Tag Archive for: Fitch

FALCONS STAY STREAKING

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CLEVELAND OH- In the second game of the girls and boys doubleheader, the home of The Cavs, Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse was the venue for an All-American Conference (AAC) matchup! Coach Bubon and The Howland Tigers played home team to their conference foe in The Austintown Fitch Falcons, led by Coach Beany. Howland came in the Monday afternoon contest sporting a 6-2 record, while Fitch came in 5-3. However, it would be the first conference game for either school on the boys side this season and the first AAC conference game on the boys side overall! 

The Tigers, winners of two straight versus Hubbard and Brookfield, came in with a ton of confidence. Showcasing their great passing ability this season, Howland has demonstrated unselfish basketball that often leads to open looks and, ultimately, wins this year. The Falcons were also riding with momentum, emerging victorious at The Hudson Holiday Tournament where they matched up with a powerhouse in Walsh Jesuit. Going to overtime with The Warriors, Fitch would grab the monstrous victory before The New Year. 

Austintown was not messing around, going on a 9-2 run and capturing an early advantage on Howland. Buckets coming from a multitude of ways, Fitch was finding offense from multiple sources. The Tigers found a sharpshooter from Alex Henry, who often starts the passing engine that is The Tiger offense. But on the big stage, Henry found some buckets that battled Howland back, trimming the deficit to just a single point, 13-14 against Fitch. The Falcons would build on their lead before the half, holding the advantage 20-13 at the halftime break. 

Out of the half, Fitch would go on an 11-0 run to start the third quarter to immediately take momentum by force. The Tigers were creating the looks needed to contend, but the third quarter was not friendly to Howland, with multiple shots rimming out. Fitch would expand on the shooting woes of their adversaries, capping the quarter off with an NBA distance three pointer from Gianni Maley, that gave Fitch a 38-18 lead heading into the final eight minutes. In the final quarter, The Falcons flew with the gust of momentum and rode it all the way to victory. After going 0-2 against The Tigers a season ago, Fitch was able to emerge victorious by the final score of 50-29. 

After the loss, Howland(6-3)(0-1) will look to redirect their attention, hosting cross-town rival The Warren Harding Raiders(4-3)(0-0) on Friday, January 6th. After the early conference win, Fitch (6-3)(1-0) will also stay in the AAC, as they will host their big rival in The Boardman Spartans(4-5)(0-0) on Friday as well!

*Contributed By YSN’s Ty Bartell

TIGERS COME OUT ON TOP IN AAC CLASSIC IN CLEVELAND

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CLEVELAND OH- In a special edition of an All-American Conference (AAC) matchup, The Howland Tigers did battle with The Austintown Fitch Falcons in a girls and boys doubleheader, hosted in Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. In the home of The Cavaliers, the two conference opponents did not disappoint on the big stage!

Exchanging multiple buckets in the first quarter, Zayda Creque got it going from distance for Fitch, while Jessie DeSalvo found responses for The Tigers, thus creating a very competitive first quarter. As the first eight minutes saw high levels of scoring, for the second eight, that was not the case. With defense taking center stage for the second quarter, Howland kept themselves in front by creating live-ball turnovers. However, Fitch kept within striking distance with the one-two punch of Jocelyn Jourdan and Kylie Folkwein controlling the glass and getting plenty of second chance points. The Tigers led after the first half by a score 26-20.

The second half saw much of the same as the previous. With the back-and-forth battle carrying over the halftime break. Fitch got a bucket better to end the third, trailing Howland by four points heading into the fourth quarter. The Falcons were able to even the game up 37-37 at the start of the final quarter, creating a heightened sense of drama for the first contest of the day in Cleveland. 

A couple of players showcased their “clutch” gene in the final frame on the big stage of an NBA court. Rachel Spalding for Fitch came up with two big-time shots, including one from distance that served to be blows to Howland. However, The Tigers had a response in the ever-confident, ever-clutch Alyssa Massucci! Sooch earned Player of The Game honors with her 23 point performance, including multiple big time baskets in the winding moments of the game. Helping lead her team to the 49-44 victory over Fitch, the win helps Howland keep pace in their conference hopes! 

Following the loss, Fitch will continue to look for their first conference victory, with their first matchup with The Warren Harding Raiders slated to visit on Wednesday, January 4th. While The Tigers had a matchup so nice, they will do it twice! With a second consecutive matchup with Fitch scheduled in Austintown on Monday, January 9th. Be sure to stay tuned to the YSN “standings” page to keep up with all the changes!

*Contributed By YSN’s Ty Bartell

FITCH SINKS THE RAIDERS

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The Austintown Fitch Falcons have been the talk of The All-American Conference the past few seasons. Looking to go for their third straight conference victory, coming off a win against The Canfield Cardinals, The Falcons now had their sights set on a Thursday evening matchup with The Warren Harding Raiders. 

A matchup that has been one-sided to say the least in recent memory. Going into Thursday night, The Falcons had not lost a set to Harding in almost 9 years! With The Raiders last set win coming on October 14th, 2013, making it 33 consecutive set wins for Austintown. 

Little time was wasted before Fitch jumped all over Harding out of the gate, going on big runs offensively and going the extra mile on defense. Extending their streak in emphatic fashion, The Falcons would take the straight set victory over The Raiders to capture their 9th win on the season. The win also extends Austintown’s streak to 36 consecutive set wins and 18 match victories against their conference foe! 

Fitch (9-1) will now hit the road on Monday, September 19th as they go into hostile territory to take on one of The Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference’s (MVAC) best in The Western Reserve Blue Devils (8-3). For Harding (0-7) they will look to right the ship, as they also will be away on Monday, September 19th in an attempt to slay The Lakeside Dragons (8-1). As we approach the halfway mark of volleyball season, be sure to catch all the local games and coverage on YSN! 

 

Set Scores

Fitch 25 – 7 Harding

Fitch 25 – 7 Harding

Fitch 25 – 8 Harding

Match: Fitch 3 – 0 Harding

 

Stats (Austintown)

Jocelyn Jourdan : 11 Kills, 1 Ace, 10 Digs, 4 Receptions.

Jordan Smith : 6 Kills, 4 Aces, 9 Digs, 3 Receptions. 

Afton Roby : 6 Kills, 1 Ace, 2 Digs,

Kylie Folkwein : 6 Kills, 1 Reception. 

Rylie Simons : 4 Aces, 3 Digs, 17 Assists, 

Avery Rosko : 3 Kills, 1 Dig, 6 Assists, 

Julia Jordan : 2 Kills, 1 Ace, 1 Block, 3 Digs, 

Jordan Binion : 2 Kills, 1 Ace, 1 Block, 7 Assists 

Cierra Cable : 6 Digs, 2 Assists, 5 Receptions. 

Emily Kluchar : 1 Ace, 2 Digs, 1 Reception. 

Izzy DiRenzo : 2 Digs, 1 Assist, 4 Receptions.

*Contributed By YSN’s Ty Bartell

FALCONS ONE STEP AWAY FROM AKRON

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- The tension was high on Tuesday night as Fitch ventured into the regional semifinals for the first time since 2013. Their opponent Brecksville Broadview Heights had just as an impressive season as the Falcons did. Both teams came in with 22+ wins, and a pitcher with an ERA lower than 0.65.  The Falcons were able to set the tone early and escape with a 5-2 win.  The Falcons are now one win away from a trip to Firestone Stadium.

Caitlin Mitchell got the Falcons on the board first as she hit an RBI single in the first inning to make it 1-0 Falcons.  She finished with multiple hits on the day. Samantha Severn knocked in a pair of RBI.  Ayla Ray also finished with multiple hits and a RBI.  She made a fantastic play at short to end the third inning.

Sydnie Watts was not phased by the impressive offense the Bees presented.  Chelsea Mack carried an average above .700 coming into the game. The future Kentucky Wildcat had over 70 hits on the season. She eventually got 2 hits and an RBI, but Watts struck her out her first two at bats.  Watts struck out 14 batters total on her way to the win. She gave up 2 runs on 6 hits. It makes her total 310 on the season.

Fitch will play in the regional final on Friday night against North Canton Hoover.  This will be a rematch of the 2021 district championship.  First pitch from YSU is set for 5:00.

HOGAN’S A HERO

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AUSTINTOWN, OH- While she doesn’t walk out to “Real American” like Hulk Hogan, she represents that idea each time she makes her way to the dish.  Austintown Fitch’s McKenna Hogan has made her name from the hard work, dedication, and character she brings to seemingly everything she does.  While she can charm you with her personality, she can harm you with her skillset on the diamond.

Hogan has been the leader behind the plate for Coach Ward’s troops this season, and has helped along with teammates who may not have the experience, but have all the talent in the world.

Every coach’s dream.

Hogan’s work both on the field and in the classroom showcases her value to recruiters and coaches from sea to shining sea.  Her ability to handle complex gameplans, communicate with coaches, and handle pitchers is a tool that can’t easily be taught but instead must be inherited.

YSN’s Anthony Hartwig and Ty Bartell caught up with the Fearless Falcon, McKenna Hogan, in this week’s Austintown Fitch Player Profile: Hogan’s a Hero.

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FALCONS STAY IN COMMAND OF AAC

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BOARDMAN OH- Austintown Fitch came in to Thursday nights matchup with Boardman undefeated in the AAC, and in first place. Boardman needed a win if they were going to have any chance to stay in the AAC race. After Fitch won the first game of the series on Tuesday night 7-0, they completed the season sweep of the Spartans with a 5-1 win.

Ayla Ray reached baseball four times she stepped to the plate. She hit a single, a double, and was intentionally walked twice.  Sydnie Watts also had multiple hits. She hit a singe, a double, and knocked in a RBI. Bella Tofill, and Sam Severn both added RBI’s.

Sydnie Watts added another double digit strikeout game to her resume. She went all 7 innings and gave up 1 run on 2 hits. She struck out 12, and walked 5.

Boardman’s two hits were knocked in by Cassidy Bryan, and Tori Strines.  Bryan was only retired once as she went 1-2 with a walk. She also made a couple of stellar plays at first base that saved runs from scoring.

Strines got the start in the circle for Boardman. She went all 7 innings and gave up 5 runs. 4 of the runs were earned. She struck out 6.

Fitch returns to the field on Friday as they host Columbiana. Boardman has a matchup with Twinsburg on Friday.

ROTH ADDS ZIP TO HIS FASTBALL

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AUSTINTOWN OH- Austintown Fitch Falcons Baseball Team has a double-barrel shotgun tandem of pitchers in the starting rotation on the mound this season.  Joe “Wild Thing” Roth has been the heart and soul of Falcons Athletics over the course of his Austintown career. Being a leader by example on the basketball court to the baseball field, Roth carries himself with a kind of class and respect that can be described as old school.  Mix that with the new school analytical approach that Roth takes to the game. Always wanting to learn, always wanting to question and always wanting to get better.

Whether it’s on the mound or behind the plate, Joe Roth has the pitching rotation taken care of for The Falcons.Adding some “Zip” in the offseason, Akron got one of the areas finest for their program.

Do not miss this exclusive interview with Joe Roth from YSNs Running Point.

*Contributed By YSN’s Ty Bartell

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WATTS DAZZLES HER WAY TO SECOND NO HITTER OF THE SEASON

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AUSTINTOWN OH- In just her eighth start of her high school career Fitch’s Sydnie Wats has thrown her second no hitter. She baffled the offense of Cardinal Mooney in 5 innings as they beat the Cards 13-0 in run rule fashion.

As far as the bats went for the Falcons, Ayla Ray continued to be as dangerous as ever. She finished the night with a pair of triples, a single, and 2 RBI. Caitlin Mitchell also had three hits with a triple. Ali Foley doubled and collected a pair of RBI. Sophia Senediak had a hit, and a RBI.

In her second no hitter of the season, Sydnie Watts struck out 15 hitters in 5 innings. If you do the math you’ll find out that’s every recorded out. She walked 2. She now has 111 strikeouts on the season in her 8 wins.

Fitch is still undefeated, and they’ll test themselves again Tuesday as they welcome in Massillon Tuslaw.

 

Postgame Interview With Sydnie Watts

FALCONS STAY HOT ON A COLD DAY

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AUSTINTOWN OH- After a tight game on Friday night, Saturdays game between Fitch and Lakeside was anything but. The Falcons stayed unbeaten with a quick 15-0 win in 5 innings.

Ayla Ray had a 4 RBI day at the plate with two singles and a double. Samantha Aye had multiple hits with a RBI. Maddy Taylor and Caitlin Mitchell both tripled with a RBI each.

Kayla Schubert took full advantage of an opportunity in the circle. She went all 5 innings and only gave up 2 hits. She struck out 13 while walking 4.

Fitch will get back to action Monday as they host Mooney.

Postgame Interview With Kayla Schubert:

 

 

FITCH DIGS DEEP TO STAY UNBEATEN

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AUSTINTOWN OH- In their biggest test of the season to this point, Fitch got a highly contested win over federal league rival Glen Oak 4-3.

The big bat of the night for the Falcons was Sam Severn who had 2 hits and 3 RBI. Maddy Taylor also collected multiple hits with a pair of singles. Ali Foley added a base hit, and a double.

Sydnie Watts struck out 16 in the win. She gave up 5 hits, and walked two.

Lakeside will come to Austintown on Saturday to play Fitch at 1:00.