LOUISVILLE OH- It is time for us to gear up for another high school football season as the calendar flips close to September. YSN’s Running Point has every fan in the area covered with previews of each football team in the YSN family of schools. Join Anthony Hartwig and Ty Bartell as they preview the 2021 Louisville Leopards.
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LOUISVILE OH- The expectations are always high, and the tradition is always strong in Louisville when talking about high school football. The Leopards are used to winning, and having a winning culture. That has been a struggle as of late. Before the 2020 season, Louisville saw three different head coaches in three seasons. The lack of continuity made it hard to sustain success. That was one of the first things current head coach Troy Davis wanted to fix. Now he is entering his second season at the helm, and proving that he is committed to the success of his student athletes. Louisville opens the season August 20th against Barberton. It begins a very tough independent schedule that is sure to prepare the Leopards for their Division 3 playoffs.
Coach Davis popped on to YSN’s Running Point this week to give us a solid preview on the Louisville football team. He spoke with Anthony Hartwig about his tough independent schedule, the Louisville community, and so much more. Earn your spots and check out this exclusive interview with coach Davis only on YSN.
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SALEM, OH- The boxscore will tell you a story that Salem cruised through this game on the way to District play, but the backstory will tell you much more. Salem’s Ace, Lane Rhodes, was once again masterful on the bump, throwing a complete-game shutout of his former conference rival en route to a 7-1 victory on Wednesday.
However, it took a while for either side of the field to get comfortable in this one as Louisville’s Tyler Jackson went toe to toe with Rhodes through the majority of this game, the difference being that Salem was able to take advantage of runners in scoring position while the Leopards left 8 runners stranded throughout the contest.
Offensively, Darius Beck was on another level- going 2-3 on the night with 4 RBI. More impressively though, Beck held the Leopards to just a pair of stolen bags on the basepaths. Gavin Wilms was also clutch with an RBI double to seal the deal in the sixth inning. Blaize Exline would lead the Quakers at the dish, going 3 for 3, and scoring each time he was on.
Rhodes went the distance on the mound for Salem- fanning 11 Leopard batters, and scattering five hits while giving up only one run (unearned) on the night.
Tyler Jackson for Louisville went five innings, giving up 4 runs on 6 hits (2 earned) and striking out five. Jackson showed great command for Louisville as he didn’t walk a single hitter in his start. Tony Brahler came in from the bullpen for an inning and struck out one.
JT Popick would be the key offensive player for the Leopards going 2-4 with an RBI double and stole a pair of bases.
With the victory, Salem will play Niles at 1 pm Monday against Niles for a ticket to the District Championship. You can see that game on YSNLive.com
LOUISVILLE OH- It was a back and forth contest on Saturday between Louisville and Ursuline. The Leopards had to fight back from down 3-0 to take a 4-3 lead, and then fight back once again down 8-4. Their final rally would come in the bottom of the seventh where the Leopards would score 5 to win over Ursuline 9-8. The rally was capped off by a walk 3 run home run by freshman Kenzi Denzer. It was Denzer’s first career home run.
The top three hitters in the Leopards lineup combined for 5 RBI. Matti Bensen went 1-2 with 2 runs scored and 1 RBI. Senior Kaylee Nolte went 1-4 with a run scored and 2 RBI. Lauren Stillwagon went 2-4 with 2 RBI and a run scored. Denzer went 1-3 with the 3 winning RBI. The Leopards mashed 4 home runs on the day. Aside from Denzer’s walk off, Nolte, Stillwagon, and Jenna Collins all went deep.
Cloie Ensley got the win in the circle coming on in relief. She gave up 3 ER on 6 H. Ensley also struck out 1. Kendra Thomas got the start for the Leopards. She went 3.0 IP, gave up 3 ER on 5 H.
Ursuline’s offense definitely brought the power as well. The Irish slammed 4 HR on the day. Maris Barbato, Paige Ogden, Emily Holland, and Julia Nutter all sent one over the wall. Barbato went 3-4 with 2 RBI. Ogden went 2-4 with 2 RBI. Holland led the Irish in RBI on the day going 3-4 with 3 RBI.
Ogden took the loss for the Irish. She came on in relief anc three 3.1 IP. She gave up 5 ER on 4 H. Ogden struck out 1 and walked 2. Holland got the start for Ursuline. She threw 3.0 IP before coming out of the game. Holland gave up 4 ER on 5 H and struck out 2.
LOUISVILLE OH- It was senior night in Louisville and the Leopards recognized three players that brought a state championship to the program in 2019. Massillon Jackson spoiled the party though as they came in to Leopard country and stole the 6-4 win.
Matti Bensen went 3-3 on the day for the Leopards having a perfect time at the plate. She also walked, and scored 2 runs. Senior Kaylee Nolte went 1-4 with an RBI. Shelby Mayle went 1-3 with a walk.
Cloie Ensley got the start in the circle and threw all 7 innings for the Leopards. She gave up 14 hits and 6 runs. She struck out 1.
The Leopards honored their three seniors, Kaylee Nolte, Cloie Ensley, and Lauren Stillwagon.
Another week in softball that was unfortunately shortened due to the weather. That being said, there is always plenty to talk about every week. It’s going to be a great edition of the Hot Corner.
High School Recap:
The week got started with a big statement inside the MVAC. Champion thumped Crestview to prove to the conference, and the softball scene that they were not a second thought. The Flashes scored a combined 22 runs in the first innings of the two games on Monday and Tuesday. Emma Gumant brought the power in game one knocking in 5 RBI with a home run. Gumant also pitched a gem throwing 8 strike outs in her 5.0 IP. Then Champion one upped their game in the second meeting scoring 12 runs in the first inning. Much like her teammate in the first game, Cassidy Shaffer matched wonderful pitching with a power stacked offensive production. Shaffer went 4-4 with 5 RBI at the plate, while also throwing 5 innings giving up 0 earned runs. Both teams came into this series with a legitimate chance to win the MVAC, and Champion firmly planted their flag as remaining top dog in the conference.
Poland also came into this week leading their conference the NE8. Girard took a shot at the Bulldogs, and they didn’t miss. Emily Rosace handcuffed the high powered Poland offense. Rosace used her velocity, and riseball to keep the Bulldogs off balance. Rosace only gave up 1 run in 7 innings. She struck out 5. Abbie Rafferty led the charge at the plate for Girard. She went 3-3 with a RBI. Girard scored 3 runs, which was more than enough for the outing Rosace had. Girard’s win now shortens Poland’s lead on South Range to just 1 game. Poland still has a season series with Hubbard. And if the Eagles can win that series, or split it things all of the sudden get very interesting inside the NE8.
Jordan Anderson has been impressive in the circle all season for West Branch. She’s pitched multiple shut outs, and has come close to perfect games before, but this week she finally joined the perfect game party. Anderson reached perfection in the Warriors 11-0 win over Howland. The Tigers offense is no slouch. Cloe Lopez has 5 home runs on the year, and the Tigers have 12 as a team. Anderson was not phased by the threat of power. She struck out 10 Tigers on her way to perfection.
I was so excited to finally get a chance to head down to Louisville to see the Leopards play. They split a double header with a strong Claymont team. Kaylee Nolte absolutely lived up to her billing. The future Walsh player hit a two run home run on the day, and went 5-9 in the two games with 5 total RBI. She is one of the returning of their 2019 state championship team, and if the Leopards make another tournament run. You know Kaylee Nolte will be square in the middle of it.
YSN Alums:
Allison Smith continues her freshman season with Ohio State. She still leads the team in strike outs by a sizable margin. Smith has 109 strike outs on the season. Her ERA is still a very respectable 3.32. Smith has a record of 9-11, she also leads the team in complete games with 8. Also from Champion, Sophie Howell was a part of YSU’s first Horizon League regular season championship in program history. Howell pitched out of the bullpen in game 2 against Cleveland State throwing 2 innings, striking out 3, and giving up 1 hit. Lisbon’s Kennedy Vrable did not get an at bat over the weekend, but still deserves much credit for her team’s success. Mooney’s Conchetta Rinaldi continues to impress behind the plate for the Penguins. Rinaldi went 2-4 in game 2 vs the Vikings with 4 RBI. She went 1-3 in the Penguins series finale win that clinched the Horizon League title. South Range’s Caragyn Yanek continues her senior season with Findlay. Yanek got her 9th win of the season over the weekend against Hillsdale. Yanek struck out 8 in 5.0 IP. Louisville’s Sydney McKeever continues to fill in her role with Toledo as a baserunner. The Rockets are 23-20 as they gear up for the MAC tournament which will be held at Akron Firestone Stadium not too far from Louisville. I’m sure Sydney will have a strong fan base there.
Special Guest: Ashley Burkhardt
Ashley is an Indiana native, Fort Wayne to be exact who won a state title in her high school days. Something not many people get to experience. However as Ashley’s career went on, she continued to be able to do things that not many others get to do. Burkhardt was recruited and signed to Purdue. The raise in level didn’t stop Burkhardt from shining on the field. Ashley was named NFCA All Region 3 years in a row. She was named first team All-Big 10 in 2014. In 2015, she had a slugging percentage of .618, hit 48 RBI, and 11 HR. Her success at Purdue earned her recognition and interested from the National Pro Fastpitch league. After her senior season she was drafted by the Dallas Charge. She also went on to be a volunteer assistant at Purdue. Ashley spent two season in the NPF before ending her career. Now, Ashley has her own physical and mental training program. She has a passion for working with the age group that is still growing into who they will be. Burkhardt also hosts her own podcast “When The Cleats Come Off” which can be found wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also find her training program by visiting www.ashleybtraining.com
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LOUISVILLE OH-
GAME 1:
Louisville struggled to get their offense going on Saturday, getting easily dispatched by Claymont, 11-5.
In the first inning, Claymont got their offense started. Gracee Hudnall grounded out, scoring one run.
In the bottom of the first inning, the Leopards tied things up at two. Kaylee Nolte drove in two when she homered.
Claymont pulled away for good with one run in the third inning. In the third Jordan Gibson hit a solo homer.
Claymont scored four runs in the seventh inning. The offensive onslaught by Claymont was led by Gibson, Hudnall, and Hannah Snyder, who all drove in runs.
Meadow Duvall was the winning pitcher for Claymont. The fireballer went seven innings, allowing five runs on 11 hits, striking out one and walking one.
Cloie Ensley took the loss for the Leopards. The pitcher allowed 11 hits and 11 runs over seven innings, striking out three.
Louisvile hit one home run on the day. Nolte had a dinger in the first inning.
The Leopards tallied 11 hits on the day. Jenna Collins, Matti Benson, Nolte, Lauren Stillwagon, and Katie Porter all had multiple hits. Collins led with three hits in four at bats.
Claymont collected 11 hits on the day. Gibson, Hudnall, and MaKena Brown each racked up multiple hits. Gibson went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead Claymont in hits.
GAME 2:
Louisville grabbed an early lead on its way to a 12-9 victory over Claymont on Saturday. The Leopards scored on a sacrifice fly by Jenna Collins in the first inning, a double by Katie Porter in the first inning, a sacrifice fly by Matti Benson in the second inning, a single by Kaylee Nolte in the second inning, a single by Porter in the second inning, and a single by Brooke Brendle in the second inning.
Bats blistered as the Leopards collected 20 hits and Claymont tallied 13 in the high-scoring game.
Louisvile knotted the game up at two in the bottom of the first inning. They scored one run when Porter doubled.
The Leopards pulled away for good with five runs in the second inning. In the second Benson’s sac fly scored one run, Nolte singled on a 0-2 count, scoring one run, Porter singled on a 2-0 count, scoring one run, and Brendle singled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring two runs.
Claymont scored four runs in the sixth inning. They scored their runs on a grand slam by Brooklyn Poland.
Kendra Thomas got the win for the Leopards. Thomas lasted seven innings, allowing 13 hits and nine runs while striking out one.
Haley Fellows took the loss for Claymont. The pitcher lasted one and two-thirds innings, allowing nine hits and seven runs while walking zero.
The Leopards smacked one home run on the day. Benson put one out in the sixth inning.
Louisville tallied 20 hits on the day. Lauren Stillwagon, Collins, Nolte, Shelby Mayle, Porter, and Benson each had multiple hits. Collins and Stillwagon each collected four hits to lead.
Claymont tallied 13 hits. MaKena Brown, Lexi Greer, Gracee Hudnall, Poland, and Hannah Snyder all managed multiple hit/. Brown went 3-for-5 at the plate to lead in hits.
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LOUISVILLE OH-
Five hits from Matti Benson helped lead Louisville past GlenOak 10-7 on Thursday. Benson singled in the first, singled in the second, doubled in the fourth, singled in the sixth, and singled in the seventh.
The Leopards earned the victory despite allowing GlenOak to score six runs in the third inning. GlenOak’s big inning was driven by singles by Lydia Pollard, Karlie Boron, and Emma Borkowski, a groundout by Olivia Desarro, and a double by Jordan Cholley.
Louisville opened up an early lead in the second inning when Benson singled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring one run.
Louisville took the lead for good with three runs in the fourth inning. In the fourth an error scored one run for and Kaylee Nolte doubled on a 3-1 count, scoring two runs.
The Leopards notched five runs in the second inning. Brooke Brendle, Benson, and Shelby Mayle powered the big inning with RBIs.
Kendra Thomas was credited with the victory for Louisville. The righty allowed two hits and zero runs over four and two-thirds innings, striking out one and walking zero.
Emma Reemsnyder took the loss for GlenOak. The bulldog surrendered five runs on six hits over two innings, striking out one and walking one.
Cloie Ensley started the game for the Leopards. Ensley surrendered seven runs on eight hits over two and a third innings, striking out two and walking zero
The Leopards totaled 15 hits. Benson, Brooke Haren, and Nolte each collected multiple hits. Benson led with five hits in five at bats.
GlenOak racked up ten hits. Cholley, Makayla Marraccini, and Pollard all collected multiple hits.
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AUSTINTOWN OH-
Louisville fell behind early and couldn’t come back in a 10-0 loss to Austintown-Fitch on Tuesday. Austintown-Fitch took the lead on an error in the first inning.
The Leopards struggled to contain the high-powered offense of Austintown-Fitch, giving up ten runs.
Austintown-Fitch got on the board in the first inning when an error scored two runs.
A single by Brooke Brendle in the second inning was a positive for the Leopards.
Kayla Schubert was in the circle for Austintown-Fitch. The hurler allowed two hits and zero runs over five innings, striking out two and walking zero.
Kendra Thomas started the game for the Leopards. Thomas surrendered five runs on five hits over one and one-third innings, walking one. Katie Heath threw two and two-thirds innings in relief out of the bullpen.
Jenna Collins and Brendle each collected one hit to lead Louisville.
Austintown-Fitch totaled 14 hits. Caitlin Mitchell, McKenna Hogan, Sophia Senediak, Sydney Shaffer, Maddy Taylor, and Ayla Ray each managed multiple hits. Mitchell went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead.
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KEYSTONE OH- Louisville traveled to Keystone on Saturday to take them on along with McDowell in a three team event. The Leopards split the day, dropping the game to Keystone 11-1 and taking down McDowell 14-4.
GAME 1:
Lousiville watched the game slip away early and couldn’t recover in an 11-1 loss to Keystone on Saturday. Keystone took the lead on a double in the first inning.
The Leopards struggled to put runs on the board and had a tough time defensively containing Keystone, giving up 11 runs.
Keystone fired up the offense in the first inning, when Jessica Gerhardinger doubled on a 2-2 count, scoring one run.
Keystone scored five runs in the fifth inning. Their big inning was driven by a sac fly by Jessica Chapman , an error on a ball put in play by Kerrigan Williams, and a double by Ashley Wolfe.
Lily Cassell was the winning pitcher for Keystone. The fireballer lasted five innings, allowing one hit and one run while striking out seven and walking one.
Cloie Ensley took the loss for Louisville. The pitcher allowed five hits and six runs over three innings.
Lauren Stillwagon led the Leopards with one hit in two at bats.
Keystone tallied nine hits. Gerhardinger and Kennedy Kerr each had multiple hits.
GAME 2:
Jenna Collins collected four hits in four at bats, as Louisville defeated McDowell 14-4 on Saturday. Collins doubled in the first, singled in the second, doubled in the fourth, and singled in the sixth.
The Leopards got things started in the first inning when Collins doubled on a 3-2 count, scoring two runs.
Louisville put up five runs in the second inning. Matti Benson, Collins, and Lauren Stillwagon powered the big inning with RBIs.
Katie Heath got the win for the Leopards The lefthander allowed seven hits and four runs over seven innings, striking out two.
Alivia Soule took the loss for McDowell. The pitcher went seven innings, allowing 14 runs on 13 hits and striking out one.
Louisville collected 13 hits. Collins, Benson, and Kenzi Denzer each collected multiple hits. Collins went 4-4 at the plate to lead Louisville in hits.
McDowell tallied seven hits on the day. Meghan Kapp, Maggie Hoover, and Ally Leonard all collected multiple hits.
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