FALCONS RISE UP TO BEAT STRUTHERS

By Ty Bartell,

AUSTINTOWN OH- In the second matchup with an NE8 opponent on the season for The Austintown Fitch Lady Falcons, it was everything it promised to be.

Much like Fitch’s last matchup in the NE8 with Poland, everyone expected The Struthers Lady Wildcats to pose a challenge for Fitch.

Struthers came into Austintown and started off with a fury. After the initial opening tip, The Lady Wildcats were full speed ahead.

Chloe Neider was a bright spot for The Lady Wildcats, who came into the game averaging 16.3 points per game this season.

This game was no different for Neider, as she had a 21 point performance for Struthers, and was a large part why The Wildcats led for the majority of the game.

The Lady Falcons were able to make their comeback, thanks in part to 27 combined points from Ayla Ray (14) and Zayda Creque (13).

Ayla Ray was a huge factor in the Lady Falcons comeback, playing as the primary point in the second half, while getting to the line a good number of times. Ray converted 8 of her 9 free throw attempts in the game.

Zayda Creque was the other factor in a Falcons victory. Shooting an efficient 4 for 8 from behind the 3-Point arch, opening up the driving lanes for Fitch.

As The Lady Falcons were able to pull off the dramatic 47-45 victory over Stuthers, it notched their first win against an NE8 opponent, and sent Fitch to a 4-3 record.

Struthers’ record will drop to 1-4, as they will look to host Lakeview and The Lady Bulldogs on Monday, December 13th.

Fitch will take their 4-3 record into a week full of battles with cardinals, as it starts with The Lady Cardinals of Cardinal Mooney on Monday, December 13th as well.

Both games will be live on YSN!

Postgame Interview With Jeff Wilson: