Tag Archive for: Irish

HARRIS EARNS GAME MVP IN HOBAN’S OPENER

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By Ty Bartell

HIRAM OH- On the opening night of basketball for The Archbishop Hoban Knights girls basketball team, they went down to Hiram College to do battle with The Ursuline Fighting Irish who were coming off a win over Canton Central Catholic.

Scoring sharply and swiftly, The Knights jumped out to an early lead 15-6 after the first quarter and 24-10 at halftime! Ursuline managed to battle back a bit in the third, cutting their deficit to 9 points at the end of the quarter, trailing The Knights 35-26. However, Hoban put the game faces on in the fourth and steamrolled their way to an emphatic 55-26 win with a 20-0 run in the final quarter to clinch it!

Niera Stevens led Hoban in scoring with 12 points on the evening, while also managing 6 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block. Devin Harris was also a force on both sides of the court! As Harris ended the night with 10 points, 3 rebounds, 6 steals and 2 blocks! The Player of the Game was Tayln Banta for her ability to do everything on the floor as The Knights point guard. Banta finished the games with 4 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 7 steals and 5 blocks!

The win for Hoban (1-0) now starts their season off on the right foot as their next game will come at John Marshall on Wednesday, November 29th at 7 p.m.
Meanwhile, Ursuline (1-1) when they host The Lakeview Bulldogs (1-1) at John J. & Janet Cafaro Gymnasium also on Wednesday. Stay up-to-date with both Ursuline Fighting Irish and Archbishop Hoban Knights athletics with live games, scores, stats, stories and more on YSN!

 

URSULINE DEFENSE CLUTCHES UP CRUSADERS

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By Ty Bartell 

YOUNGSTOWN OH- In the tip-off to the girls high school basketball season, The Ursuline Fighting Irish opened up on the earliest possible day, with the November 22nd opener on Wednesday. Their opponent? Hosting in a very tough, admirably scheduled Canton Central Catholic Crusaders. The Irish were coming off a 15-9 season last year, while The Crusaders were 12-11 a season ago. It was a fun atmosphere between two talented programs looking to start the campaign 1-0!

The first quarter saw both teams testing the waters and gain comfortability as the opening minutes progressed. After one, The Crusaders managed a 7-4 lead, highlighted by a Grace Finefrock triple! By the second quarter, The Irish offense woke up, out scoring Canton Central Catholic 10-7, led by 5 points by Kennedy Carpenter in the quarter to help tie the ballgame up 14-14 heading into halftime!
The battle ensued out of the half, both teams exchanged scores out of the gates in an attempt to set the tone for their respective offenses. The Crusaders would end up a bucket better after three quarters, holding a 23-21 advantage heading into the final quarter of play. Ursuline would lock it up defensively down the stretch, holding Central Catholic to just 5 points in the fourth quarter to capture the 33-28 victory, off the backs of 6-for-6 free throw shooting in the quarter.

Lily Scott did a good job dishing the rock for Ursuline while also scoring 6 points. Meredith Gray made a couple big fourth quarter buckets to finish the night with 4 points. Kayla Grope would also finish with 4 points on the night, managing a bucket and a couple made free-throws. Leading the way for The Irish was Kennedy Carpenter, who finished with 16 points, going 7-for-10 at the free throw line! Her performance was impressive and earned her Player of the Game honors! The Crusaders were highlighted by a trio of scorers with Grace Finefrock

Leading the way with 9 points and both Alicia Varacky and Lily Belden right behind with 8 points each.
Ursuline (1-0) will now look ahead to The Ohio Tip-Off against Akron Archbishop Hoban (0-0) on Sunday, November 26th at Hiram College. For Canton Central Catholic (0-1) they will look to get in the win column when they host The Field Falcons (0-0) on Tuesday, November 28th.

URSULINE BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH KEITH GUNTHER

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- Ursuline is coming off a boys basketball season that has a mixed bag of emotions attached to it.  The Irish had one of if not the best regular season their program has ever had, but they fell short of the goal in postseason.  Irish fans shouldn’t have to worry though because Keith Gunther is back for his 21st season as the head coach of the Irish, and he thinks this year’s group is something special.  They’ve beefed up their schedule even more, and have a lineup with weaknesses that are hard to find.  You might just hear a lot about how good the Irish are this year.

Coach Gunther was able to spend some time talking with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig to preview the upcoming season. They discuss the new faces on the team that have everyone excited, the ramp up in schedule difficulty, and much more. Check out Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Keith Gunther only on YSN!

 

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IRISH PULL OFF ANOTHER CLOSE CALL

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By Tim Corso


ALLIANCE OH-  Ursuline held off a late comeback attempt from Villa Angela-St. Joseph Friday night 27-20.

Going into the Regional Semifinal matchup from Marlington, the talk from the Irish sideline was the absence of Senior tailback Christian Lynch.

It was a highly anticipated second matchup between Lynch and Vikings’ standout back, Bo Jackson.

The first meeting in Week 8 didn’t disappoint as each back found the endzone in Ursuline’s 38-18 win.

However, it was Joe Balog that stepped into the starting role alongside Jack Ericson, and he didn’t disappoint.

Balog put the lone first half points on the board from 14 yards out to give Ursuline the lead 6-0 early.

He accumulated nearly 150 yards on the ground to lead the Irish backfield.

The third quarter was the one that determined this game in the end.

Coach Reardon’s squad posted three touchdowns, including a school record, 98-yard touchdown from pass from Ericson to Devonte Taylor.

Ericson also tossed a score to John Frangos, while Ty’ReqDonlow ran in the final score from 11 yards out.

The biggest threat to the 27-0 lead that Ursuline held in the fourth was Kylan Steuball and the Vikings.

Steuball led not one, not two, but three fourth quarter scoring drives to nearly bring Villa all the way back to tie the game. That included a 99-yard touchdown pass to Brian Kortovich.

The story in the key moments was the Irish stout defense. Both Balog and Jy’Quise Liason picked off the Villa signal caller.

At that point, the Villa comeback attempt was too little, too late.

The last gasp of hope was following the third Viking touchdown, when Ursuline’s offense was in 4th and 1 in opponent’s territory.

With the game on the line, Ericson decided to call his own number and ran for the first down to ice the game.

From that point, they ran the clock out and advanced to the Regional Final.

Ursuline (13-0) will play Chardon (10-3) for a Regional Championship next Friday, November 17th at a site TBD.

IRISH COME UP CLUTCH AGAINST REIGNING CHAMPS

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By Tim Corso 


YOUNGSTOWN OH- Canfield came into the 2023 season as the defending Division 3 State Champions. However, we all know the saying, “To be the best, you need to beat the best”. And Ursuline did just that.

The Irish rallied to top the Cardinals 16-13 in the Regional Quarterfinal Friday night.

​It was a highly anticipated rematch from last year’s Regional Semifinal, where the Cardinals topped the Irish 33-25, but it was defense that showed up in last night’s clash.

​After a scoreless third quarter for both teams, Ursuline’s defense came up with a big stop when it needed it most.

​Moving the ball into Irish territory, Canfield came up 4th-and-1 from the Ursuline 39-yard line. Scottie Eaton, who had been running through Ursuline’s defense all night took the ball to the outside on a run looking to move the chains.

​It appeared Eaton had the first down, and then some, but was tripped up by Jy’Quise Liason at the last second. That big stop propelled Dan Reardon’s troops into great field position and a chance to mount a game-winning drive.

​Irish quarterback Jack Ericson lost this game a year ago but didn’t plan on it this year. He hit Sophomore Devonte Taylor for a chunk play that brought Ursuline to the Canfield 25-yard line.

​Moments later, on a 3rd-and-7 Ericson found D.C. Ferrell at the 5-yard line. The drive was then capped off by Christian Lynch, who found the endzone from two yards out for his second score of the game, and 24th of the season.

​The ensuing Cardinal drive, Canfield quarterback Paul Bindas was looking to move the ball with time dwindling but threw an interception into the arms of Luke Kollar.

​Mike Pavlansky’s defense was able to force Ursuline into a three-and-out and set up a play that could’ve been talked about forever.

​With three seconds on the clock and the game on the line, Bindas took his time and let the ball go for the endzone.

​When the final whistle blew, the pigskin was laying on the turf, ruled incomplete, and resulted in an Ursuline win.

​Both teams came into the came with successful offenses. Ursuline was scoring 39.9 point per game, while Canfield was at 26.

​After the Canfield lead was 13-9 at half, the defenses showed up and allowed just one combined score the rest of the way.

​Christian Lynch and Scottie Eaton lived up to the hype in the battle of 1k backs, but it was Lynch, the Princeton commit, who got the last laugh.

​Ursuline (12-0) moves on to face Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph (9-3) in the Regional Semifinal at a site TBD. Canfield’s season ends at 7-4.

IRISH ROLL IN ROUND ONE

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By Tim Corso 


YOUNGSTOWN OH- Ursuline took care of business against New Philadelphia 42-7 on Friday night.

​It was the first round of the 2023 OHSAA State Playoffs from Stambaugh Stadium and the #1 seed Irish were looking to stay away from trap game versus a very competitive New Philadelphia squad that has missed the playoffs just once in the past 10 seasons.

​It was a battle of 1000-yard running backs with Christian Lynch and Etnie Richardson leading their respective teams in the backfield.

​While Richardson put together a solid performance, it was Lynch that stole the show. He reached the endzone three times, and almost knocked off as many helmets doing so.

​It started on Ursuline’s first drive of the game when Ericson found four different receivers in what would be a game-opening touchdown drive.

​One of those receivers was Tairan Davis, who Ericson connected with on a touchdown late in the first half inside the redzone.

​That was one of two touchdown tosses for Ericson. The other went to D.C. Ferrell.

​Ferrell finished his last game with 7 catches for 98 yards and a score and showed out once again in the playoff opener.

​While offense is all the talk right now, the stout defense forced a turnover and came up with a number of clutch sacks.

​Senior Ty’Req Donlow tallied three sacks for the game. Two of the sacks came on early fourth down plays that thwarted any hope of a productive Quaker drive.

​Ursuline (11-0) will host one last game at Stambaugh Stadium next Friday night against Mahoning County foe Canfield (7-3) in the second round.

​For New Philadelphia (6-5), they finish of its third consecutive 6-5 season with the loss.

​https://youtu.be/4IARu8eJbjk?si=AWkRzuVkkmGZ48gW

URSULINE HAILS AS THE VICTORS IN THE HOLY WAR

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By Tim Corso 


YOUNGSTOWN OH- Ursuline used a big second half to capture its’ 5th straight win over Cardinal Mooney Friday night, 35-16. The annual Holy War between two of the area’s most historic programs wrote another chapter at Stambaugh Stadium last night.

​A thrilling 13-7 win for the Irish last year left fans itching for more. The first half of this game had a familiar feeling. The tight knit battle was led by the defenses. Ursuline took the ball to start the game and wasted no time. After a long Jack Ericson run to the Cardinals’ 5-yard line, Christian Lynch punched it in from a yard out.

​Back and forth they went as Mooney answered with a William Desmond touchdown grab, that was then answered by D.C. Ferrell with a score of his own. In a game full of tension, the light shined bright on Lynch as he eclipsed 200 yards and three touchdowns to leave no doubt for Coach Reardon. Lynch’s other scores came from six and 27 yards.

​However, Mooney’s defense kept pace with the Irish offense early on, forcing a couple turnovers-on-downs, giving Ashton O’Brien and company a shot. O’Brien didn’t get much going passing the ball but seemed to find a knack for scrambling out of the pocket to hurt the Ursuline defense, time and time again.

​After the weather calmed down and the second half began, Carl Pelini had aggression on his mind, taking a shot on the very first play of the third quarter. However, Jy’Quise Liason picked off the pass, forcing the first turnover of the game. Pelini’s defense responded by forcing a Christian Lynch fumble on the ensuing drive, but the Cardinal Mooney offense failed to gain any traction.

​Late in the fourth after the third of Lynch’s touchdowns, O’Brien kept hope alive after getting his own rushing touchdown in the redzone. A consistent Cardinals’ defense gave the offense another shot, but Ursuline had other ideas. Sophomore Safety Luke Kollar had a key interception in the Holy War last year while starting as a freshman. This year, he decided to one-up himself.

​With Mooney in desperation mode with less than two minutes left, an errant pass from O’Brien fell right into the lap of Kollar and was brought back 60 yards for an emphatic touchdown that sent the Irish into the night with style.

​Ursuline (10-0) finishes off its’ first undefeated regular season since 2010, clinches its’ 5th consecutive Steel Valley Conference championship, and secured the number one seed in Region 9. They’ll host the 16-seed (New Philadelphia or Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin) next Friday at Stambaugh Stadium.

For Cardinal Mooney (5-5), they find themselves as either the 8 or 9 seed in Region 13 and will wait to find its opponent for next week.

WARRIORS PRESS ON TO NEXT CHALLENGE

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KENSTON OH- In a thrilling OHSAA Sectional Final matchup, West Branch embarked on a road trip to face off against the #8 seed Ursuline at Kenston on Thursday night. The contest proved to be a battle of endurance as the Irish and the Warriors engaged in an intense exchange, splitting the first two nail-biting sets. Ursuline narrowly claimed set one with a score of 27-25, while West Branch countered with a hard-fought set two victory, winning 28-26.

However, the Warriors were far from done, as they seized control in the subsequent two sets, leaving no room for doubt in the outcome. They clinched each set with a convincing 25-10 scoreline. This triumph propelled West Branch to a 15-9 season record and secured their spot in the OHSAA District Semi-final. Their next challenge awaits them in the form of the second-seeded Kenston on Wednesday, October 25th, at Streetsboro.

Key contributors in this remarkable victory included Isabelle Martig, who notched 12 service points and delivered 15 crucial assists. Carter Shepherd added 10 points to the scoreboard, while Josie Milliken impressed with 14 assists. On the defensive front, Kendyll Kaley was a formidable force, leading West Branch with four blocks, while Mikalyn Fitts demonstrated her attacking prowess with an impressive 15 kills. Ragan Greeneisen showcased her defensive skills with 18 crucial digs.

URSULINE STAGES SECTIONAL COMEBACK

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- In a nail-biting start to the sectional tournament, Ursuline’s volleyball team pulled off an incredible comeback, defying the odds and securing a remarkable victory against Canfield. It was a battle that went the distance, with Ursuline turning a 2-1 deficit into a stunning 3-2 win, with set scores of 16-25, 25-23, 23-25, 25-23, and 15-9.

The match was characterized by fierce competition and determined play from both sides. Ursuline’s players showcased their skills and resilience throughout the game. Theresa Garono led the charge with an impressive 14 kills, making a significant impact on the offensive end. Lourdes DiNardo contributed nine kills, while Carmen Boyd and Isabelle Gocala added five and three kills, respectively, further bolstering Ursuline’s offensive output.

On the Canfield side, Lily Weaver displayed her scoring prowess with 11 kills, while Lauren Miasek and Meredith Ross contributed nine and eight kills, respectively. Isabella Bucciarelli and Ashtyn Hanousek added seven and six kills, underlining Canfield’s formidable offensive arsenal.

The seesaw battle ultimately saw Ursuline emerge triumphant, advancing to the sectional final. Their next challenge will be against West Branch, a matchup that promises to be another thrilling encounter. The game is scheduled for Thursday at 7:30, with the location yet to be announced.

URSULINE STILL LOOKS GOLDEN

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Ursuline topped Chaney 32-16 last night in a Steel Valley Conference clash. A late Cowboy comeback fell short late in the fourth after it was two fourth quarter touchdowns that gave them a hint of hope. On the first play of the frame senior quarterback, Drew Gault connected with wideout Javeon Young from 27-yards out for the score, then completed the next pass to Jordan Hewlett to make the 2-point conversion.

After holding the Ursuline offense scoreless in the fourth, Gault was able to throw his second touchdown strike with 1:52left to Hewlett to put them closer at 32-16. However, time ran out and that was in thanks to Christian Lynch and co. The Ursuline offense looked electric in the second quarter, posting three touchdowns.

Quarterback Jack Ericson scored three touchdowns in the game with the first going to Devonte Taylor for a 3-yard touchdown to open the scoring. Ericson also found D.C. Ferrell late in the second on a second and goal from the 25-yard line.  Ericson also ran one in to bring his season total of touchdowns to 23.

As the saying goes, when one door closes another door opens: but not here. Thinking they held off any more Irish scoring, the Cowboys gave Ursuline the ball back with a few ticks under two minutes left in the half, and the up-tempo Ursuline offense left Chaney disoriented. Trying to line up while the Irish were on the fringe of the redzone, Lynch found a hole up the middle and left the red helmets in his dust on the 24-yard score. That would prove to be the winning touchdown for Dan Reardon’s troops, and it was just halftime.

Lynch would add his second of the game, and 16th of the season late in third quarter to slam the door shut. As the Cowboy’s comeback fell short, the Victory Bell rung on Wick Avenue, improving Ursuline to 9-0 and still holding the coveted top seed in Division 3, Region 9.

Chaney fell to 4-4 and will take on rival East next Friday,October 20. For Ursuline, they have the Holy War with Cardinal Mooney at Stambaugh Stadium, next Friday. The Irish are looking for its’ 5th consecutive conference crown as well as five straight wins over the Cardinals.