BEAVERS CRASH INDIAN CREEK’S PARTY

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STEUBENVILLE OH- In an intense District Semifinal clash at Steubenville, the 5th-seeded Beaver Local volleyball team showcased their resilience and determination by securing a thrilling 3-1 victory over the 4th-seeded Indian Creek squad. The set scores tell the story of a hard-fought battle: 18-25, 25-16, 25-15, and a nail-biting 26-24 to cap off the comeback win.

Beaver Local had a standout performance from Aleia Evanko, who displayed her all-around prowess with 4 kills, 5 aces, 15 assists, and 8 digs. Bria Boyd was another key contributor, tallying 14 assists, 5 aces, and 5 digs. Addisyn Hurst added 4 kills, 4 aces, and 6 digs to bolster the team’s offensive and defensive efforts.

The attack was further energized by Jocelyn Pomeroy, who contributed 9 kills and 5 digs, and Peyton Roberts, who emerged as a force with 16 kills and 6 digs. Joslin Rhodes showcased her defensive abilities with 9 digs, and Karsyn Bowyer added 5 digs.

With this impressive victory, Beaver Local advances to the District Championship match, where they will face the 6th-seeded Dover team. The District Championship battle is scheduled for Saturday at Malvern, with the first serve set for 2:00.

POTTERS STOMP THROUGH THE SEMIS

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RICHMOND OH- In an exciting District Semifinal matchup, the top-seeded East Liverpool volleyball team put on a commanding performance, sweeping past the 10th-seeded Minerva squad with set scores of 25-17, 25-21, and 25-12 at Edison.

Ava Green led the charge for East Liverpool with a stellar performance, delivering 10 kills and 2 crucial blocks. Kamryn Yanni orchestrated the team’s offense masterfully, tallying 20 assists. Kyia White showcased her all-around abilities with 10 kills and 3 aces, while Kenzie Headley contributed 5 kills and 2 blocks.

Kenzie Walker demonstrated her versatility with 7 kills, 2 blocks, and 7 assists. Addison Rudibaugh added to the offensive firepower with 4 kills. It was a team effort that highlighted East Liverpool’s depth and skill.

With this convincing victory, East Liverpool advances to the District Championship match with a standout record of 19-3. They are set to face off against the 3rd-seeded River View squad, who boast a 16-8 record.

RESERVE RUNS ROUGHSHOD OVER TIGERS

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By Ty Bartell

 

COLUMBIANA OH- Another year, another volleyball season and The Western-Reserve Blue Devils are in the
District Championship picture. Some things like that are a given, similar to how the sun will rise in the morning. A dominating 23-1 record entering the district semi-final on Tuesday night, The Blue Devils were looking to take the next step. However, across from them was a scrappy and gritty Newton Falls Tigers team who was 15-7 prior and had won 10 of their last 13, including their last six matches! Simultaneously setting up a cross conference battle in The Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference (MVAC) with Reserve representing the Scarlet Division and Newton Falls the Grey Division.

Playing as a part of the Division 4, Region 13, Northeast 2 bracket, it was #2 seeded Western Reserve versus #12 seeded Newton Falls at Columbiana High School. Despite an intriguing matchup on paper, The Blue Devils were not concerned with storylines other than their own! Claiming the matchup in straight sets 25-16, 25-16 and 25-14 Western Reserve displayed their dominance this year as they rolled to a District Championship match!

Alyvia Hughes and Lisa Eichert doubled up double-double performances, as Hughes notched a 13 kill, 14 dig night, while Eichert recorded 16 kills and 12 digs. Hughes would also lead the team in aces on the evening with 6. Angelina Cappabianca had a great all-around night with 6 blocks, 5 kills and 2 aces. Ally Jones held down the fort defensively with 21 digs while pitching in 2 aces of her own. Setting the tone from the setter position was Haylee Fellows who had 17 assists and an ace in the victory!
Western-Reserve (24-1) has now set up an all Blue Devil battle for the District Championship as they will take on their well-known rival, the #9 seeded McDonald Blue Devils

(17-7) on Thursday, October 26th at Columbiana High School, slated for a 7 p.m. start time. The last time those two squads met was back on September 21st where Reserve won in a five set thriller, setting up a more than intriguing third matchup of the season!
We here at YSN want to wish the best of luck to all The Newton Falls seniors in everything they set out to accomplish in the future. It always is a pleasure of ours to cover Tiger athletics! Stay tuned with YSN to get all your MVAC scores, stats, stories and more!

FALCONS FLIGHT GROUNDED BY NDCL

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By Ty Bartell

AKRON OH- In a Division 1, Region 1, Northeast 2 battle between #3 seeded Austintown-Fitch Falcons and #5 seeded Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin (NDCL) Lions on the volleyball court, it set up a lot of intrigue with the two teams meeting prior in the regular season. These two would lock horns once again on Tuesday night to play for the right to move on to the District Championship!
Fitch entered the match sporting an 18-5 record, meanwhile NDCL had a very deceiving 11-11 clip. In their prior matchup in the season on August 29th, The Falcons would come from behind down two sets to one and win the match in a five set thriller!

Looking like they were going to set the tone once again on Tuesday night, Fitch would grab the opening set in a very competitive battle 25-23 to grab the advantage. The Lions were not taking that lying down, they roared back in set two, claiming it 25-18. Back to a barn burner in set three, both teams took it down to the wire, this time seeing NDCL grab the set win 26-24, grabbing a 2-1 advantage in sets and setting Fitch up in a similar situation earlier in the year. However, no comebacks were on The Lions minds as they secured the 25-22 set four win, taking the match 3-1 and advancing to the District Championship.

Another fun and exciting season of Falcons volleyball, we here at YSN wish the best of luck to the three Fitch seniors Afton Roby, Jordan Smith and Payton Binion in all your future goals! It has been our honor to cover all of your careers! Keep updated with all your Austintown-Fitch athletics stats, scores, stories and more on YSN!

LISBON LEAVES IT ALL ON THE COURT

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By Ty Bartell

OLMSTED FALS OH- As the volleyball playoffs push forward, we are rapidly approaching the crowning of new
district champions! In Division 4, Region 13, Northeast 3 the district semi-final match between #19 seeded David Anderson Lisbon Blue Devils and #3 seeded Open Door Christian Patriots was the second of two semi-finals on Tuesday night in North Olmsted High School.

The Patriots entered the match a perfect 24-0 on the season and played like a team sporting that record! Taking an early punch and rally from Lisbon, who grabbed a 5-1 lead in the opening set, Open Door Christian battled back and showed great poise. Claiming the match in straight sets 25-15, 25-11 and 25-14 The Patriots (25-0) booked their ticket to the District Championship match against #1 seeded Columbia Raiders (23-1)

A great showing this season for The Lisbon Blue Devils, who finished the year .500 across the board with a 12-12 match record and a 43-43 set record. We here at YSN wish the seniors of Lisbon the best of luck going forward as it was, and always is, an honor to cover your seasons. Stay up-to-date with all David Anderson Lisbon athletics scores, stats, stories and more on YSN!

MCDONALD MAKES THEIR WAY TO DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP

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COLUMBIANA OH- In a commanding display of their volleyball prowess, McDonald’s team secured a decisive sweep in the District Semi-Final, defeating Lake Center Christian 3-0 with set scores of 25-11, 25-14, and 25-10.

This dominant performance showcased McDonald’s exceptional skill and coordination on the court. Leading the charge, Gianna Constantino delivered an outstanding double-double with 11 kills and 15 digs, while Grace Bundy contributed 6 kills to bolster the offensive assault. Juliana Krumpak’s impressive 4 kills and 16 digs added to the team’s success, making her a pivotal player. Megan Klockner orchestrated the offense with 24 assists, accompanied by 4 aces and 3 digs. The defensive efforts of Kayla Helco and Miley Titus, with 13 and 9 digs, respectively, ensured that Lake Center Christian had no room to maneuver. With this resounding victory,

McDonald secured a spot in the District Championship, where they will face MVAC rival Western Reserve. The much-anticipated showdown is slated for Thursday at Columbiana High School, with the first serve set for 7:00, promising a thrilling match as McDonald continues their quest for a championship.

THE MEAN GREEN MACHINE

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BELOIT OH-  When you sit down to watch volleyball, certain players stand out not just for their raw talent, but for the intangible qualities that set them apart. West Branch’s junior libero, Ragan Greeneisen, is undeniably one of those exceptional players.

Greeneisen has evolved into more than just a standout back-row defender. She’s not merely one of the best in her conference or county; she’s earned her place as one of the premier back-row defenders in the entire region. What sets her apart is her uncanny ability to consistently position herself on the floor and move with a grace that leaves her peers in awe.

But it’s not just her physical prowess that makes Ragan special. It’s her ability to communicate and lead on the court that truly distinguishes her. The West Branch coaching staff is fortunate to have what is essentially another coach on the floor in Ragan. Her tactical understanding of the game and her capacity to inspire and direct her teammates are qualities that are rare in a player of her age.

Throughout her journey in volleyball, Ragan Greeneisen has had the privilege of looking up to great leaders. Now, the tables have turned, and it’s the younger players who aspire to follow in her footsteps. She’s become a role model for the next generation of athletes, serving as an example of what hard work, dedication, and leadership can achieve.

As Ragan continues her high school career, she has her sights set on playing volleyball at the collegiate level. Her recruiting journey is already in full swing, and she’s actively seeking the right fit. College coaches searching for a player who can make a significant impact, especially in the realm of defense, will find a gem in Ragan. Her ability to read the game, react with precision, and inspire her teammates is a valuable asset that any program would be lucky to have.

Ragan Greeneisen’s journey in volleyball is far from over, and her future in the sport is exceptionally bright. She is not only a stellar athlete but also a true leader, and her influence on and off the court will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the game and the players she inspires.

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A BROOKLYN STATE OF MIND

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MINERAL RIDGE OH- In a roster filled with established talent, Brooklyn Gelardi stands out as a rising star on the Mineral Ridge volleyball team. The junior right-side hitter’s journey to varsity play is a testament to her unwavering determination and hard work.

Having not seen varsity action during her first two seasons at Mineral Ridge, Gelardi refused to be discouraged. Instead, she dedicated herself to honing her skills and securing a consistent place on the team as an upperclassman.

What makes Gelardi an invaluable asset to the Rams is her well-rounded and versatile playing style. While she may not boast a single standout statistic, she’s a player with her hands in every major category you can imagine.

In the 2023 season, Gelardi’s contributions have been crucial. She’s recorded an impressive 20 kills, showcasing her ability to put the ball down when the team needs it most. With a remarkable 66 digs, Gelardi displays her dedication to defending the team’s court and maintaining ball control. Her 24 blocks demonstrate her prowess at the net, making it difficult for opponents to find their way past her. Gelardi has served up 12 aces, adding an element of unpredictability to the team’s play. With 18 assists, she’s even showcased her playmaking ability, contributing to the team’s offensive strategy. What truly sets Gelardi apart is her distinction as the only player on the Mineral Ridge team to boast double-digit figures in every major stat category.  Her versatility, which allows her to excel in various facets of the game, makes her an indispensable asset to the Rams.

With Gelardi in the lineup, Mineral Ridge has a serious chance to make a significant impact in tournament games. Her adaptability and all-around contributions ensure that the team remains a formidable force on the court.

Looking ahead to her senior year, there’s no doubt that Brooklyn Gelardi will not only continue to excel as a player but also step into the role of a fantastic senior leader. Her determination, versatility, and commitment to her team’s success are qualities that bode well for both her future and the Mineral Ridge volleyball program.

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KNIGHTS ARE KNOCKING ON DISTRICTS DOOR

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By Ty Bartell

AKRON OH- As the first week of volleyball playoffs in Ohio concluded, multiple squads started
punishing their tickets to Districts with Section Final victories. One of those teams with high aspirations are the undefeated Archbishop Hoban Knights who hosted their Sectional Final match on Saturday against The Shaker Heights Red Raiders. Inside the Division 1, Region 2, Northeast 5 bracket, Hoban holds the #4 seed while Shaker Heights is the #37.
The mismatch in seededing was showcased on Saturday with The Knights claiming the match in straight sets 25-10, 25-7 and 25-8. The win keeps Hoban’s undefeated season and hopes for a State Final Four berth alive, as The Knights booked their ticket to Districts!

The Mintz kept it cool on both offense and defense, as Madison Mintz led Hoban in service points with 12 and serving aces with 4. Meanwhile, Macie Mintz held the defense down with a team-leading 8 digs. Sophia Day, once again, led in assists with 17 in the match. Three different Knights helped solidify the net defense with Amber Watson, Bailey Prince and Kathleen “The Dream” Jones recording 2 blocks a piece! The Dream also led Hoban in kills with 9 in the victory!

#4 Hoban (23-0) will now advance to the District Semi-Final in a matchup with #11 Brunswick (17-7) in the second of two district matches, slated for a 7:30 p.m. start, on Tuesday, October 24th at Valley Forge High School. Stay tuned with YSN for all Archbishop Hoban Athletics scores, stats, stories and mor

RIDGE ABSORBS RAIDERS BEST SWING

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COLUMBIANA OH- In an intense sectional final, Mineral Ridge found themselves locked in a battle with South Range, ultimately emerging victorious in four closely contested sets, with scores of 18-25, 25-13, 32-30, and 25-10.

The key players for Mineral Ridge stepped up when it mattered most. Ava Hulett showcased her offensive prowess with a staggering 22 kills, while Faith Schneider was right behind her, contributing 21 kills. Samantha Aulet’s expert setting skills were on full display, and her precise plays were instrumental in the Rams’ success.

However, it was the collective effort on defense that truly made the difference for Mineral Ridge. The Rams’ defense rose to the challenge and provided a formidable barrier against South Range’s best shots, ultimately turning the tide in their favor.

South Range gave it their all, with notable performances from Hayden Carey, who recorded 11 assists and 9 digs, and Anna Toy, who notched 8 digs and 8 kills. Their efforts made this sectional final a fierce and thrilling contest.

With this hard-fought victory, Mineral Ridge now advances to the district semifinals, where they will face Columbiana. The anticipation for this upcoming matchup is high, as both teams aim to continue their journey towards district glory. The game is scheduled for Wednesday at 7:30 at Grand Valley High School.