GIRARD FENDS OFF SCRAPPY RAIDERS

GIRARD OH- In a thrilling volleyball match, Girard emerged victorious over South Range in four hard-fought sets (20-25, 25-15, 25-12, 25-14).

The Girard team showcased their offensive prowess, with Bree Latell leading the charge with an impressive 21 kills, while Nico Cochran added 9 more to the tally. Bailey Walters orchestrated the offense brilliantly, contributing 33 assists and also making her presence felt at the service line with 23 service points and 9 aces. Defensively, Walters was equally exceptional, recording 14 digs which gave her a double double. Alexis Pieton, Brooke Perry, and Walters combined for 9 blocks, displaying a formidable wall at the net.

South Range, despite their resilient efforts, couldn’t maintain their early lead. Anna Toy and Maddie Mook notched 9 and 7 kills, respectively. Sarah Kuhns and Hayden Carey distributed the ball effectively, with 15 and 12 assists, while Anna Toy and Olivia Meli each contributed 2 aces. Anna Toy also shone defensively with 14 digs, while Julia Meli added 7 more.

With this victory, Girard improved to a 4-1 record and sets their sights on an upcoming clash with Poland. South Range, now at 3-3, will be looking to bounce back when they travel to face Lakeview. This matchup was a testament to the competitive spirit and skill of both teams, making it a memorable encounter for volleyball enthusiasts.

LADY RED DEVILS SPIKE THE COMPETITION

CAMPBELL, OH – The Campbell Memorial Lady Red Devils volleyball team is looking to take that next step in not only asserting themselves as one of the top teams in the MVAC but in the entire Mahoning Valley! The Lady Red Devils are currently 3-2 but had a three game winning streak this year too! Two young ladies who have been making names for themselves are looking to continue their dominance on the court this season are MiLeena Williams and Gabriela Villanueva Santos. MiLeena, a junior MH and MB, has been one of the top attackers on the team this season so far! Gabriela, a senior libero, has been leading the team in digs all season long!

YSN’s own, Steve Leslie, was able to sit down with Gabriela and MiLeena this week at Tavern 26 to discuss their season so far, what they think Campbell Memorial can do this year and into the tournament, what Gabriela’s plans are for after high school, a rapid fire questionnaire where we get the opportunity to learn more about what makes these young ladies the people and players they are today, and so much more!

Check out this very special Campbell Memorial Lady Red Devils volleyball dual player profiles with MiLeena Williams and Gabriela Villanueva Santos on YSNLive!

PRESENTED BY:

CLIPPERS STAY UNBEATEN

LEETONIA OH- Columbiana delivered a commanding performance in their Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference (EOAC) matchup, sweeping Leetonia with set scores of 25-4, 25-16, and 25-19.

The result underlined Columbiana’s dominance on the court. Ava Heinrich’s outstanding play shone through with 10 digs and an impressive 12 service aces. Danica Halas contributed 8 kills and 2 digs, while Kelsey Cameron matched her with 8 kills and 3 digs. Ellie Jackson orchestrated the team’s offense with finesse, recording 12 assists, 7 digs, and 5 kills. Cameron Perkins showcased her all-around skills with 5 kills, 6 assists, and 4 aces.

This comprehensive victory positions Columbiana for their next challenge, as they prepare to take on East Palestine in their upcoming match on Thursday.

WESTERN RESERVE SWEEPS THEIR WAY TO A FIRST PLACE SPOT

BERLIN CENTER OH- In an impressive performance, Western Reserve achieved a sweeping victory over McDonald, securing their place at the top of the MVAC standings. The scores of 25-10, 25-21, and 25-22 showcased Western Reserve’s dominance on the court.

Allison Jones emerged as a standout player, contributing perfectly executed passes and serve receives, along with a remarkable 17 digs, 1 service ace, and 1 assist. The team’s synergy was evident, with Lisa Eichert’s 21 digs and 8 kills, Alyvia Hughes’ 21 kills, 4 aces, and 12 digs, and Haylee Fellows’ 15 assists and 1 ace. Izzy Mauro’s impressive 9 blocks highlighted her defensive prowess. Angelina Cappabianca rounded out the team’s solid performance with 4 assists, 4 kills, and 5 blocks.

With this resounding victory, Western Reserve solidifies their first-place position in the MVAC standings, showcasing their skill and teamwork on the volleyball court.

CANFIELD SPOILS MOONEY HOME OPENER

YOUNGSTOWN OH- In an impressive display on the road, Canfield swept Mooney in their home opener, taking control of the match with set scores of 25-19, 25-12, and 25-12.

Canfield’s dominance was palpable as they left no room for their opponents to gain momentum. Isabella Bucciarelli led the serving charge with an impressive 9 aces, while Carly Fleming orchestrated the offense with 14 assists. Ashtyn Hanousek’s powerful performance yielded 10 kills, and Jenna Triveri’s defensive prowess resulted in 7 blocks. Alexis LeFoer played a key role in defense, recording 12 digs. Mooney, though challenged, showcased their efforts with Natalie Blasko’s 16 assists, Amarra Anderson’s 6 kills, and Brinkley Bair’s 5 kills. Maria Pecchia’s 8 digs added depth to the team’s defensive efforts.

Looking ahead, Canfield gears up for a non-conference matchup at home against Mineral Ridge, while Mooney focuses on the highly anticipated Holy War against Ursuline on their home turf.

CRESTVIEW SLOWS DOWN RED DEVILS

CAMPBELL OH- Crestview demonstrated their dominance on the volleyball court with a convincing sweep over the previously 3-1 Campbell team, with set scores of 25-9, 25-11, and 25-13.

The victory showcased Crestview’s prowess and control throughout the match. Abbey Emch was a standout player, amassing an impressive 13 kills and 4 blocks, contributing significantly to her team’s success. The Auer sisters, Grace and Lainey, played pivotal roles in orchestrating Crestview’s offense, with Grace tallying 17 assists, 8 kills, 9 digs, and 4 aces, while Lainey contributed 10 assists, 8 digs, and 3 kills. Julia Blasko’s versatility was on display with 5 kills, 11 digs, and 4 aces.

With this triumphant performance, Crestview looks ahead to their next challenge, a conference road matchup against Brookfield.

LIBERTY SHORES UP MVAC SWEEP

LIBERTY OH- In an impressive display of skill, Liberty’s volleyball team secured a commanding sweep over Brookfield within the conference, with set scores of 25-22, 25-21, and 25-22.

The victory showcased Liberty’s prowess and determination on the court. Leading the charge was Lexi Muck, who contributed an impressive 12 kills, 3 blocks, and 1 ace. Mia Parker’s versatility was on full display as she notched 5 kills, 10 assists, 18 digs, and 1 ace, showcasing her impact in multiple facets of the game. Chloe Fleps played a crucial role with 10 digs and 7 assists, ensuring seamless coordination for the team. Trinity Patterson’s 3 kills further bolstered Liberty’s offensive efforts.

With this dominant win in their pocket, Liberty looks forward to their next challenge as they prepare to face Newton Falls in their upcoming match on Thursday.

SIMONS SETS UP 1000 ASSISTS IN BIG WIN FOR FITCH

AUSTINTOWN OH- In a thrilling showdown, Fitch emerged triumphant in a hard-fought battle against the formidable NDCL, taking the victory in five intense sets: 25-23, 24-26, 17-25, 25-18, and 16-14.

The match showcased both teams’ exceptional skill and determination as they battled point by point. Fitch’s performance was nothing short of remarkable, with standout contributions from their players. Rylie Simons was the heartbeat of the team, delivering an astounding 55 assists, 9 digs, 3 aces, and 2 kills. Notably, Simons reached an incredible milestone, achieving 1,000 assists in only the 4th game of her sophomore year. Jordan Smith’s dynamic performance included an impressive 24 kills, 16 digs, and 1 ace, securing a well-deserved double-double. Kylie Folkwein’s 20 kills and 9 digs, along with Afton Roby’s 9 kills, 1 block, and 1 ace, added further depth to Fitch’s power-packed lineup. Izzy Direnzo’s defensive prowess shone through with 29 digs and 1 ace.

The victory sets a positive tone for Fitch as they gear up for conference play, with their first match against Warren Harding scheduled for Thursday.

UNITED USES EVERYTHING THEY HAVE TO GET PAST PALESTINE

By Chris Sigler

HANOVERTON OH- United came into Tuesday night looking to erase the memory of two consecutive losses at the hands of two of the best teams in the EOAC. East Palestine traveled to Hanoverton looking for their first victory of the 2023 season. The Golden Eagles did just enough to outlast the Bulldogs in 5 sets 25-22, 23-25, 25-16, 23-25,15-7.

Grace Knight would lead the way for United tallying 16 kills and 4 aces. Grayson Kidder added 14 kills, teammate Madelynn Lucas set up her teammates with 45 assists. Baylee Smith led the victors defensively with 26 digs.

East Palestine’s Sophia Fertsch contributed 9 kills and 12 digs. The Bulldogs also received contributions from Mackenzie Parker 11 assists, 5 kills and Marah Zimmermann 5 kills and 5 blocks. Leila Martin played solidly on defense with 17 digs.

East Palestine (0-3, 0-2) looks for their first win on Wednesday as they host Heartland Christian. United (3-2, 1-2) continues their EOAC schedule on Thursday as Lisbon pays visit to Hanoverton.

RAIDERS STORM THE GATES TO SWEEP POLAND

POLAND OH- South Range displayed an outstanding performance on the road, sweeping Poland in a decisive victory with set scores of 25-13, 25-8, and 25-23.

The visiting team’s prowess was undeniable, as they controlled the game from start to finish. Notable individual achievements underscored South Range’s dominance, with Hayden Carey tallying an impressive 14 assists. However, it was freshman Anna Toy who stole the spotlight, recording a double-double with 15 kills, 7 aces, and 14 digs. Maddie Mook contributed 6 kills and 4 aces, while Olivia Meli added 5 kills and 2 aces to the team’s remarkable performance.

On the other side, Poland’s efforts were evident through Izzy Greco’s 6 kills and 3 blocks, as well as Bella Khoury’s impressive 14 digs and Olivia Minehart’s 11 digs and 4 kills.

Looking ahead, South Range’s momentum continues as they prepare to face Girard on Thursday. Meanwhile, Poland will be aiming for redemption on the road against Hubbard.

You can find the game photos https://ysn.smugmug.com/8-29-vb-poland-south-range/8-29-vb-poland-south-range/