Tag Archive for: High School softball

FLY IT BACK! FITCH REPEATS AS STATE CHAMPIONS

/in /by

By Ty Bartell

AKRON OH- The Austintown-Fitch Falcons softball team completed another magical season,
culminating in a 4-0 victory over The Watkins-Memorial Warriors in The Division I State Championship Game!

The Falcons represented the home team at Firestone Park in Akron as Sydnie Watts and The Flawless Falcon Eight defense took the field. After striking out the leadoff batter, Fitch would need the defense early.Ohio University commit Jordyn Wycuff doubled to right-center and attempted to go for third; however, two perfect throws by Kaliana Ray and Ayla Ray followed by a tag by Morgan Roby secured the second out of the inning at third! Watts would strike the following batter out looking to end the frame.

Bottom of the first and Youngstown State University commit, The Ace of Bases, Ayla Ray crushed a homerun (15) to right-center, giving Austintown an early 1-0 advantage. Warriors pitcher and Michigan State University commit Carsyn Cassady recorded a strikeout and a flyout to end the inning.

Top of the second and The Warriors worked some runners on off a rare Falcons throwing error and a pair of walks to load the bases with two outs. But Watts showed her defensive prowess as well, making an incredible play on the infield on a tough slow roller to her left outside of the circle to get the final out of the inning!

Bottom of the second and Watts proved why she is not just a pitcher by annihilating a homerun (13) to left, her third consecutive game in the playoffs with a long ball, upping the Fitch lead 2-0. Following batter Morgan Roby reached on an error and Samantha Severn would get a bunt single to set up first and second with no outs. Cassady the next two outs off a strikeout and a sacrifice bunt by Rachel Spalding to move runners to second and third. Next batter Kaliana Ray made them pay with an RBI single to center to score Roby, Severn would then score on a throwing error to third, increasing The Falcons lead to 4-0! Cassady would follow up a walk with a strikeout to end the second inning.

Cassady would then enter a grove where she would send the next six Falcons batters down in order, doing so while striking out four more. As both elite pitchers kept the score the same as the game moved to the seventh.

With three outs to go, Watts would record the first on a slow roller back to her as she applied the tag to Gracie Gerhardt. Next batter up, Grace Whitman, Would hit a line drive right to second baseman Samantha Severn for the second out. Watts would record her tenth strikeout for the games final out, as for the second year in a row, The Falcons (23-1) season culminated in a celebration at Firestone.

RAIDERS CANT ESCAPE UPSET MINDED LIBERTY UNION

/in /by

AKRON OH- Despite out-hitting Liberty Union 8-4, South Range fell 5-3 on Saturday in the Division 3 State Championship. Anna Aey and Solena DeJesus each knocked in two hits for the Raiders.

South Range drew first blood in the fourth inning, capitalizing on an error to score a run. Payton Hochradel’s single tied it up for Liberty Union in the bottom of the fourth.

Aey’s single in the top of the fifth gave South Range a 2-1 lead. But Liberty Union came roaring back in the bottom of the inning. Emilyn Kanet’s single drove in three runs, putting them up 4-2.

Suzie Shultz got the win for Liberty Union, going the distance and giving up eight hits and three runs (two earned) while striking out six and walking one. Jayli Wilt took the loss for South Range, pitching four and a third innings and giving up four runs on two hits with six strikeouts and ten walks.

Kiera Winner and Aey each had an RBI for South Range.

Kanet led Liberty Union with three RBIs, going 1-for-2. Addi Osterman, Haeden Brunty, Kanet, and Hochradel each chipped in a hit. Liberty Union was patient at the plate, drawing 11 walks. Osterman, Emmalee Putnam, Hochradel, and Alexis McCoy each walked twice.

CANFIELD REVENGE TOUR CAPS OFF WITH CHAMPIONSHIP ELATION

/in /by

AKRON OH- Malena Toth was on fire, striking out 10 batters and leading the Canfield Cardinals to a 4-0 victory over the Bryan Golden Bears on Saturday in the Division 2 State Championship. Toth was in the zone, allowing just two hits and no runs over seven innings, with only two walks.

Canfield got the party started in the first inning. Caylee Ortiz smacked a double, driving in three runs. They added another run in the third thanks to Marina Koenig’s single on an 0-2 count.

Thea Staten took the mound for Bryan, giving up five hits and four runs over six innings. She struck out eight and walked two.

For Canfield, Koenig, Jenna Triveri, Sydney Lutz, Leah Figueroa, and Ortiz each had a hit. Ortiz led with three RBIs, going 1-for-3. The Cardinals were rock-solid on defense, not committing a single error. Figueroa was a standout, making 10 plays.

Staten was a bright spot for Bryan, going 2-for-3 at the plate. Bryan turned a double play and played clean defense, with Ella Voigt making eight plays.

This win marks Canfield’s first state softball championship since 2008 and their second in the program’s history.

WARRIORS CLAIM WPIAL TROPHY

/in /by

CALIFORNIA PA- In a much anticipated matchup on Friday, Mohawk put on a clinic, dropping seven runs in the fifth inning to cruise past the South Park 9-2 and claim the WPIAL 3A championship. The floodgates opened with Aricka Young’s RBI single, followed by Alivia Hare launching a two-run bomb to right field. Gianna Pezzuolo doubled in another run, Reagan Magno kept the rally alive with an RBI single, GiGi Cowher doubled to add another, and Mylie Pistorius capped it off with yet another RBI single.

The Warriors wasted no time getting on the board, as Maya McGreal ripped a triple in the first inning to bring home a run. They tacked on another in the second, thanks to Addy Moskal’s clutch single, putting them up 2-0 early.

In the circle, Magno was a force, going the distance with seven innings of work. She scattered seven hits and allowed just two runs while fanning three and walking two. South Park’s Sydney Sekely took the loss despite a solid effort, going six and two-thirds innings, surrendering seven runs on 10 hits, striking out five, and walking two.

The Warriors’ bats were on fire, racking up 13 hits. Hare, the powerhouse in the middle of the lineup, led the charge with two RBIs, going 1-for-3. Moskal was a spark plug at the top, going 3-for-4. Cowher and Magno also had multiple hits, showing the depth of Mohawk’s lineup. Defensively, the Warriors were flawless, turning a double play and committing zero errors, with Young leading the way with nine chances in the field.

For the Eagles, Grace Kempton and Sekely tried to rally, each driving in a run. Kempton and Ally Wilder both had two hits, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Mohawk’s onslaught. South Park matched Mohawk’s clean defensive effort, with Wilder making six plays in the field.

With this victory, the Warriors advance to the PIAA tournament. They’ll kick off the next phase of their journey at home against Harbor Creek on Monday, with first pitch slated for 4:00 PM.

THE CANFIELD ECONOMY

/in /by

CANFIELD OH- For most players, stepping into the varsity third base starting role would be daunting. They call it the hot corner for a reason. But Canfield sophomore Sami Economous wasn’t fazed by the job at hand. With nerves of steel and a glove like glue, Economous took on the challenge head-on, embodying the fearless spirit that defines a true Cardinal.

Playing third base has been Sami’s bread and butter throughout her entire softball career. So, transitioning to the Cardinals’ varsity team wasn’t a hard adjustment. She stepped onto the field with the poise and confidence of a seasoned veteran, seamlessly fitting into her role and making an immediate impact on the team.

This season, Economous has found her stride on both sides of the field, proving that she belongs on the same stage as her talented teammates. At the plate, she’s been a steady force, batting .276 with 6 doubles, 2 triples, and 14 RBIs. Her strikeout percentage is less than 10%, showcasing her reliability in putting the ball in play and keeping the pressure on opposing defenses.

Sami is the ultimate team player, always willing to do whatever it takes to help her team win. Whether it’s making a clutch play at third, laying down a sacrifice bunt, or cheering her heart out from the dugout, she’s all in for her team. Her unselfish attitude and relentless work ethic make her a linchpin in the Cardinals’ lineup.

In the Canfield dugout, Economous is the heartbeat that keeps her teammates going. She’s loud, energetic, and always ready to lift her squad’s spirits. The Cardinals’ dugout never lacks energy with Sami around, as her infectious enthusiasm ensures that her team stays fired up from the first pitch to the last out.

Some of the experienced Cardinals have taken Sami under their wing, showing her what it truly means to compete at the varsity level. This mentorship has been invaluable, providing her with the guidance and support needed to thrive in high-pressure situations and further develop her game.

As Canfield gears up for a State Semifinal, Economous will be a key player in their quest to move on to the title game. Her presence at third base, coupled with her clutch hitting and spirited leadership, will be crucial for the Cardinals as they aim to bring home the championship. With Sami Economous at the hot corner, Canfield’s chances of success look brighter than ever.

Presented By:

K QUICK ON THE SCENE

/in /by

By Ty Bartell

AUSTINTOWN OH- Would it be surprising if another Ray was shining athletically at Austintown-Fitch? Well adjust expectations accordingly, because Falcon freshman phenom Kaliana Ray is creating all the buzz for local athletics.

A three-sport athlete, featured this year in volleyball, basketball and currently softball. Getting solid playing time in the volleyball and basketball prior; however, with a younger softball team, Kaliana found herself any everyday starter as Fitch’s center fielder and lead off hitter. Batting a mind boggling .743 across 22 games so far this season, Ray leads The Falcons team in batting average, as well as hits (55), runs (48), on-base percentage (.771) and tied for first in walks (9)!
Reaching base often and when she is aboard she rapidly becomes the speedy base stealer “K-Quick” who has swiped 39 bases this season on 40 attempts! Not just an offensive threat, as The Falcons center field has been renamed Kali’s Island, where she is a perfect 1.000 in her fielding percentage, totaling 15 putouts and even an assist this season!

The future is bright and it’s another Ray causing the shine, as Kaliana credits a lot of her success to her older sister, Ayla, who Kali says “set the bar of success high for her.” A rare occurrence when the two oldest Ray sisters have gotten to play with one another on the diamond, which is why Kaliana has not taken the specialness of this season for granted.

Playing her first season for the defending Division I State Champions has been no easy task, but Ray has lived up to the challenge and excelled with flying colors as Austintown-Fitch is back in the State Final Four for the second consecutive season in part to what Kaliana has been able to do in all aspects of the game.

YSNs Ty Bartell gets the chance to talk with The Fitch center fielder about her success this season, her family support, some current goals and so much more! Catch this edition of Player Profile with K-quick if you can!

Presented By:

RUPERT’S RULES FOR SUCCESS

/in /by

CANFIELD OH- Ashley Rupert spent her freshman season soaking up every opportunity that came her way, especially when she stepped up to the plate. By the time the Raiders embarked on their tournament run last season, Rupert had cemented herself as a consistent staple in their lineup. Her ability to deliver in clutch moments made her an invaluable asset, proving her mettle under pressure.

Now in her sophomore year, Rupert has taken on added responsibilities, both as an everyday starter and as a young leader guiding the less experienced players. She’s shown that age is just a number when it comes to leadership, as she’s become a steady presence and a reliable voice on the field and in the dugout.

Rupert’s journey in softball is deeply rooted in her memories of watching the Raiders’ first trip to state in 2016 as a young girl. Back then, she dreamed of being one of those players, serving as an inspiration to future generations. Fast forward to now, and she’s living that dream, stepping into the role of a role model for the next wave of talent in the South Range program.

Behind every great player is a strong support system, and Rupert is no exception. Her family’s unwavering support has given her the confidence to face any challenge head-on. This solid foundation ensures that her confidence never wavers, even in the most high-pressure situations.

On the mound, Rupert has provided crucial innings for the Raiders this year. Her timely performances have given ace Jayli Wilt much-needed reprieves during the long season. Rupert’s presence in the circle has been a game-changer, offering reliable backup and showing that she can handle the heat when it matters most.

At the plate, Rupert has been a force to be reckoned with this season. Sporting a .383 average with one home run and 15 RBIs, she’s also crossed the plate 23 times herself. In 94 plate appearances, she has only struck out six times, the second fewest on the team among players with at least 50 plate appearances. Her disciplined approach and sharp eye make her a tough out for any pitcher.

Rupert has laid the groundwork for what promises to be a stellar career. With the potential to be a senior who has experienced four consecutive state tournaments, she’s already two down and two to go. If things shake out right, Ashley Rupert will leave a lasting legacy at South Range, not just as a player but as a beacon of the program’s future.

Presented By:

ALL SMILES ON THE MARINA

/in /by

CANFIELD OH- When you step onto the field at Canfield, there’s an unmistakable energy, a palpable joy that radiates through the team. At the center of it all is junior shortstop Marina Koenig. Her infectious positivity has breathed new life into the Cardinals’ softball program, making her not just a player but the spirit that keeps the team thriving.

This season, Koenig has embraced a bigger leadership role as an upperclassman, stepping up with grace and determination. She’s the kind of teammate who always finds the right words to lift spirits, the first to cheer on a big play, and the last to let anyone’s head hang low. Her encouragement is as reliable as her glove, making her presence invaluable on and off the field.

Speaking of her glove, Koenig has showcased her skills in spectacular fashion this season. As the Cardinals’ starting shortstop, she makes almost every play that comes her way look effortless. Her fielding percentage sits at an impressive .952, a testament to her consistency and skill. But it’s her high softball IQ that truly sets her apart, leading the infield with a strategic mind that keeps opponents on their toes.

At the plate, Koenig has continued to develop into a formidable force. This year, she’s added some serious pop to her bat, making her a dynamic threat every time she steps up. With a .330 average, three home runs, and 17 RBIs, she’s proven her worth. Adding to her impressive stats are seven doubles, three triples, and she leads the team in runs scored with 30.

Koenig’s contributions are a massive reason why Canfield is heading back to the State Semifinals for the second consecutive year. Her leadership, skill, and unwavering spirit have the Cardinals eyeing the big trophy with a hunger that’s more intense than ever. Marina Koenig is not just playing the game; she’s defining it for Canfield.

Presented By:

2024 SOFTBALL STATE TOURNAMENT PREVIEW

/in /by

AKRON OH- For the second straight season, YSN will head down to Firestone Stadium in Akron to follow three of its teams on a quest for a state title.  Each of the three teams is making a return trip to the state semifinals, and they each had different results a season ago. In Division 1 Austintown Fitch is going for a repeat state championship. In Division 2 Canfield is looking to get themselves back in the championship game falling one win short a season ago.  In Division 3 South Range is going to try to get the program back to the title round after falling in the semifinals last season.  Everyone in the area knows what makes these three YSN teams so special, but who will be standing in their way? As the games get closer, let’s take a closer look on each team’s bracket, and their path to a state championship.

DIVISION I

Semifinal 1: Austintown Fitch (21-1) vs Fairfield (23-3) Friday 3:00.
Semifinal 2: Anthony Wayne (30-1) vs Watkins Memorial (30-1) Friday 5:30.


Teams In Fitch’s Way:

Fairfield:  Fairfield has had a solid season, against a tough list of opponents.  Their program hasn’t been to this round of the playoffs in 33 years, and it wasn’t easy to get here. Fairfield won a 1-0 nail biter against Centerville (25-5).  They were lifted by their pitcher Megan Spence who tossed a 3 hit shutout in the biggest game of her life.  The junior plays for a premier travel team in the Cincinnati area (Doom Premier Towe) and sees great competition throughout the summer.  She has pretty good velocity, but her success stems from her ability to move the ball and hit her spots well.  Fairfield has six seniors on their roster, so leadership is not an issue for the Indians. Senior  Jillian Huey is a Division 1 commit going to Rio Grande to continue her softball career.  Fellow senior Abby Stanfield is continuing her softball career at Lourdes University.  Fairfield has been known all season for their ability to make comebacks, they might not always get off to a great start, but the veteran Indians will fight until the last out.

Anthony Wayne and Watkins Memorial square off in the other Division 1 semifinal. Both teams are elite programs who were both in this situation a year ago.  Fitch beat Anthony Wayne 6-1 in last year’s state championship.  Anthony Wayne beat Watkins 2-1 to get there.  The Generals have now been to 3 final fours since 2021 and have a better record than a year ago, they lost 5 games in 2023 but just 1 game this season. They feature a pitching staff that is loaded with talent.  Kat Meyers their ace is committed to Michigan to continue her softball career, and if that wasn’t enough, junior Molly Conner is committed to play at Notre Dame.  The Generals pitchers have allowed just 2 runs through their tournament run, and they’ve scored 36.

Watkins on the other hand are just as good, they lost to Anthony Wayne 2-1 in last year’s tournament.  Their pitching is the definition of shutdown.  Their team ERA is barely above 1 at 1.27, and Michigan State commit Carson Cassady has an eye popping ERA of 0.282 and over 300 strikeouts on the season.  On the offensive side Ohio commit Jordyn Wycuff is mashing this season with a team leading average of .641 with 11 home runs and 49 RBI.  Watkins has a 5 game shutout streak going on at the moment, they haven’t allowed a run since their 9-8 loss to Miamisburg (Cassady did not pitch by the way).

DIVISION II

Semifinal 1: Canfield vs Kenton Ridge Friday 10:00am

Semifinal 2: Bryan vs Logan Elm Friday 12:30.

Teams in Canfield’s Way:  

 

Kenton Ridge (28-4) won a regional championship over the favorite in the region Granville 6-2 at Wright State.  Granville beat the Cougars in last season’s regional championship.  This is Kenton Ridge’s first regional championship in 11 seasons.  In the circle the Cougars have relied on junior Kyanne Tyson all season. Tyson is great at forcing weak contact and trusting her above average defense behind her to make a play.  She can get her strikeouts, she has 111 all season, but when compared to some of the other pitchers in the state level, Tyson is much more of a contact pitcher, and she’s good at it. Her ERA on the year is 2.36 in 139 innings pitched.  Tyson is helped by her elite sophomore catcher Brenna Fyffe who does an amazing job at managing Tyson’s game, especially for an underclassmen.

Bryan (16-4).  The Golden Bears are in the middle of their best season in program history.  The were in their programs first regional final against Lexington, and the won it 4-1.  They have been led by 1st Team All State pitcher Thea Staten who only allowed 1 run in the regional round.  In the regional semifinal she went 7 innings, and struck out 12 while only giving up 2 hits.  Bryan has two seniors that have brought nothing but glory to the entire athletics room at the school. Ella Voigt and Kailee Thiel are three sport athletes that have won 5 district titles, and led multiple sports to their longest tournament run to date.  They might be in their first state round, but these seniors have plenty of experience when it comes to doing things no one at the school has done before. Between their three varsity sports, Bryan has a .816 winning percentage in the past four years.

Logan Elm (21-8) Logan Elm is coming off a 7-3 win over Dover in the Regional Finals.  This is their first state tournament birth since 2012.  The Braves six seniors were given their diplomas before the start of Friday’s regional final. Going to state is a pretty good excuse for missing commencement.  Their six seniors are Katie Wilson, Lynsay VanHoose, Kaitlin Otterbacher, Tia Fowler, Taylor Fowler and Jaycie Clifton. Taylor Fowler brings plenty of pop to the Braves lineup, and plenty of clutch. She hit a walk off three run home run with the game tied at 5-5 in the regional semifinals against premiere program Jonathan Alder.  Other players to watch are sophomore Peyton Richendollar brings speed to the team as well as plenty of softball experience playing travel for Central Ohio Pride.  She will be someone catchers must keep their eye on when she’s on the bases.  She’s a stolen base expert.

DIVISION III

Semifinal 1: Oak Harbor vs Liberty Union Thursday 3:00

Semifinal 2: South Range vs South Webster Thursday 5:30.

Teams in South Range’s Way: 

 

South Webster (25-3). South Webster might have pulled off the biggest upset the state of Ohio has seen in a long time. They went up against two time reigning state champion in Wheelersburg.  The Pirates beat South Webster twice in the regular season, both times in run rule fashion.  The Jeeps were not intimidated in the slightest, pulling off a 4-3 victory.  The Jeeps might not have been the favorite against Wheelersburg, but then again there aren’t many teams in the whole state that would have been.  The Jeeps know how to win.  Their lineup is potent. Shawnee State commit Ashlee Spence who knocked in the game winning run against the Pirates is one of the best hitters in the Jeeps region.  She also hit a walk off home run in the district championship over Ironton.  Senior outfielder Skylar Zimmerman is one of the best outfielders in the state of Ohio.  Isabella Claxon is a strong senior leader who will continue her athletic career in volleyball at Mount Vernon Nazarene.

Oak Harbor (27-2).  Oak Harbor features a D1 athlete in the circle in senior Alyse Sorg.  Sorg, who will be a swimmer at Bowling Green has mounted an ERA of 2.11. She is a spin pitcher who makes sure that hitters don’t get solid contact off of her.  In fact she’s only given up 5 home runs this year in over 600 batters faced.  She’s also only given up 23 extra bass hits.  Their offense is led by Porter Gregory who hits .538 with 33 RBI.  Oak Harbor is a team known more for their on base percentage than their power, they’ve only hit 11 home runs on the year, but they have a team on base percentage of .456.

Liberty Union (22-6).  The Lions have won 14 of their last 16 games, and come into the state semifinals on an 11 game winning streak.  Liberty Union won a high scoring 9-7 regional final against Miami East.  They’ve scored at least 6 runs in 6 straight games.  Junior Payton Hochradel is ranked 82 in the Extra Innings top 300 for outfielders.  Like many other teams in this year’s state bracket, Liberty Union is making this trip for the first time for the players on their roster. In fact, the Lions district championship over top seeded Fairbanks gave them their first district trophy since 2011.

With this group of teams stacked against each other, YSN’s coverage of the state tournament is sure to be exciting this season.  Make sure to tune in to all of YSN’s social pages Wednesday at 8:00 for the State Softball Send Off Show which will feature coaches and players from Canfield, South Range, and Austintown Fitch.

YSN would also like to wish the best of luck to Mathews who will be representing the area in the Division IV state bracket.  If the Mathews community would like the Mustangs to be a part of the YSN family, get in contact with your AD and have them reach out to us about joining the 60 plus teams that are already signed on.

WHAT’S THE GOOD WARD?

/in /by

CANFIELD OH- Last season, South Range’s Addie Wardle was the ultimate utility player, ready to step into any role the team needed. As a swing player, she filled in wherever she was asked, gaining valuable experience and proving her versatility. Fast forward to her sophomore year, and Addie is now an everyday starter for the Raiders. Whether she’s acting as the flex on defense, taking her spot in the offensive lineup, or occasionally pitching in the circle, Addie is always up for the task. Her adaptability and willingness to embrace any challenge have made her a cornerstone of the team.

The Raiders have long relied on Wardle’s rock-solid defense at second base. With a fielding percentage of .921, she’s a lockdown defender who consistently makes the plays to keep her team in the game. Her quick reflexes and strong arm make her a formidable presence on the infield, providing a sense of security to her teammates and coaches alike. When it comes to defense, Addie Wardle is as dependable as they come.

When Wardle gets the opportunity to swing the bat, she’s laser-focused and ready to make an impact. In her limited chances at the plate, she’s already racked up 4 RBI, demonstrating her knack for coming through in clutch situations. Her ability to deliver in key moments underscores her value to the Raiders’ offense. Even with fewer at-bats, Addie has shown that she can be a difference-maker with the bat.

Addie’s athletic prowess runs in the family. Her brother, Tyler Wardle, is a key member of the Raiders’ baseball team, and like Addie, he’s still alive in the playoffs. The sibling duo shares a special bond, always providing support and motivation for each other. The entire Wardle family is deeply involved in the athletics community, offering unwavering support not just to Addie and Tyler, but to their teammates and coaches as well.

Wardle’s dedication to softball extends beyond the high school season. She has been playing travel ball for the same team since she was 10 years old, honing her skills and building strong bonds with her teammates. This experience has not only improved her game but also shaped her into a leader. Her understanding of the importance of team chemistry and leadership is evident both on and off the field.

As Addie Wardle continues to grow and develop, there’s no doubt that she’ll be a pivotal player for the Raiders in the years to come. Her combination of skill, versatility, and leadership ensures that she will remain a key factor in South Range’s success. With players like Addie on the roster, the future looks bright for the Raiders.

Presented By: