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

SALEM SNAGS SEASON’S FIRST WIN

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PIGEON FORGE TN- Salem started their trip down to Tennessee off with a positive note on Monday taking down North Baltimore 7-2.

A Channing Toy triple helped the Quakers get on the board in the first inning.  The Quakers would then keep their foot on the gas in the second frame blowing up for 4 more runs. Morgane Blaine, Mave Johnson, Paige Menough & Mikayla Sneltzer would all score. Emilee Lewis, and Mikayla Sneltzer had big hits to charge the offense.

Lewis, and Lauryn Barton both had multiple hits on the day for the Quakers. They were joined by great performances from Morgane Blainey, Hadley Carlisle, Lainey Thorpe, and Mave Johnson.   Blainey set the tone in the circle for Salem.  She only allowed 4 hits to the North Baltimore offense.

CHAMPION GETS A PAIR OF CONFERENCE WINS IN ONE DAY

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By Noah Ricks 


WARREN, OH – The Champion Golden Flashes showed the community that they are still a dynasty to be reckoned with. It was evident in a short-notice doubleheader against Brookfield. They won Game 1, 17-1, and Game 2, 17-0, respectively, to improve to 4-0 on the young season.

 

In Game 1, Brookfield would strike first as Arianna Jones’ RBI brought home Madisyn Fisher for a 1-0 lead. Champion, however, exploded over their first four innings at-bat with 17 unanswered runs, with all but one of the eleven players in the lineup getting on the board. Gabby Gradishar led the charge with 4 runs off of 2 hits. Her pitching was the highlight, though, as she was able to strike out 16 batters in the first game and gave up only one hit in the five innings pitched.

 

The dominance continued into Game 2, with 17 more runs compiling a total of 34 runs overall on the night. Gradishar would cash in 13 more strikeouts off of 1 hit to bring her statline to 29 strikeouts and 2 hits overall. She would also pile up a nice 6 RBI game, along with getting two two-run home runs in the doubleheader. Addie Warzala would pick up 3 runs off of 3 hits in Game 2 while Bella Meyer, in the same game, had 2 tag-homes off of 2 hits.

 

With many rainouts around the area, both teams showcased the ability to play it all out and get two games in on a short notice. Champion (4-0) is determined to win their first state championship in five years and tenth overall, and this early season push is all in the manner of them taking it one game at a time. Brookfield (0-3) will use these tough defeats to gain much-needed experience, as they gave it everything they had against a state powerhouse like Champion.

 

YSN’s Noah Ricks got to speak with Player of the Games Gabby Gradishar and Bella Meyer following the doubleheader. You can watch the interviews below.

BOARDMAN SPLITS SPRING BREAK DOUBLE HEADER

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COCOA BEACH FL- Boardman fell to Oak Harbor 2-1 on Monday on the final play of the game. The game was tied at one in the bottom of the eighth when Porter Gregory singled, scoring one run. Both teams were strong in the circle. Oak Harbor pitchers struck out four, while Boardman sat down 11.

Oak Harbor were the first to get on the board in the fifth when Alyse Sorg doubled, scoring one run. Maddie Wymer hit a sacrifice fly, which helped the Spartans tie the game at one in the top of the sixth.

Sorg earned the win for Oak Harbor. The starting pitcher surrendered four hits and one run over eight innings, striking out four and walking two. Tori Strines took the loss for Boardman. The right-handed pitcher went seven and one-third innings, surrendering two runs one earned on five hits, striking out 11 and walking three.

Wymer led the Spartans with one run batted in. Leadoff hitter Strines led Boardman with two hits in four at bats.

GAME 2

Boardman bounces back from losing game 1 as they outsted Oak Harbor 5-3 in game 2 on Monday. Oak Harbor jumped out to the lead in the top of the first inning after Tatum Baumgartner doubled, scoring one run, and Allie Giezie singled, scoring two runs.

Boardman took the lead, 4-3, in the bottom of the fourth thanks to two walks.Addie Kowacich earned the win. The right-handed pitcher surrendered seven hits and three runs (zero earned) over seven innings, striking out one and walking three. Alyse Sorg took the loss for Oak Harbor. The starting pitcher went three and two-thirds innings, giving up four runs on two hits, striking out three and walking five.

Maddie Wymer, Ava Freeborough, Tori Strines, and Leah Habeger each drove in one run for the Spartans. Kowacich led with two hits in three at bats. Strines paced the offense with two walks. Overall, the team had patience at the plate, amassing six walks for the game. Boardman turned one double play in the game.

 

CANFIELD BATS BACK UP ANOTHER TOTH NO HITTER

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NORTH MYRTLE BEACH SC- In a commanding display of pitching prowess, the Canfield Cardinals opened their campaign in The Grand Strand Classic with a resounding 3-0 victory over the Bluefield Beavers from Bluefield, West Virginia. Senior standout Malena Toth delivered a masterful performance, tossing a no-hitter while recording an astonishing 19 strikeouts.

The matchup marked a rematch from the previous season’s encounter in Myrtle Beach, where the Beavers handed the Cardinals their first loss of the regular season with a narrow 2-1 victory, disrupting Canfield’s perfect 10-0 record.

Once again, it was a pitcher’s duel from the outset, with both Toth and Bluefield’s Isabella Smith showcasing their skills in the circle. Canfield wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, as Marina Koenig’s one-out triple in the early innings set the stage for the Cardinals’ first run, scored on a passed ball.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, Koenig’s heads-up baserunning added another run for Canfield amidst defensive miscues from Bluefield, extending the Cardinals’ lead to 2-0.

Toth continued to dominate on the mound, tallying an impressive 17 strikeouts and keeping the Beavers hitless through six innings. She also contributed offensively, driving in a run with an RBI double in the bottom of the sixth inning, bolstering Canfield’s lead to 3-0.

As the game progressed into the final frame, Toth remained in control, sealing her bid for history with a flawless no-hit performance, striking out a remarkable 19 batters.

With the victory, Canfield improves to 3-1 and sets their sights on their upcoming matchup against the Pleasure Ridge Park Panthers from Louisville, Kentucky, scheduled for tomorrow with a noon first pitch. On the other hand, Bluefield (5-1) suffered their first defeat of the season and will aim to bounce back in The Grand Strand Classic.

Fans can stay updated with Canfield softball throughout the season, with live games, scores, stats, stories, and more available on YSN.

RANGE ROLLS IN FIRST GAME IN GRAND STRAND

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MYRTLE BEACH, SC- In a commanding performance, the South Range Raiders outplayed the University Hawks with a resounding 12-0 victory on Monday. Anna Aey showcased her talent at the plate, delivering three hits in four at-bats. Her standout performance included a double in the second inning, followed by singles in the first and fifth innings.

The Raiders wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Gretchen Bartels igniting the scoreboard in the first inning, driving in two runs with a timely single. Building on their early lead, South Range struck again in the second inning, as Solena DeJesus and Keira Brogan contributed to the offensive onslaught, setting the stage for Aey’s double and Jayli Wilt’s run-scoring fielder’s choice.

In the circle, Wilt dazzled, earning the win for the Raiders. The right-handed pitcher held the Hawks to just one hit over five innings, fanning nine batters while issuing only three walks. Maddie Campbell took the loss for the Hawks, enduring a challenging outing, allowing six runs (four earned) on five hits in two innings of work.

Fueling South Range’s offensive juggernaut were DeJesus and Wilt, each delivering multiple hits. The Raiders displayed discipline at the plate, drawing five walks throughout the game, with Addison Wardle and Heidi Bartels leading the charge with two each. In the field, the Raiders were flawless, committing zero errors, with Bartels showcasing defensive prowess with seven notable plays.

Campbell provided a lone bright spot for the Hawks, securing a hit in two at-bats. However, it wasn’t enough to thwart the Raiders’ dominance on the diamond.

The Lady Raiders (3-0)will be back in action tomorrow at noon against South Florence, the game will once again be broadcast on YSN.

 

FITCH BLOWS THE DOORS OFF OF SPRING BREAK OPENER

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In an emphatic display of dominance, the Austintown Fitch Falcons soared over the Shady Spring Tigers from West Virginia in the Grand Strand Classic held in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Falcons secured a resounding 16-0 victory.

The Falcons wasted no time asserting their superiority, with pitcher Sydnie Watts showcasing her prowess by striking out three batters in the top of the first inning. Austintown Fitch capitalized on their defensive effort, surging ahead in the bottom half of the inning with a four-run burst, highlighted by a two-run inside-the-park home run from “Ace of Bases” Ayla Ray.

Watts continued her stellar performance in the circle, navigating through the second inning with precision, striking out three more batters. However, it was Austintown Fitch’s explosive offense that truly stole the spotlight, erupting for an astounding 12 runs in the bottom of the second inning. The Falcons unleashed an offensive onslaught, pounding out nine hits, including six for extra bases, to accumulate a dozen runs.

With a commanding lead established, Vita Kelty entered the game and efficiently closed out the third inning, securing the mercy-rule victory for Austintown Fitch. Both Ayla and Kaliana Ray were named Players of the Game for their stellar performances. “K-Quick” Kaliana, consistently reached base for the Falcons, while “Ace” Ayla Ray ignited the offense from the top of the lineup.
With the win, Austintown Fitch improves to 2-0 and sets their sights on their upcoming matchup against the Penfield Patriots from Penfield, New York, scheduled for Tuesday, April 2nd, with a 10 a.m. first pitch.

Fans can stay updated with Austintown Fitch softball throughout the season, with live games, scores, stats, stories, and more available on YSN.

CLIPPERS TAKE A PAIR TO END TRIP TO THE BEACH

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Columbiana were victorious against Buckeye 4-3 on Saturday. Columbiana got on the board in the top of the first inning after Caitlynn Pleska tripled, and Pleska stole home, each scoring one run.

The Clippers added to their early lead in the top of the third inning after Cameron Perkins grounded out, and Pleska hit a sacrifice fly, each scoring one run. Sarah Michaels hit an inside the park home run, scoring two runs in the bottom of the fourth for the Bucks.

Mackenzi Gamble earned the win for Columbiana. She allowed seven hits and three runs over seven innings, striking out eight and walking none. Olivia Matras took the loss for Buckeye. The right-handed pitcher went four innings, surrendering four runs (two earned) on five hits, striking out two and walking one.

Pleska drove the middle of the lineup, leading the Clippers with two runs batted in. The shortstop went 1-for-2 on the day. Ava Davanzo, Alivia Bell, Maryn Hepler, Pleska, and Perkins each collected one hit. Columbiana didn’t commit a single error in the field. Perkins had the most chances in the field with nine.

GAME 2

Alexis Sperling drove in four runs on one hit to lead Columbiana past Hazard 15-5 on Saturday. In the third inning, Sperling hit an inside the park grand slam. The Clippers got on the board in the top of the first inning after Megan Moser singled, scoring three runs, and Alexis Davis drew a walk, scoring one run.

Columbiana extended their early lead with two runs in the top of the second thanks to RBI hit by pitches by Landry Smith and Moser. They added seven more runs in the top of the third inning on four hits. Bella Roush singled, scoring two runs, Sperling hit an inside the park grand slam, and Paige Smith drew a walk, scoring one run.

Peyton Stoy earned the win for Columbiana. She allowed four hits and two runs over three innings, striking out five and walking none. Braylynn Eddington took the loss for Hazard. The right-handed pitcher went two innings, giving up nine runs (eight earned) on four hits, striking out none and walking six. Kyla Hogan began the game for Columbiana. The starting pitcher surrendered five hits and three runs over two innings, striking out one and walking one.

The Clippers amassed 10 hits in the game. Moser led  with three hits in three at bats. Roush collected two hits in three at bats. Columbiana had patience at the plate, accumulating 12 walks for the game.

Davis, Lia Shipe, Hogan, and Smith led the team with two free passes each. The Clippers ran wild on the base paths, accumulating five stolen bases for the game. They also didn’t commit a single error in the field. Sperling had the most chances in the field with six.

LOUISVILLE STAYS UNBEATEN

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Bailee Griffith drove in four runs on four hits to lead Louisville past Northwestern 10-2 on Friday.

Griffith singled in the fourth scoring two, doubled in the third scoring one, and singled in the sixth scoring one. Katelyn Miller struck out 11 batters on the day. She also gave up four hits and two runs over seven innings while walking two.

Louisville got on the board in the bottom of the second inning after Addy Campbell hit a sacrifice fly, and Northwestern committed an error, each scoring one run.

The Leopards added to their early lead in the bottom of the third inning after Kenzi Denzer singled, Griffith doubled, and Leah Claugus singled, each scoring one run.

Two more Leopards  runs crossed the plate in the sixth inning to extend the lead to 10-2. Matti Benson hit a solo home run to right field, and Griffith singled, scoring one run.

Taylor Wurst started the game for the Huskies. She surrendered eight hits and eight runs (four earned) over three and two-thirds innings, striking out three and walking two.

Louisville accumulated 13 hits in the game. Denzer, Anna Sirohman, and Claugus each collected multiple hits. The Leopards were sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. Campbell had the most chances in the field with 11.

Gaby Cuber provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led the Huskies with two runs batted in. The infielder went 1-for-2 on the day. Wurst, Cuber, Smith, and Nussbaum each collected one hit. Northwestern turned one double play in the game.

LIBERTY BLASTS THEIR WAY TO SEASON SWEEP

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Sarah Spisak drove in four runs on three hits to lead Liberty past Newton Falls 15-3 on Thursday. Spisak hit a home run to center field in the sixth inning, scoring three runs, and singled in the third inning, scoring one. Chloe Fleps struck out 16 batters on the day. She also allowed seven hits and three runs over six innings while walking none.

Newton Falls got on the board in the first inning after Abby Wolford hit a solo home run to center field. They then added one run in the second after Ella Downing singled.

Liberty flipped the game on its head in the top of the third, scoring seven runs on three hits to take a 7-2 lead. The biggest blow in the inning was a single by Phoebe Gilbert that drove in one.

Four more Leopards runs crossed the plate in the sixth inning to extend the lead to 15-2. Spisak homered to center field, scoring three runs, and Sara Horn singled, scoring one run.

Autumn Willaman led things off in the circle for Newton Falls. The starting pitcher allowed four hits and six runs over two and one-third innings, striking out none and walking eight.

Liberty amassed 17 hits in the game. Fleps led with four hits in five at bats. Horn and Gilbert each collected multiple hits. Liberty had a strong eye at the plate, piling up nine walks for the game. Horn, Rachel Strohmeyer, and Mia Parker led the team with two bases on balls each.

The Leopards were sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. Spisak had the most chances in the field with 16.

Wolford and Downing each collected two hits for Newton Falls. Wolford, Downing, and Kylee Lance each drove in one run.