Tag Archive for: Ayla Ray

THE ACE OF BASES

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By Ty Bartell

AUSTINTOWN OH- There are few people that have the unique ability to command attention when they speak,
even if they do not choose to use their voice often. Even fewer will leave lasting impacts at their high schools and community not just for what they did athletically, but for what they did as leaders, serving as an example for younger generations, thus setting a standard for a revolution that could last ages. The Ace of Bases, Ayla Ray is that type of person.

Raised with a “no excuses” mentality from her parents at a young age, Ayla has looked not to other factors in her shortcomings throughout her athletic experience, but within herself. That mentality has not made her one of the best softball players, not only in the area, but the entire state of Ohio. Serving as a role model for her three younger sisters, but also countless others throughout the Austintown community.

From the quiet and shy freshman to the confident and composed senior, the journey of growth Ray has made as a person goes beyond herself as a player. One that every single one of her high school coaches have nothing but praise for the type of influential leader Ayla Ray is. However, The Ace of Bases has continued her success as a player in her senior campaign! Batting .444 with a team-leading four home runs and 14 RBI this season! How does that jingle go? Ace is the place with the helpful hard-hit drives?

Committed to Youngstown State University (YSU) to play softball, Ray looks to keep her talents close to home and follow in her fathers footsteps as another generation of Penguins. Not just Ayla, but longtime friend and Champion Flashes standout Isabella Meyer is yet another to make the commitment to YSU as perhaps another revolution is on the horizon for Ray!

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RAY BANS REQUIRED

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By Ty Bartell

AUSTINTOWN OH- Few players have the natural ability to lead by example, the type where few words need
to be said and when they are true weight is held in every one that they speak. Leaders are not often chosen, rather the position chooses them. That is the case for Austintown-Fitch senior Ayla Ray! Now, you may have heard “the Ace of Base” lighting up box scores on a softball field before, but Ayla has rapidly become “The Ace of Lace” when she steps foot on the basketball court!

Averaging a team-high 11.6 point per game this season to go along with another team-high in made 3-point shots with 33 this year, “Ace” has been the place to get your helpful offense all year long. Coming from great parents, both Tatum and Renauld have shown unwavering support for their oldest daughter as she has blazed the trail for her younger sisters to follow. Always a special connection with her dad, Ayla and Renauld bonded over basketball despite the frequent coaching looks, Ayla could always count on the coach at home.

Although Ayla may be going to the next level for softball, there is no doubt in the waves that she has made in basketball! With plenty of noticeable improvements from freshman year until now, Ayla has proved and continued to prove that hard work pays off! YSNs Ty Bartell got the opportunity to sit down with “Ace” to recap the season so far, her role as a leader, The Falcons second sectional final win in 30 years and much more!

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A RAY OF SUNSHINE

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AUSTINTOWN OH- Austintown Fitch softball has been on a tear this season. They haven’t lost to anyone in the state of Ohio.  They are one win away from a trip to Akron and the state tournament.  Their lineup is stacked 1-9, but always setting the tone at the top is Ayla Ray.

Ayla might be one of the most feared leadoff hitters in the YSN family. The versatile nature of her bat must make her a nightmare to game plan against. She has only struck out 3 times this season. You can attribute that to her two strike approach.  She has a expert level eye at the plate, and never tries to do too much with two strikes.  Her spray chart will show you that Ray has the ability to hit the ball line to line. That makes her lethal. And because coach award puts her at the top of the order, walking her to lead things off would put a team behind the preverbal eight ball.

As far as her numbers go, Ayla is currently hitting .583 on the season.  She leads the team in hits with 49.  She has hit 2 home runs, 10 doubles, and knocked in 18 RBI.  Ray also carries a slugging percentage of .892.  As far as her glove goes, Ray holds down the middle of the infield at shortstop.  She has a fielding percentage of .938. She’s only made 2 errors all season with 32 total chances.

Ray took the time to talk with the guys of Running Point this week to give an insight on what has made her so successful. Join Ty Bartell and Anthony Hartwig as they get to know Ray on and off the field in the latest Fitch softball player profile.

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