Tag Archive for: High School softball

CANFIELD SOFTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH MIKE KERNAN

CANFIELD OH- They say the closer you get to the championship the harder it is to come up short, last year Canfield got as close as you can. The 2023 state runners up come into the new season with fuel and drive to get themselves ready for a second chance at the state trophy.  The Cardinals graduated 8 seniors which would be a heavy hit on everyone.  However, they also return plenty of key pieces that got them to the state final last season, including 1st team All-State pitcher Malena Toth.  With plenty of goals locked and loaded the Cardinals are ready for a fun spring on the softball diamond.

Head coach Mike Kernan took the time this week to catch up with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig.  They talk about the fuel that getting a state championship gives the team to get back, who is stepping up to the leadership plate this season, and much more. Check out Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Mike Kernan exclusively on YSN!

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BOARDMAN SOFTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH FRED MOOTZ

BOARDMAN OH- Spring is in the air, the weather is turning and that means that softball is right around the corner.  In Boardman Fred Mootz returns for another season heading up a talented Spartan team hungry for success in 2024.  With a lot of experience returning, especially in the infield Boardman feels like this year will be a big step up.  They finished the season 10-15 a year ago, but feel a lot of those losses can easily be turned into wins.

it’s time to turn the lights on and preview the upcoming season. Coach Mootz took the time to chat with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig to talk about the experienced roster the Spartans have, the tough league they play in, and much more. Check out Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Fred Mootz!

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AUSTINTOWN FITCH SOFTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH STEVE WARD

AUSTINTOWN OH- The calendar is turning, and the weather is heating up. That means softball season is in the air.  There’s no one more excited to start the year are the Fitch falcons who are coming off a state championship.  The Falcons are chomping at the bit to get things started again.  With plenty of returning starters from last years run to a title, Fitch could be considered a favorite to get back there.  However the team is putting the accolades and outside expectations on the back burner and setting their own standard on what it will take to win a second championship.

Fitch head coach Steve Ward took the time to join Ty Bartell and Anthony Hartwig to preview the season.  They discuss what it’s like refocusing for new goals this season, the returning roster, and how the schedule has been put together.  Check out Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Steve Ward only on YSN!

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WATTS CHOOSES GEORGIA TECH

AUSTINTOWN OH- For the last two seasons Austintown Fitch pitcher Sydnie Watts has taken the area by storm.  She has been the talk of the local softball community with her excellence in the circle.  Last season she led Fitch to their program’s first state championship.  Watts finished the championship season with a 0.38 ERA and 281 strikeouts.  She also hit .492 at the plate with  6 HR and 23 RBI.

The summer before her junior year was definitely important for her and everyone in the class of 2025. Sydnie finally was able to have contact with college coaches and make serious headway in her decision on where to play after high school. That question has been floating around pretty much since she started her first game at Fitch. “Where do you think Sydnie will play in college.” Today that question has an answer. Live on YSN’s Running Point Sydnie made the announcement that she is continuing her softball career at Georgia Tech.

Georgia Tech is a technical institute in the heart of downtown Atlanta. They play in the ACC, among the names like Florida State, Clemson, and Duke.  Tech is coached by Aileen Morales. Morales played her college ball at Georgia Tech, and recently got inducted into their Hall of Fame. She took over the head coaching job in 2018 and immediately started seeing the program do things they hadn’t done in a while, like make the postseason, win over 25 games, and winning 5 conference series.  Coach Morales and her staff were a big reason why Sydnie chose Tech.

Austintown Fitch head coach Steve Ward has had a front row seat to Sydnie’s talent and ability for two seasons.  He was as excited as anyone to hear that Sydnie found a home. He had this to say about her commitment.   “Syd is such an amazing talent and that is clearly evident in the circle so what I’m really excited for Georgia Tech to continue to learn about her is how amazing she is as a teammate in and out of the dugout.”

While it is exciting to see Watts find a home, the area gets to watch her play for two more seasons at Austintown Fitch before she heads to the 404.  With plenty to still accomplish as a Falcon, Sydnie can now put all her focus on finishing her career at Fitch.

Sydnie came on YSN’s Running Point today to make her commitment public and to tell us what made Georgia Tech feel like home. She talks to the voice of the Falcons Ty Bartell about her decision, her recruiting process, and so much more. Check out this exclusive interview with future Yellow Jacket Sydnie Watts only on YSN!

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RINALDI REMEMBERS RINEHART’S LEGACY

YOUNGSTOWN OH- A lot has changed since the year 1990.  Madonna was a top selling artist, CGI was a Hollywood fantasy, and social media wasn’t even conceived yet. One thing that stayed the same from 1990-2023 was Mark Rinehart being the head coach of the Mooney softball program. Over 3 decades have past since Rinehart took the job, and those years have been filled with almost nothing but wins. 31 of the 33 seasons that Rinehart has held the reigns at Mooney have ended with a winning record.  After the 2023 season concluded, Rinehart decided to hang up the manager’s hat and stroll off into retirement. The footprints that he left on the program will never go away though.

16 of Rinehart’s players have gone on to play at the next level. One of the most decorated players to come through Mooney is Conchetta Rinaldi. The current YSU Penguin is set to finish up her career with one last season in Youngstown.  She has accomplished so much in her career, and a lot of her success would not have come without the guidance of Coach Rinehart during her time at Mooney.  Rinaldi was kind enough to talk with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig about the legacy her former coach will leave on the Mooney program. They also talk about what the next coach should expect if they want to keep the tradition alive, some of her favorite memories with the Mooney program, and so much more. Check out this exclusive interview with a legend of Mooney’s past Conchetta Rinaldi.

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A BRUBAKER’S DOZEN

COLUMBIANA OH- When a player gets an opportunity to shine, the best of the best take it and run with it.  For Crestview softball after losing a lot of big talent and leadership to graduation there was a need for someone new to take a big step up. Brooke Brubaker was the no doubt candidate for the next big role model inside the Rebels dugout.  Even though she had some big shoes to fill, she never shied away from the big moments. Brooke quickly became not just a big name inside the MVAC, but in the area as a whole.

Brubaker led her team in a lot of different categories but everything starts in the circle. Brubaker was the leader in innings pitched for the Rebels spending 66.1 in the circle.  She struck out 78 hitters in that time.  Brubaker also hit well at the plate.  Her .522 average led the team by almost 80 points.  On the year she smacked 1 home run, 2 triples, and 10 doubles.  Those extra bass hits helped her collect 26 RBI.  She also scored 12 runs.

Brooke took the time for a great interview with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig to talk about her season and growth as a player. They discuss getting through adversity, what kind of leadership she brings to the table, and so much more. Check out the latest Crestview Softball Player Profile exclusively on YSN.

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MEYER’S MAGICAL SEASON

WARREN OH- Champion has a rich history of softball success. With a list of names that goes on for miles of players that have brought pride to the Champion program, you don’t have to look hard for inspiration. However, on Champion’s standards they’d been in a down trend the last couple of seasons.  Since their state championship in 2019, Champion hadn’t gotten out of the district rounds of the state tournament.  That is until this group of players made sure to change all that. Champion put their best foot forward this year and got Champion back to one of the most respected teams in the land. One of their biggest leaders was junior shortstop Bella Meyer.

Bella got a huge burst of leadership during the basketball season when because of injuries she quickly became a player that everyone turned to. Getting her teammates through that adversity taught Meyer a ton about how to be a leader. She carried those skills into her softball season.  She rallied her fellow Flashes to an impressive regional runner up season.  Meyer made the decision earlier in the school year to commit to Youngstown State to continue her softball career.  That decision took a lot of stress over the recruitment process off of Meyer’s shoulders.  She was able to play loose and free, and it showed all season long.

Meyer’s numbers this season were nothing short of incredible.  Meyer hit .583 on the season in the middle of the Champion order.  She hit 17 doubles, 7 triples, and 2 home runs.  All of that added up to 33 RBI.  Meyer raked a slugging percentage of .968.

Meyer was kind enough to join YSN’s Anthony Hartwig to talk about her junior year. They talk about taking steps as a leader, what it’s like getting Champion’s tradition back, and so much more. Check out the latest Champion Softball Player Profile only on YSN!

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2023 SOFTBALL ALL YSN TEAM RELEASED

EAST PALESTINE OH- It was an exciting softball season on YSN to the very end. With three teams making it to Firestone Stadium, and Austintown Fitch winning a state title these teams gave us a ride we’ll never forget. With all that success, there is no shortage of talent in the YSN family. We’d like to take the time to shine a light on the best our YSN family has to offer. Below you’ll find our 2023 All YSN Softball Team. They are in alphabetical order by the school they represent.

Archbishop Hoban 

Faith Porter

Sidney Conti

Nylah Durham

Kennedy Bray

Ashtabula St John 

Izzy Holler

Brittany Cole

Austintown Fitch

Sydnie Watts

McKenna Hogan

Ayla Ray

Kylie Folkwein

Abby Toth

Caitlin Mitchell

Badger

Julia Toth

Sarah Betts

Beaver Local 

Lauren Piscitelli

Addison Eells

Boardman

Tori Strines

Natalie Davis

Maddie Wymer

Brookfield 

Abby DeJoy

Arianna Jones

Miranda Nicholson

Sophia Hook

Campbell Memorial

Mileena Williams

Ramani Adams

Angeliz Diaz

Canfield 

Malena Toth

Hailey Freedy

Leah Figueroa

Gianna Pannunzio

Jenna Triveri

Faith Morell

Cardinal Mooney 

Maria Fire

Champion

Gabby Gradishar

Addie Warzala

Bella Meyer

Morgan Davis

Abigail Meadors

Columbiana

Caitlynn Pleska

Mackenzi Gamble

Maryn Hepler

Ava Davanza

Cameron Perkins

Conneaut 

Lexi Brown

Crestview

Brooke Brubaker

Brenna Figley

East Liverpool 

Cate Davis

East Palestine

Gabby Andre

Edgewood 

Sophia Paolillo

McKenna Vencil

Edison 

Katie Fluharty

Audrey Scott

Olivia Frankhouser

Pam Johnson

Garfield 

Kendyll Hahn

Maddy Wilson

Kolby Fresch

Girard 

Emily Rosace

Abbie Rafferty

Grand Valley 

Abby Eland

Howland

Brooke Tatar

Alyssa Massucci

Zoe King

Cloe Lopez

Hubbard 

Phoebe Rusnak

Lauren Komorek

Haleigh Taylor

Jackson Milton 

Paige Grope

Mia Greco

Macayle Thornhill

Jefferson

Sammi Speakman

Allie Hill

LaBrae 

Rylee McDonough

Shelby Bragg

Khloe Sanderson

Lakeside 

Adalena Hoss-Torino

Lakeview

Mack Stowe

Gianna Caruso

Ella Chadwick

Maggie Pavlansky

Mohawk 

Alivia Hare

Liberty 

Rachel Strohmeyer

Mia Parker

Lisbon 

Morgan Lively

Louisville 

Matti Benson

Kenzie Denzer

Brooke Haren

Lowellville 

Layla Rivera

McDonald 

Bella O’Brien

Alivia Morrison

Kayla Helco

Miley Titus

Mineral Ridge 

Maddy Ylonen

Kelcee Dye

Lily Merolillo

Newton Falls 

Ashlie Harvey

Niles 

Isabella Rexroad

Orange 

Sarah Korland

Poland 

Mary Brant

Katie McDonald

Elliana Thompson

Leanna Boccieri

Pymatuning Valley 

Baleigh Alderman

Rieane Zajac

Brooke Gray

Saige Payne

Mariah Sharpe

Salem 

Chase Toy

Sebring 

Raegan Wynn

South Range 

Juli Stachowicz

Jamie Feren

Kelly Szolek

Sam Susany

Maddie Dado

Anna Aey

Keira Brogan

Southern 

Kennedy Lewis

Springfield 

Haleigh McCalla

Madi Lesnak

Jacey Mullen

Emily Gerthung

Struthers 

Emma Morris

United 

Tori Firth

Joshlynn Irey

Madelyn Lucas

Matilyn Zines

Ursuline

Mia Opalick

Katie Koulianos

Savannah Patrone

Waterloo 

Jewel Lilley

Wellsville 

Kaylee Rawson

West Branch

Josie Miliken

Addi Craven

Matti Hawk

Western Reserve 

Hannah Heath

Allison Jones

Cailey Selley

Kaleigh Williams

Windham

Quinn Justham

 

 

FITCH FINISHES THE JOB AND EARNS PROGRAM’S FIRST STATE TITLE

AKRON OH- The Austintown Fitch Lady Falcons can officially call themselves State Champions. The team won Saturday’s 2023 OHSAA Division 1 State Softball Championship Game by beating Whitehouse Anthony Wayne by a score of 6-1 at Firestone Stadium in Akron. The win marks the first state title in the program’s history and caps off a season that saw the team go undefeated with a record of 22-0-2.

After pitcher Sydnie Watts walked the first batter she faced, a steal followed by an RBI single put Anthony Wayne on top 1-0 after one inning of play. Neither team could generate much offense in the second, but Ayla Ray led off the top of the third with a bunt single and got to second base on an intentional walk of Watts. A Kylie Folkwein single brought Ray home to tie things up at one run apiece at the end of three where it would stay until Ray’s next at-bat.

The junior belted a solo home run to lead off the fifth and it was all Fitch needed to get the offensive juices flowing. Senior Caitlin Mitchell singled and then got to second safely on a wild pitch before stealing third. Folkwein then knocked a long triple which easily scored Mitchell for a 3-1 lead. The freshman then stole home on a passed ball to give Fitch some more breathing room. Samantha Severn singled and then took second base on a wild pitch after which a double by Madi Beaudis moved her to third where she also stole home after tagging up on a foul ball. Suddenly it was 5-1, Lady Falcons with two and a half innings left to play.

In the top of the seventh, Folkwein came through again with a monster double giving Fitch a runner in scoring position. A fielder’s choice put Severn out at first but the defense got greedy. Advancing to third on the fieder’s choice, an attempt to get a double play turned into an overthrown ball giving Folkwein the chance to score and giving Fitch a 6-1 lead.

Three outs away from their first ever state title, the Lady Falcons put their faith in sophomore pitching phenom Sydnie Watts to put the game away. She’d strike out the first batter before Anthony Wayne was able to put two runners on base, but Watts lived up to the hype with help from the defense before clearing the dugout for the postgame celebration with her fifteenth strikeout of the day.

It was a storybook ending to a storybook season which won’t soon be forgotten by anyone in Falcon Country.

*Contributed By Chris Lewis at austintownathletics.com

FITCH ON THE DOORSTEP OF HISTORY

AKRON OH- The 2023 OHSAA Division 1 Softball State Championship will feature the Austintown Fitch Lady Falcons after they beat Lebanon 3-0 on a steamy 90 degree day at Firestone Stadium in Akron on Friday afternoon. Pitcher Sydnie Watts tossed her fifth no hitter of the season giving her eleven for her career, and Samantha Severn came through in the clutch accounting for two of the team’s three runs.

After Watts and the defense retired the side in the top of the first inning, leadoff hitter Ayla Ray smacked a double to deep center to jumpstart the Lady Falcons offense. A bunt single by Watts brought in Ray for the game’s first score before pinch runner Tina Montgomery stole second and was moved to third by a McKenna Hogan single. With runners at second and third thanks to a stolen base by pinch runner Rachel Spalding, Severn stepped up and delivered with an RBI base hit. That would score Montgomery but Spalding was thrown out at the plate with Fitch leading 2-0 after one inning of play.

The Lady Falcons would threaten to add to their lead in the bottom of the third with Caitlin Mitchell hitting a double, but she would be left stranded there. In the next frame, Mitchell came up with three huge defensive plays on three consecutive grounders, the sequence highlighted by a diving stop on which she had to throw from her knees to get the out at first base. Sparked by the defensive effort, Kylie Folkwein got on base with a double before Severn came to the plate to knock Folkwein home with an RBI single which turned into a double on the unsuccessful throw to home plate. Severn would ulitmately end up on third thanks to an error on the play. But unfortunately, that was all the scoring for the Lady Falcons as the next three batters went down in succession. But, the 3-0 lead was all Fitch would need heading into the fifth inning. Watts went on to strike out six of the next nine batters before a ground out to first base sealed the win to send the Lady Falcons to the title game.

Fitch will now take their 22-0-2 record into the State Championship Game where they’ll play Whitehouse Anthony Wayne which moved to 28-3 after beating Pataskala Watkins Memorial 2-1 the earlier semifinal. First pitch is set for tomorrow at 3:00pm at Firestone Stadium in Akron.

*Contributed By Chris Lewis at austintownathletics.com