Tag Archive for: high school volleyball

DOMINANT DEVILS GET TO 20 WINS

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By Ty Bartell

BERLIN CENTER OH- It is without question that The Western-Reserve Blue Devils volleyball team has been one of the best and most consistent teams in the area the last decade or so. Since 2013, Reserve has recorded three different 20-win seasons, with two coming in the last two years! The Devils had a chance for a third straight year of achieving that mark with a regular season road matchup against The Aquinas Knights, looking for their first win of the season.

The mismatch on paper played out on the court, with Western-Reserve crushing Aquinas in straight sets by the final scores of 25-6, 25-8, and 25-9! Quincy Miller had a nice night all-around for The Blue Devils, capturing an astounding 9 aces while also notching 15 assists and 5 digs. Lisa Eichert was active with 8 kills, 8 digs and 5 aces of her own. While Abby Blair was effective at the middle with 6 kills and 3 blocks. Alyvia Hughes led the way, once again, for The Blue Devils with the double-double of 19 kills and 10 digs in the victory!

The win for Western-Resrve has given them three straight seasons of 20 or more wins and their fourth in the last ten years! The Blue Devils (20-1) will conclude their regular season at home with a non-conference matchup with The Warren G. Harding Raiders (3-15) on Thursday, October 12th before the upcoming post-season tournament!

ANOTHER UNDEFEATED AAC SEASON FOR AUSTINTOWN

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By Ty Bartell

AUSTINTOWN OH- It has been an incredible past few seasons for The Austintown-Fitch Falcons volleyball team. Winners of four consecutive All-American Conference (AAC) championships, while losing just a single conference match during that span, The Falcons had rattled off an impressive 23 AAC wins in a row! Going undefeated in the conference the past two seasons, Fitch looked to make three straight, but standing in their way? A road trip to Trumbull County in a battle with The Howland Tigers!

The Falcons wasted little time coming out with a fury and taking full advantage of momentum and blasting Howland 25-9 in set one. A wake up call for The Tigers, Howland was much more competitive in the second set and showed plenty of grit, making life tough on The Falcons offense. Fitch would squeeze out the set two win by the skin of their teeth with the 25-21 win, taking a two set to none advantage on the road. Credit The Tigers continuing to battle through the deficit and putting up a respectable fight in set three. However, Fitch was too much in the latter stages with key rallies to claim the 25-17 set win, taking the match in straight sets.

Jordan Smith led the way with the double-double of 10 kills and 11 digs. Afton Roby had a good night all-around with 9 kills and 4 aces behind the service line. Kylie Folkwein (7 kills) and Morgan Roby (6 kills) als contributed on the attack for The Falcons. Rylie Simons and Izzy DiRenzo kept pace in their roles with Simons recording 29 assists and 9 digs and DiRenzo notching 17 digs and 4 assists.

Fitch (17-4) has now completed their third straight undefeated AAC season as they look ahead to their final regular season matchup on the road against Marlington (18-3) on Thursday, October 12th. Howland (8-14) will now look ahead to the tournament where they will face off with a different cast of Falcons, as they visit Field (9-12) in a tournament matchup! Stay informed with all AAC scores, stats, stories and more on YSN!

SIMONS SAYS SHES A STATE RANKED SETTER

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By Ty Bartell

AUSTINTOWN OH- In the sport of volleyball the position of setter is similar to that of a quarterback in football, or even better, a point guard in basketball. The motor that makes everything go, if you lack someone viable at that position, it makes life a little more difficult on the offensive side. That is not the case for the Austintown-Fitch Falcons volleyball team. With a spectacular sophomore setter in Rylie Simons!

One of the best in not just her school, not just the tri-county area, but the entire state of Ohio! Simons has set The Falcons up for 734 assists on the season so far, good enough for 7th in the state! Among many other great setters, Simons is the only sophomore in the top 10 ranking of assist in the state, with all other leaders being upperclassmen.

Simons, for the second straight season, has averaged over 10 assists a set while eclipsing her 1,000th and 1,500th career assists mark this season. Should Simons keep the course of what she has been doing, she has the chance to have over 3,000 career assists, a feat that only four players have accomplished in the state of Ohio’s history! The Simons family is no stranger to success either, with Lanie Simons the all-time digs leader at Fitch and Todd Simons the all-time scoring leader in basketball, Rylie is the third Simons to hold a career record at Fitch, getting the assist record this season.

As Anthony Hartwig and Ty Bartell brought the superstar setter on for Running Point, they discussed her amazing season, the Simons family success at Fitch and what a typical game day routine looks like. All that and more in this very special edition of Player Profile with Rylie Simons!

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THE CARDS ARE BACK

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By Ty Bartell

CANFIELD OH- You never know what a sports season could bring. Teams could perform above or below
expectation, certain players can step up and make names for themselve, while others will battle adversity such as injuries to get playing time. With the post-season tournament vastly approaching, the proverbial second season is about ready to start, and The Canfield Cardinals volleyball team is out to prove they are not reflective of what their record in the first season indicated. Getting everyone on the team back healthy has now put The Cards in position to not only be competitive, but win a lot of tough matchups in the near future. On Wednesday, Canfield hosted crosstown rival The Boardman Spartans in an All-American Conference (AAC) matchup! The Spartans won the previous match with The Cardinals 3-1 in Boardman back on Tuesday, September 19th. Looking for the regular season sweep while Canfield was looking for revenge and it was set as a premier match on The Cardinals senior night!

Set one was exactly what you expect when these two teams meet. A knockdown, drag-out type of set where nor clear leader could be indicated as both the lead and momentum swung like a pendulum. Big plays happened down the stretch for both teams, with the young freshmen players like Maya Flores (Boardman) and Ashtyn Hanousek (Canfield) stepping up for their respective squads. It would be The Cardinals that pulled away late, needing extra points, to claim the 27-25 opening set win.

It looked like Canfield had the momentum and was going to cruise to an easy set two win, leading Boardman by as much as 10 points during the set. However, The Spartans battled back in an amazing comeback effort by the whole team, supercharged by the serving of Sadie

Sattefield and Ava Bosnjak! From being down by 10 to winning by 2, Boardman muscled their way to the 25-23 set two win, knotting the matchup at a set a piece!
Speaking of supreme serving, Canfield’s Lauren Miasek put on quite a display of serving prowess in set three! Stacking up aces like she had a full deck up her sleeve, Miasek gave The Cardinals a comfortable lead in the set and they held it through to a victory of 25-18. The score was so nice, Canfield did it twice! Doubling it up with back-to-back 25-18 set wins, The Cardinals took set four and the match from Boardman, effectively getting their revenge!

Both Cameron Zenko and Lauren Miasek led Canfield with 6 aces in the match! While Carly Fleming notched the double-double with 24 assists and 15 digs, leading her team in both categories. Meredith Ross and Ashtyn Hanousek were the big-time attackers for The Cards, with Ross recording 12 kills and Hanousek 11 kills. Isabella Bucciarelli was more like “Ice-a-bella” with a stone-cold 7 blocks of Boardman attackers!
Both teams will now look ahead to the upcoming tournament with Boardman slated as the #11 seed in the Division 1, Northeast 2 bracket. While Canfield is locked as the #13 seed in the Division 2, Northeast 1 bracket where they are paired up with #8 seed Ursuline! Stay up-to-date with all tournament scores, stats, stories and more on YSN!

 

AULET’S RACE TO THE RECORD BOOKS

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MINERAL RIDGE OH- The unsung heroes often operate in the shadows, guiding their team to victory with precision and grace. Samantha Aulet, the senior setter for Mineral Ridge, is one such hero. Over her three seasons as the varsity setter for the Rams, she has proven to be an indispensable part of their success, orchestrating their offense with unparalleled skill.

Aulet’s journey as a setter began three years ago, and her growth in the position has been nothing short of remarkable. She possesses an innate understanding of the technical aspects of setting, earning her the reputation as one of the area’s best. Coaches and players alike have marveled at the seamless and swift operation of Mineral Ridge’s offense, and it’s no secret that Aulet’s hands are behind this remarkable efficiency.

This season, Aulet has taken her game to new heights, and the key to her success? Speed. The pace at which she now runs the offense has caught the attention of everyone. Her ability to execute quick, precise sets has brought a new dimension to the Rams’ attack, leaving opponents scrambling to keep up.

Aulet’s exceptional performance hasn’t gone unnoticed, as she earned the title of YSN Setter of the Year last season. This year, she reached a significant milestone by recording her 2,000th career assist, and she shows no signs of slowing down. The race is on to chase down her older sister, Danielle, and the program record of 2,272 assists. While the Aulet sisters share a close bond, they’re equally competitive, and Samantha is determined to hold the ultimate bragging rights.

While volleyball has been an integral part of her life, Aulet’s main focus extends beyond the court. Her sights are set on the medical field, and she has no intention of compromising her dreams for the sake of volleyball. As she looks forward to her final high school season, she relishes the opportunity to lead one of the most exciting Mineral Ridge teams in recent memory. The pursuit of a district championship is a goal that she cherishes, as it would serve as a lasting memory in her illustrious volleyball career.

Samantha Aulet is not just a setter; she’s the maestro of Mineral Ridge’s volleyball success, conducting her team toward greatness with unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and a heart set on a bright future.

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RAIDERS LEAVE HARDING SHIPWRECKED

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CANFIELD OH- In a night filled with emotion and celebration, the South Range Raiders honored their seniors with an impressive sweep over the Warren Harding Raiders. South Range’s seniors led the charge, guiding their team to a resounding victory with set scores of 25-14, 25-9, and 25-18.

On this special senior night, it was the seniors who shone brightly for South Range. Among them, Sarah Kuhns demonstrated her incredible skills, recording 10 digs, 9 assists, and an impressive 5 aces. Her contributions on both ends of the court were pivotal in securing the victory.

Madison Dado was another senior who made her presence felt on the court. Dado contributed 8 digs and showcased her attacking prowess with 6 kills, delighting the home crowd. Olivia Meli, another senior standout, contributed 5 digs and 6 kills, displaying the depth of talent that this senior class possesses.

The South Range Raiders’ defensive effort was a highlight of the evening, limiting their opponents’ offensive opportunities. They showed exceptional teamwork and communication, making it challenging for Warren Harding to establish a rhythm.

The victory on senior night was a fitting tribute to the hard work and dedication of the South Range seniors. It was a night filled with both nostalgia and optimism for the future as the seniors played their final home game in front of their fans.

REBELS FLEX ON SUPERHERO NIGHT

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In a clash of volleyball titans, the Crestview Rebels stood tall, extending their undefeated streak with a commanding sweep against a talented Girard team. The showdown took place on the hallowed grounds of Crestview High School, and the Rebels didn’t disappoint, emerging victorious with set scores of 25-12, 25-16, and 25-23.

One of the standout moments of the match was when Crestview’s Abbey Emch showcased her immense talent and dedication. With her future college coach from the University of Pittsburgh, Dan Fisher, in attendance, Emch delivered an astonishing performance. She recorded an impressive 21 kills, displayed her formidable blocking skills with four blocks, and dug nine times, proving why she’s destined for great things.

Grace Auer, the heart and soul of the Crestview offense, was equally impressive. She showcased her versatility with six kills, 23 assists, and a stellar 10 digs. Auer’s remarkable double-double was instrumental in Crestview’s victory. Moreover, she contributed two crucial blocks, demonstrating her prowess at both ends of the court.

Lainy Auer, another key figure for Crestview, added to the offensive onslaught with six kills. She also chipped in with nine assists, eight digs, and three aces, showcasing her incredible all-around game. Julia Blasko was a defensive force with her three kills and seven digs, contributing to the Rebels’ fantastic performance.

Girard, too, deserves recognition for their impressive display. Bree Latell was at the forefront, delivering 13 kills and a remarkable achievement of surpassing 1,000 career digs with her 10 in this game. Bailey Walters orchestrated the offense with 22 assists, and Nico Cochran shone with ten kills and seven crucial digs.

KATHLEEN “THE DREAM” JONES

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By Ty Bartell

AKRON OH- What’s that old saying in the world of sports? You can’t teach height? Well that may be
true, what is even more special is having skill to pair with that height. Those two factors together are a coach’s dream, and for The Archbishop Hoban Knights volleyball team, dreams come true! With The Knights middle Kathleen Jones, a great balance of both height and skill is brought to the table.

Just a sophomore, Jones found herself involved with the sport as early as sixth-grade and has always had her parents, especially her dad, there as a constant motivator. Proving herself as a dangerous attacker, Jones has put down a total of 163 so far kills this season, second on the team. Pair that with some phenomenal net defense, as Jones has sent back shots at a nice rate this season as she is tied for second on The Knights in total blocks with 26 on the year as of writing this article. In the midst of a perfect 19-0 season, Hoban has high hopes in making a deep run during tournament time and players like Kathleen Jones are vital to those types of runs.

Do not miss the first-ever volleyball profile for The Hoban Knights as Ty Bartell got the chance to sit down with Kathleen “The Dream” Jones where the discuss her career so far, the special year The Knights are having and much more in this edition of Player Profile!

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CAMPBELL ENDS THE BEST REGULAR SEASON IN PROGRAM HISTORY

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LIBERTY OH- Campbell’s volleyball team closed out their regular season in historic fashion, notching their 17th win, setting a new benchmark in the program’s history. The Red Devils displayed their dominance with a sweep of Liberty, achieving victory with scores of 25-19, 25-18, and 25-14.

Several standout performances by Campbell players contributed to their historic achievement. Leading the charge was Kendall Brunn, who delivered an impressive 14 kills, showcasing her prowess as an offensive force on the court. MiLeena Williams also made a significant impact with 12 kills and contributed defensively with 3 blocks.

Elysia Rudolphi displayed her serving skills with 5 aces, while Angeliz Diaz added 4 aces, further solidifying Campbell’s control over the match. In the role of setter, Carla Ramirez Ortiz contributed 29 assists, emphasizing her crucial role in orchestrating the team’s offense.

Defensively, the Red Devils were anchored by Gabriela Villanueva Santos, who secured 15 digs, and Carla Ramirez Ortiz and Cyra Cross, each recording 10 digs, helping to maintain a strong backcourt.

 

DIRENZO IS A NO GO FOR ATTACKERS

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By Ty Bartell

AUSTINTOWN OH- Offense wins games and defense wins championships is the old adage, right? At least that
has been the case for the Austintown-Fitch Falcons volleyball team, who have won 4 consecutive All-American Conference (AAC) championships and have been the definition of lockdown in the time frame. Defense, of course, starts with a team’s libero or defensive specialist, the defensive anchor of any squad. The Falcons have that position covered this season by junior Izzy DiRenzo!

Getting her first season as the full-time defensive specialist, DiRenzo has a team high 256 digs this season, while averaging 6 a set and over 21 a match! Also both team highs. Sacrificing herself to thwart some of the best attackers in, not only the area, but the entire state! Learning her craft in middle school, hardwork and determination have been pointers to Izzy’s success. Fueled by her family support and moms Italian-style home cooking, DiRenzo also has a very natural “lead by example” aura through her play style.

You will not want to miss out on this very special edition of Player Profile as Ty Bartell got the chance to chat with the lockdown Austintown defensive specialist, Izzy DiRenzo!

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