Canton Hoover Archives - Your Sports Network

AUSTINTOWN OH- It’s never east to see a season come to an end. Players pour their whole energy into a season on the dreams of being that one team that gets to hold a trophy in the end. For Fitch softball that was a very tangible dream. After beating Brecksville Broadview Heights 5-2 in the regional semifinals, they were one win away from going to Akron in the state bracket. North Canton Hoover stood in their way. The same Vikings team that ended the Falcons season in 2021 did it yet again on Saturday evening with a 5-3 victory. Through the tears and disappointment Fitch hung their heads high in pride, and stood tall in their character. They showed just how much class they had as a program staring down the eyes of defeat.

The game itself lived up to the legendary billing. Ayla Ray opened the game with a bang tripling on the first pitch of the bat. She would come around to score to give Fitch the early 1-0 lead. Sadie Carroll would respond with a RBI triple in the bottom of the first to tie the game up at 1-1. Hoover took the lead in the second as Sydnee Koosh scored from third.

In the fourth inning, Sydnie Watts would unload on a 1-0 pitch after Maddy Taylor singled for a two run bomb. It would put the Falcons up 3-2. However, Hoover would come up big in the bottom half with a two RBI triple from Delaney Shannon, following a run scoring error that tied the game. Hoover would take their 5-3 lead, and not surrender another run.

Ayla Ray ended the day leading the Falcons offense with 3 hits on a 3-4 day. Taylor also had multiple hits going 2-4. Watts went 1-3 with a HR and 2 RBI.

Watts gave everything she had in the circle for the Falcons as she always does. She struck out 4 and gave up 5 hits. Only one of the Hoover runs were earned.

No one had multiple hits for Hoover, but their 5 knocks came at big times, and were spread throughout the lineup. Shannon had 2 RBI in the 9 spot to lead the team. Carroll went 1-3 with a RBI.

Koosh went the distance as she led the Vikings to state in her senior season. The future Robert Morris Colonial went 7.0 IP giving up 3 runs on 8 hits and striking out 7. 81 of her 118 pitches were strikes.

LOUISVILLE OH- Everyone knows how tough the schedule can get for independent teams like Louisville. The Leopards have been tested all season. Their record may not be what they want it to be, but on Thursday they sent a message to everyone in division 1. The Leopards beat reigning district champion North Canton Hoover 8-5.

Kenzie Denzer led the offensive charge going 2-3 with a HR, 3 RBI, and 3 runs scored. Jenna Collins led in hits going 3-4 with a HR, a 2 RBI and a run scored. Brooke Brendle also hit a bomb for the Leopards going 1-3 with a RBI. Matti Benson went 2-4 with 2 RBI.

Katie Heath went the distance in the circle for Louisville. She gave up 3 earned runs on 8 hits, and struck out 3.

Louisville hits the road on Friday to take on Massillon Jackson. First pitch set for 5:00.