Tag Archive for: Poland

HOT CORNER WITH SPECIAL GUEST SARA MICHALOWSKI-MARINO

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Welcome back inside another week of the Hot Corner! We had such an exciting week of softball on YSN, and the weather was beautiful for the whole week.  We have a lot to talk about in this edition with a high school recap of week 2, more updates on YSN alums, and this week’s special guest Sara Michalowski-Marino.

High School Recap: 

We can not start this recap without bringing up the perfect games of Bri Callow.  The McDonald ace threw two perfect games in the week, yes 2! I got to interview Bri this week as part of YSN;s player profiles series.  She gave some great insight into her mindset during the perfect games.  Some people might think it is a cliché to say “pitch by pitch” but with Bri it is legitimate.  She already has 98 strikeouts on the season.  Her spin, and location makes her so tough to hit.  When i got to see her pitch this week, her swing and miss rate was off the charts.

A couple of freshman in the area have really showed up strong so far this season.  Mackenzi Gamble has turned into a legitimate ace for Columbiana, giving them depth inside the circle.  Gamble leads the team in innings pitched with 28.2.  Her ERA is 1.47.  Gamble brings velocity, and maybe the highest velocity I have seen from a freshman in quite some time.  It is hard for a lot of hitters at this level to catch up to her riseball.  What Gamble brings to the Clippers will really show up in tournaments.  The ability to be able to throw two different arms becomes crucial down the stretch against high quality teams in the late rounds of a bracket.

A freshman that is doing it on the other side of the field in the batter’s box is Poland’s Mary Brant.  She is bringing a feared bat into the lineup of the Bulldogs.  Brant leads the team in almost every offensive category.  Brant has a batting average of .625, she has 6 HR,  and 18 RBI.  She has done all this in just 7 games.  It is really incredible to see a young player not phased at all by the step up to the varsity level.  This week, i am really looking forward to see how South Range standout Bree Kohler pitches to Brant.

Speaking of Kohler, she also threw a perfect game this week for the Raiders during their trip to Myrtle Beach.  A very productive trip to the beach too.  The Raiders went 5-1 and continued to get contributions from everyone in the lineup.  6 Raider hitters have at least 7 RBI, and 4 of them have more than 10.

Coming into this season, i think the softball community expected Poland and South Range to be the frontrunners for the NE8.  And while those teams are having fantastic starts, i think Hubbard has officially entered the party.  The Eagles pushed Boardman to the brink this week, getting walk offed 2-1, but bounced back with a double header sweep of a very good West Branch team.  The Eagles have seven hitters that are currently batting above .400.  The lineup is relentless, and there are no breaks for pitchers.  It really gives the feel of a college level lineup, where you can’t sleep on anyone 1-9.  They don’t slouch in the circle though either, the Eagles have 3 pitchers that have given them significant innings.  Hubbard’s team ERA is 3.19.  It will be an interesting week for the Eagles with games against Girard and Canfield on the slate.

YSN Alums

Champion’s Allison Smith is keeping her ERA below 2.50 with a total of 2.33. She got her first taste of the Buckeyes rivalry with Michigan this weekend.  Although the Buckeyes lost 3 of 4 games, Smith pitched well in the series.  In an interview with YSN during her senior year at Champion, Smith talked about how much she was looking forward to the rivalry with Michigan. Another Champion grad Sophie Howell struck out 11 in 6 innings against Green Bay this weekend.  She gave up 3 ER and currently sits at a season ERA of 4.71.  South Range’s Caragyn Yanek got her 6th win in the circle for Findlay, she threw 4.0 IP and struck out 6.  Poland’s Brooke Bobbey went 1-2 in St Bonaventure’s 8-0 loss to Fordham over the weekend.  Another former Poland Bulldog, Kaili Gross is 2-2 in the circle for Case Western Reserve with an ERA of 3.00.  Former Louisville Leopard Sydney McKeever has scored 5 runs for Toledo, but is still looking for her first base hit.  Toledo is a deep team, so Sydney hasn’t gotten too many opportunities to this point with just 4 at bats, but they are using her on the base paths, and she is doing whatever it takes to make an impact on the team.

Special Guest: Sara Michalowski-Marino

No. 18 Mizzou Tigers vs. No. 24 Auburn Tigers at Mizzou Softball Stadium in Columbia, Mo. on Friday, March 27, 2021.
Zach Bland/Mizzou Athletics

I am so happy to add another coach to the special guests of the Hot Corner.  Sara is the assistant coach at Missouri, and brings some great insight into this week’s edition.  Sara is now in her third year on staff at Missouri.  When head coach Larissa Anderson got hired, Sara was the first hire she made as an assistant.  Michalowski is familiar with how coach Anderson operates, she was Anderson’s assistant at Hofstra from 2017-2018.  She also played for Anderson at Hofstra from 2008-2011.  Coach Michalowski made the most out of her opportunity to coach at the SEC level, in 2019 she was named NFCA Assistant Coach of the Year.  When Michalowski was hired Anderson said “her passion, knowledge, dedication, and work ethic are what I’m looking for in additions to our staff.” As a player, Michalowski left Hofstra as a top ten program performer in career HR and RBI.  She is a Philadelphia native that played at Archbishop Ryan High School before joining Hofstra. It was great to catch up with coach Michalowski and get her thoughts on high school softball, and highlight her softball journey.  I want to thank Missouri Softball SID Paul McCaw for setting up the interview.

 

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCTn4Icju4A[/embedyt]

SPARTANS TAKE TWO IN POLAND

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POLAND OH-

GAME 1 Vs Girard:

Boardman managed through a push by Girard in the fifth inning where the Spartans coughed up three runs, but they still won 13-3 on Saturday. The offensive onslaught by Girard was led by Kaitlyn Culver and Emily Rosace, all knocking in runs in the inning.

Boardman secured the victory thanks to eight runs in the fourth inning. The Spartans big bats in the inning were led by singles by Madison Wymer and Dana Haus, home runs by Jenna Olexa and Madison Lester, and a double by Sofia Hoffman.

Boardman scored eight runs in the fourth inning. The big inning was thanks to singles by Wymer and Haus, home runs by Olexa and Lester, and a double by Hoffman.

Katryn OHoro earned the victory in the circle for the Spartans. The righthander allowed three hits and three runs over five innings, striking out six and walking one.

Aly Wakefield took the loss for Girard. The hurler allowed 12 hits and 13 runs over five innings.

Boardman launched two home runs on the day. Lester went deep in the fourth inning. Olexa went for the long ball in the fourth inning.

Boardman racked up 12 hits. Bella Eliser, Nina Scavelli, and Wymer each racked up multiple hits. Eliser led  with three hits in four at bats.

GAME 2 Vs Poland

Boardman took the lead late in the game in a 5-4 victory over Poland on Saturday. The game was tied at four with Boardman batting in the top of the eighth when Dana Haus singled on a 0-1 count, scoring one run.

Poland scored three runs in the fourth inning, but the Spartans still managed to pull out the victory. The big inning for Poland Seminary came thanks to a home run by Cam Lattanzio and an error on a ball put in play by Katie Mcdonald.

Boardman opened up scoring in the second inning, when Haus singled on a 2-1 count, scoring one run.

Poland evened things up at four in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Katryn OHoro pitched Boardman to the win. The pitcher lasted three and two-thirds innings, allowing one hit and one run while striking out four and walking one.

Lattanzio took the loss for Poland. The pitcher allowed seven hits and five runs over eight innings, striking out five.

Madison Lester started the game for the Spartans. The righty went four and a third innings, allowing three runs on seven hits, striking out three and walking one

Boardman had seven hits in the game. Jenna Olexa and Haus each racked up multiple hits. Haus and Olexa each collected two hits to lead.

Lattanzio went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead Poland Seminary in hits.

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POLAND RUN RULES INDIANS

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POLAND OH-

Katie McDonald threw a shutout to lead Poland past Girard 10-0 on Saturday.

In the first inning, Poland got their offense started. Jackie Grisdale grounded out, scoring one run.

One bright spot for Girard was a single by Sophie Griffith in the first inning.

McDonald took the win for the Bulldogs. The righty went five innings, allowing zero runs on three hits and striking out three.

Emily Rosace took the loss for Girard. Rosace surrendered ten runs on nine hits over four innings, striking out four.

Poland hit two home runs on the day. McDonald had a four bagger in the first inning. Mary Brant went for the long ball in the second inning.

Poland racked up nine hits on the day. Brant, McDonald, and Gia Schiavone each collected multiple hits. Brant led with three hits in three at bats.

Griffith went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead Girard in hits.

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TIGERS POUNCE ON POLAND

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Mitchell Seymour didn’t allow a single run against Poland, throwing a complete game shutout and leading Springfield to a 4-0 victory on Friday

Springfield got things started in the first inning when AJ Stallsmith’s sac fly scored one run.

A single by Bryce Barringer in the sixth inning was a positive for Poland.

Seymour got the start for the Tigers. The righthander went seven innings, allowing zero runs on two hits, striking out 12 and walking one.

Ryan Dilullo led things off on the pitcher’s mound for Poland. The bulldog went five innings, allowing three runs on four hits, striking out three and walking one. Michael Nittoli threw two innings out of the bullpen.

Stallsmith went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead Springfield in hits.

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BRANT DRIVES POLAND TO SWEEP OF FALCONS

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POLAND OH-

Mary Brant drove in five on three hits to lead Poland past Jefferson Area 16-2 on Tuesday. Brant drove in runs on a home run in the second, a single in the third, and a home run in the fourth.

Poland got on the board in the first inning. Cameryn Lattanzio singled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring one run.

The Bulldogs tallied five runs in the fourth inning. Their offense in the inning came from doubles by Leanne Williams, Emily Denney, and Lattanzio and a home run by Brant.

Katie McDonald earned the victory in the circle for Poland. The righty surrendered two runs on six hits over five innings, striking out three.

Sammi Speakman took the loss for Jefferson Area. Speakman lasted four innings, allowing 14 hits and 16 runs while striking out one.

The Bulldogs smacked two home runs on the day. Brant had a long ball in the second and fourth innings.

Poland racked up 14 hits. Brant, Lattanzio, McDonald, and Abby Farber all had multiple hits. Lattanzio and Brant all had three hits to lead.

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POLAND KEEPS UP WINNING WAYS

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JEFFERSON OH-

Meredith Trevis was dialed in at the plate on Monday, tallying four hits and leading Poland to a 12-1 win over Jefferson Area. Trevis singled in the second, singled in the fourth, singled in the sixth, and singled in the seventh.

Poland grabbed an early lead. They scored on a error in the first inning, a single by Trevis in the second inning, a single by Emily Denney in the second inning, and a error in the second inning.

In the bottom of the first inning, Jefferson Area tied things up at one when Sammi Speakman singled on a 1-0 count, scoring one run.

The Bulldogs pulled away for good with four runs in the second inning. In the second Trevis singled on a 1-0 count, scoring one run, Denney singled on a 0-2 count, scoring one run, and an error scored two runs for Poland.

Katie McDonald was credited with the victory for Poland. The pitcher surrendered one run on four hits over seven innings, striking out ten.

Speakman took the loss for Jefferson Area. The hurler allowed 14 hits and 12 runs over seven innings, striking out six and walking one.

Poland smacked one home run on the day. McDonald went deep in the fifth inning.

The Bulldogs racked up 14 hits in the game. Trevis, Gia Schiavone, and Denney all collected multiple hits. Trevis led  with four hits in four at bats.

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BULLDOGS BOUNCE BACK AND BITE DOWN ON JEFFERSON

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Poland nabbed the lead late in the game in a 14-8 victory over Jefferson Area on Monday. The game was tied at eight with Poland Seminary Bulldogs Varsity batting in the bottom of the fifth when Carmen Lefoer singled on a 1-1 count, scoring two runs.

There was plenty of action on the basepaths as Poland collected seven hits and Jefferson Area had nine.

After Jefferson Area scored four runs in the top of the fourth, the Bulldogs answered with four of their own. Jefferson Area scored when Jack Detweiler singled on a 3-2 count, scoring two runs, a sacrifice bunt by Dylan Cotton scored one run, and Seve Cantini singled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring one run. Poland then answered when Bryce Barringer singled on a 0-2 count, scoring one run and Lefoer reached on a dropped third strike.

Ryan Dilullo was the winning pitcher for the Bulldogs. Dilullo allowed two hits and two runs over three and a third innings, striking out four and walking one.

Kirkland Lambert took the loss for Jefferson Area. Lambert allowed five hits and six runs over one and two-thirds innings, striking out two.

Mason Planey started the game for Poland. The righthander went three and two-thirds innings, allowing six runs on seven hits and striking out five Cantini started the game for Jefferson Area. The hurler went three and a third innings, allowing five runs on two hits and striking out ten

Poland scattered seven hits in the game. Anthony Perry and Barringer each racked up multiple hits. Barringer and Perry each managed two hits to lead the Bulldogs.

Jefferson Area tallied nine hits in the game. Detweiler, Cantini, and Colin Reid all managed multiple hits.

HOT CORNER WITH SPECIAL GUEST RACHEL LAWSON

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Welcome to another week inside the Hot Corner! It has been such a long wait, but we finally have a week of high school softball to talk about.  On Saturday, i called my first high school game in two years, and it felt great to be back out there covering amazing athletes in the area.  In this edition of the Hot Corner we will walk through the first week of games, get more updates on our YSN alums, and hear from this week’s special guest head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, Rachel Lawson.

High School Recap

I want to start this week’s recap with the games i was physically at doing a broadcast for.  I started the season at South Range, as they opened their season against Garfield.  With the way this game started, anyone would have thought it would be a competitive fight.  Garfield opened the game with several quality at bats against the Raiders ace Bree Kohler.  They loaded the bases, and really had a golden opportunity to score first and put the pressure on South Range.  It puts a microscope on how important timely hitting can be, the Lady G-Men squandered the bases loaded chance, and really never had a good chance to score on Kohler the rest of the afternoon.  After the Raiders escaped the jam, their offense ambushed Garfield’s pitcher.  Reagan Irons led off the game with a home run, hit early in the count, and then knowing that Garfield would want to get ahead of the hitter after a HR, the next hitter Madison Dado launched one to give South Range back to back HR’s.  The Raiders would go on to hit 2 more home runs throughout the day, from two different hitters.  This Raiders lineup has already proven how deep and dangerous they are.  In years past, even coach DeRose would admit that there had been holes in their lineup that made them susceptible to scoring droughts.  It does not appear that this will be the case this season if this trend keeps up. You match that with the fact that the Raiders now have some serious depth in the circle, so all the pressure is not on Kohler to go out every night with her A game, big things are on the horizon for South Range.  They travel down to Myrtle Beach for spring break, and this will be a real measuring tool on how good this team can be.

I then ventured to Boardman to check in on Boardman.  Their first game of the season was an absolute test, as they welcomed in Walsh Jesuit who brought two division 1 commits on their roster.  The Spartans hung tough for about three innings, but then Madi Lester started to struggle with command, and the talented lineup of the Warriors did not miss the mistakes.  Boardman quickly saw the Warriors break the game open and roll to a 16-4 victory.  Lester is a great pitcher, her movement is high level and tough to read, the problem she can run in to is because her velocity isn’t high, her accuracy and location has to be.  In the Spartans opener she just simply lost her command against a very good lineup.  I don’t expect her to have many games like that, her spin is just too good.  It is definitely better to have a rough night in March than in May.

I did two Poland games this week and caught up with the young Bulldog team.  They have looked very impressive in the two games I have seen from them.  Katie McDonald is their workhorse in the circle, and that was certainly a question mark coming in to the season.  McDonald has answered any doubters by pitching every inning so far this season, and holding an ERA of under 1.00.  She does a great job moving her pitches, and uses both sides of the plate.  I saw many hitters go after her riseball, which tells me it breaks late.  Obviously at some point, Poland will have to find an answer for a number 2 pitcher in the circle, but for now McDonald is holding down the fort.  McDonald is also a leader in the Poland offense, she has already hit 3 HR.  But, she isn’t alone, Mary Brant has kicked the door own her freshman season being tied for the team lead in HR with 3.  She already has her first grand slam of her career, and has shown tremendous range at shortstop.  Poland will be very much in the conversation in the NE8 alongside South Range, and Hubbard.

There are some other performances this week that i can’t ;let go unnoticed in week 1. Lydia Spalding is off to a great start in the circle, which is no shock.  She opened the season by throwing a perfect game in Fitch’s win over LaBrae.  You literally can not start a season much better than throwing a perfect game.  The Falcons are being exactly what we expected, their lineup is deep and hard to pitch around and their ace in the circle is one of the best in the area.  Their schedule might make their record lower than some other teams, but they will be prepared for tournaments no doubt about that.  In the preview last week I talked about Crestview’s Kaedyn Sutton, who led the Rebels her freshman year in the circle.  Sutton is still going strong, and impressing after a tough first game against Howland. However, the Rebels proved that they have more to offer in the circle.  On Saturday against Campbell, they sent out McKenna Schultz who threw her first career no hitter.  Schuktz will definitely be someone to keep an eye on as the season goes along.  For Columbiana, Tori Long is putting on a show hitting .800 at the dish with 8 RBI in the young season.  Long is also 2-0 in the circle with an ERA of 1.50.  Bri Callow is another star in the circle in the area, she is leading a tough McDonald team.  In their victory over Girard on Saturday, Callow struck out all 15 batters in a 5 inning win.

YSN Alums

Since we have last met in the Hot Corner Allison Smith and her Buckeyes continue to impress. They have taken the first three games of the series this weekend against Penn St.  Allison now has an ERA of 2.26 in 8 games started.  She has struck out 64 batters and continues to be a big impact for the Buckeyes.  YSU has multiple local talents and are off to a 11-3 start to Horizon League play.  Conchetta Rinaldi has seemingly locked down the starting catcher job.  Her ability to navigate the deep pitching of the Penguins has been very impressive as a player with not a ton of experience.  Sophie Howell is still putting in some innings for the Guins.  Lisbon’s Kennedy Vrabel has gotten a few at bats over the weekend. She is hitting .279 in the few opportunities she has gotten.  Brooke Bobbey, formally of Poland has collected her first collegiate hit with St Bonaventure.  She has only gotten 10 ABs so far but is being used off the bench to pinch run from time to time.  Former South Range Raider, Caragyn Yanek is 5-2 for Findlay with an ERA just above 2.00.  She has 53 strike outs compared to just 11 walks.  Yanek pitched the Raiders to a state runner up in 2016, and is now in her senior year with Findlay.

Special Guest: Rachel Lawson

Rachel Lawson.
Kentucky beat EKU 6-5.
Photo by Chet White | UK Athletics

I am very excited about this week’s special guest.  I was lucky enough to get some time with the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, Rachel Lawson.  The Wildcats are currently ranked 7th in the nation, and have taken a series from then number 2 Alabama.  They are one of the best team’s in the country and I am truly humbled to be able to interview her, and to share her insights with all of you.

Lawson is in her 14th season at the helm of Kentucky.  A program that had never made it to the postseason before her arrival has now become one of the premiere teams in the nation.  Lawson has led the Wildcats to their program’s first WCWS,  and seven NCAA Super Regionals in the last nine seasons.  In 2014, Kentucky won 50 games the most it had ever won. Coach Lawson earned her 400th career win at the Clearwater Invitational against Utah in 2018.  Kentucky has been given a national seed in six of the last seven seasons.  Coach Lawson’s overall record at Kentucky is 524-360.

 

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1nusMLeoFE[/embedyt]

 

BIG INNING BOOSTS BULLDOGS

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POLAND OH-

Poland knocked in six runs in the third on its way to an 8-1 victory over Howland on Saturday. The rally was led by singles from Jackie Grisdale, Cameryn Lattanzio, Abby Farber, Katie McDonald, and Gia Schiavone.

Poland fired up the offense in the second inning. Mary Brant hit a solo homer.

The Bulldogs notched six runs in the third inning. Poland batters contributing to the big inning included Grisdale, Lattanzio, Farber, McDonald, and Schiavone, who each had RBIs in the inning.

McDonald pitched Poland to victory. The righty allowed six hits and one run over seven innings, striking out four.

Alexia Spangler took the loss for Howland. The pitcher lasted six innings, allowing eight hits and eight runs while striking out six.

The Bulldogs smacked one home run on the day. Brant had a dinger in the second inning.

Poland saw the ball well today, racking up eight hits in the game. Brant and Lattanzio each collected multiple hits. Lattanzio and Brant each managed two hits to lead Poland.

Howland racked up six hits. Cloe Lopez and Kayla Campbell all managed multiple hits for Howland.

MCDONALD HAS GREAT NIGHT AS POLAND SWEEPS WILDCATS

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POLAND OH- Katie McDonald had a fantastic night on both sides of the field Tuesday night helping Poland complete a season sweep of Struthers with a 6-1 win.

McDonald got on base every time she went to the plate. She finished 2-2 with 2 HR’s and a walk. Both of her homers were solo shots. Emily Denny also had a solid night at the plate going 2-3 with 2 runs scored. Mary Brant went 1-3 but had a big 2 RBI double to spread the Poland lead.

McDonald was just as dominant in the circle as she was at the plate. She struck out 10 in her complete game. Her final line was 7.0 IP 3 H 0 ER 3 BB 10 K.

Nic Pezzone picked up the loss in the circle for Struthers. Her final line was 6.0 IP 7 H 6 ER 2 BB 10 K.

Poland returns to action Saturday morning as they host Howland. First pitch is at 11:00.