Tag Archive for: Flashes

CHAMPION GRABS A PAIR OF WINS AT PREBIS MEMORIAL

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NORTH RIDGEVILLE OH- It was a very quick turnaround for Champion after they dropped a hard fought matchup with Austintown Fitch on Friday night. They had get up early Saturday morning and head down to Victory Park in North Ridgeville to take part in the Prebis Memorial.  Champion wasn’t about to let a loss get them down, they came right back in the morning ready to go. The Flashes picked up two wins on the day 8-7 over Whitmer in 8 innings, and 8-2 over Evergreen.

In the first game Champion got started early and often. The sprung from the gates with a 5 run first inning.  Abigail Meadors knocked in the first run of the game after back to back singles to start the first inning. Addie Warzala followed her up with a 2 RBI double. Maddie Zeigler, and Maddie Slyvester both drove in runs to make it a 5 run inning.  However after that start, Champion’s offense went silent for most of the game. They’d see Whitmer slowly but surely work their way back in the game. The Panthers would eventually tie the game 5-5 in the 4th, and then take the 6-5 lead in the 6th.

Being down might have been just what the Flashes bars needed to wake back up. One half inning later, Gabby Gradishar launched her 11th home run of the season to tie the game at 6-6.  The game would find its way in to extras. In the top of the 8th Whitmer would once again put Champion’s back to the wall taking a 7-6 lead.  The Flashes would get right back to it. Down to their last out, Gradishar singled, and Morgan Davis eventually doubled her in. Then Meadors ended the contest with a RBI single to walk off the game 8-7.

Meadors would take that momentum into game 2 as she got the start in the circle and pitched a dominating game.  The Flashes offenses struck for another 8 in another win 8-2.  Meadors struck out 8 in her 7 innings pitched and only gave up 2 earned runs.  At the plate Meadors knocked in another 3 RBI, bringing her total to 6 on the day, going 6-9 in the two games.  Gradishar continued to be productive as she went 3-4 with 2 RBI. Hailey Householder and Olivia Gray also brought in runs in game 2.

Champion will get back to MVAC play on Tuesday as they travel to Crestview.  First pitch of that game is slated for 5:00.

PREVIEWING A PITCHER’S DUEL WITH ERIN GABRIEL

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It’s a gloomy Friday afternoon towards the end of April, but there’s plenty of reason to be excited today if you’re a softball fan. On tap tonight if the weather permits is what could be the best pitcher’s duel we see this season. When Austintown Fitch and Canfield share a field, they’ll both throw out tremendous pitchers that are both having incredible sophomore seasons so far. Fitch’s Sydnie Watts is a flamethrower using her velocity to baffle opposing hitters. Like most pitchers that get up there in velocity, Sydnie features a nasty riseball that can make the best hitters feel foolish. Champion will counter with Gabby Gradishar who loves to own the inside half of the plate with a screwball.

We wanted to take the time ahead of this matchup to dive in to exactly what makes both these pitchers and what they will attack you with so special. And there’s no one better to come and break down pitching than arguably the best pitcher that has ever come through the area. Former Poland Bulldog, and Tennessee Lady Vol Erin Gabriel was kind enough to come on YSN and give us a tour of these pitches.  Along with breaking down the grip and fundamentals of Watts’ riseball, and Gradishar’s screwball, she also gives the hitters some advice on how to attack it.  You don’t want to miss this exclusive segment with an area softball legend to preview an amazing matchup.

Champion vs Austintown Fitch can be seen LIVE tonight on YSN. Ty Bartell will be on the call with a 6:00 first pitch from Austintown.

CHAMPION TURNS INTO THE BOMB SQUAD

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WARREN OH- Morgan Davis showed timely hitting on Friday, driving in four on two hits to lead Champion past Brookfield 11-1 on Friday. Davis drove in runs on a home run in the second and a home run in the fourth.

Champion fired up the offense in the first inning. They scored one run when Addison Warzala singled.

The Flashes put up four runs in the fourth inning. Gabrielle Gradishar, Davis, and Warzala all drove in runs in the frame.

Abigail Meadors was the winning pitcher for Champion. The fireballer lasted five innings, allowing two hits and one run while striking out four and walking one.

Miranda Nicholson took the loss for Brookfield. The hurler allowed 12 hits and 11 runs over three innings, striking out two and walking zero.

The Flashes hit four home runs on the day. Gradishar had a dinger in the fourth inning. Warzala went yard in the fourth inning. Davis went deep in the second and fourth innings.

Champion tallied 12 hits. Isabella Meyer, Madison Ziegler, Warzala, Davis, and Gradishar each had multiple hits. Meyer led the way with three hits in three at bats.

Katie Logan went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead Brookfield in hits.

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CHAMPION BLASTS THEIR WAY BY BROOKFIELD

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BROOKFIELD OH- It was hyped up all week to be a clash of the ages between Brookfield and Champion inside the MVAC. But the Flashes weren’t interested in sweating out a competitive game. They brought their big bats and steamrolled past the Warriors 18-1.

The Flashes launched 5 home runs on their way to victory probing just how powerful they can really be.  Gabby Gradishar, and Abigail Meadors both hit a pair, and Morgan Davis launched a grand slam.  Every Flash in the starting lineup got at least one hit on the day while Champion totaled 19 hits as a team.  Gradishar finished her day at the plate 4-4 with 6 RBI and 4 runs scored.  Davis wasn’t too far behind her in the RBI race as she went 2-5 with 5 runs swung in.  Meadors was also perfect at the plate going 4-4 with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored.

Gradishar also toed the circle for Champion. The impressive sophomore went 5.0 innings and only gave up 3 hits and struck out 9.  She gave up 0 earned runs and only walked 1.

Sophia Hook and Katie Logan opened up Brookfield’s first inning with back to back hits. Unfortunately for the Warriors that would be the last real big scoring opportunity they’d get. Brookfield’s lone run came in third when Abby DeJoy walked, was moved over by a Ariana Jones single, and then scored on an error.

Bith teams will get back at it on Friday as they have another meeting in Champion. First pitch for the contest is set for 5:00.

CHAMPION FIRES BACK AT THE G-MEN

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WARREN OH- Champion had everything working on Tuesday, winning big over Garfield 8-2.

Champion fired up the offense in the first inning. Carson Fife drove in two when he singled.

The Flashes tallied three runs in the sixth inning. The offensive onslaught was led by Tyler Skaggs and Fife, who all drove in runs.

Bradey Quinby was the winning pitcher for Champion. The bulldog lasted three and a third innings, allowing one hit and one run while striking out three. Dylan Howell threw three and two-thirds innings in relief out of the bullpen.

Leo Grandizio took the loss for the G-Men. The bulldog allowed four hits and three runs over two innings, striking out three.

The Flashes tallied seven hits. Micah Nolan and Brett Channell each racked up multiple hits. Channell and Nolan each managed two hits to lead. Champion didn’t commit a single error in the field. Skaggs had nine chances in the field, the most on the team.

G-Men was sure-handed in the field as well and didn’t commit a single error. Brock Pesicek had the most chances in the field with seven.

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GRADISHAR NOTCHES HER THIRD NO HITTER

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GARRETTSVILLE OH- With both teams being undefeated in the MVAC coming in to Monday, the matchup between Champion and Garfield was going to be an important one.  The G-Men got off to a good start on defense as they quickly got 2 outs on the board against some of the Flashes’ best hitters.  The positive vibes for Garfield quickly vanished though as Champion strung together four straight 2 pit hits to jump on top 3-0.  It was all purple and gold after that as Gabby Gradishar completely shut down the G_Men offense, and the Flashes kept adding runs little by little en route to a 11-0 win.

Gradishar is taking advantage of every opportunity she gets on the field this season. She threw the third no hitter of her campaign, and came dangerously close to a perfect game.  Her final line was 7.0 IP 15 K 0 H 0 ER.

Champion’s offense was led by Abbigail Meadors who knocked in 3 RBI on a 2-4 day.  Addie Warzala put in a solid day at the plate going 3-4 with a RBI and 3 runs scored.  Gradishar had the most hits in the lineup going 4-5 with a RBI and a run scored. Hailey Householder brought production to the bottom half of the lineup as she went 2-3 with a RBI and a run scored.

Champion and Garfield will meet up again on Tuesday as they square up in Champion this time around.  First pitch is scheduled for 5:00.

GRATITUDE FOR GRADISHAR

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WARREN OH- The anticipation to see Champion softball’s Gabby Gradishar has been building to the point of explosion.  The sophomore came in to last year with a ton of hype, but unfortunately an injury took away her freshman campaign, and our opportunity to watch her work.  Making her sophomore season a defecto freshman year at least experience wise on the varsity field hasnt slowed Gabby down one bit.  She has absolutely lives up the the legendary billing that was given to her before she started her high school career.

Gradishar contributes a ton in both the circle, and the batter’s box.  As a pitcher, Gabby has already thrown 2 no hitters on the season.  In 37 innings pitched this season Gradishar has racked up a 5-1 record with a sub 1 ERA.  She has an incredible 77 K and just 1 BB.  She’s only given up 4 earned runs so far.  On offense early on in the season Gabby is batting .731.  With 6 doubles and 2 HR Gradishar has knocked in 10 RBI.

Gabby was kind enough to take some time to join YSN’s Anthony Hartwig to talk about her softball skills.  They chat about missing freshman year and what was learned through that experience, her mentality in the circle, and so much more. Check out the latest Champion Softball Player Profile only on YSN.

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WARZALA CATCHES IT ALL

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WARREN OH- Champion softball is known for the incredible talent that has come through their program.  It shouldn’t surprise anybody when they look at the team’s trophy case and see all the state championship trophies they’ve collected. So when you see them come in this year with one of the best catchers in the area, it shouldn’t come as a shock. Addie Warzala stepped on the local softball scene last season as a freshman. While the Flashes dealt with a nasty case of the injury bug, Warzala stepped up and led her team through the adversity.  Now she’s a part of a healthy star studded roster that promises to make waves in Division III.

Last season Warzala played in all 18 games and hit .396 with 14 RBI.  On defense she made her biggest impression though. She caught all but .2 innings of the season. She made 0 errors all season and caught 8 would be base stealers.  This year in 5 games played shes hitting .667 with 9 RBI and a HR. She’s already more than half way to her RBI total from a year to go. Warzala is adding a seriously dangerous bat to her already incredible defense behind the plate.

Anthony Hartwig had the chance to catch up with Champion’s premiere catcher and talk about her season and career.  They talk about building relationships with her pitchers, what it’s like to play in Champion’s softball program, and so much more. Check out the latest Champion Softball Player Profile only on YSN.

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GRADISHAR TOSSES SECOND NO HITTER OF THE YEAR

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By Michael Wolfgang


WARREN, OHIO – Gabby Gradishar of Champion was absolutely dazzling on the rubber Monday as she no-hit LaBrae en route to the Flashes 12-0 win. Gradishar struck out 12 LabRae batters and did not allow any walks. This no-hitter marks the second one thrown by Gradishar on this young season, an impressive accomplishment.

On the offensive side for Champion, they totaled 13 hits as a team where the big seven-run inning allowed for this game to be ended early. Addi Warzala, Olivia Gray, Abigail Meadors, Morgan Davis, and Hailey Householder all drove in runs in the big bottom of the fourth outburst. Davis and Bella Meyer each had three hits to lead Champion in that category.

The two teams will battle again Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. with LaBrae playing host.

FLASHES POUNCE ON LABRAE IN GAME 1 OF THE SERIES

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WARREN OH- Champion stole the lead late in the game in a 7-1 victory over LaBrae on Monday. The game was tied at one with Champion batting in the bottom of the fifth when Carson Fife doubled on a 1-0 count, scoring two runs.

Champion secured the victory thanks to four runs in the fifth inning. Fife and Brett Channell each had RBIs in the frame.

Hunter Haines was credited with the victory for the Flashes. Haines went five innings, allowing one run on four hits and striking out nine. Dylan Howell threw two innings in relief out of the bullpen.

Landon Brunstetter took the loss for the Vikings. The bulldog surrendered four runs on four hits over four and a third innings, striking out seven.

Champion tallied nine hits. Haines and Micah Nolan all collected multiple hits for the offense. Nolan and Haines each collected two hits to lead the way.

Brunstetter led LaBrae’s lineup with two hits in four at bats.

Chamlion and LaBrae will finish their MVAC series on Tuesday at LaBrae. First pitch is scheduled for 5:00.

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