The Fitch softball team is still alive in the postseason after beating Berea-Midpark 2-0 in the Regional Semifinal on Wednesday thanks to an impressive day for Caitlin Mitchell which started right off the bat. In the bottom of the first, the senior got on base thanks to an error and was easily able to get to second. On the next at-bat, pitcher Sydnie Watts hit a single which scored Mitchell all the way from second base to give the Lady Falcons a quick 1-0 lead. The frame would end with runners stranded on second and third. It would be a low scoring affair on account of another great pitchers’ duel that would see Watts come out on top in the end as she picked up her ninth career no hitter. However, it was Mitchell who stole the show and another base following a single to deep left field in the bottom of the sixth inning. A sacrifice grounder by fellow senior McKenna Hogan moved Mitchell to third and freshman Kylie Folkwein then brought her home for the game sealing run with an RBI single. Fitch led 2-0 heading into the seventh and Watts closed the deal with two more strikeouts with a caught foul ball in between.
Mitchell went 2-for-3 on the day and scored both of the team’s runs. Watts’ no hitter was the ninth of her career as she struck out 17 batters in the process.
Undefeated Fitch will face Walsh Jesuit in the Regional Final for a chance to advance to the State Tournament after the Lady Warriors beat North Canton Hoover by a score of 7-3 on Wednesday night. The game is scheduled for Friday at 5:00pm at the Youngstown State University Softball Complex.
*Contributed By Chris Lewis at austintownathletics.com
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/EE924275-19CB-45CA-847A-07154D8B0B23-scaled-1.jpeg15252560Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2023-05-25 17:45:452023-05-25 17:45:45FALCONS KNOCKING ON THE DOOR TO STATE
CANFIELD OH- South Range snatched the lead late in the game in a 4-3 victory over Triway on Wednesday in the regional semifinal. The game was tied at two with South Range batting in the top of the seventh when Anna Aey homered on a 0-1 count, scoring two runs.
South Range got things started in the first inning when Kelly Szolek singled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring one run.
The Raiders evened things up at two in the top of the sixth inning. They scored one run when Samantha Susany singled.
Juli Stachowicz was credited with the victory for South Range. The lefty allowed six hits and three runs over seven innings, striking out nine and walking zero.
Carter Wachtel toed the rubber for the Titans. The hurler surrendered four runs on six hits over seven innings, striking out 15 and walking zero.
South Range socked one home run on the day. Aey had a homer in the seventh inning.
Jayli Wilt, Susany, Madison Dado, Keira Brogan, Aey, and Szolek all had one hit to lead the Raiders offense.
Hanna Massaro, Callie Robson, Emma Flinner, Michelle Lyons, Myah Lester, and Alyssa Hochstetler each managed one hit to lead Triway in hits.
South Range advances to the regional finals on Friday. They will square up with Champion at Willig Park in Canton at 5:00.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/747A1A04-F718-4786-A94F-CD18243A8241.jpeg8731640Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2023-05-25 02:19:352023-05-25 02:19:35AEY’S SLAM MAKES THE DIFFERENCE FOR SOUTH RANGE
Gabrielle Gradishar shut down Keystone, throwing a complete game shutout and leading Champion to a 1-0 victory on Wednesday in the regional semifinals.
The pitching was strong on both sides. Gradishar struck out 16, while Delaney Peters sat down five.
Champion got things moving in the second inning. Addison Warzala hit a solo homer.
One bright spot for Keystone was a single by Charlee Hudak in the third inning.
Gradishar earned the win for the Flashes. The ace went seven innings, allowing zero runs on four hits, striking out 16 and walking zero.
Peters took the loss for Keystone. The pitcher went seven innings, allowing one run on five hits, striking out five and walking one.
Champion smacked one home run on the day. Warzala went deep in the second inning.
Warzala led the Flashes with two hits in three at bats. Champion didn’t commit a single error in the field. Warzala had the most chances in the field with 16.
Hudak went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead the Wildcats in hits.
Champion advances to the regional final where they’ll meet South Range. That game will take place at Willig Park in Canton at 5:00.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/BDB48C53-AAC2-4BF6-958B-728E792218EE-scaled-1.jpeg13862560Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2023-05-25 01:57:322023-05-25 01:57:32CHAMPION WINS A NAIL BITING PITCHER’S DUEL
MACEDONIA, OHIO- The Canfield Cardinals cruised to an easy victory over The Holy Name Green Wave 12-2 on Wednesday in the regional semifinals.
The Cardinals fired up the offense in the first inning when Hailey Freedy drove in one run with a single. The Cardinals then tallied five runs in the third inning as the offensive onslaught was led by Marina Koenig, Haydyn Merritt, Jenna Triveri, and Gianna Pannunzio, all driving in runs in the frame.
The Cardinals had 12 hits in the game as Pannunzio, Freedy, and Faith Morell all collected multiple hits, but it was Pannunzio who led things at the plate with three hits in four at bats.
Malena Toth got the start in the circle for the Cardinals as the pitcher allowed three hits and two runs over five innings, striking out ten.
Reagan Vavro toed the rubber for the Green Wave as she surrendered nine runs on seven hits over two and a third innings, striking out two. Victoria Shiban threw one and two-thirds innings in relief out of the bullpen.
The Cardinals will now advance to the Division II Regional Finals to take on the Marlington Dukes.
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https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/F7924A63-99F8-4BFE-B2AC-1BE243C1E9CE-scaled-1.jpeg14082560Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2023-05-25 01:23:262023-05-25 01:23:26CARDINALS EASILY PLANT THEMSELVES IN REGIONAL FINAL
With countless area conferences being decided on both the baseball and softball side. However, The All-American Conference (AAC) has been hanging in the balance between two top area softball teams, Austintown-Fitch and Canfield since May 4th when nine innings could not decide a winner in a 3-3 tie. The two ball clubs were scheduled to play the second game of a two-game set on May 5th, but through countless rainy days and the start of The OHSAA tournament, both teams settled on May 22nd as the makeup date.
With the new date set, and beautiful weather as the setting, The Falcons and The Cardinals were ready to duke it out to determine who would take The AAC crown! Fitch was entering the game winners of the conference three consecutive times, looking for a fourth. Whereas the current edition of The Cardinals were looking for their first taste of the AAC Championship. Both teams also were coming off District Championship victories where The Fitch Falcons defeated The Mentor Cardinals in Division 1 and The Canfield Cardinals, coincidentally, bested The Field Falcons in Division 2. Showcasing just how even both teams have been all season!
As expected, pitching was going to have the proverbial magnifying glass placed upon it as the main focus entering the game. Hard not to when the arms include Sydnie Watts (Fitch) and Malena Toth (Canfield) as both right-handers sported an ERA under 1 and tallied 200+ strikeouts a piece this year. In the previous out, Toth registered 20 strikeouts against Fitch, while Watts did not do shabby herself, fanning 17 in the first meeting. Both arms shut the opposing lineup down through the first five innings on Monday, although the strikeouts numbers were not quite the same, the pitching dominance was!
The Falcons struck first in the top of the sixth inning when Ayla Ray sat on third base and was brought home via the suicide squeeze play executed by Watts, scoring Ray and giving Fitch the slim 1-0 advantage. Watts would come back in the bottom of the inning and get out of a jam, with the tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position, Watts struckout Malena Toth to preserve the lead. The Following inning, Toth set Austintown down in order to get her offense back on the field and would you guess what was in the cards? A game-tying solo blast to left field by Marina Koenig to leadoff the bottom of the seventh, dramatically tying the game to start the frame!
Watts would go on to prevent any further damage, keeping the game tied 1-1 after seven innings of play. Following a brief discussion with the game umpires, coaching staffs from both Austintown-Fitch and Canfield unanimously agreed to call the ball game a tie, thus giving us Co-AAC Champions in 2023! Through two games, 16 innings of play, with both teams each scoring four runs on one another in those two games. In the two games, Malena Toth pitched all 16 innings, striking out 31 (11 in game two), while Sydnie Watts also pitched all 16 innings and struck out, guess what? 31 batters (14 in game two) showcasing just how even both teams and both arms have been against each other all season!
Fitch (18-0-2) will now go on to face Berea-Midpark (21-4) in a Regional Semi-Final on Wednesday, May 24th at Youngstown State University, slated for a 2 p.m. first pitch. As for Canfield (21-2-2) they will also be in a Regional Semi-Final game against Holy Name (17-2) also on Wednesday, the site of the game will be at Nordonia High School and have a first pitch of 5 p.m. interviews with players of both teams can be found below!
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/63E614E9-BF1A-412B-AB0C-0F8647C7C4B9.jpeg9951716Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2023-05-24 01:44:582023-05-24 01:44:58FITCH AND CANFIELD SHARE AAC GLORY
CANFIELD OH- With small high schools across the state, families seem to run deep in every hall way. There isn’t a school you could go to and not find a family name, or names that are rich in the tradition of that school. South Range has a family that fits the mold perfectly, and it’s the Feren’s. The Feren’s have been a part of South Range for decades. As students, athletes, coaches, teachers, athletic directors, you name it a Feren has done it inside the halls of South Range. Because of the deep roots of his family, current athletic director, and assistant softball coach Donny Feren gets the blessing of coaching his daughter Jamie through a successful softball career.
Jamie’s senior season was unfortunately halted due to an injury not too long ago. However one of the things that makes her dad, the rest of her coaches, and her teammates the most proud is how she has responded to the adversity that has been put in front of her. She still leads with the same energy that she always did, and she is always finding ways to help her team grow. Where some athletes might find despair, Feren has found positivity and grace.
In the middle of getting ready for regional tournament play both Donny and Jamie Feren sat down with DJ Yokley on YSN’s Power Hour to have an awesome and candid conversation. They talk about their family dynamic, share some great stories, memories, and laughs, and much more. You won’t want to miss the special edition of South Range Softball Player Profile exclusively on YSN!
Presented By:
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/20210520_184835-scaled-1.jpg25601920Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2023-05-23 21:46:572023-07-15 06:06:19THE FERENS BUILD A FAMILY CULTURE
HANOVERTON OH- You never know when you’ll come across an athlete that will live on the lore of their program forever. The athletes that make such a big impact on the team, that they’ll be talked about for years to come. United softball has had the pleasure of being the home of Tori Firth. After having a stellar junior season, the Eagles ace ran through her senior year and took the next step into legendary status. After the season she had in 2023, Firth has permanently solidified herself inside the record books at United. Her career hasn’t come with out adversity. COVID took away Tori’s freshman season, and a shoulder surgery made getting back to 100% a long process. She was not going to be denied though. She used her drive to get back in the circle and become one of the best players to come through United softball.
Firth has collected both regular season, and career records this season. She has the season record for home runs with 10, and RBI with 47. When you add to that her career records of 24 home runs, 120 RBI, and a career batting average of .550. Tori has a career ERA of 2.10 and 504 strikeouts in her career in the circle. While the pitching stats may not be program records, when you combine them with her work at the dish, it’s easy to see why she’s so decorated.
Tori took the time to talk with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig to recap her career at United. She discusses the adversity she has faced, how special United has been to her, and much more. Check out the latest United softball player profile exclusively on YSN!
Presented By:
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/50A09045-1794-41B7-82C8-16D9F57DEC3E-scaled-1.jpeg14072560Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2023-05-22 17:29:112023-07-15 06:05:54FIRTH WILL LIVE IN THE RECORD BOOKS
CANFIELD OH- Some people go through life without getting the opportunity to achieve something they work hard for. It’s a reality of life, especially sports that hard work doesn’t always equal desired results. For three years Haylie Freedy put in all the work in the world. However that opportunity to be a consistent starter on the varsity level never manifested itself. That all changed this off-season when new head coach Mike Kernan gave Freedy the reigns of her future and the opportunity to make an impact on the team. To say that Freedy made the most of the open door would be an understatement. She has raced into on of the best batting averages on the team, and she also has saved countless runs with a great glove in the outfield. Freedy will be playing softball at the next level as well. She will continue her softball career at Mount Vernon Nazarene.
Freedy is currently hitting at an average of .477 with 4 doubles, 2 triples, and 15 RBI. Her on base percentage is elevated as well sitting at .511. One of the big reasons she gets on base so much is her ability to put the ball in play. Freedy has only struck out 2 times all season. She also drawn 5 walks. Freedy uses plenty of speed when she gets on base, she has stolen 7 bags this year and has not been caught once.
Freedy took the time to talk with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig about this senior season. She discusses how she has been able to make the most out of her opportunity, keeping her confidence High through her career, and so much more. Check out the latest Canfield Softball player profile exclusively on YSN!
Presented By:
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/C2FC8F19-8665-46EC-835C-FF72DB1E6789-scaled-1.jpeg14512560Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2023-05-19 17:32:492023-07-15 06:05:21FREE TO BE FREEDY
HUBBARD OH- Canfield knocked in four runs in the fifth on its way to a 7-1 victory over Field on Thursday to secure their second straight district championship. Jenna Triveri, Gianna Pannunzio, and Faith Morell each had RBIs in the big inning.
Canfield got on the board in the first inning when Pannunzio singled on a 1-1 count, scoring one run.
The Cardinals scored four runs in the fifth inning. The rally was led by a triple by Triveri, a single by Morell, and an error on a ball put in play by Pannunzio.
Malena Toth earned the win for Canfield. The righty surrendered one run on one hit over seven innings, striking out 12 and walking one.
Canfield smacked one home run on the day. Leah Figueroa had a dinger in the sixth inning.
The Cardinals tallied 12 hits. Figueroa, Pannunzio, Sydney Lutz, and Triveri each had multiple hits. Figueroa went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead the team in hits.
Canfield advances to the Division II Regional Semifinals on Wednesday. The Cardinals will be squared up with Holy Name. The game is set for a 5:00 first pitch at Nordonia High School.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/AD9D3261-AB89-45AA-94C2-BCFD93592581-scaled-1.jpeg17072560Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2023-05-19 04:21:282023-05-19 04:21:28CANFIELD REPEATS INTO REGIONALS
LEAVITTSBURG, OH – It was a long time coming for the illustrious Champion softball program. After COVID canceling the 2020 season, falling short in the district finals in 2021, and then in the sectional finals in 2022, they finally got back to where they wanted to be. As a result, they won their first district championship since 2019 with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Lakeview in front of a packed house at LaBrae High School.
Champion had a field day out on the field as they just had to sit back and let young sophomore Gabby Gradishar do her splendid work on the mound. She just missed out on another perfect game in the tournament, giving up just one hit and compiling 13 strikeouts on the evening. Assisting Gradishar was the intact communication of second base player Savannah Tvaroch and first base player Abigail Meadors, as they were right there to tag the Lakeview runner out.
Despite the batting struggles, Lakeview’s defense had a strong showing against the loaded batting core of Champion, as they had nice saves with tagging the bags in the knick of time, all while guarding the home plate well. However, Champion relied on Meadors to find the hole in that defense as her 2 RBIs helped pave the way to Golden Flash victory. Her RBIs came in the first inning, as she caught the Bulldogs on an error, and then in the fifth inning as she had the right placement just into the right field grass to extend the lead. It then took none other than a Gradishar strikeout in the top of the seventh to seal the deal for the team.
Champion improves to 24-3 with their district championship win in four years. They will start their run at their first regional title since their state title run of 2018 when they play LaGrange Keystone at the Willig Softball Complex in Canton on Wednesday at 2:00 PM. Lakeview finishes their Cinderella season at 18-4.
YSN’s Noah Ricks talked to Champion coach Cheryl Weaver, starting pitcher Gabby Gradishar, and first base player Abigail Meadors following the contest. All three interviews can be watched below.
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