Dan McKinstry Archives - Your Sports Network

NEW MIDDLETOWN, OH – Coming off a COVID season in 2020 where the Springfield Lady Tigers had a shortened season, head coach Dan McKinstry has this year’s team eager and excited to get back on the field and try to make a run!

Coach McKinstry is looking to continue the success he has had in previous seasons and carry over into this year with a fresh start. The Lady Tigers will rely heavily on a senior class that many believe to be one of the best in memory. Springfield will also look to continue the success that the school as a whole is having as football made a state championship run and boys basketball made it to regionals.

YSN’s own, BIlly McCartney, was able to sit down with Coach McKinstry this week to discuss the excitement around the Lady Tigers upcoming season, what some of Coach’s expectations are for this season, and a team preview about some of the key players who will be making an impact on the diamond throughout the course of the season!

Check out this exclusive softball sneak peak at the Springfield Lady Tigers with head coach, Dan McKinstry!

WELLSVILLE, OH- It was a special night in the Tiger’s Den, but it was kept secret until after the game. Wellsville Coach Dan McKinstry was coaching in his 1000th match, and it was against a team he’s very familiar with- East Palestine. It’s the very team he started his career with.

A special night for Coach McKinstry, but the cherry on top was his girls rallying back from a deficit in the first set to go on and sweep the Bulldogs in 3 sets, 25-18, 25-16, 25-15. With the victory, Wellsville takes a 2-game lead on East Palestine and the rest of the EOAC.

Leading the way last night was Emma Smith with 14 kills, Emily McNicol had 6 aces and 23 assists. Meaghan Nixon dug out 18, while Greta Cartwright was key in the rally in the first, adding four aces and 11 assists. Jenna McNicol had 30 helpers, and the freshmen tandem of Alana Amato and Aubri Ramsey had 10 kills each.

For East Palestine (6-4, 4-2) Jami Jones had 6 points and a dig, Emily Berger had a half dozen kills, and 4 digs, while Week 1 (and first-ever volleyball) Baird Brother’s Big Dog of the Valley winner, Morgan Cheurco had 18 helpers and one point.

The Tigers host Lisbon on Thursday, while East Palestine travels to United.