runs in the bottom of the fifth. Leanne Williams hit a solo home run to right field in the top of the sixth for the Poland.

Cowher earned the win for Mohawk.  She surrendered two hits and zero runs over five innings, striking out seven and walking three. Olivia Horn took the loss for Poland. The starting pitcher went four innings, giving up nine runs on 12 hits, striking out two and walking none. Maddie Behlke appeared in relief for Mohawk.

The Warriors accumulated 16 hits in the game. Cole, Magno, Alivia Hare, Pistorius, Cowher, and Gianna Pezzuolo each collected two hits. Mohawk was were sure-handed and didn’t commit a single error. Pistorius made the most plays with 10. Williams went 2-for-3 at the plate for Poland as the first baseman led the team with one run batted in.

RIDGE’S WALL STOPS ROCKETS IN THEIR TRACKS

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Aaliyah Wall collected three hits in three at bats, as Mineral Ridge defeated Lowellville 8-0 on Wednesday. Wall hit a solo home run to center field in the first inning, singled in the second inning, and singled in the fourth inning. The Rams got on the board in the top of the first inning after Lowellville committed an error, Wall homered to center field, and Savannah Turek doubled, each scoring one run. They  extended their early lead with two runs in the top of the second thanks to RBI singles by Laney Rigley and Wall.

Turek earned the win for Mineral Ridge. The starting pitcher allowed zero hits and zero runs over three innings, striking out six and walking none.

Maddie Gerberry collected two hits for the Rams in three at bats. Rigley, Sullivan Sandy, and Turk each stole multiple bases. The team stole eight bases in the game. Mineral Ridge was sure-handed and didn’t commit a single error. Wall made the most plays with six.

KNIGHTS RESPOND WITH A BLOWOUT

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Savannah Regan drove in four runs on three hits to lead Archbishop Hoban past Pike County Central 16-0 on Wednesday. Regan doubled in the fourth inning, scoring two runs, and doubled in the fifth inning, scoring two. Hoban scored 12 runs in the fifth inning on the way to victory. Madison Shenigo singled, scoring one run, Elli Weigand singled, scoring one run, Ashlyn Stepp induced Kalie Watson to hit into a fielder’s choice, but one run scored, Regan doubled, scoring two runs, Taylor Gerring doubled, scoring one run, Adeline Herstich singled, scoring one run, an error scored one run, Nevaeh Peters singled, scoring two runs, and Weigand singled, scoring two runs.

The Knights opened the scoring in the top of the first thanks to two singles. They first got on the board when Mya Akers singled, scoring one run.

Alivia Havanas earned the win for Hoban. The righty surrendered two hits and zero runs over five innings, striking out eight and walking one. Stepp took the loss for Pike County Central. They went four and two-thirds innings, allowing 14 runs (nine earned) on 15 hits, striking out none and walking four.

The Knights piled up 18 hits in the game. Regan, Weigand, and Peters each collected three hits. Gulia Scaglione, Akers, and Shenigo each collected multiple hits. They turned two double plays in the game. Hoban was sure-handed and didn’t commit a single error. Peters made the most plays with eight.

LADY RAIDERS FALL SHORT IN THE RAIN

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MYRTLE BEACH, SC- In a hard-fought battle under the cloudy skies of Myrtle Beach, South Range Raiders displayed their trademark resilience, despite succumbing to their first loss of the season 3-0 in a condensed 5-inning clash against Louisa County Lions.

Solena DeJesus took the circle for the Raiders and delivered a valiant effort, recording an impressive 12 outs throughout the game, showcasing her pitching prowess against a formidable opponent.

Despite the Raiders’ determined defensive efforts, Louisa County Varsity Lions managed to capitalize on their opportunities at the plate. Alyssa Hopkins proved to be a formidable force for the Lions, driving in two crucial runs with a powerful double in the first inning, followed by another run in the second after a well-timed single.

Although Lily Ruckle of Louisa County earned the win with a stellar pitching performance, allowing zero runs and striking out six batters over five innings, DeJesus exhibited commendable grit on the mound for the Raiders.

Despite the outcome, the Raiders demonstrated their offensive capabilities, with Gretchen Bartels, Keira Brogan, and Riley DeCiancio each contributing a hit to the team’s effort.

Hopkins led the charge for Louisa County with her impactful hitting, driving in two runs and going 2-for-3 at the plate. Additionally, Laci Garrett’s three-hit performance, including two stolen bases, further bolstered the Lions’ offensive onslaught.

While the loss may sting, the South Range Raiders remain undeterred, their spirits unbroken as they continue their journey in pursuit of victory. With their resilience and determination intact, the Raiders are poised to bounce back stronger than ever, ready to overcome any challenges that lie ahead on the diamond.

The Raiders will try to rebound Thursday at noon against Harbor Creek.

HOBAN ON THE WRONG END OF OFFENSIVE MARATHON

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PIGEON FORGE TN- Both teams put up a bunch of runs, but Archbishop Hoban fell to Madisonville-North Hopkins 10-9 on Tuesday. The Maroons collected 14 hits, while Hoban had 12.

The Knights fell behind by six runs in the fourth inning, but then tried to fight back. They closed the gap by scoring on a home run, a single, and a triple. North Hopkins got on the board in the first inning after Addy Prow singled, scoring two runs. The Knights tied the game in the bottom of the first thanks to a ground out by Taylor Gerring, and a single by Mya Akers.

Hoban took the lead in the bottom of the third. Savannah Regan scored after tagging up, to give Archbishop Hoban Varsity Knights the advantage, 3-2.

The Maroons flipped the game on its head in the top of the fourth, scoring seven runs on five hits to take a 9-3 lead. The biggest blow in the inning was a double by Bri Petitt that drove in two. Gulia Scaglione homered to right field, scoring two runs in the bottom of the fifth for the Knights. Jaela Bottoms hit a solo home run to center field in the top of the seventh for North Hopkins.

Mackenzie Stoltz earned the win for North Hopkins. She surrendered 12 hits and nine runs (eight earned) over seven innings, striking out eight and walking none. Alivia Havanas pitched four innings in relief for the Knights. The reliever gave up four hits and one run while, striking out eight and walking none.

Gracelyn Schultz stepped in the circle first for Hoban. The starting pitcher gave up 10 hits and nine runs (eight earned) over three innings, striking out three and walking one.

Hoban collected 12 hits in the game. Scaglione provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led with four runs batted in. The 3-hole hitter went 3-for-4 on the day. Scaglione, Akers, and Regan each collected three hits. Madison Shenigo collected two hits in two at bats.

CANFIELD GIRLS HAVE A DAY IN DOUBLE DIP

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MYRTLE BEACH, SC- In an impressive double-header performance, the Canfield Cardinals emerged victorious in back-to-back games on Tuesday at North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex, dominating both Pleasure Ridge Park Panthers and Lewisville.

In the first game, Sami Economous showcased her offensive significance, driving in four runs on three hits to lead the Cardinals to a commanding 16-2 victory over the Panthers. Economous ignited the scoring in the third inning with a triple, bringing in two runs, and followed up with a crucial single in the fourth inning, adding two more to the tally.

Canfield wasted no time asserting their dominance as Sydney Lutz’s double in the first inning put them on the scoreboard. Despite a brief tie in the bottom of the first, the Cardinals surged ahead in the second inning with Marina Koenig’s single driving in two runs, setting the tone for the game.

In the circle, Caylee Ortiz delivered a stellar performance for the Cardinals, conceding only two hits and zero earned runs over five innings, securing the win. The Cardinals’ offense was relentless, amassing an impressive 20 hits, with Alexa Ignazio, Koenig, and Economous leading the charge with three hits each.

In the second game, Canfield continued their dominance, shutting out Lewisville with a commanding 10-0 victory. The Cardinals wasted no time establishing their lead, capitalizing on errors in the first inning and extending it further in the second inning with key sacrifices from Caylee Ortiz and Jenna Triveri.

Malena Toth took charge on the mound for the Cardinals, delivering a stellar performance, allowing just two hits over five innings while striking out eight batters.

Triveri emerged as the offensive standout, driving in three runs for the Cardinals, while Toth led the team with two hits in four at-bats. Macey Kalina showcased patience at the plate, drawing two walks, and contributing to the Cardinals’ impressive offensive display.

Defensively, the Cardinals were flawless, committing zero errors, with Leah Figueroa making standout plays with eight chances in the field.

With these impressive victories under their belt, the Canfield Cardinals look ahead to their next challenge against Greenbrier Christian Academy Gators on Wednesday, aiming to maintain their winning momentum.

FITCH PUTS ON ANOTHER SHOW

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By Ty Bartell

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH SC- The Austintown-Fitch Falcons softball team continued their early-season dominance with a commanding 7-0 victory against the Penfield Patriots from Penfield, New York, as part of The Grand Strand Classic in North Myrtle Beach.

The Falcons wasted no time asserting their authority in the top of the first inning, as Kaliana Ray drew a leadoff walk and promptly stole two consecutive bases. This set the stage for Ayla Ray’s sacrifice fly, driving in her younger sister and giving Fitch an early 1-0 lead.

Fitch extended their lead in the top of the third inning when Abby Toth belted a triple to center field, paving the way for Kylie Folkwein’s RBI single. Later in the inning, Morgan Roby, Sam Severn, and Lily Stevens contributed with three consecutive hits, pushing Fitch’s advantage to 4-0 after three innings of play.
In the following inning, Abby Toth once again showcased her hitting prowess, leading off with another triple. A wild pitch then allowed Toth to score, further extending the Falcons’ lead to five runs.
The Falcons kept the pressure on in the top of the fifth inning, adding two more runs with back-to-back hits from the Ray sisters. Kaliana Ray’s single was followed by Ayla Ray’s triple, bringing home Kaliana. Abby Toth continued her stellar performance with an RBI single, tallying her fourth hit of the day and giving Fitch a commanding 7-0 lead.

Meanwhile, in the circle, Sydnie Watts delivered another outstanding performance, tossing a two-hit, one-walk, 17-strikeout shutout through seven innings of work.

Post-game interviews with Players of the Game Sydnie Watts and Abby Toth, along with Head Coach Steve Ward, provided insight into Fitch’s impressive victory.
With the win, Fitch remains undefeated at 3-0 and looks ahead to a double-header scheduled for Wednesday, April 3rd, in North Myrtle Beach, pending weather conditions. Fans can stay updated with Austintown-Fitch softball throughout the season, with live games, scores, stats, stories, and more available on YSN