Tag Archive for: Flashes

BIG GAME GABBY

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WARREN OH- Despite facing adversity early in her high school career, Gabby Gradishar has emerged as a towering figure in Champion’s softball landscape. Hindered by a knee injury that sidelined her during her freshman year, this is just her second season gracing the varsity field. Yet, her impact has been nothing short of remarkable.

Gradishar’s dominance in the pitcher’s circle is a testament to her unparalleled talent. Despite the limited sample size in the Champion uniform, she has showcased her prowess, leaving batters in awe and opponents in dismay. Her journey is not just about overcoming obstacles; it’s about rewriting the narrative of resilience and determination.

Drawing from the experience of last season, Gradishar has become a beacon of leadership for her team. The memory of reaching the regional final serves as fuel, propelling them forward in their quest to secure a coveted spot in the state semifinal. For Gradishar, every pitch, every inning is a chance to inch closer to that ultimate goal.

Statistically, Gradishar’s dominance speaks volumes. With an ERA of 0.78, she has asserted herself as one of the most formidable pitchers in the area. Her impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio is a testament to her precision and control, instilling fear in the hearts of opposing batters with every windup.

But Gradishar’s impact extends beyond the pitcher’s circle. As a key component of the Flashes’ lineup, her offensive prowess is equally formidable. With a batting average of .647, coupled with 5 home runs and 14 RBI, she’s not just a threat on the mound; she’s a force to be reckoned with at the plate.

For Gradishar, committing to play college softball at the Division 1 level is the culmination of a lifelong dream. Her journey from adversity to triumph serves as inspiration to aspiring softball players everywhere. With her commitment to Penn State, she’s not just securing her future; she’s cementing her legacy as one of Champion’s finest.

In the grand tapestry of Champion softball, Gabby Gradishar isn’t just a player; she’s a symbol of perseverance, determination, and unwavering passion. As she continues to etch her name into the annals of the sport, one thing remains clear: the legend of Gabby Gradishar is just beginning.

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WALL TO WALL WARZALA

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WARREN OH- In the heart of Champion’s softball prowess lies the formidable figure of junior catcher, Addie Warzala. Renowned as one of the area’s top statistical catchers, her impact transcends mere numbers, shaping the very essence of her team’s success.

Warzala’s symbiotic relationship with Champion’s pitching staff is a testament to her dedication. She’s not just a catcher; she’s the linchpin, forging an unbreakable bond with ace pitcher Gabby Gradishar. Their connection isn’t just on the field; it’s a product of relentless practice and mutual respect, a testament to Warzala’s commitment to excellence.

Credit must also be given to the Champion coaching staff, entrusting Warzala with the pivotal responsibility of calling pitches for Gradishar. It’s a rare skill, one that elevates her beyond her peers, showcasing her strategic acumen and game intelligence.

But Warzala’s journey isn’t just about talent; it’s about sheer determination. Her work ethic is legendary, fueling her relentless pursuit of improvement. Every success, every accolade is a product of countless hours of sweat and sacrifice, a testament to her unwavering drive.

On the offensive front, Warzala is more than just a defensive powerhouse. Sporting an impressive batting average of .556 with 11 RBI, she’s a force to be reckoned with at the plate, adding yet another dimension to Champion’s formidable lineup.

For Warzala, the dream doesn’t end on the high school diamond. With her commitment to play at Slippery Rock University, she’s poised to take her talents to the next level. It’s a testament to her dedication and skill, a validation of her relentless pursuit of greatness.

Addie Warzala isn’t just a player; she’s the embodiment of excellence, a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and pure talent. As she continues to etch her name into the mythology of the sport, one thing remains clear: the legend of Addie Warzala is far from over.

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GRADISHAR FINDS PERFECTION AGAINST GARFIELD

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WARREN OH- Gabrielle Gradishar struck out 16 batters as the righty led Champion past Garfield 9-0 on Tuesday at Champion High School. Gradishar surrendered zero hits and zero runs over seven innings while walking none, finishing off a perfect game.

Champion won thanks in part to six runs in the fourth inning. Addison Warzala hit an inside the park home run, scoring two runs, Hailey Householder doubled, scoring two runs, Grace Hadley hit a sacrifice fly, scoring one run, and an error scored one run. The Flashes got on the board in the first inning after Gradishar hit a solo home run to right field. They then  added to their early lead in the bottom of the third inning after Isabella Meyer doubled, and Householder grounded out, each scoring one run.

The Flashes accumulated 14 hits in the game. Householder provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led with three runs batted in. She went 1-for-4 on the day. Zoe Palette led with four hits in four at bats. Warzala, Sam Strock, and Meyer each collected multiple hits. The Flashes were sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. Warzala had the most chances in the field with 16.

CHAMPION GETS A PAIR OF CONFERENCE WINS IN ONE DAY

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By Noah Ricks 


WARREN, OH – The Champion Golden Flashes showed the community that they are still a dynasty to be reckoned with. It was evident in a short-notice doubleheader against Brookfield. They won Game 1, 17-1, and Game 2, 17-0, respectively, to improve to 4-0 on the young season.

 

In Game 1, Brookfield would strike first as Arianna Jones’ RBI brought home Madisyn Fisher for a 1-0 lead. Champion, however, exploded over their first four innings at-bat with 17 unanswered runs, with all but one of the eleven players in the lineup getting on the board. Gabby Gradishar led the charge with 4 runs off of 2 hits. Her pitching was the highlight, though, as she was able to strike out 16 batters in the first game and gave up only one hit in the five innings pitched.

 

The dominance continued into Game 2, with 17 more runs compiling a total of 34 runs overall on the night. Gradishar would cash in 13 more strikeouts off of 1 hit to bring her statline to 29 strikeouts and 2 hits overall. She would also pile up a nice 6 RBI game, along with getting two two-run home runs in the doubleheader. Addie Warzala would pick up 3 runs off of 3 hits in Game 2 while Bella Meyer, in the same game, had 2 tag-homes off of 2 hits.

 

With many rainouts around the area, both teams showcased the ability to play it all out and get two games in on a short notice. Champion (4-0) is determined to win their first state championship in five years and tenth overall, and this early season push is all in the manner of them taking it one game at a time. Brookfield (0-3) will use these tough defeats to gain much-needed experience, as they gave it everything they had against a state powerhouse like Champion.

 

YSN’s Noah Ricks got to speak with Player of the Games Gabby Gradishar and Bella Meyer following the doubleheader. You can watch the interviews below.

LABRAE KEEPS THE GOOD TIMES GOING

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LaBrae Varsity Vikings were victorious against Champion 6-4 on Friday. The Vikings got on the board in the first inning after Austin Rowe singled, scoring one run.

Champion jumped back into the lead in the top of the third inning after Bradey Quinby singled, and Carter Chapin singled, each scoring one run.

LaBrae flipped the game on its head in the bottom of the third, scoring five runs on three hits to take a 6-2 lead. The biggest blow in the inning was a single by Brogan Collins that drove in two.

Dylan Simpson earned the win for LaBrae. He gave up four hits and two runs over three innings, striking out five and walking two. Landon Brunstetter pitched four innings in relief. He surrendered six hits and two runs while, striking out five and walking one.

Quinby took the loss for Champion. The starting pitcher went three innings, allowing six runs (five earned) on six hits, striking out two and walking three.

Collins drove the middle of the lineup, leading LaBrae  with two runs batted in. The right-handed hitter went 1-for-3 on the day. Simpson, Collins, Owen Boone, Rowe, Brunstetter, and Keith Smallsreed each collected one hit.

Champion tallied 10 hits in the game. Zack Morris, Chapin, and Quinby each collected two hits. Chapin, Quinby, and Carson Fife each drove in one run.

FLASHES GET WEAVER TO 500 CAREER WINS

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By Matt Maher


CHAMPION, OH – Winning may not be everything but it certainly feels good when you do it a lot and for Coach Weaver it seems to come naturally. After her team dominated Ursuline in a 14-4 run rule game, Coach Weaver got to celebrate her 500th career win with her team on Thursday evening! “I’m on cloud 9, I’m telling Ya” said Weaver when asked to describe how she felt after the huge achievement. While the coach’s achievement is nothing short of amazing, what her team did to earn the win was as well.

 

The top of the first inning saw Gabby Gradishar show some elite pitching. Out of the 4 batters she faced, 3 struck out swinging and the other was left stranded on first after finding a bloop single into right field. The Golden Flashes found a pair of base runners in the bottom but couldn’t get past Lilly Ditz in the circle for Ursuline.

 

Gradishar continued to dominate with yet another 3 swinging strikeouts and another hit that never left first base. Once Gradishar finished her work in the top half, it was on for Champion in the bottom. 7 runs, Champion scored an impressive 7 runs with 5 straight hits until a runner was finally caught out trying to overextend herself to grab an extra base. Bella Weber, Gradishar and Addie Warzala all batted in the first 4 runs but then Bella Meyer stepped up to the plate, with 1 hit in her back pocket she had confidence brewing and found a hard hit 2-run homer to dead center that blew the doors wide open. Grace Hadley would find the 7th RBI in her second time at bat in the inning. 

 

Gradishar found 2 more strikeouts in the 3rd, with her K of Adyson Wendt being her first strikeout looking. Champion continued to press for offense and in the 2-hole Gradishar stepped up with 1 away and smashed the ball clear over the fence leaving no doubt that she was the MVP for this game. Sam Strock would try to 1-up Gradishar 3 batters later with a 2-run home run bringing in Meyer and herself. 

 

Gradishar found 2 more K’s in the 4th to continue to add to her impressive outing. The Flashes found 3 more runs thanks to a 3-run bomb courtesy of Gradishar again! Ditz did have some better luck though because before the homer, she was able to strike out Mia Nadaud who stepped in for relief of Weber. 

 

The 5th inning proved to be beneficial for Ursuline as they earned 4 runs to erase the double digit lead from Champion and bring it back within 9 runs. Ursuline started by filling the bases off of 2 singles and a walk and then Brooke O’Palick stepped up and drilled a shot into right-center field and doubled to score 2 runs. Next Katie Kouianos hit into a 6-3 groundout that allowed Gia Schiavone to score from third. The final run came from MacKenzie Smith who hit a single right down the third base line and scored O’Palick. Gradishar struck out 1 more Irish batter giving her 11 K’s on the day.

 

Champion needed just 1 run to go up by 10 and trigger the mercy rule and with Strock on 2nd thanks to a double and Haley on 1st thanks to a walk, it was Householder who would bunt the ball well between the plate and the pitcher, hustle to 1sta nd just beat the tag while Strock came in to score. After some discussion and debate the umpires stuck with their original call of safe at first and Champion not only won the game but earned their veteran Head Coach her 500th career win as well!

 

Champion stayed true to their towns name and got a very well earned win over Ursuline to propel themselves to 2-0 on the season while Ursuline moved to 1-2. The Player of the game was Gabby Gradishar who threw 5 IP, 11Ks, 7 H and 1 BB while also going 3-4 at the plate with 2 HR, 2B, and 5 RBI. Ursuline will be back in action on April 1st when they host Chaney at 5:00PM while Champion heads out to Geneva on March 30th for a 12:00PM game.

LABRAE TAKES THE ADVANTAGE OVER CHAMPION

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WARREN OH- Dylan Simpson struck out 11 batters as the starting pitcher led LaBrae past Champion 4-0 on Monday. Simpson allowed three hits and zero runs over six innings while walking one.

The Vikings got on the board in the top of the third inning after Aiden Doll scored after tagging up, and Champion committed an error, each scoring one run.

Carson Fife took the loss for Champion. The starting pitcher went five innings, surrendering three runs (zero earned) on five hits, striking out six and walking one. Owen Boone pitched one inning of scoreless ball for LaBrae in relief. He gave up zero hits, striking out two and walking none.

Austin Rowe led the Vikings with two hits in three at bats. Brogan Collins and Rowe each drove in one run. Collins stole two bases. LaBrae stole four bases in the game.

FLASHES BRING THE THUNDER

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Champion won big over LaBrae 13-2 on Monday in the season opener.   A walk by Sam Strock put Champion on the board in the bottom of the first.

Champion scored six runs on seven hits in the bottom of the second inning. Isabella Meyer tripled, scoring three runs, a wild pitch scored two runs, and Maddison Sylvester doubled, scoring one run.

The Flashes added to their early lead in the bottom of the third inning after Gabrielle Gradishar scored after tagging up, and Meyer doubled, each scoring one run.

Riley Rowe homered to center field, scoring two runs in the top of the fourth for the LaBrae.

Champion added four more runs in the bottom of the fourth inning on four hits. Hailey Householder homered to center field, scoring two runs, Sylvester hit a solo inside the park home run, and Gradishar tripled, scoring one run.

Gradishar earned the win for Champion. She gave up four hits and two runs over five innings, striking out four and walking two.

Champion piled up 16 hits in the game. Meyer provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led with three runs batted in. The 3-hole hitter went 2-for-3 on the day. Gradishar set the tone at the top of the lineup, leading with three hits in four at bats. Sylvester, Grace Hadley, Addison Warzala, and Zoe Palette each collected multiple hits. Gradishar stole two bases.

Champion turned one double play in the game. The Flashes were sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. Strock had the most chances in the field with five.

The rematch between the two teams originally scheduled for Tuesday has been moved to April 5th due to weather.

CLIPPERS MAKE THEMSELVES CHAMPIONS IN THE SECTIONALS

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By Joe Eusebio 

COLUMBIANA OH- The Columbiana Lady Clippers added a Sectional Title to their EOAC Tri Championship Saturday afternoon when they defeated Champion 39-34.  It was a tight game the entire way with Champion jumping out to a 6-0 lead in the early going on three point shots from Kayla Haynie and Kennedy Caldwell.  The Clippers responded by going on an 8-0 run with four points a piece from juniors Ellie Venezia and Averi Marshall to close the first quarter with an 8-6 lead.  Megan Moser’s three pointer late in the 2nd quarter helped Columbiana to take a 17-11 lead into the locker room at the half.

Champion senior Bella Meyer’s five points and junior Addie Warzala hitting on 4 of 4 from the charity stripe got the Flashes back into it in the third.  Columbiana had five players contributing points in the third, led by Evy Rapp’s 4 points and Ava Heinrich going 3-5 on free throws and the Clips took a 30-25 lead into the fourth quarter.  It was more of the same in the fourth quarter as the Flashes were unable to cut into the Clippers lead despite three pointers from Haynie and Meyer.  Columbiana’s Marshall went 4-6 from the line down the stretch with a big free throw from senior Alaina Johnston ultimately putting the game out of reach.

On the day, the Flashes were led by Kayla Haynie’s 11 points.  Junior Bella Meyer contributed 9 points, 5 Rebounds and 2 Blocks.   Columbiana’s Avery Marshall had 14 points and 5 rebounds while Ellie Venezia filled up the score sheet with 9 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists and one block.  Champion closed their season with a record of 18-6 while the Clippers head to Struthers on Wednesday night for a District Semifinal game against Wooster Triway.

CHAMPION COMES ALIVE DOWN THE STRETCH TO ADVANCE

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WARREN OH- In a thrilling sectional semifinal showdown on Wednesday night, Champion faced off against Cardinal Mooney in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. Despite an early deficit, Champion used a late surge to avoid an upset, pulling away to a hard-fought 48-35 win over Cardinal Mooney.

The game began with Cardinal Mooney jumping out to a quick 8-0 lead, catching Champion off guard and putting them in an early hole. However, Champion refused to back down, clawing their way back into the game and narrowing the gap to just one point by halftime. With the game hanging in the balance, Champion kept it close enough in the third quarter for their offense to come alive down the stretch.

Leading the charge for Champion was Bella Meyer, whose outstanding performance saw her pour in a game-high 25 points, providing the offensive spark her team needed to secure the win. On the other side, Sophia Diorio led Cardinal Mooney with 17 points, showcasing her scoring prowess and determination to keep her team in the game.

In the end, it was Champion’s resilience and determination that proved to be the difference maker, as they outscored Cardinal Mooney 21-6 in the fourth quarter to seal the victory and punch their ticket to the sectional final.

With this crucial win under their belts, Champion now sets their sights on the sectional final, where they will face a tough test against Columbiana on Saturday at 1:00. As they prepare for their upcoming matchup, Champion celebrates their hard-fought victory while remaining focused on the challenges that lie ahead in their pursuit of postseason success.