LISBON TAKES MOMENTUM INTO TOURNAMENT TIME

LISBON OH- In a final regular-season matchup, Lisbon’s volleyball team displayed their prowess on the court, securing a resounding victory against Windham with set scores of 25-16, 25-23, and 25-23. It was a fitting conclusion to their regular campaign.

Lisbon’s players shone in various aspects of the game, contributing to the team’s impressive win. Izzy Lannon led the charge with 10 points and 5 crucial kills, showcasing her scoring ability. Stefanee Stacey exhibited her playmaking skills with 9 points and an impressive 17 assists. Maddie Marshalek made her presence felt with 5 kills and 2 well-timed blocks. Kyrstin Reckner and Eliza Baker were instrumental in the defensive effort, each amassing an impressive 15 digs.

With this triumph, Lisbon wraps up their regular season with a 10-11 record, poised to enter the tournament phase. Their next challenge awaits as they prepare to face Springfield in the first round of the tournaments. The matchup is scheduled for Wednesday at 7:30 PM at Elyria Open Door Christian.

DEFENSE THAT IS BONILLA

MINERAL RIDGE OH- Sheryaliz Bonilla, a senior libero at Mineral Ridge, is making her final high school volleyball season count. After a junior year with limited playing time, Bonilla has embraced every opportunity in her senior year to make a substantial impact, and her dedication has shone through.

Originally hailing from Puerto Rico, Sheryaliz has her family’s unwavering support from afar. Whether it’s post-game film analysis, pre-game phone calls filled with encouragement, or simply kind advice, her family’s influence is a constant presence. She plays for them, motivated by their unwavering pride in her accomplishments. Her competitive spirit, driven by a desire to surpass her aunt’s achievements, fuels her dedication on the court.

As a libero, Bonilla holds the vital role of the best back-row defender on the team. There is no ball that Sheryaliz won’t pursue, ensuring that if you’re on the opposing side playing against Mineral Ridge, you better be ready for an extended rally. Her career has been defined by outstanding defensive skills, and she continues to seek improvement daily. Notably, she identifies her serve receive as her most improved skill this season.

While liberos often don’t see significant offensive action, Bonilla has managed to score 1 kill this season. She capitalizes on her serves to apply pressure to the opposing team, boasting one of the deadliest serves on the team. Her serves combine precision with aggressiveness, making them a formidable weapon to contend with.

Looking at her impressive 2023 statistics, Sheryaliz Bonilla leads the team with 334 digs, averaging an outstanding 4.6 per match. She also leads the team with 66 aces, achieving an impressive 16.5% ace percentage. Notably, she stands out in service points, with 263 to her name, a significant lead over her closest teammate by 75 points.

As she considers her college options, Sheryaliz has her sights set on a career in pharmaceuticals. While she’s open to the possibility of playing volleyball at the collegiate level, it’s not her top priority. Her commitment to her team, her pursuit of excellence in her chosen field, and her well-rounded character make Sheryaliz Bonilla an athlete to watch and a remarkable individual both on and off the court.

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ALWAYS BET THAT BUCCIARELLI WILL SHOW UP

CANFIELD OH- Canfield High School’s volleyball team faced a challenging transition this season, having graduated 11 seniors from the previous year. Amid this period of rebuilding and searching for new leadership, senior Isabella Bucciarelli emerged as a beacon of inspiration and teamwork on the court.

Isabella Bucciarelli exemplifies what it means to be a valuable teammate. If teamwork was a statistic, she would undoubtedly lead the area. Canfield, this season, faced more adversity than most teams due to a string of injuries. In the midst of this turmoil, Bucciarelli became the glue that held the team together until everyone returned to full health.

Throughout her career, Bucciarelli has demonstrated incredible versatility, playing multiple positions on the floor. Her adaptability has made her one of the most versatile and dependable players on the Cardinals’ roster, a testament to her commitment to the team’s success.

Let’s take a look at her impressive stats for the 2023 season, reflecting her all-around contribution to the team:

Isabella Bucciarelli has already notched up 58 kills, displaying her ability to score crucial points for Canfield.  With 106 digs (averaging 1.7 per set), she’s proven herself as a tenacious defender, always ready to dig out opponents’ powerful attacks.  Bucciarelli’s presence at the net is felt with 20 blocks, making her a formidable force in both offense and defense. Her 20 aces demonstrate her expertise in serving, which often disrupts the opponent’s rhythm. She has contributed significantly with 90 serve receives, showcasing her reliability in maintaining control during rallies.

As Canfield regains its full lineup and health, the team, led by Isabella Bucciarelli, is set to make a strong push in the postseason. Her dedication, versatility, and leadership have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in helping Canfield weather the storm of injuries and aim for success on the volleyball court in 2023.

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HOBAN UNLOCKS PERFECT SEASON

CUYAHOGA FALLS OH- In their final regular season matchup, The Archbishop Hoban Knights volleyball team continued their stint of road matches to end the season. This time, The Knights traveled to Cuyahoga Falls to do battle with The Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (CVCA) Royals. Another tough matchup for Hoban, who entered Saturday with a perfect 20-0 record, as The royals were a very credible 19-2 heading into their final regular season match. Another good test matchup to gear up both The Knights and The Royals for the postseason tournament, it looked to be another premier match.

The Knights set the tone from the service line, with Ava Norton leading the charge! Hoban would grab and hold the lead on the road, riding it to an opening set victory of 25-11. The middles were being featured heavily in this matchup for The Knights, with Summara Keith and Kathleen Jones doing work contracting a better effort from The Royals to give Hoban the 25-15 set two win! Up 2-0 in sets, The Knights wasted no time messing around, putting CVCA away in set three by a convincing score of 25-12, giving Hoban the straight set match sweep!

Ava Norton led The Knights in both service points with 18 and serving aces with 5! Kathleen Jones led the team in kills with 9 on the day. Meanwhile, Macie Mintz was the defensive leader on the floor with 8 digs while Summara Keith was the leader at the net with 3 blocks! Hoban lone senior Sophia Day led the team with 17 assist in the match as The Knights got win number twenty-one for #21.

Hoban (21-0) after hanging just the third loss of the season on CVCA, The Knights will now look ahead to the postseason tournament as the #4 seed in the Region 2, Northeast 5 bracket where they will host The Cleveland Rhodes Rams (6-6) on Wednesday, October 18th at 6 p.m.

Stay up-to-date with all Archbishop Hoban Knights athletics scores, stats, stories and more on YSN!

PUSHING IT TO THE BRINK

YOUNGSTOWN OH- In the world of high school volleyball, few athletes shine as brightly as Cardinal Mooney’s junior outside hitter, Brinkley Bair. This season, she’s not just back on the court; she’s better than ever, capturing the attention of fans and opponents alike.

After a season on the sidelines, Brinkley’s return has been nothing short of spectacular. Her athleticism is unmatched, making her one of the most exciting players in the Youngstown area. What sets her apart is her impeccable transition. Brinkley’s approach to the ball is lightning fast, leaving opposing blockers struggling to react to her powerful swings.

Her 2023 stats speak volumes about her impact on the team. With 160 kills, she averages an impressive 2.4 kills per set. She’s not just an offensive powerhouse; Brinkley is equally proficient on the defensive end with 112 digs. Her serving skills are nothing to scoff at, contributing 9 aces to her team’s success. Moreover, her ability to block at the net with 17 blocks showcases her versatility.

Brinkley Bair isn’t just a standout player; she’s a fantastic leader for the Cardinal Mooney team. With one more year left in her high school career, there’s no doubt that her journey promises to be an exciting one. Keep an eye on this rising star; the best is yet to come.

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KNIGHTS HEAD TO POSTSEASON UNBEATEN

By Ty Bartell

GIRARD OH- It has been needless to say, but The Archbishop Hoban Knights volleyball team has been
on an impressive roll! Undefeated this season against a who’s who of regional opponents all with one goal in mind, get to the state final four. Big goals for a talented team, but the most important thing is the confidence that they have not only in themselves, but one another as teammates and friends. Hoban hit the road on Thursday night for a matchup with The Girard Indians for the second time in as many years. In last year’s contest, The Indians took a thrilling five set match from The Knights 3-2, hoping much of the same would replicate itself Thursday night and they can finally hang that first loss on Hoban.

Set one was a fun battle with both teams stopping at various scores, all tied up, along the way. Hoban would pull away with a key rally in the latter stages of the set, capitalizing on some key Girard mistakes, effectively taking the opening set 25-19. Coming out with a fury in set two, The Knight put the pedal to the metal while Girard had trouble getting out of their own way with some uncharacteristic mistakes. The Knights would take full advantage of the errors, blasting The Indians by a score of 25-8 in set two. Leading two sets to none on the road, Hoban was sitting in the driver seat, looking for match win number 20. Girard showed a similar type of fight and intensity as the first set, capturing an early 9-3 lead. However, as Hoban has done some many times this season, they adjusted and mounted a comeback, duplicating the score of the first set with a 25-19 set three victory.

Kathleen “the Dream” Jones got it done behind the service line with 16 service points and 3 aces in the match. Meanwhile, outside hitter Amber Watson led the Knights in kills with 12. The lone senior Sophia Day came one dig shy of a double-double, notching 16 assists and 9 digs in the win. While Hoban used a collective team effort to seal up the net with five different Knights each recording a block during the match!

On the other side, Girard was led by Bree Latell with 7 kills and 7 service points. Bailey Walters led The Indians with 14 assists while pitching in an ace and 5 digs. Alexis Pieton and Nico Cochran each helped the net defense with 2 blocks a piece, while Cochran also contributed with 5 digs.

The win for Hoban (20-0) keeps their undefeated season alive as they have one more regular season matchup where they will stay on the road to meet Cuyahoga-Valley Christian Academy (CVCA) (18-2) on Saturday, October 14th. Meanwhile, Girard (16-6) will now look ahead to the tournament where they will host Northeast 8 conference opponent The Niles Red Dragons (1-17) on Wednesday, October 17th.

Game Photos Can Be Found HERE https://ysn.smugmug.com/10-12-vb-hoban-girard/10-12-vb-girard-hoban

CRESTVIEW CAPS OFF REGULAR SEASON PERFECTION

COLUMBIANA OH- In a resounding conclusion to their regular season, the Crestview volleyball team showcased their unwavering dominance by sweeping Salem in straight sets. With scores of 25-9, 25-8, and 25-9, the Rebels solidified their perfect season, and it was a display of teamwork, power, and precision.

Crestview’s standout athletes once again shone brightly, led by the remarkable Abbey Emch. She delivered an impressive performance with 16 kills, accompanied by eight crucial digs and five impactful blocks. Her versatility and consistent brilliance have been a driving force behind Crestview’s success all season.

The Auer sisters, Grace and Lainy, continued to demonstrate their dynamic partnership on the court. Grace tallied 14 kills, and her contribution extended beyond offense as she added 17 assists and an astonishing 11 digs to complete a remarkable triple-double. Meanwhile, Lainy earned herself a double-double, with six kills, 18 assists, and 10 crucial digs. Their synchronized play has been a cornerstone of Crestview’s unrivaled performance.

Julia Blasko proved her worth with four kills and an impressive 15 digs. The defensive skills and resilience of Emily Downey, who registered six digs, and Katie Lissi, who recorded seven crucial digs, further fortified Crestview’s impenetrable defense.

HULETT HAMMERS IT HOME

MINERAL RIDGE OH- In the hallowed halls of Mineral Ridge High School, there exists an extraordinary athlete named Ava Hulett, whose talents span across multiple sports. A true triple threat, she excels not only in volleyball but also in basketball and track and field. While her prowess is undeniable across all these disciplines, today, we shed light on her remarkable journey as a junior outside hitter for the Mineral Ridge volleyball team.

Ava’s journey in volleyball has been nothing short of remarkable. She entered the sport as a promising player and has transformed into a beacon of leadership and excellence for her team. While her statistics speak volumes, it’s her emotional and energetic presence on the court that sets her apart. She’s not just a statistical leader; she’s the driving force behind the Rams’ successes.

One of Ava’s standout achievements this season was reaching her 1,000th career dig, a testament to her exceptional defensive skills. But she’s not stopping there. With an impressive 313 kills, 317 digs, and 35 aces in the 2023 season, she’s well on her way to achieving 1,000 career kills, an incredible milestone that few attain. Her hitting percentage of .263 demonstrates her accuracy and effectiveness in attack.

Ava’s averages of 4.3 kills and 4.3 digs per set showcase her well-rounded abilities and her invaluable contributions to the team’s performance.

As the Rams prepare for an exciting tournament run, they know they can rely on Ava to bring her A-game. Her unwavering dedication and extraordinary talent will undoubtedly be key factors in their quest for success. For Ava Hulett, the future is filled with promise and the potential for even greater achievements on the volleyball court.

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RESERVE REIGNS OVER THE RAIDERS

BERLIN CENTER OH- In a resounding display of their dominance, the Western Reserve volleyball team delivered a commanding performance, securing a 3-0 victory over Warren Harding. With set scores of 25-11, 25-8, and 25-11, the Blue Devils showcased their formidable skills and improved their impressive record to 21-1.

Western Reserve’s triumph was fueled by the exceptional efforts of several key players who made significant contributions to their team’s victory. Lisa Eichert shone as an offensive force, recording an impressive 10 kills, while also exhibiting her all-around capabilities with three aces and seven crucial digs. Angelina Cappabianca complemented the team’s offensive prowess with nine kills, one block, three digs, and an ace. Alyvia Hughes demonstrated her serving prowess, amassing eight aces, and added six kills and seven digs to her impressive performance. Abby Blair showcased her defensive skills with four blocks and contributed six kills and two assists, demonstrating her all-around abilities on the court.

The Blue Devils’ victory was a testament to their skill, teamwork, and determination. With a 21-1 record, they are clearly a force to be reckoned with in the world of high school volleyball.

Warren Harding displayed their sportsmanship and determination throughout the match, and their resilience is bound to serve them well in their future competitions.

MCDONALD BRINGS THE CLIPPERS DOWN TO EARTH

COLUMBIANA OH- In a high-stakes battle to close out the regular season, the McDonald volleyball team delivered an unforgettable performance by sweeping a formidable Columbiana squad in an exhilarating matchup. With scores of 25-22, 30-28, and 25-18, the Blue Devils showcased their skill and determination on the court, earning a massive victory and handing Columbiana their second loss of the year.

The Blue Devils were led by a trio of exceptional athletes who left an indelible mark on this pivotal match. Gianna Costantino was an offensive powerhouse, delivering 17 kills while also displaying her defensive prowess with 20 crucial digs, earning herself a remarkable double-double. Julianna Krumpak contributed five kills and 14 digs, consistently providing support for her team. Megan Klockner showcased incredible versatility, orchestrating the offense with 30 assists while also notching an impressive double-double with 14 digs and four kills. Miley Titus displayed her defensive prowess, amassing 16 digs throughout the game.

Columbiana fought valiantly throughout the match, with key players making significant contributions to their team’s efforts. Ellie Jackson exhibited her skill as a multi-dimensional player, tallying 11 kills, 14 assists, and eight digs. Kelsey Cameron matched her intensity, securing 10 kills and 10 digs to complete her well-deserved double-double. Danica Halas showcased her offensive prowess with 10 kills and contributed five digs in support. Cameron Perkins displayed remarkable poise and precision, amassing 21 assists and 16 digs, earning her a well-deserved double-double. Ava Heinrich showcased her defensive tenacity with 16 digs, complemented by two aces.

The resounding victory for McDonald highlights the incredible talent and determination of their team, finishing the regular season on a high note. Meanwhile, Columbiana’s resilience and competitiveness make them a force to be reckoned with as they head into postseason play.