Tag Archive for: Girard

GIRARD SETS UP A BIG OPPORTUNITY

**Girard Sets Up NE8 Championship Opportunity With Convincing Victory Over Hubbard**

Girard took a significant step towards securing a share of the NE8 championship with a commanding sweep of Hubbard on Tuesday evening. The sets concluded with scores of 25-17, 25-13, and 25-13, demonstrating Girard’s prowess on the court.

The Girard team showcased impressive individual performances.  Bree Latell emerged as a dominant offensive force, amassing an outstanding 18 kills that proved instrumental in Girard’s victory. Her powerful spikes kept the opposition on the defensive.

**Bailey Walters** exhibited her versatility, contributing 9 kills along with an impressive 25 assists. Her role in orchestrating the team’s offense was vital to their success.

The serving game was a key asset for Girard, with Bailey Walters, Bree Latell, and Kylie Carpenter making significant contributions, amassing 13, 11, and 9 service points, respectively. Latell demonstrated her prowess from the service line with 5 aces, while Walters added 4 aces to her all-around performance. On the defensive end, Alexis Pieton displayed her prowess with 3 blocks, while Brooke Perry contributed 2 blocks, making it challenging for Hubbard to find scoring opportunities. In the digging department, Kylie Carpenter recorded 8 digs, and Nico Cochran added 7, ensuring that Girard’s defense remained steadfast.

Girard’s resounding victory over Hubbard has positioned them for a crucial championship opportunity on Thursday at Lakeview.

GIRARD NEVER BACKS DOWN IN DRAMATIC COMEBACK

GIRARD OH- In a volleyball showdown that will be remembered for years to come, Girard staged a dramatic comeback that left fans on the edge of their seats. Facing a daunting 2-0 deficit against West Branch, the Girard squad showcased resilience, determination, and an unwavering spirit to secure a thrilling victory in five sets: 18-25, 15-25, 25-14, 30-28, 15-8.

The turning point in this epic battle came in the third set when Girard refused to back down. With a resurgence in their gameplay, they claimed the set 25-14, signaling that a comeback was very much in the making.

Leading the charge for Girard was a standout performance by Nico Cochran, who delivered a staggering 26 kills throughout the match. Bailey Walters, Girard’s talented setter, played a pivotal role with 30 assists and five crucial aces. The team’s service points were led by Alexis Pieton with 23, while Erica Teter contributed 11 digs to the defensive effort.

In the most nail-biting set of the night, the fourth set saw Girard and West Branch engage in an intense battle that stretched to an incredible 30-28 finish in favor of Girard. This thrilling victory swung the momentum firmly in Girard’s favor as they entered the fifth and final set.

Girard maintained their newfound momentum, dominating the final set with a score of 15-8, securing a comeback for the ages.

West Branch put up a strong fight, with notable performances from Mikalyn Fitts, who delivered 19 kills, and Isabel Martig, contributing 17 assists. Ragan Greeneisen’s 21 digs showcased the defensive prowess of the West Branch squad, while Kendall Hoopes contributed 18 assists.

With this incredible comeback, Girard now sets its sights on its next challenges. They will return home to host Hubbard in their breast cancer awareness game, a testament to their commitment to both excellence on the court and making a difference off it. The Warriors of West Branch, meanwhile, will look to regroup and return to their winning ways when they host the Massillon Tigers in an upcoming non-conference meeting, where they will also celebrate senior night.

RANGE DRESSES TO IMPRESS FOR HOMECOMING

CANFIELD, OH-In another highly anticipated NE8 football matchup, the South Range Raiders clashed with the Girard Indians. The final score told the story of a dominant performance by the South Range Raiders, who emerged victorious with a commanding 49-21 win over Girard.

The game saw a flurry of scoring plays from both sides, especially late, making it an action-packed affair from start to finish. Here’s a breakdown of the game’s key moments:

**First Quarter:**
– South Range set the tone early as they forced a  fumble on the first play of the game, then later in the drive Tristan Toy scored a 2-yard rushing touchdown at the 8:43 mark, followed by an extra point by Logan Butcher, giving them a 7-0 lead.
– The Raiders continued their offensive prowess with  Blake Ewert finding the end zone on a 1-yard rushing touchdown at 4:18, again with Butcher successfully adding the extra point, extending the lead to 14-0.
– Girard responded with a scoring play of their own as Tuff McConahy connected with Stephen Sims for a 20-yard touchdown reception at 1:53, with Zachery Morris making the extra point, making it 14-7.

**Second Quarter:**
– South Range’s Tristan Toy threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Gavin Nagy at 10:14. Logan Butcher once more converted the extra point, stretching the lead to 21-7.
– Tristan Toy wasn’t done, as he scored an 11-yard rushing touchdown at 2:38, and Butcher continued to add to the scoreboard with a successful extra point, making it 28-7.
– Girard managed to cut into the lead with a 4-yard rushing touchdown by Stephen Sims at 0:07, and Andrew Whitfield made the extra point, reducing the deficit to 28-14 at halftime.

**Fourth Quarter:**
– The Indians showed their determination as Stephen Sims scored another touchdown, this time from 1 yard out at 11:43. Andrew Whitfield added the extra point, narrowing the gap to 28-21.
– However, South Range displayed their offensive prowess in the final quarter, with Tristan Toy scoring his third touchdown of the game, this time from 12 yards out at 8:50. Logan Butcher added the extra point, extending the lead to 35-21.
– The Raiders didn’t stop there, as Aidan Dominguez scored on a 9-yard rushing touchdown from the Wildcat formation at 7:53, followed by another successful extra point by Butcher, making it 42-21.
– To seal the deal, South Range’s Troy Combs found the end zone on a 5-yard rushing touchdown at 2:45, with Butcher once again adding the extra point, resulting in the final score of 49-21 in favor of the Raiders.

Overall, it was an impressive offensive showcase by the South Range Raiders, with Tristan Toy and Blake Ewert playing pivotal roles in their victory.  Ewert ran for 157 yards on 22 carries and had a score.  Toy racked up 60 yards on the ground with three trips to the endzone and also had an interception on defense.  Dominguez made the most his three carries with 14 yards and a score.  Brady Crumbacher, Tristan Toy, and Dylan Smesko led the way on defense with four tackles apiece.  Despite a resilient effort from Girard, South Range’s explosive plays proved to be too much to handle.

For the Indians, Stephen Sims led the way on the ground with most of his carries coming after an injury to Tuff McConahy in the first half.  Sims racked up 44 yards and two scores on the ground.  McConohy went 13/20 for 147 yards through the air while finding the painted turf once, and throwing two picks.

With this win, South Range improved their record to 6-1 and will go on the road to Niles, while Girard will look to regroup in their next matchup against Poland with a 4-3 record.

GIRARD KEEPS PACE IN THE CONFERENCE RACE

POLAND OH- In a commanding performance on the volleyball court, the Girard team showcased their prowess, maintaining their strong position in the NE8 with a resounding sweep of Poland. The match featured relentless play and precision from Girard, as they secured victory with set scores of 25-16, 25-17, and 25-17.

Girard’s offense was anchored by a dynamic duo at the net, as Nico Cochran and Bailey Walters each recorded an impressive 12 kills. Their relentless attacks and precise placement kept Poland’s defense on its toes throughout the match.

Bailey Walters demonstrated her exceptional setting skills, tallying 23 assists. Her ability to distribute the ball effectively to her teammates was a key factor in Girard’s offensive success.

The serving game proved to be another strength for Girard, with Kylie Carpenter and Bailey Walters each contributing 12 service points. Bailey Walters led the team with an incredible 7 aces, while Erica Teter and Kylie Carpenter each added 2 aces, and Molly Durkin chipped in with 2 aces of her own.

On the defensive front, Nico Cochran showcased her versatility with 8 digs, while Bailey Walters contributed 6 of her own. The team collectively demonstrated their determination in the backcourt.

Girard’s defense at the net was highlighted by blocks from Alexis Pieton, Brooke Perry, Erica Teter, and Nico Cochran. These blocks disrupted Poland’s offensive attempts and showcased Girard’s all-around game.

Izzy Greco led Poland’s offensive efforts with 7 kills, while Bella Khoury recorded 13 crucial digs. Mya Scolt orchestrated the team’s offense with 9 assists.

With this convincing victory, Girard continues to make waves in the NE8 and maintains their pace at the top of the standings. Their fans have every reason to be excited about their prospects as they continue their journey through the season.

WALTERS HITS 1,000 AS GIRARD ENDS THE RAIDERS WIN STREAK

CANFIELD OH- In an intense volleyball showdown, the Girard Indians triumphed over the South Range Raiders in a thrilling 3-1 set victory. The match was packed with incredible plays, standout performances, and moments of sheer athleticism.

 

The first set set the tone for the entire match, with Girard taking control early on and securing a convincing 25-15 win. Bree Latell emerged as a formidable force on the court, leading her team with an impressive 20 kills. Her powerful spikes and precise placement left the Raiders struggling to defend.

 

However, the South Range Raiders were not about to back down. In the second set, they showcased their resilience and determination, battling back to secure a narrow 25-21 victory. Anna Toy’s outstanding defensive skills, with 20 digs, and her contributions with 9 kills were instrumental in the Raiders’ comeback. Maddie Dado added 9 kills of her own, adding to the Raiders’ offensive firepower.

 

The third set saw Girard regain their momentum, dominating with a 25-17 win. Bailey Walters played a pivotal role, reaching a significant milestone by recording her 1,000th career assist during the match. Walters continued to shine, leading her team with 42 assists, setting up her teammates for successful attacks and maintaining excellent court vision.

 

In the fourth and final set, Girard left no room for doubt, as they surged ahead with a resounding 25-9 victory. Their collective effort and strong team play were on full display, overpowering the Raiders and securing the match victory.

 

With this remarkable win, the Girard Indians showcased their talent, teamwork, and determination. Bree Latell’s impressive kill count and Bailey Walters’ milestone achievement added to the excitement of the game. On the South Range Raiders’ side, Anna Toy and Maddie Dado displayed exceptional skills and contributed significantly to their team’s performance.

SIMONS BECOMES PROGRAM ASSIST LEADER

By Ty Bartell

AUSTINTOWN OH- As the midway point of the volleyball season has come to pass, multiple teams are gearing up for a lengthy upcoming tournament run. Both The Austintown-Fitch Falcons and The Girard Indians are in that boat and both set a collision course with each other on Monday evening. Both squads came in with 11 wins on the season and both were ranked in the top 10 for the YSN Power 25! Fitch was ranked 3rd while Girard was 9th to start the last week of September; meaning that the matchup was the meeting of two premier programs. In last season’s edition of this matchup, The Indians took the match in straight sets rather convincingly, setting up plenty of intrigue for this year’s battle!

Both teams alternated scores to start the opening set as they got a feel for one another’s team setup. With all the premier talent going back-and-forth, it was Rylie Simons who started the rally behind the service line for Fitch, propelling The Falcons to the 25-13 opening set win! Applying the pressure to Girard, now down 1-0 in the match, The Indians battled back behind the play of Bree Latell and Nicolette Cochran in set two. Despite a late rally by Austintown, Girard claimed the set in a close 25-23 win.

With the set count even at one apiece, it turned the match to a best of three with the advantage on the line in the third set. The Falcons, once again, rallied behind Rylie Simons at the service line. Emphatically taking the third set 25-10 to regain the advantage. However, Girard responded in the perfect way, by grabbing, holding and maintaining a lead for the majority of set four. Fitch fought, but Girard was too much as The Indians forced set five by winning set four 25-18.

In a critical fifth set with the match hanging in the balance, both teams were exchanging points with Girard playing from in front, alternating between a 1 and 2 point lead. In the middle of the set, The Falcons, Rylie Simons would break the programs all-time record in assists, previously held by Emma Bartlett at 1425. Fitch would rally from this moment to take a late lead and run with it all the way to win set five 15-12 and the match 3-2!

Rylie Simons would finish with 48 assists, finishing with 1432 in her career so far, thus overtaking the pre-rally assist record previously held by Stacie Mang at 1431 as Mang was the referee in the match, bringing the special moment full-circle. Simons would also notch the double-double with 13 digs and chipping in an impressive, team leading, 8 aces behind the service line! Jordan Smith also recorded the double-double for Fitch in kills (22) and digs (13). Afton Roby also had double digit kills (13) in the evening while hitting .550 and grabbing 3 aces. Morgan Roby was “Ms.Utility” as she was the makeshift libero for the night, leading the team with 24 digs.

Girard’s Bree Latell led the match in kills with 31 and 14 digs in the double-double performance. Nico Cochran also had the kills (12) and digs (10) double-double. Bailey Walters led The Indians in assists with 42 while also recording a block and an ace on the night.

Fitch (12-3) now stays in non-conference action with a road matchup against The Cardinal Mooney Cardinals (7-9) on Tuesday, September 26th. On the other hand, Girard (11-3) will jump back into Northeast 8 (NE8) conference action, also on Tuesday, against the red-hot Raiders of South Range (10-4) who are winners of seven straight!

GIRARD RACES PAST LAKEVIEW

* CONTRIBUTED BY MATT MAHER

GIRARD, OH – It was a crisp autumn evening when the Girard Indians clashed with the Lakeview Bulldogs in a highly anticipated football matchup. The stadium was filled with fans from both sides, eager to witness the showdown under the Friday night lights.

From the very start, it was clear that the Girard Indians were determined to make a statement. Quarterback Tuff McConahy, the heart and soul of the team, led the charge. With 7:38 left in the first quarter, McConahy dropped back, scanned the field, and spotted his favorite target, Anthony Bengala. McConahy’s arm unleashed a perfect spiral, connecting with Bengala in stride. The result was an electrifying 84-yard touchdown pass. However, the extra point attempt by Andrew Whitfield went wide, leaving the score at 6-0 in favor of Girard.

The Indians’ offense continued to fire on all cylinders. McConahy once again showcased his precision passing, this time finding Stephen Sims with a 28-yard touchdown pass with 2:48 remaining in the second quarter. Unfortunately, Whitfield missed the extra point, but Girard extended their lead to 12-0.

As the game progressed, the Indians’ offense remained relentless. Early in the third quarter, McConahy connected with Anthony Bengala once more, this time for a 31-yard touchdown pass. Despite Lakeview’s best efforts, the extra point was blocked, keeping the score at 18-0.

The Girard defense played a pivotal role in the team’s success. McConahy, who was not only a stellar quarterback but also a formidable defender, intercepted a pass to give Girard the ball back. On the ensuing drive, McConahy handed the ball off to Ahmad Curd, who bulldozed his way into the end zone for a 9-yard rushing touchdown. To add to the lead, McConahy decided to take matters into his own hands and ran in the two-point conversion. Girard now led 26-0 with 11:35 left in the third quarter.

The Indians’ dominance continued in the final quarter. McConahy orchestrated a methodical drive that culminated in a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Stephen Sims, his second of the night, with just 38 seconds remaining. Whitfield’s extra point was true this time, pushing the score to 33-0.

With the game well in hand, McConahy still had some magic left in his arm. He connected with Mykel Collier-Dixon for a 5-yard touchdown pass with 4:55 left in the game. Whitfield’s extra point was good, bringing the final score to 43-0 in favor of Girard.

The Girard Indians had put on a football clinic, displaying their prowess on both sides of the ball. McConahy’s arm, combined with the tenacity of the defense, had proven too much for the Lakeview Bulldogs to handle. As the final whistle blew, the Indians and their faithful fans celebrated a resounding victory, knowing that they had truly dominated the gridiron that evening.

GIRARD STAYS STRONG IN CONFERENCE PLAY

GIRARD OH- Girard’s volleyball team continued their impressive campaign in the Northeast 8 (NE8) conference, maintaining their pace at the top with a commanding sweep of Niles. The final scores of 25-8, 25-5, and 25-11 reflected Girard’s ability to control the match and secure the win convincingly.

Girard’s players delivered standout performances, contributing to their team’s dominant victory. Bree Latell led the offensive charge with an impressive 19 kills, showcasing her scoring prowess. Nico Cochran and Bailey Walters each added 8 kills, emphasizing the depth of Girard’s offensive lineup. Walters also orchestrated the team’s offense effectively with 29 assists, showcasing her role as a key playmaker for the team.

From the service line, Girard demonstrated their prowess with Alexis Pieton leading the way with 17 service points. Walters and Kylie Carpenter added 16 and 14 service points, respectively. The team collectively recorded 8 aces, with Walters contributing 8 of them.

Defensively, Bree Latell stood out with 6 digs, while Bailey Walters and Kylie Carpenter added 4 and 3 digs, respectively. Brooke Perry led the team in blocks with 3, further bolstering Girard’s defensive efforts.

Girard’s ability to dominate all facets of the game was evident in this sweep. Their consistency, teamwork, and execution allowed them to secure a convincing win and maintain their position near the top of the NE8 conference standings.

INDIANS HANG ON TO SECURE SWEEP OF STRUTHERS

GIRARD OH- In an intense conference matchup, Girard demonstrated their dominance on the volleyball court as they secured a sweeping victory over Struthers, despite the Wildcats putting up a spirited fight in the final set. The final scores of 25-9, 25-16, and 25-23 showcased Girard’s commanding performance and their ability to maintain their composure in a closely contested third set.

Girard’s offensive powerhouse was led by Bree Latell, who delivered a standout performance with an impressive 18 kills, providing a consistent source of scoring for her team. Nico Cochran also contributed significantly with 10 kills, reinforcing Girard’s attacking prowess. Bailey Walters orchestrated the team’s offense with precision, tallying an impressive 32 assists, highlighting her role as a key playmaker for the team.

The serving game was a crucial element of Girard’s success, with Alexis Pieton leading the way with 16 service points, providing a solid foundation for her team’s performance. Nico Cochran and Bree Latell each added 13 and 2 service points, respectively, while also contributing aces along with Alexis Pieton. Their ability to apply pressure from the service line was a key factor in the match.

Defensively, Bree Latell showcased her skills with 14 digs, anchoring Girard’s backcourt. Kyra Bell also contributed with 4 digs, ensuring that the team’s defense remained steadfast. At the net, Brooke Perry displayed her blocking prowess with 5 blocks, while Bailey Walters added 3 blocks, further solidifying Girard’s defensive efforts.

While Struthers put up a valiant fight in the final set, Girard’s cohesion and talent ultimately secured the victory. This match exemplified Girard’s ability to excel in all facets of the game, from their potent offense to their tenacious defense. As they continue their conference campaign, Girard will look to build on this impressive performance and maintain their momentum in the world of high school volleyball.

GIRARD GAINS BACK THEIR MOMENTUM

GIRARD OH- Girard football stormed back to the win column in style, snapping a two-game losing streak with an authoritative 42-6 victory over Pymatuning Valley.

The first quarter set the tone for Girard’s resurgence, with Stephen Sims plunging into the end zone from one yard out, putting the first points on the board with 10:08 to go. Ahmad Curd followed suit, taking a handoff from Tuff McConahy and sprinting eight yards for another touchdown at the 5:54 mark. Just 19 seconds later, Domenico Simone received a 13-yard pass from McConahy, adding to the onslaught with a touchdown of his own at 5:35.

The second quarter saw no let-up from Girard as they extended their lead. Stephen Sims connected with McConahy, this time for a three-yard passing touchdown at 9:29, keeping the momentum firmly in Girard’s favor.

Entering the third quarter, Girard remained relentless, with Stephen Sims finding the end zone yet again on a one-yard passing touchdown from McConahy at 4:43. The extra point by Zach Morris was successful, further bolstering Girard’s lead.

Pymatuning Valley managed to put some points on the board in the fourth quarter with Talone connecting on a 13-yard passing touchdown to Collier-Dixon, and Morris adding the extra point.

However, it was Girard’s night, and the victory was sealed with a final score of 42-6. This commanding performance marked a significant turnaround for Girard, giving them renewed confidence as they look ahead to their upcoming matchups.