FITCH BREAKS THE LONG DRAW WITH CANFIELD

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By Ty Bartell

AUSTINTOWN OH- In a highly anticipated matchup that marked the impromptu opening day of the 2024 softball season, the Austintown-Fitch Falcons clashed with the Canfield Cardinals in a showdown with 307 days in the making. Last year’s encounters between the two teams ended in stalemates, with both contests resulting in 4-4 ties after nine innings at Austintown and a 1-1 deadlock at Canfield on May 23rd.

Remarkably, both squads advanced to the state championship game following those matchups, with Canfield falling short against the Tallmadge Blue Devils and the Falcons clinching their inaugural softball state championship by defeating Anthony Wayne in the Division I final.

Returning to the diamond with much of their rosters intact, including their starting pitchers, Canfield relied on senior Buffalo commit Malena Toth, while Fitch was led by junior Georgia Tech commit Sydnie Watts.

As anticipated, the game unfolded as a pitching duel, with both Toth and Watts showcasing their prowess in the circle. The first three innings remained scoreless as batters struggled to find opportunities against the dominant arms, tallying strikeouts along the way.
However, in the bottom of the fourth inning, Fitch’s offense ignited, sparked by Abby Toth’s second hit of the game and followed by Kylie Folkwein’s two-run blast over the right-center field wall, propelling Fitch to a 2-0 lead.

The Falcons extended their lead in the bottom of the sixth inning, capitalizing on a Canfield error and driving in three more runs with an RBI double from Sydnie Watts and an RBI triple from Morgan Roby, securing a 5-0 victory on opening day.

Sydnie Watts continued her dominance in the circle, pitching her third consecutive opening day shutout, allowing just one hit, one walk, and striking out an impressive 15 batters. On the opposing side, Malena Toth pitched six innings, yielding eight hits, four runs, and striking out ten.

Both teams are scheduled to meet again on Tuesday, March 26th, although potential weather disruptions may necessitate changes. Stay updated with YSN for all game cancellations and developments throughout the season. Follow Austintown-Fitch and Canfield softball for live games, scores, stats, stories, and more on YSN as the season progresses.

Game Photos HERE: https://ysn.smugmug.com/3-25-SB-fitch-canfield/3-25-SB-canfield-fitch/106EOS1D

O’BRIEN FINDS PERFECTION OUT OF THE GATES

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Isabella O’Brien struck out 16 batters as the starting pitcher led past Sebring 14-0 on Monday. O’Brien gave up zero hits and zero runs over six innings while walking none, completing the perfect game.

McDonald got on the board in the top of the second inning after Marrissa Colarich doubled, scoring one run, Miley Titus grounded out, scoring one run, and Gianna Mancini doubled, scoring two runs.

McDonald added one run in the third. McDonald Varsity Blue Devils scored on a passed ball, making the score 5-0.

McDonald scored five runs on four hits in the top of the sixth inning. Bri McCombs singled, scoring two runs, an error scored two runs, and Titus drew a walk, scoring one run.

Allison Hoschar took the loss for the Trojans. The righty went six innings, surrendering 14 runs (four earned) on 10 hits, striking out six and walking two.

The Blue Devils collected 10 hits in the game. McCombs, O’Brien, Mancini, and Colarich each collected two hits. McCombs led the bats with three runs batted in. The left-handed hitter went 2-for-3 on the day.

Mancini and Lauren O Leary each stole multiple bases for McDonald. The Blue Devils stole six bases in the game.

McDonald gets back to action as they welcome Memorial on Thursday.

REBELS READY TO RUMBLE

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Eme Cook collected four hits in four at bats, as Crestview Varsity Rebels defeated Brookfield 10-4 on Monday. Cook tripled in the third inning, doubled in the sixth inning, singled in the second inning, and singled in the fifth inning.

Emma Snyder struck out 12 batters on the day. She also allowed four hits and four runs over seven innings while walking one.

A home run to left field by Jasmine Hubbard put Brookfield on the board in the top of the first.

Crestview jumped into the lead in the bottom of the third when Brooke Brubaker singled, scoring two runs, Lexie Huff grounded out, scoring one run, and Cook tripled, scoring one run.

Madison Obermiyrr began the game for Brookfield. The starting pitcher surrendered six hits and four runs over three innings, striking out three and walking one.

Crestview Varsity Rebels tallied 14 hits in the game. Brubaker and Cook each drove in two runs for Crestview Varsity Rebels. Katie Lissi, Snyder, and Kerrigan Miller each collected multiple hits for Crestview Varsity Rebels. Crestview Varsity Rebels ran wild on the base paths, tallying four stolen bases for the game.

Hubbard provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led Brookfield with two runs batted in. She went 1-for-3 on the day. Cadence Huffman, Hubbard, Obermiyrr, and Malufau each collected one hit for Brookfield. Arianna Jones stole two bases.

Next up for Crestview is a game at Brookfield on Tuesday.

POLAND GETS THINGS GOING EARLY

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NILES OH – Poland opened the 2024 season with a conference win against Northeast 8 rival Niles McKinley with a 16-1 win.

Junior Olivia Horn earned the mound win over 5 innings in the circle hurling a no-hitter and adding 10 strikeouts.
The Lady Bulldogs pounded 13 hits with Sophomore shortstop Eliana Thompson adding 3 hits with 2 RBI’s including a double. Leanna Boccieri, Kyle Hudran, Leanne Williams and Olivia Horn each tallied 2 hits. Boccieri doubled with 2 RBIs, Horn tripled with 2 RBIs and both stayed perfect at the plate.  Williams doubled while Hudran and Freshman Cassie Blance each tripled.
The Lady Red Dragons and Lady Bulldogs return to NE8 action tomorrow at Poland.

LIPPIATT BREAKS RUN RECORD IN UNITED’S FIRST WIN

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EAST PALESTINE OH- Samantha Lippiatt drove in five runs on three hits to lead United past East Palestine 21-6 on Monday. Lippiatt’s 5 runs scored broke the United career record with 95.

Lippiatt singled in the third scoring two, tripled in the second scoring one, walked in the fourth scoring one, and singled in the fifth scoring one.

United jumped out to the lead in the top of the first inning after Chloe Angelo grounded out, scoring one run, Madelynn Lucas tripled, scoring one run, and Brinsley Hiscox tripled, scoring two runs.

The Eagles added to their early lead in the top of the second inning after Lippiatt tripled, Lippiatt scored after tagging up, and East Palestine Varsity Bulldogs committed an error, each scoring one run.

East Palestine scored one run in the bottom of the second on a solo home run to center field by Maddison Foster.

United extended their early lead with five runs in the top of the third thanks to RBI singles by Lippiatt, Grace Coffee, and Lucas.

United  scored five runs on six hits in the top of the fourth inning. Lippiatt drew a walk, scoring one run, Angelo singled, scoring two runs, Lucas singled, scoring one run, and Matilyn Zines singled, scoring one run.

Zines earned the win for the Eagles. The starting pitcher allowed five hits and six runs (one earned) over five innings, striking out seven and walking one. Gabby Andre took the loss for East Palestine. She went four innings, giving up 17 runs (12 earned) on 16 hits, striking out four and walking four.

United collected 22 hits in the game. Brittany Miller made the most of her chances at the plate. The number nine hitter led the team with four hits in four at bats. Lucas, Zines, Coffee, Angelo, and Hiscox each collected multiple hits.

Foster provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led the Bulldogs with three runs batted in. They went 3-for-3 on the day.

United will have a day off before they play East Palestine again on Wednesday at home.

LADY HERALDS HAVE ROUGH START IN OPENER

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Ashtabula, OH- The Fighting Heralds faced a tough challenge against the Mathews Mustangs, succumbing to a 14-0 defeat in Monday night’s matchup. Mathews wasted no time asserting dominance, seizing an early lead in the first inning with Ramsey’s triple followed by Matheny’s double and Hufford’s single, each driving in a run.

In the second inning, Mathews unleashed an offensive barrage, scoring seven runs on six hits. Newsome’s single brought in two runs, while Matheny and Hufford contributed with singles of their own. Shugart’s powerful homer to center field added two more runs, with another run coming in through a subsequent play.

Maintaining their momentum, Mathews tacked on another run in the third inning, with Hufford’s double extending their lead to 11-0. Matheny secured the win on the mound for Mathews, while Isabelle Holler of the Fighting Heralds endured the loss, pitching four and one-third innings and allowing 13 runs, 11 of which were earned.

Isabelle Stern managed to notch a hit for the Fighting Heralds, while Matheny led Mathews with an impressive three hits in three at-bats. Newsome and Hufford emerged as offensive standouts for Mathews, each driving in three runs. Pate contributed two hits for Mathews, and Ramsey drew two walks. Mathews demonstrated discipline at the plate, accumulating six walks overall, while also showcasing solid defense with no errors committed.

Hufford’s stellar performance included eight plays made in the field. Looking ahead, the Fighting Heralds prepare for their next challenge against the Windham Varsity Bombers on Tuesday.

SPARTANS SWINGING FREE IN SEASON DEBUT

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BOARDMAN OH- Boardman easily dispatched Howland in their season opener on Monday, 7-1.

Boardman opened the scoring in the first after Maddie Wymer singled, scoring one run.

The Spartans added to their early lead in the bottom of the second inning after Howland committed an error, Tori Strines doubled, and Laci Jurus singled, each scoring one run.

Gabi Sterra earned the win for Boardman. They surrendered eight hits and one run over seven innings, striking out eight and walking two. Brooke Tatar took the loss for Howland. They went six innings, allowing seven runs (four earned) on 10 hits, striking out five and walking two.

The Spartans piled up 10 hits in the game. Jurus and Wymer each collected two hits for Boardman Varsity Spartans. Jurus, Olivia LaCivita, Wymer, Strines, Leah Habeger, Sferra, and Alex Ward each drove in one run. Jurus stole two bases.

Alyssa Massucci and Sydney VanNess each collected two hits for Howland. Brianna Deter led with one run batted in. The cleanup hitter went 1-for-3 on the day.

Boardman will take on Howland on Tuesday for their next game in game 2 of the series. The game is scheduled to be played at Howland.

LADY RAIDERS GET IT RIGHT FROM THR RIP

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CANFIELD, OH- In an opening day showdown on Monday, the South Range Lady Raiders showcased their prowess on the softball diamond, clinching a resounding 10-0 victory over NE8 foe Girard in just five innings, enforced by the mercy rule.

Leading the charge was pitching sensation Jayli Wilt, who delivered a n0-hit performance, striking out an astounding 12 batters while conceding zero hits and runs over five innings, with just three walks.

The Raiders seized control early, but it was in the explosive fifth inning where they truly asserted their dominance, tallying six runs to solidify their lead. Ashley Rupert, Heidi Bartels, Kiera Winner, Solena DeJesus, and Keira Brogan all contributed crucial hits and RBIs during this pivotal inning.

South Range Varsity Raiders opened the scoring in the second inning following errors from Girard, with Addison Wardle also crossing the plate after being struck by a pitch.

In the circle for Girard, B. Broll, who endured four and one-third innings and conceding 10 runs, nine of which were earned, on 11 hits, while striking out one and walking four.

Offensively, South Range displayed depth and consistency, amassing 11 hits throughout the game. Standouts included Gretchen Bartels, Ashley Rupert, and Giada Pauline, each contributing two hits to the cause. Meanwhile, Brogan, DeJesus, and Bartels showcased their clutch-hitting abilities, each driving in two runs.

Defensively, South Range remained flawless, committing no errors throughout the game, with Bartels demonstrating her defensive prowess with 13 chances in the field.

With this commanding win under their belts, South Range Varsity Raiders eagerly anticipate their next challenge as they hit the road to face Girard once again on Tuesday.

 

AUSTINTOWN FITCH SOFTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH STEVE WARD

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AUSTINTOWN OH- The calendar is turning, and the weather is heating up. That means softball season is in the air.  There’s no one more excited to start the year are the Fitch falcons who are coming off a state championship.  The Falcons are chomping at the bit to get things started again.  With plenty of returning starters from last years run to a title, Fitch could be considered a favorite to get back there.  However the team is putting the accolades and outside expectations on the back burner and setting their own standard on what it will take to win a second championship.

Fitch head coach Steve Ward took the time to join Ty Bartell and Anthony Hartwig to preview the season.  They discuss what it’s like refocusing for new goals this season, the returning roster, and how the schedule has been put together.  Check out Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Steve Ward only on YSN!

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WATTS CHOOSES GEORGIA TECH

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AUSTINTOWN OH- For the last two seasons Austintown Fitch pitcher Sydnie Watts has taken the area by storm.  She has been the talk of the local softball community with her excellence in the circle.  Last season she led Fitch to their program’s first state championship.  Watts finished the championship season with a 0.38 ERA and 281 strikeouts.  She also hit .492 at the plate with  6 HR and 23 RBI.

The summer before her junior year was definitely important for her and everyone in the class of 2025. Sydnie finally was able to have contact with college coaches and make serious headway in her decision on where to play after high school. That question has been floating around pretty much since she started her first game at Fitch. “Where do you think Sydnie will play in college.” Today that question has an answer. Live on YSN’s Running Point Sydnie made the announcement that she is continuing her softball career at Georgia Tech.

Georgia Tech is a technical institute in the heart of downtown Atlanta. They play in the ACC, among the names like Florida State, Clemson, and Duke.  Tech is coached by Aileen Morales. Morales played her college ball at Georgia Tech, and recently got inducted into their Hall of Fame. She took over the head coaching job in 2018 and immediately started seeing the program do things they hadn’t done in a while, like make the postseason, win over 25 games, and winning 5 conference series.  Coach Morales and her staff were a big reason why Sydnie chose Tech.

Austintown Fitch head coach Steve Ward has had a front row seat to Sydnie’s talent and ability for two seasons.  He was as excited as anyone to hear that Sydnie found a home. He had this to say about her commitment.   “Syd is such an amazing talent and that is clearly evident in the circle so what I’m really excited for Georgia Tech to continue to learn about her is how amazing she is as a teammate in and out of the dugout.”

While it is exciting to see Watts find a home, the area gets to watch her play for two more seasons at Austintown Fitch before she heads to the 404.  With plenty to still accomplish as a Falcon, Sydnie can now put all her focus on finishing her career at Fitch.

Sydnie came on YSN’s Running Point today to make her commitment public and to tell us what made Georgia Tech feel like home. She talks to the voice of the Falcons Ty Bartell about her decision, her recruiting process, and so much more. Check out this exclusive interview with future Yellow Jacket Sydnie Watts only on YSN!

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