Tag Archive for: Bulldogs

POLAND UNLOADS ON THE DRAGONS

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By Matt Maher


POLAND, OH – If you wanted to watch baseball on Friday night you certainly would’ve seen a game in Poland but if you wanted to see a good game well you probably went elsewhere on YSN (unless your a Bulldogs super fan of course) because Poland absolutely obliterated their competition, routing Niles 31-2 after 5 innings to complete the season series sweep against the Red Dragons.

 

Poland showed poise on the mound from the onset. With Matt Paparodis on the bump to start he sat down the first 3 Red Dragons with a groundout and then back to back swinging K’s. The Bottom of the inning proved to be even better with a 7 run outburst that would make anyone’s jaw drop. Starting off with a single and a double Paparodis was able to get on via a fielding error and bring in the first run, from there it was an RBI double from Hayes, an RBI single from Elia, 2 Wild Pitches that brought home 2 more runs and an RBI double from Livosky. 

 

Niles would get 1 of those runs back in the 2nd with Landon Turner getting a leadoff double and then Brady Court batting him home with an RBI single. Paparodis struck out 3 more batters with 2 of them coming between the leadoff hit and the RBI and the third coming after a batter hit. 

 

Poland kept their foot on the gas and casually tacked on 8 more runs with an RBI single from Thompson, an RBI walk from Chambers, an RBI single from Jenkins, an RBI double from Boccieri, a 2-run RBI double from Paparodis and another RBI single from Thompson. Niles starting pitcher was able to strikeout Zach Livosky in the middle of the free for all Poland found themselves basking in. 

 

Niles found their 2nd and final run of the evening in the 3rd. After Hrosar led things off with a double, AJ Yost would hit a single that would prove to be difficult to field by the right fielder Livosky who would end up throwing the ball away and allowing Hrosar to score on the error. Another 2 K’s were earned by Paparodis in this half of the inning as well. 

 

Poland added another 6 runs to the board thanks in part to an RBI double from Boccieri, 2 runs scoring off of an error on the infield, a groundout from Elia that allowed a run to score and a 2-run RBI single from Livosky. The Bulldogs were swinging at everything within eyesite of the strike zone and couldn’t seem to miss and that continued to be the case in the 4th. 

 

Joseph Zuccaro came in for relief of Paparodis who finished the evening with 3 IP, 2 ER, 4 H and 7 Ks. Zuccaro would 1-up his teammate by striking out the side all with looking strikes to Finish off each batter. 

 

Some say lightning doesn’t strike twice but for Poland, it strikes 4 times with monsterous booms of thunder to follow and this inning brought the biggest boom because the Bulldogs capped off this game with 10 more runs! With the bases loaded, ELia brought in the first run with a single, Kopkash, in for THompson, earned his first RBI of the evening with a single, Malochi Sweeney, in for Livosky, got aboard via a fielding error that allowed 2 more to score, a wild pitch brought in the next run, a Zuccaro single brought in a run, a Hayes double score 2 more and finally an Elia double brought in run number ten. 

 

Poland has made a very convincing case for first place in the Northeast 8 this season, outscoring Niles 44-5 over 2 games. With numbers like that, it’s going to be very tough to beat Poland this season. Niles (0-3, 0-2) will be back home on Friday April 5th when they host Newton Falls at 5:00PM and Poland (3-0, 2-0) will hit the road and take on Edgewood on Tuesday April 2nd at 4:30PM. 

SMITH NEARS PERFECTION IN DOMINATING WIN

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EAST PALESTINE OH- Malachi Reed drove in four runs on two hits to lead East Liverpool past East Palestine 15-0 on Friday. Reed singled in the first inning, scoring two runs, and singled in the second inning, scoring one.

East Liverpool scored eight runs in the second inning on the way to victory. Evan Tice singled, scoring one run, an error scored one run, Nate Birch singled, scoring two runs, Reed singled, scoring one run, Jake Smith drew a walk, scoring one run, and Kasen Ramsey doubled, scoring two runs.

The Potters got on the board in the top of the first inning after Tice drew a walk, scoring one run, Trent Davis doubled, scoring one run, Birch singled, scoring one run, and Reed singled, scoring two runs. They extended their early lead with two runs in the top of the third thanks to RBI errors by Birch and Reed.

Smith earned the win for East Liverpool Potters. The right-handed pitcher gave up zero hits and zero runs over five innings, striking out seven and walking none. Smith completed a no hitter, and flirted with a perfect game.

Kyler Bourne took the loss for East Palestine. He went one and two-thirds innings, allowing 13 runs (eight earned) on 10 hits, striking out two and walking four.

East Liverpool amassed 12 hits in the game. Ramsey, Davis, Reed, and Birch each collected two hits. Ramsey and Birch each stole multiple bases. East Liverpool worked the count all day, accumulating seven walks. They also stole six bases in the game.

POLAND GETS THINGS GOING EARLY

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NILES OH – Poland opened the 2024 season with a conference win against Northeast 8 rival Niles McKinley with a 16-1 win.

Junior Olivia Horn earned the mound win over 5 innings in the circle hurling a no-hitter and adding 10 strikeouts.
The Lady Bulldogs pounded 13 hits with Sophomore shortstop Eliana Thompson adding 3 hits with 2 RBI’s including a double. Leanna Boccieri, Kyle Hudran, Leanne Williams and Olivia Horn each tallied 2 hits. Boccieri doubled with 2 RBIs, Horn tripled with 2 RBIs and both stayed perfect at the plate.  Williams doubled while Hudran and Freshman Cassie Blance each tripled.
The Lady Red Dragons and Lady Bulldogs return to NE8 action tomorrow at Poland.

LIPPIATT BREAKS RUN RECORD IN UNITED’S FIRST WIN

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EAST PALESTINE OH- Samantha Lippiatt drove in five runs on three hits to lead United past East Palestine 21-6 on Monday. Lippiatt’s 5 runs scored broke the United career record with 95.

Lippiatt singled in the third scoring two, tripled in the second scoring one, walked in the fourth scoring one, and singled in the fifth scoring one.

United jumped out to the lead in the top of the first inning after Chloe Angelo grounded out, scoring one run, Madelynn Lucas tripled, scoring one run, and Brinsley Hiscox tripled, scoring two runs.

The Eagles added to their early lead in the top of the second inning after Lippiatt tripled, Lippiatt scored after tagging up, and East Palestine Varsity Bulldogs committed an error, each scoring one run.

East Palestine scored one run in the bottom of the second on a solo home run to center field by Maddison Foster.

United extended their early lead with five runs in the top of the third thanks to RBI singles by Lippiatt, Grace Coffee, and Lucas.

United  scored five runs on six hits in the top of the fourth inning. Lippiatt drew a walk, scoring one run, Angelo singled, scoring two runs, Lucas singled, scoring one run, and Matilyn Zines singled, scoring one run.

Zines earned the win for the Eagles. The starting pitcher allowed five hits and six runs (one earned) over five innings, striking out seven and walking one. Gabby Andre took the loss for East Palestine. She went four innings, giving up 17 runs (12 earned) on 16 hits, striking out four and walking four.

United collected 22 hits in the game. Brittany Miller made the most of her chances at the plate. The number nine hitter led the team with four hits in four at bats. Lucas, Zines, Coffee, Angelo, and Hiscox each collected multiple hits.

Foster provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led the Bulldogs with three runs batted in. They went 3-for-3 on the day.

United will have a day off before they play East Palestine again on Wednesday at home.

CARDINALS BRAVE THE COLD

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POLAND OH- Mooney improved to 2-0 after defeating Poland 19-7 on Thursday night. Ella Szalay led offense with 9 goals, 2 assists, and 9 draw controls. Angelee Blasko had 3 goals and 4 ground balls. Natalie Blasko had 2 goals and an assist, while Maria Pecchia also added 2 goals.

Sophia Rotunno was again a force on defense with 6 caused turnovers, 8 ground balls, 2 goals, and 1 assist. Frankie Cassese rounded out scoring with 1 goal. Alyssa Ray had 7 saves in goal.

Mooney returns to play on Tuesday, March 26 for their home opener against Canfield at 6:30pm.

*Contributed by Toni Chahine

Game Photos HERE: https://ysn.smugmug.com/3-21-LAX-mooney-poland

POLAND’S SEASON ENDS IN THE SEMIS

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By Matt Maher 


AKRON, OH – The Bulldogs faced a big test on Wednesday night in the Rubber City when they took on the CVCA Royals to try and advance to the district finals. While Poland had a decent second half with energetic runs that showed us all why they were there, it would be their slow start in the first half that would ultimately decide this game and give the Royals the 64-47 victory.

 

It’s never a good sign when you start off a playoff game down 17-3 after the first quarter but man was that Royals defense locked in. Every man had a partner and even when they doubled up on a Bulldog they had the floor well covered and forced Poland to take shots they weren’t comfortable with and scooped up rebounds or just stole the ball from Poland all together. 

 

Danny Nittoli would be the only scorer for Poland in the first with a double and 1-of-2 free throws made. CVCA had ice in their veins, not just on defense, but on offense too and that was spearheaded by Lavelle Sharpe who made two 3’s and led his team with 6 points.

 

The second frame bore better results for Poland with 12 points scored on offense but their defense was still underperforming and the result was a 20-12 edge for CVCA in the quarter. Nittoli continued to be the main source of offense for the Bulldogs with 5 points while Carmine Tukalo got himself warmed up with a 3 and Jas Stefancin went 2-for-2 from the stripe. Sharpe for CVCA continued his dominance with two more 3’s and his first double of the night.

 

Poland came out of the break hungry and ready to play and their offense reached new heights scoring 15 points and their defense kept CVCA below them with 14 points. Tukalo warmed up in a big way, earning 8 points with two 3’s and a 2 while Michael Daley, Jacob Hayes and Oliver McCully scored 2 points each. Sharpe was confined to just 2 points for CVCA but Niles Nuru picked up the slack and kept Poland on their toes with 7 points. 

 

Poland continued to outscore their opponent in the 4th with a 17-13 line. Tukalo continued his hot streak with two more 3’s and Andrew Todd joined the party with a nice 3 and a perfect trip to the free throw line notting him 5 points for the night. Sharpe would add 2 more points to his night and Nuru earned 3. 

 

Poland certainly put forth a valiant effort in the second half but couldn’t overcome the huge deficit they faced after the first half and the score tells the rest of the story. Carmine Tukalo finished the night with a team leading 17 points while Danny Nittoli tallied 10 of his own. The Bulldogs end their season 11-1 in the Northeast 8, good for first place, 15-7 overall and 1-1 in postseason play. Congratulations to the Bulldogs on another great season of Basketball!

BULLDOGS KEEP THE CATS IN THEIR CAGE

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By Matt Maher 


POLAND, OH – The Bulldogs welcomed the Canton South Wildcats to town for a high energy defensive brawl in the OHSAA playoffs!. The Bulldogs used their defense in the 2nd quarter and let their offense soar in the second half in their 59-49 round 2 victory. 

 

The Wildcats jumped out to a hot start with Tavon Castle and Julius Kimbrough lighting up the hardwood with a combined 17 points. Poland struggled in the opening frame and only recorded 9 points. Carmine Tukalo hit a long 3 for the Bulldogs and Danny Nittoli notched 4 hard fought points under the rim. The Bulldogs began slow and the Wildcats thought they had set the tone but boy did the Bulldogs have a huge response coming.

 

Poland may have only scored 10 points in the 2nd quarter but those 10 points look fantastic when compared to the 2 points Canton South was able to muster. The 2 points for the visiting Wildcats came from the charity stripe with Poochie Snyder sinking both of his shots. The Poland defense stood very tall and allowed for Tukalo to add another triple along with Andrew Todd’s monstrous three as well. 

 

The low scoring was left to the first half and Poland exploded with offense after the halftime break and put up 22 points to Canton Souths 13. Castle added to his already impressive night with two doubles while the other 9 points all came from beyond the arc. Carmine Tukalo unlocked and unloaded a tsunami of offense with 10 big points all from under the hoop with two of the tallies drawing fouls and allowing him to turn the 2 into 3. Todd continued to impress with two made 3’s and Oliver McCully added 4 points to his total. 

 

The 4th quarter saw a much tighter defensive game from the Wildcats and seemed to do a good job boxing out the Bulldogs but, while it was good, it wasn’t great because Poland still found their way around the traps and put up 18 points to South’s 17. Castle added a triple to end his night with 13 while Kimbrough entered the score sheet again with 5 more points to cap off his night with 16 points. Tukalo continued to amaze with 7 more points to finish off his team leading and game leading 23 point night. As a team Poland went 9 for 11 from the stripe and sealed this game.

 

While Canton South came out sprinting, Poland maintained a steady pace and then made their move near the end and never looked back as they crossed the finish line and advanced to the next round. The Bulldogs will have this big win in their back pocket as they look towards Valley Christian Academy who will try to stop the Bulldogs on March 6th in North Hill in Akron at 7:00PM. 

WRESTLING WEDNESDAY WITH GARY ALTHISER (EP 12) FEATURING ADDISON PAPARELLA & ZOEY BEAMER

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Districts are here! After a hugely successful sectional tournament over the weekend, plenty of YSN wrestlers have gotten themselves one step away from a trip to Columbus.  However, as we all know that final step gets a bit higher as the calendar flips to districts.  The best wrestlers across the region get together to fight for limited spots.  With the next round being the hardest yet, we wanted to take the time to celebrate some great performances in the sectional round! This episode of Wrestling Wednesday features a pair of East Palestine Bulldogs who have punched their tickets.  Join Gary Althiser, Chris Colucci, and Scotty Mincher as they talk to their special guests, and preview the district rounds!

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LAKERS SEIZE A SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IN THE FINAL SECONDS

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PYMATUNING OH- In a thrilling contest that came down to the wire, Pymatuning Valley seized the opportunity to showcase their prowess on their home court, edging past Poland in a heart-pounding 50-48 victory. The Lakers, buoyed by a raucous home crowd, delivered a performance to remember, capped off by sophomore standout Sadie Paul’s clutch game-winning layup with just 2 seconds remaining on the clock.

Leading the charge for Pymatuning Valley was Zoey Painter, who poured in a staggering 30 points, dominating the offensive end with her scoring prowess. Paul contributed 6 points, while Taryn Tisch also chipped in with 6 points to bolster the Lakers’ attack.

Despite the formidable challenge posed by Poland, led by Sophia Generalovich with 15 points, Leanne Williams with 11 points, and Elliana Thompson with 9 points, Pymatuning Valley remained resilient and composed, ultimately securing the hard-fought victory.

With the win, Pymatuning Valley advances to the District Semifinals, where they will eagerly await the outcome of the Warrensville Heights versus Northwestern matchup. The highly anticipated semifinal clash is scheduled to take place on Wednesday at 6:00 at North Ridgeville High School.

WRESTLING WEDNESDAYS WITH GARY ALTHISER (EP 11) FEATURING ELLA THOMAS

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We are days away from the sectionals getting started for wrestling! Gary and the boys of Running Point could not be more excited for the postseason. As we get through the calm before the storm, we thought it’d be a good time to recognize one of the brightest young stars on the mats this season. From Poland freshman Ella Thomas has reigned nothing but dominance on the girl’s side of grappling.  With a record of 35-0 and 33 pins, all challengers have fallen by the wayside when standing across from Thomas.  So now the question is how can she continue that success all the way to the state podium? Hear it from the phenom herself as Thomas joins wrestling Wednesday, and the guys get ready for the journey to Columbus!

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