CARDINALS FIND POSITIVE VIBES

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WARREN OH- In a thrilling volleyball showdown, Mooney made a triumphant return to the win column with a convincing 3-0 victory over JFK, displaying their dominance on the court with scores of 25-23, 25-17, and 25-17. The match was a testament to Mooney’s resilience and skill, showcasing their determination to secure a decisive win.

Leading the charge for Mooney was the dynamic duo of Brinkley Bair and Amarra Anderson. Brinkley Bair delivered a stellar performance, achieving a double-double with 11 kills and 10 digs, showcasing her prowess both offensively and defensively. Amarra Anderson was equally formidable, contributing 13 kills to keep Mooney’s offense firing on all cylinders.

Maria Pecchia played a pivotal role in the team’s success, amassing 13 crucial digs and serving up 4 aces, adding valuable points to Mooney’s tally. Natalie Blasko orchestrated the offense with precision, racking up 30 assists and contributing 8 digs to ensure her teammates had the opportunities they needed to shine.

On the JFK side, Hannah Myers led her team with 6 kills and 3 aces, displaying her versatility as both an offensive and serving force. Danielle Wickham provided 9 assists to keep the offense flowing, while Aniyah Johnson contributed 2 blocks to fortify the defense. Rylie Gillespie showcased her defensive skills with an impressive 12 digs.

With this triumphant victory, Mooney regains its winning momentum and looks ahead to their next challenge on Wednesday, where they will host Salem. On the other hand, JFK hits the road on Thursday, traveling to Rootstown in pursuit of their own success. Volleyball enthusiasts can look forward to more exciting matchups as these teams continue to showcase their skills and determination on the court.

LATELL LEAVING A LASTING LEGACY

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GIRARD OH- In the world of Girard volleyball, there’s a name that resonates with power and precision: Bree Latell. The senior outside hitter has not only stepped into the spotlight as the primary source of offense for her team but has also emerged as a vital leader for an overall younger roster. With her incredible talent and dedication, she’s become the heart and soul of Girard’s volleyball program.

Bree’s journey to becoming a volleyball standout is marked by record-breaking moments. This season, she etched her name into the history books by breaking the record for the most kills in a single match, a staggering 37 against East Liverpool. Notably, it was during that same game that Bree achieved a significant milestone, her 1000th career kill. These accomplishments highlight her unmatched ability to dominate at the net and secure crucial points for her team.

Bree’s 2022 season was nothing short of spectacular. She amassed an impressive 329 kills, averaging 3.8 kills per set, showcasing her consistency and effectiveness as an offensive powerhouse. Her hitting percentage of .292 reflects her remarkable accuracy and skill. Beyond her offensive contributions, Bree also proved her mettle on the defensive end with 197 digs and demonstrated her versatility with 70 aces.

As the 2023 season unfolds, Bree Latell shows no signs of slowing down. Through just six games, she has already notched an incredible 126 kills, averaging a staggering 6.0 kills per set. Her impact extends beyond the attack, with 59 digs, 16 aces, and 10 blocks. These statistics underscore her unwavering commitment to elevating her game year after year.

While Bree’s volleyball prowess is undeniable, she has her sights set on a promising future off the court. After graduating from Girard, she plans to pursue a career in architecture and interior design. Her dedication, precision, and eye for detail on the volleyball court are sure to translate seamlessly into her chosen profession.

Bree Latell is not just a star athlete; she’s a symbol of inspiration for her team and an example of what can be achieved through talent, hard work, and unwavering dedication. As she continues to light up the volleyball court with her remarkable performances, her future in architecture and interior design is equally bright. Girard, both on and off the court, is proud to call Bree Latell one of their own, a name that will be remembered for years to come.

 

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INDIANS TALLY ANOTHER NE8 WIN

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GIRARD OH- In a thrilling display of home-court advantage, Girard served up a convincing sweep against Poland, asserting their dominance with scores of 25-10, 25-21, and 25-5. The Girard squad delivered a stellar performance that left the home crowd buzzing with excitement.

Girard’s offensive firepower was on full display, led by the dynamic duo of Nico Cochran and Bree Latell. Cochran led the charge with an impressive 19 kills, while Latell wasn’t far behind, contributing 18 kills of her own. Their combined efforts kept Poland’s defense on its toes throughout the match.

Bailey Walters played a crucial role in facilitating Girard’s offensive onslaught, tallying an impressive 38 assists. Additionally, Latell and Cochran made their presence felt at the service line, with Latell recording 16 service points and 6 aces, while Cochran added 11 points and 3 aces.

Defensively, Latell continued to shine, accumulating 9 digs, while Walters contributed 6 more to the effort. Latell also showcased her versatility with 2 blocks, and Kristina Olesky added another block to the mix.

On the Poland side, Izzy Greco led the team with 6 kills, and Mya Scott provided 9 assists to keep the offense running. Bella Khoury was a defensive stalwart for Poland, amassing an impressive 16 digs.

With this convincing victory, Girard continues to assert themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the volleyball arena. Their next challenge awaits as they host Mineral Ridge in a non-conference test on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Poland will return home, looking to regroup and bounce back as they prepare to host Lakeview on Thursday. Volleyball fans can look forward to more exciting matchups as these teams continue to showcase their skills and determination.

RED DEVILS STARTING TO FIND A STRIDE

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CAMPBELL OH- In a thrilling volleyball matchup, Campbell managed to secure a hard-fought victory over Champion, ultimately prevailing in four sets with scores of 18-25, 25-13, 25-13, and 25-23. The match was a testament to their resilience and teamwork, showcasing their determination to come back from an early deficit.

Campbell’s serving game was on point, led by the impressive performance of Da’Janelle Will, a freshman sensation, who delivered a staggering 7 aces. Jayda Coriano, a sophomore standout, also made her presence felt with 4 crucial aces, putting Champion’s defense to the test.

On the offensive front, Kendall Brunn led the charge with an outstanding 17 kills, while MiLeena Williams and Cyra Cross contributed 13 and 10 kills, respectively. Their combined firepower proved to be a significant factor in turning the tide of the match.

Campbell’s defense was equally impressive, with Kendall Brunn not only excelling in kills but also demonstrating her prowess at the net with 5 critical blocks. Angeliz Diaz showcased her agility and defensive skills with 18 digs, while Carla Ramirez Ortiz and Cyra Cross added to the defensive effort with 10 and 11 digs, respectively.

The engine behind Campbell’s offense was undoubtedly Carla Ramirez Ortiz, who amassed an impressive 43 assists, ensuring her teammates had plenty of opportunities to score.

With this hard-fought victory under their belts, Campbell now looks ahead to their next challenge in MVAC play. They will be hosting Brookfield on Thursday, and with the momentum from this win, they aim to continue their impressive run and solidify their standing in the league. The future looks promising for Campbell as they continue to showcase their talent and determination on the volleyball court.

RESERVE WASTES NO TIME IN JACKSON MILTON

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NORTH JACKSON OH- Western Reserve showcased their unwavering dominance on the volleyball court, delivering a resounding sweep against Jackson Milton, with scores of 25-12, 25-12, and 25-17. The match was a testament to their exceptional skills and teamwork.

Setting the stage for victory, Haylee Fellows orchestrated the offense with precision, amassing 14 assists and contributing 8 crucial service points. Her steady hand at the helm ensured a seamless flow of play for Western Reserve.

On the attacking front, Lisa Eichert and Alyvia Hughes were unstoppable forces, tallying 11 and 9 kills, respectively. Eichert’s powerful hits and Hughes’ relentless pursuit of points provided a formidable offensive duo. Hughes also showcased her versatility with 4 service aces, adding even more value to her team’s performance.

The defensive efforts of Western Reserve were equally impressive, with Allison Jones leading the charge by accumulating 14 digs, showcasing her agility and quick reflexes on the backline. Angelina Cappabianca demonstrated her prowess on both ends of the court, contributing 5 kills, 2 crucial blocks, and 4 assists to round out the team’s impressive display.

With this sweeping victory, Western Reserve’s dominance in the volleyball arena continues to shine brightly. Their cohesive performance and individual contributions have solidified their reputation as a formidable force in the sport. As they move forward in their season, opponents will undoubtedly have their work cut out for them when facing this talented and well-rounded team.

LAKEVIEW FIGHTS THROUGH FOUR SET VICTORY

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CORTLAND OH- In a thrilling volleyball showdown, Lakeview emerged victorious after a hard-fought four-set battle against South Range, with the final scores being 25-14, 28-30, 25-17, and 25-17. Both teams brought their A-game to the court, making it a memorable evening for volleyball enthusiasts.

Lakeview’s star player, Reagan Price, played a pivotal role in securing the victory with an outstanding performance. Price notched an impressive 24 kills, displayed her formidable defensive skills with 4 blocks, and served up 3 aces, leaving an indelible mark on the game.

Mallory Mailach showcased her remarkable setting abilities, recording a staggering 49 assists, ensuring her teammates had plenty of opportunities to shine on the offensive end. Meanwhile, Addy Allen was a defensive stalwart for Lakeview, digging out 23 crucial balls throughout the match.

On the South Range side, Anna Toy demonstrated her prowess as a versatile player by accumulating 16 kills and an impressive 20 digs, securing a double-double. Sarah Kuhns contributed significantly with 23 assists and 2 aces, proving to be a valuable asset for her team.

As the dust settled on this intense encounter, Lakeview emerged victorious, ready to carry their momentum into their upcoming match on Thursday, where they will hit the road to face off against Poland. On the other hand, South Range will have a brief respite before returning to their home court on Monday to host Edgewood. The battle on the volleyball court continues, promising more thrilling moments and intense competition in the days to come.

FITCH WINS TENTH STRAIGHT OVER SPARTANS

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By Ty Bartell

 

AUSTINTOWN OH- The All-American Conference (AAC) is a five team conference comprising larger schools in the immediate Mahoning-valley area, spanning through both Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

Typically, athletics are a gauntlet, no matter the sport, when trying to capture a conference crown. However, when it comes to the sport of volleyball, particularly on the girls side, Austintown-Fitch has been in a league of their own the last few years. Winners of The AAC the last three years consecutively, The Falcons also have an impressive 23-1 match record against the conference in that time frame. Against Boardman, in particular, it goes a little beyond that. Going into Tuesday night, Fitch was winners of nine consecutive matches against The Spartans where Austintown was 26-2 in sets. The last time Boardman tasted victory on the volleyball court versus Fitch was back on September 27th, 2018.

After the junior varsity squads got the crowd pumped up following a three set thriller that saw Spartans JV take it 2-1. With energy flowing through Austintown-Fitch High School, the stage was set between two 1-0 teams in AAC play, looking to gain conference control. With a plethora of seniors this season, The Spartans looked to turn the tide on Fitch and battled with The Falcons early on in set one. However, Austintown found a run in the middle of the set that, at one point, caused ten points of separation and culminated in a 25-18 Fitch win.

Set two was pedal to the metal time for both teams, Fitch hungry to get a 2-0 set lead and Boardman desperate to even things up. The Spartans took an early lead and exchanged it plenty of times with The Falcons. Freshman Maya Flores looked like an experienced veteran with her court awareness, hitting IQ and impressive athleticism. While Mary-Catherine Werth provided additional support attacking from the outside on offense. Despite grabbing the lead, Boardman could not prevent Fitch from going on another set-clinching run, with The Falcons being an all-around machine on the offensive side. 25-16 was the final in set two.

Searching for a straight set sweep, Austintown again found themselves down to The Spartans in the set. With Boardman capturing a 12-8 lead at one point. However, a resilient group of Falcons battled back and worked themselves back in front, managing an early deficit into a 25-17 set win and the 3-0 match win overall.

Big performers for Fitch included sophomore setter Rylie Simons with an incredible 48 assists and 10 digs. Outside hitters were racking up kills in Jordan Smith (16), Kylie Folkwein (15) and Morgan Roby (8). Folkwein, like Simons, recorded a double-double with digs, having 12 total. While Afton Roby was a presence at the net with 4 total blocks and pitching in 8 kills as a middle hitter.

Fitch has now won ten consecutive matches against Boardman, compiling an impressive 29-2 set record in that span. Austintown (7-0)(1-0) will stay in-conference in their next contest as they hit the road against the last team to beat them in The AAC, The Canfield Cardinals (3-2)(1-0) on Thursday, September 7th at Canfield. While Boardman (4-4) will look to do battle with another flock of cardinals, with The Cardinal Mooney Cardinals (2-4) coming to Boardman.

POTTERS SWEEP SETS THE STAGE FOR GRAFTON MILESTONE

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By Chris Sigler

EAST LIVERPOOL OH- Rivalry week is in full swing in the area as Tuesday night Beaver Local made the trip to Potter Fieldhouse looking for a statement win over their rivals. East Liverpool quickly showed why they are one of the best teams in the area as they dispatched their visitors from the north in straight sets 25-17, 25-19, 25-18 securing their sixth straight victory of the season.

True to form the Potters came out in the 1st set separating themselves early from their rivals. The 2nd set saw the Beavers answer the bell as they raced out to a 10-0 early lead. Following a timeout by head coach Dan McKinstry the blue and white would use their experience and athleticism to pull even and eventually take the 2nd set and never look back the rest of the night. Kiya White would pace East Liverpool with 15 kills, 3 blocks, and 2 aces. Sophomore Ava Green added 8 kills, 2 blocks and teammate Ayla Brown added 5 kills on the night. Kamryn Yanni and Paityn Maize set the table all evening for the offense with 16 and 14 assists respectively. Senior libero Faith Grafton eclipsed the 1000 dig plateau for her career on the night as well.

Beaver Local was led by Peyton Roberts 12 kills and 5 digs. Adison Ketchum added 6 kills, 9 assists, teammate Jacquelyn Campbell contributed 8 kills and 4 digs. Defensively for the Beavers Aleia Evanko led with 14 digs while Karsyn Bowyer tallied 8 digs.

Beaver Local (4-3) looks to get back on track Thursday as they travel to Harrison Central. East Liverpool (6-1) hits the road as well  as they travel to Beloit for a tri match on Saturday with West Branch and Crestwood.

CLIPPERS GRAB A GIANT VICTORY

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COLUMBIANA OH- Columbiana maintained its stronghold on the top spot of the EOAC in a thrilling four-set victory that put an end to Southern’s previously unblemished record. The match unfolded with Southern taking the first set 17-25, but Columbiana responded emphatically, winning the next three sets with scores of 25-18, 25-14, and 25-19.

Ellie Jackson was an absolute standout for Columbiana, achieving a remarkable triple-double with 19 kills, 15 assists, and 15 digs, showcasing her incredible all-around skills. Kelsey Cameron contributed significantly with 8 kills, 3 crucial blocks, and 5 digs, while Cameron Perkins made her presence felt with 7 kills and a notable 18 assists. Ava Heinrich anchored the defense with an impressive 26 digs, helping to secure the win.

The win notched career victory number 100 for Columbiana head coach Jennifer Martin.

Columbiana’s journey outside the conference continues as they set their sights on a Wednesday clash with Jackson Milton. Meanwhile, Southern faces another significant challenge on Thursday against the undefeated Wellsville, hoping to bounce back and regain their winning momentum. This thrilling match-up certainly added to the excitement of the EOAC volleyball season.

 

GAME PHOTOS: https://ysn.smugmug.com/9-5-vb-columbiana-southern-local/9-5-vb-columbiana-southern-local/

REBELS TEAR THROUGH THE TIGERS

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COLUMBIANA OH- In a commanding performance, Crestview maintained their undefeated streak by sweeping Newton Falls with scores of 25-8, 25-5, and 25-10.

Grace Auer shone as she delivered a double-double, recording 10 kills and 14 assists. She also showcased her defensive skills with 6 digs and added 2 aces to her impressive stat line.

Abbey Emch was a force to be reckoned with, contributing 9 kills, 9 digs, and 2 crucial blocks.

Lainey Auer displayed her versatility with 10 assists, 5 kills, and 5 digs, demonstrating her all-around excellence.

Julia Blasko spearheaded the defense, amassing an impressive 11 digs.

On the other side of the net, Newton Falls struggled to find their offensive rhythm, managing only 8 kills as a team for the entire match.

Crestview’s next challenge awaits as they head to Champion on Thursday to continue their league play, still undefeated. Meanwhile, Newton Falls will return home to host Garfield, hoping to regroup and bounce back from this tough loss.