GIRARD KEEPS PACE IN THE CONFERENCE RACE

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POLAND OH- In a commanding performance on the volleyball court, the Girard team showcased their prowess, maintaining their strong position in the NE8 with a resounding sweep of Poland. The match featured relentless play and precision from Girard, as they secured victory with set scores of 25-16, 25-17, and 25-17.

Girard’s offense was anchored by a dynamic duo at the net, as Nico Cochran and Bailey Walters each recorded an impressive 12 kills. Their relentless attacks and precise placement kept Poland’s defense on its toes throughout the match.

Bailey Walters demonstrated her exceptional setting skills, tallying 23 assists. Her ability to distribute the ball effectively to her teammates was a key factor in Girard’s offensive success.

The serving game proved to be another strength for Girard, with Kylie Carpenter and Bailey Walters each contributing 12 service points. Bailey Walters led the team with an incredible 7 aces, while Erica Teter and Kylie Carpenter each added 2 aces, and Molly Durkin chipped in with 2 aces of her own.

On the defensive front, Nico Cochran showcased her versatility with 8 digs, while Bailey Walters contributed 6 of her own. The team collectively demonstrated their determination in the backcourt.

Girard’s defense at the net was highlighted by blocks from Alexis Pieton, Brooke Perry, Erica Teter, and Nico Cochran. These blocks disrupted Poland’s offensive attempts and showcased Girard’s all-around game.

Izzy Greco led Poland’s offensive efforts with 7 kills, while Bella Khoury recorded 13 crucial digs. Mya Scolt orchestrated the team’s offense with 9 assists.

With this convincing victory, Girard continues to make waves in the NE8 and maintains their pace at the top of the standings. Their fans have every reason to be excited about their prospects as they continue their journey through the season.

FALCONS ASSURED A PERCH ATOP THE AAC YET AGAIN

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BOARDMAN OH- As the regular season for volleyball begins winding down, conferences will start being
decided and teams will take home their first of potentially more trophies for the season. Conference contests have found a home of Thursday evenings for volleyball in Northeast Ohio and for The All-American Conference (AAC) this was no different. With a battle between the first place Austintown Fitch Falcons and the second place Boardman Spartans. The Falcons sporting a 5-0 record in the AAC entering Thursday have been a powerhouse in the conference to say the least. Winners of three straight conference championships and 21 consecutive AAC matches, they were in search of their fourth straight championship. The Spartans came in as a scrappy underdog, beating the likes of Canfield, Howland and Warren Harding to compile a 4-1 record and a chance to force a first place tie atop the conference. Dropping the prior meeting in straight sets at Fitch on September 5th, Boardman searched for their first win over The Falcons since September 27th, 2018.

The stage was set and both teams came ready to battle as both exchanged early points with both squads looking to start a rally. Boardman was riding the wave of momentum by the home crowd and wins by their freshmen and junior varsity teams over The Falcons. But Fitch broke away in the middle of the opening set with Rylie Simons behind the service line and captured the 25-18 win.

The following set started off in similar fashion with both teams scoring back-and forth; however, Austintown found their groove a little earlier. As The Falcons saw production from multiple sources equating to a 25-15 set two victory! Much of the same would be seen in set three, despite Boardman grabbing an early 3-0 lead, struggles behind the service line derailed some momentum. Fitch would duplicate the set previous with a 25-15 win to take the match in straight sets.

The match win officially clinches Austintown a share of the AAC crown with a chance to win it outright with a Falcon win or a Spartan loss in one of their next two contests. It is also the fourth consecutive AAC championship for The Austintown-Fitch volleyball team as they extended their win streak to 5 games in the regular season and 22 in the AAC!

Jordan Smith led the team in kills with 11 while also collecting 7 digs. Rylie was Rylie once again with the double-double in assists at 32 and digs at 13. The libero for the night Morgan Roby led all of the team in digs with 23 and some stellar defense. Katie Wilt continued to earn her wings with a 6 kill and 15 dig night. Player of the Match Afton Roby was the difference maker in battling the height of The Spartans at the net and getting 8 kills and 2 blocks to go along with 4 aces behind the service line!

Fitch (14-3)(6-0) will now turn their attention to The Highland Hornets (11-4) on Saturday, September 30th at noon. While Boardman (10-6)(4-2) will stay home to host Salem (1-15) on Tuesday, October 3rd. Interviews with Fitch Head Coach Kylee Herberger and Player of the Match Afton Roby can be found below!

CLIPPERS GET ONE STEP CLOSER

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COLUMBIANA OH- In a high-stakes showdown on the road, the Columbiana volleyball team demonstrated their determination and skill, inching one step closer to an EOAC title with a hard-fought sweep of Southern. The closely contested sets ended with scores of 25-21, 25-23, and an exhilarating 27-25, highlighting the relentless spirit of both teams.

Ellie Jackson was the star of the night for Columbiana, delivering an awe-inspiring triple-double performance. With 11 kills, 15 assists, and an incredible 15 digs, Jackson showcased her versatility and ability to impact every facet of the game. Her contributions were instrumental in securing the victory for her team.

Columbiana’s formidable presence at the net was evident, with Kelsey Cameron recording 6 kills and 4 crucial blocks. Landry Smith added 7 kills and 2 blocks to the team’s impressive offensive arsenal.

Ava Heinrich demonstrated her all-around skills with 15 digs, 3 aces, and 3 assists. Her consistency on defense and precision from the service line were pivotal in the team’s success. Maryn Hepler contributed 5 kills, 16 digs, 2 assists, and 2 aces, emphasizing her versatility and impact in multiple areas of the game.

Southern’s Rylee Mellott displayed exceptional playmaking abilities with an impressive 40 assists, setting up her teammates effectively. Ashley Shroades shined with 20 kills, showcasing her prowess at the net. Kennedy Lewis added 14 digs, providing valuable defensive support, and Gigi Rodgers contributed 4 kills and 1 block.

The match was a true test of skill, determination, and teamwork. Columbiana’s triumph brought them one step closer to an EOAC title, a testament to their hard work and dedication throughout the season. Southern’s valiant effort kept the match intensely competitive until the very end.

 

RED DEVILS START ANOTHER WIN STREAK

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CAMPBELL OH- Campbell’s volleyball team continues to make waves in their recent winning streak, securing their third consecutive victory with a commanding three-set win over Niles. The final scores of 25-17, 25-10, and 25-16 reflect Campbell’s absolute dominance on the court.

Campbell’s success in this matchup was underscored by their strong serving and powerful attacks. Cyra Cross led the serving charge with four aces, keeping Niles on their heels throughout the game.

Kendall Brunn was a force to be reckoned with, amassing an impressive 16 kills. Her attacks were characterized by precision and power, causing headaches for the Niles defense. Cyra Cross and Elysia Rudolphi each contributed six kills, showcasing the team’s depth in offensive talent. MiLeena Williams added five kills to the mix.

Campbell’s defense at the net was anchored by Kendall Brunn, who recorded two crucial blocks. Her ability to disrupt Niles’ attacks was pivotal in maintaining the team’s control of the match. Carla Ramirez Ortiz orchestrated the team’s offense brilliantly with 29 assists, setting up her teammates for success.

Defensively, Cyra Cross led the way with 12 digs, showcasing her agility and determination in the backcourt. Gabriela Villanueva Santos and Carla Ramirez Ortiz contributed nine digs each, ensuring that Niles had a difficult time finding gaps in Campbell’s defense.

With this convincing win, Campbell’s volleyball team continues to make a statement in the world of high school volleyball. Their recent three-game winning streak demonstrates their prowess and teamwork, leaving their fans excited about their prospects for the rest of the season.

POTTERS PROTECT HOME FLOOR

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EAST LIVERPOOL OH- In a dazzling display of volleyball prowess, the East Liverpool team defended their home court with style, sweeping aside South Range in a commanding 3-0 victory. The final scores of 25-12, 25-16, and 25-18 reflected East Liverpool’s absolute dominance on the night, extending their winning streak to an impressive four games.

The East Liverpool squad delivered a collective performance that showcased their skill and teamwork. Kyia White led the charge with 12 impressive kills, setting the tone for the match. Kenzie Headley and Ava Green weren’t far behind, contributing 9 kills each. Green also added 3 crucial blocks to her stat line.

Ayla Brown displayed her versatility with 7 kills and 4 aces, proving to be a valuable asset on both offense and from the service line. Kamryn Yanni and Paityn Maze orchestrated the team’s offense brilliantly, tallying 15 and 17 assists, respectively. Their precision in setting up their teammates allowed for the execution of powerful attacks.

While South Range faced a formidable opponent in East Liverpool, they demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the match. Maddie Dado recorded 14 crucial digs, showcasing her defensive prowess. Anna Toy contributed 7 kills and 2 aces, while Sarah Kuhns orchestrated the team’s offense with 14 assists.

East Liverpool’s season record now stands at an impressive 12-2, with four consecutive wins under their belt. Their confidence is soaring as they head into their next matchup against Salem on Monday, aiming to extend their winning streak.

South Range, with a record of 10-6, remains a competitive force in the volleyball scene. Their schedule doesn’t get any easier as they prepare to play their third game in as many days, hosting Lakeview on Thursday.

KNIGHTS CONQUER ANOTHER BEAST

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By Ty Bartell

AKRON OH- When it comes to volleyball in Northeast Ohio, there is plenty of talent to choose from.
With a plethora of competitive schools all of which can beat one another at any given time. Therefore, having a goose egg in the loss column this late in the season. Especially if you play the type of schedule The Archbishop Hoban Knights volleyball team has compiled together. Featuring multiple teams with state championship level talent, Hoban was rolling through them to the tune of a 14-0 record heading into Wednesday night. This time The Knights were hitting the road down to Stark County to do battle with The Leopards of Louisville High School.
A respectable 10-4 Leopards squad that also schedules independently and competitively meant it was going to be a fun match at hand.

Both teams were deadlocked in a close opening set, but it was Louisville feeling the home crowd advantage and riding that momentum to a thrilling 25-23 win in the opener. Now down a set, Hoban had all the pressure suddenly flipped onto themselves. The Knights responded though, getting the last laugh in another close set battle, capturing set two by a final of 25-21, knotting the match up at 1-1.

After capturing their first set win, like so many other times this season, Hoban got even better as the match waged on. Minimizing mistakes and maximizing the defensive effort, The Knights emphatically took set three 25-14! Showing a better effort in the fourth set, The Leopards were able to have a little more success against The Knights; however, it would not be enough as Hoban locked it down to win both the set 25-17 and the match 3-1!

Amber Watson, once again, led The Knights in kills with 19 and was set up primarily by Sophia Day who recorded 25 assists in the match. Macie Mintz led in two categories, both in digs with 28 and service points at 16. Ava Norton was also a force behind the service line, grabbing 4 aces. While the net defense was backed by the duo of Kathleen Jones and Bailey Prince who each had 3 blocks against The Leopards.

Hoban (15-0) will look to keep the streak rolling as they stay on the road and pay a visit to The Copley Indians (10-5) on Saturday, September 30th. Also on Saturday, Louisville (10-5) will look to get back to winning ways as they hit the road as well to do battle with The Lake Blue Streaks (3-10).

 

BLUE DEVILS FLEX ON BACKYARD RIVAL

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BERLIN CENTER OH- There are many rivalries in the world of high school sports, it is what generates the drama
and piques the interest of casual fans and sports-a-holics alike. As common as rivalries are, a little less common is the backyard rivalry. You know those types; the ones where distance between towns can literally be measured with a stones throw. That is the case in the battle of Western-Reserve Blue Devils versus Jackson-Milton Blue Jays! No matter the sport, it is guaranteed to be one on everyone in North Jackson’s and Berlin Center’s radar. In this instance it was showcased on the volleyball court between the Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference leading Blue Devils and a Blue Jays squad riding the momentum of a comeback victory down two sets to none against The Springfield Tigers.

With the stage set, both teams were amped up and scoring was swinging back-and-forth like a pendulum. However, it was Western-Reserve that broke away in the middle of the set and cruised to a 25-11 victory in the match opener. Following up in the second set, The Blue Jays grabbed and maintained a lead for a bit in the beginning stages of the set. But once again, The Blue Devils routed their way back in front of Jackson-Milton and rode the momentum shift to a 25-14 set two win. It was a score so nice they did it twice! With Western Reserve grabbing a commanding lead in set three, they did not relinquish it once the captured it and won the set, and the match, with a similar score of 25-14!

Angelina Cappabianca was Ms.Utility once again, recording 10 kills, 6 aces and 6 blocks! Haylee Fellows spread the wealth around to the tune of 22 assists while also having 9 digs and 3 kills of her own. Quincy Miller baked up a dozen double-double with 12 assist and 12 digs! While the Player of the Match Lisa Eichert had the double-double with 10 kills and 11 digs while fortifying the net with 3 blocks!

Western Reserve (16-1)(11-1) has now won nine straight matches against The Blue Jays and now set their sights on South Range (10-6) when they host The Raiders on Monday, October 2nd. Jackson Milton (3-13)(3-8) will also be in action on Monday where they will hit the road to battle Ursuline (11-4). Interviews with Head Coach Kristine Hughes and Player of the Match Lisa Eichert can be found below!

CAMPBELL MAKES IT A SEASON SWEEP OF GARFIELD

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GARRETTSVILLE OH- In a thrilling rematch, Campbell’s volleyball team emerged victorious over Garfield, securing their second win of the season against the G-Men. The four-set battle showcased the determination and skill of both teams, with final scores of 19-25, 25-21, 25-5, and 25-22.

Campbell’s success in this contest was punctuated by a stellar serving performance. MiLeena Williams led the charge with an impressive four aces, while Cyra Cross, Carla Ramirez Ortiz, and Elysia Rudolphi contributed three aces each. Their precise and powerful serves kept the pressure on Garfield throughout the match.

Campbell’s offensive firepower was on full display, with Kendall Brunn leading the charge with 14 kills. MiLeena Williams and Cyra Cross each added seven kills to the team’s impressive tally. Their ability to find the right angles and exploit openings in the defense was key to securing crucial points

MiLeena Williams also made her presence felt at the net with three crucial blocks. Her ability to disrupt Garfield’s attacks played a pivotal role in Campbell’s victory.

Carla Ramirez Ortiz orchestrated the team’s offense brilliantly, recording an impressive 33 assists. Her precise sets allowed her teammates to shine in the attacking department.

Defensively, Angeliz Diaz and Cyra Cross each recorded 13 digs, ensuring that Campbell could effectively counter Garfield’s offensive efforts. Their tenacity in the backcourt helped to stave off Garfield’s attempts to mount a comeback.

Campbell’s win over Garfield was a testament to their teamwork, determination, and all-around excellence on the court. The thrilling match showcased the resilience of both teams, but in the end, Campbell emerged as the victors.

RISING FROM THE ASHES

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In the world of high school volleyball, certain names stand out as game-changers, and Alexandra Ash of the Edison Wildcats is undoubtedly one of them. With her remarkable talent, leadership, and dedication, Ash has left an indelible mark on the team and the sport during her career as a Wildcat.

Alexandra Ash’s name is synonymous with power on the volleyball court. Throughout her time at Edison, she has earned a reputation as one of the most feared hitters in the conference, and it’s easy to see why. Her secret weapon? Tremendous arm speed that allows her to unleash attacks with unmatched velocity. Ash’s hits are not just powerful; they are thunderous. Standing tall, she possesses a height advantage that adds another layer of complexity for opposing teams. Few high school teams can claim to have an easy time defending against her imposing size and agility.

Leadership is a quality that sets exceptional athletes apart, and Alexandra Ash embodies this trait as the captain of the Wildcats. Her leadership style is built on connection and bringing out the best in her teammates. Ash’s ability to foster a strong sense of camaraderie within the team has undoubtedly contributed to the Wildcats’ success on the court.

Ash’s impact is not limited to leadership alone; her statistics speak volumes about her performance. With 97 kills to her name this season, she holds the team lead and continues to be a reliable offensive force. Her impressive hitting percentage of over .200 showcases her consistency and ability to deliver when it matters most. Ash is also a defensive powerhouse, ranking second on the team in blocks with 10 for the season. Her all-around contribution extends to the service line, where she has served up 17 aces and amassed 63 service points.

As Alexandra’s high school career with the Edison Wildcats draws to a close, a new chapter awaits her. She will carry her academic and volleyball talents to Washington and Jefferson, where her future in both realms appears exceptionally bright. Her journey in volleyball is far from over, and her impact on the sport and her teams is sure to continue at the collegiate level.

In the Edison volleyball program, Ash has left an indelible legacy of power, leadership, and excellence. Her ability to inspire and elevate those around her is a testament to her character and dedication. As she looks toward the next stage of her academic and athletic journey, one thing is certain: Alexandra Ash will continue to shine brightly, both on and off the court.

Ash took the time to talk with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig to reflect on her career as a Wildcat, and look ahead to her bright future. Check out the latest Edison Volleyball Player Profile only on YSN!

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FITCH GETS A W IN Y-TOWN

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Austintown Fitch Sweeps Mooney in Impressive Volleyball Showdown

In a highly-anticipated volleyball clash, Austintown Fitch showcased their supremacy on the court as they traveled to Youngstown and secured a convincing sweep over Mooney. The final scores of 25-10, 25-16, and 25-17 underscored Fitch’s dominance, leaving Mooney struggling to find their footing.

Austintown Fitch boasted an array of standout players who played pivotal roles in their resounding victory. Jordan Smith was a force to be reckoned with, recording 11 kills, 13 digs, and 1 ace, earning herself a well-deserved double-double. Smith’s precision in her kills and remarkable defensive skills were instrumental in her team’s success.

Afton Roby matched Smith’s impressive performance with 11 kills, 3 aces, 2 blocks, and 3 crucial digs. Her versatility in both offense and defense kept Mooney on their toes.

Kylie Folkwein displayed her all-around skills with 6 kills, 8 digs, and an impressive 6 aces. Her serves were particularly lethal, causing havoc for the Mooney squad.

Rylie Simons orchestrated the team’s offense brilliantly, tallying an impressive 29 assists while also contributing 6 digs, 2 blocks, and 3 aces. Her ability to set up her teammates and contribute defensively played a crucial role in the sweep.

Morgan Roby anchored the defense with 20 digs, ensuring that Mooney’s offensive attempts were met with staunch resistance.

On the Mooney side, Amarra Anderson led with 4 kills and 3 blocks, showcasing her skills at the net. Natalie Blasko contributed 13 assists and 8 digs, while Nina Santisi added 4 aces to the mix. Jaida Lane’s 3 kills and 6 blocks demonstrated her tenacity in the front row, and Maria Pecchia and Katie Frommelt each recorded 11 crucial digs.