Tag Archive for: softball

LEAVE IT TO LEWIS

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LOWELLVILLE, OH- As her senior year at Lowellville progresses, Morgan Lewis, a multi-sport athlete and cheerleader, shares her experiences and aspirations both on and off the field. In a recent interview on YSN’s player profile series, Lewis opened up about her goals, influences, and future plans.

Reflecting on her senior year, which she describes as “bittersweet,” Lewis is determined to turn her current sports season around and achieve a winning record. “I really want to have a winning season and turn this season around from what we’re doing right now, and I think we can,” she stated confidently.

As a senior with significant influence on her peers and a supportive figure in the locker room, Lewis emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. “I think we just need to go into more games with a positive mindset,” she explained. This optimistic outlook has been shaped by learning from challenges and obstacles throughout her life.

Lewis credits much of her success and positive demeanor to her parents’ unwavering support. Competing in volleyball, basketball, softball, and cheerleading, her parents have been her biggest supporters. “They go to every single game,” she mentioned proudly.

While her athletic ambitions at the collegiate level remain undecided, Lewis is considering a future in teaching, drawn to the idea of nurturing young minds.

Morgan also cherishes the tight-knit community at Lowellville where “everybody knows each other,” and values her teammates whom she considers family. Her younger sister, also on the team, has been a source of mutual support and strength, teaching her to “keep moving forward” and “not worry about the little things.”

Outside of sports, Morgan enjoys leisure activities such as watching TV shows like Outer Banks and movies like Wicked. Her preference for warmer weather and fondness for beach vacations in North Carolina reveal a relaxed side to this dedicated athlete.

Looking ahead, if given a million dollars, she would invest in a three-story mansion complete with a sports room, reflecting her passion for athletics.

Morgan Lewis’s journey through her final year at Lowellville highlights a blend of ambition, familial support, and community spirit. As she looks forward to her next steps, her story continues to inspire those around her.

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LUTZ PRIDEFULLY SIGNS WITH SLIPPERY ROCK

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CANFIELD, OH- When it comes to leaving a legacy, few do it better than Canfield High School’s dynamic infielder, Sydney Lutz. A key component in the Cardinals’ 2024 State Championship and their 2023 State Runner-Up campaign, Sydney has consistently proven herself as one of the area’s most impactful players. Now, she’s ready to take her talents to the next level: Slippery Rock University.

Building a Championship Resume

Sydney’s time at Canfield has been nothing short of remarkable. Suiting up for four years with the Cardinals, she helped lead the team to back-to-back appearances in the state finals—capped off with a title in 2024 and a runner-up finish in 2023. With a hard-nosed attitude and a genuine passion for the game, Sydney embodies the qualities of a true champion.

Her relentless commitment has earned her individual accolades as well:

  • All Northeast Ohio Selection
  • All-AAC Honors

These recognitions are a testament not only to her skill, but also to her leadership and sportsmanship on and off the field.

Stellar Stats That Speak Volumes

Sydney’s offensive numbers offer a clear glimpse into her value as a key contributor for the Cardinals:

  • On-Base Percentage (OBP): .495
  • Batting Average: .373
  • 5 Doubles
  • 19 RBIs
  • 27 Runs Scored

A near-.500 OBP underscores her ability to get on base consistently, setting the table for her teammates and giving Canfield’s offense a spark from the get-go. Whether it’s a timely hit or working a walk, Sydney’s plate discipline and situational awareness stand out game after game.

The Next Chapter: Slippery Rock University

It’s clear the Slippery Rock coaching staff sees something special in Sydney—and not just her glove or her bat. They’re getting a driven student-athlete ready to make an immediate impact both on the diamond and in the classroom.

In addition to her athletic plans, Sydney will be pursuing a degree in Psychology at Slippery Rock. Her keen understanding of human behavior and mental toughness—qualities she’s already displayed as a leader at Canfield—will undoubtedly serve her well as she balances collegiate athletics and academics.

A Legacy of Determination

Sydney leaves behind a proud legacy at Canfield, one defined by championship runs, team-first dedication, and a relentless drive to compete at the highest level. As she steps into her new role at Slippery Rock, there’s every reason to believe her strong work ethic and commitment to excellence will continue to shine.

Best of luck to Sydney as she embarks on this exciting new chapter—our area will be cheering her on every step of the way!

KOENIG SIGNS WITH TIFFIN

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CANFIELD, OH- The cheers echoing throughout Canfield High School’s softball field have a very special note of celebration this season. Senior standout Marina Koenig—an infield force and a four-year starter—is making her commitment official: she’s heading to Tiffin University to continue her softball career. After an impressive high school run that includes a 2024 State Championship and a 2023 State Runner-Up finish, it’s safe to say the Dragons are getting a real gem.

A Stellar High School Career

From the moment she stepped onto the field as a freshman, Marina showcased her knack for making big plays and coming through in key moments. Her talents and dedication earned her All-AAC honors during both her sophomore and junior seasons, plus recognition as part of the All-Northeast Ohio team—a testament to her skill, leadership, and impact on the diamond.

But honors aside, her stats speak volumes about her prowess at the plate and on the basepaths:

  • 32 runs scored
  • 10 stolen bases
  • .333 batting average
  • 7 doubles
  • 3 triples
  • 3 home runs
  • 18 RBIs

Those numbers don’t just showcase a strong bat; they also underline her speed, situational awareness, and ability to swing momentum in her team’s favor.

A Leader On and Off the Field

In addition to her on-field accolades, Marina’s journey includes a deep commitment to her teammates and school community. Serving as a key piece in Canfield’s back-to-back appearances in the state finals—winning it all in 2024 and finishing runner-up in 2023—Marina has proven she’s a leader who thrives under pressure.

Her coaches rave about her work ethic and positive attitude, noting how she inspires everyone around her to push harder and believe in themselves. Whether it’s in batting practice or extra fielding reps after team workouts, she’s the kind of player who leads by example, all while keeping the atmosphere light and fun.

Next Stop: Tiffin University

The Dragons of Tiffin University are gaining more than just a talented infielder. Marina also plans to bring her passion for helping others to the classroom—she’ll be studying Exercise Science with a focus on Physical Therapy. Her interest in sports science and rehabilitation stems from her own dedication to fitness and health, as well as a desire to support athletes in overcoming injuries.

Balancing academics and athletics is no small feat, but Marina’s history of consistent work ethic and determination will undoubtedly help her excel at the collegiate level. For those who have watched her shine at Canfield, there’s a strong belief that she’ll continue to thrive and make an immediate impact at Tiffin, both as a teammate and a future exercise science professional.

A Bright Future Awaits

As her time in Canfield’s red and black uniform winds down, Marina’s legacy is already cemented: four years of stellar play, a pair of dramatic state tournament runs, and a reputation for being a fiery competitor who uplifts her team. Everyone is eager to see how she’ll continue that success wearing the green and gold of Tiffin University.

If her track record at Canfield is any indication, the Dragons are in for a thrill. Congratulations to Marina Koenig on her signing—keep an eye out for this infielder as she takes her game, and her passion for helping others, to the next level!

MO-MENTUM SHIFT FOR THE ROCKETS

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LOWELLVILLE, OH- In a candid interview with Andrew Mamula on the popular podcast “YSN,” Lowellville High School senior Morgan Lewis shared her reflections on her final season playing for the Rockets’ volleyball team. With her high school career rapidly approaching its conclusion, Lewis opened up about her experiences, motivations, and future plans.

“It’s going by really fast,” Lewis said, expressing disbelief at how quickly her senior year has progressed. Known for her energy and enthusiasm on the court, Lewis is an outside hitter for the Rockets and thrives on the camaraderie of her teammates. “It’s great because Lowellville is a very small school, and we all, like, hang out with each other outside of volleyball. We’re just all best friends,” she remarked.

Lewis credits her family with being a significant source of inspiration. “I feel like it’s my family because they’re always supporting me and just going to every game and just watching me play,” she noted.

Although volleyball is a passion, Lewis shared that softball holds a special place in her heart. “Probably softball, because I feel like I work a lot with it, like, during summer,” she explained when asked about her favorite sport.

Lewis also highlighted the unique sense of community in Lowellville, describing it as a place where “everybody knows each other,” and pointing out the exceptional offerings at the school’s concession stands. “The cavatelli [is my favorite],” she said, though she also mentioned that the chicken parm is a close contender.

As her high school volleyball career winds down, Lewis looks back fondly on her experiences, particularly savoring moments when she defied expectations. “Probably every time I get a kill because I’m not the tallest front row player. So it’s good when I get a kill,” she recounted.

Lewis expressed deep appreciation for her teammates and coaches, especially her fellow seniors and her younger sister, McKenna. “It’s good,” she said of playing alongside McKenna. “Yeah, we’re always together.”

When asked for advice to underclassmen, Lewis emphasized the importance of teamwork and enjoyment: “Just have fun and just work together with your teammates.”

As for her future plans, Lewis intends to pursue higher education. While she has not yet settled on a specific path, she envisions staying relatively close to home, possibly attending college in the Pittsburgh or Cleveland areas.

Wrapping up the interview, Mamula thanked Lewis for sharing her insights. As she prepares for her next chapter, it is clear that Morgan Lewis has left a lasting impact on Lowellville High School’s sports community, both on and off the court.

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THE MASTER MAYLEE

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WARREN, OH — Talent often blooms early, but seldom does it shine as brightly as it does in the case of sophomore soccer star, Maylee Nadaud. In her player profile, the young athlete opened up about her journey, challenges, and aspirations, providing a candid look at life both on and off the field.

Maylee, who experienced a breakout freshman season, is no stranger to the hard work and dedication required to excel. Now in her second year, she reflects on the changes and continuity within her team. “We’ve had to build, but it feels good that we’re now winning,” she said, highlighting their impressive nine-game winning streak.

A versatile scoring machine, Maylee attributes her success to the unity and support of her teammates. “We’ve definitely built out from the back a lot. They’ve given the mids and the players that play up top awesome balls,” she noted, emphasizing the team’s coordinated effort.

The influence of last year’s graduating seniors is still palpable, providing a legacy of leadership that Maylee and her teammates strive to emulate. “We just really had to follow into their footsteps because they left a really big mark,” she said.

Her coaches also received high praise for their role in molding this promising squad. “They really just drill in us to keep on going, and their training is really good,” Maylee said, reinforcing the importance of strong mentorship.

Outside the soccer field, Maylee juggles a busy life filled with academics and other sports. Though not a big fan of school, she excels in math and maintains her grades to stay eligible for sports. “I play other sports like basketball and softball,” she said, showcasing her multifaceted athleticism.

Family plays a crucial role in Maylee’s life, especially her sister Mia, a former soccer standout who now volunteers with the team. “It’s really awesome. It’s honestly like she’s never left the team,” Maylee said, appreciating the continued guidance and support.
Reflecting on her journey, Maylee shared the best advice she’s received from her mother: “Just not to quit and keep on going.” It’s this resilience that has helped her tackle the adversities she’s faced, including the inevitable losses.

As Maylee continues to represent Champion High School, her focus remains clear. “It feels really nice to represent Champion,” she said, eager to join the legacy of accomplished athletes before her.
In her closing remarks, Maylee offered heartfelt thanks to her parents, coaches, and teammates for their unwavering support. “I wouldn’t be the soccer player I am today without them,” she acknowledged.

Champion High School and the wider community undoubtedly have much to look forward to with Maylee Nadaud leading the charge on the soccer field. Her journey is a testament to the power of dedication, teamwork, and the support of loved ones.

 

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MADDIE IS MONEY ON THE COURSE

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LOWELLVILLE, OH-  From the fairways to the classroom, Maddie Esposito is making her mark. This determined Lowellville golfer, currently enjoying her third year in the sport, sat down with YSN Live’s Eric Hughes to share her journey into golf, her inspirations, and her future aspirations.

Esposito, who began playing golf in her sophomore year, was drawn to the sport by a coach she admired. “I kind of just joined because of the coach. We liked him as a teacher,” she recalled. Her journey has had its highlight moments, including an impressive birdie at last year’s sectionals.

However, golf isn’t without its critics. Addressing the common misconception that golf isn’t a “real sport,” Esposito shared her perspective. “It’s a lot more mental than physical…if you have a bad shot, if you don’t shake it off, then it’s going to affect you the whole time,” she explained. “It’s hard. I think it’s a sport. Still exhausting—three hours of a match.”

Though Maddie previously played volleyball and softball, she found her true passion in golf, attributing part of her early development to her freshman year softball coaches, Josh and Courtney Kelly. “They were amazing coaches…they got to actually know you personally,” Esposito said, appreciating their holistic approach to coaching.

Aside from sports, Maddie’s biggest role model is her mother. “She’s always pushing me and trying to make me do better and be my best self,” Maddie shared warmly.

As for the future, Maddie plans to pursue higher education, with aspirations to attend Ohio University or possibly start at Youngstown State University before transferring. Her academic interests are as focused as her golf game—she has set her sights on a career in forensics, a field she believes aligns with her skills and interests.

With her dedication on and off the green, Maddie Esposito is certainly a name to watch. As she continues to excel, Lowellville stands proudly behind their rising star.
For more in-depth interviews and profiles, tune into YSN Live.

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CENTRAL COMES UP JUST SHORT IN WORLD SERIES FINAL

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KIRKLAND WA– The Steel Valley All Stars (SVAS), a 14U girls’ softball team with players from Boardman, Canfield, Poland, and Struthers, representing Ohio as the Central Division Champions, lost today in the Junior League World Series Championship game to a talented team from the Europe-Africa Region by a score of 5-3.

The Czech Republic team jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning and added three more runs by the fourth, giving them a 4-0 lead.

SVAS got their offense going in the bottom of the fifth. Canfield’s Mackenzie Moore and Milana Mollenkopf started with back-to-back singles. A sacrifice bunt by Canfield’s Kitt Testa moved them to second and third. Poland’s Ali Blinsky then doubled to left field, driving in both runs and cutting the lead in half.

In the bottom of the sixth, Poland’s Gia Vrona singled and advanced to second on a groundout. Struthers standout Justice Paris singled home Vrona with a fly ball to right field, making it 4-3.

The Czech Republic added an insurance run in the top of the seventh, bringing the final score to 5-3.

SVAS combined for 6 hits. Vrona took the loss in the circle, pitching 2 innings, allowing 2 hits, and striking out 4. Paris pitched 5 innings in relief, giving up 8 hits and striking out 4.

Manager Jeremy Mollenkopf said, “This team kept fighting to the end and never gave in. Credit to the Czech Republic—they were talented and flawless. We wanted to bring home a world championship for the community, but we walk away with our heads high as the best 14U team in the United States.”

CENTRAL EARNS THEIR SPOT IN THE WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP

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**KIRKLAND, WA** – The Steel Valley All Stars (SVAS), a 14U girls’ softball team with players from Boardman, Canfield, Poland, and Struthers, representing Ohio as the Central Region Champions, took down the East Region Champions from Indiana, Pennsylvania, 5-2 in the Junior League World Series.

Ohio’s offense came alive in two key innings, scoring 2 in the bottom of the first and 3 in the bottom of the fifth. Poland’s Gia Vrona kicked things off with a leadoff triple, followed by Emma Boccieri’s RBI single. Canfield’s Mackenzie Moore then singled to drive in Boccieri.

In the fifth, Ohio’s bats heated up again. After Boccieri drew a two-out walk, Struthers’ Justice Paris launched a two-run homer to put Ohio up 4-2. Moore then doubled, prompting a pitching change, and Canfield’s Milana Mollenkopf tripled on the next pitch to give Ohio a 5-2 lead. Ohio tallied 10 hits in total, with Moore and Poland’s Sydney MacDonald each contributing two.

SVAS Manager Jeremy Mollenkopf praised his team’s resilience, saying, “These girls never give up, and every player has come up big for us at some point this week. They believe, and I believe we aren’t done yet.”

Gia Vrona secured the win in the circle, allowing 6 hits over seven innings, with 11 strikeouts and 1 walk.

The Steel Valley All Stars now advance to the Championship game in the Junior League World Series against the Europe-Africa-Czech Republic Region Champions on Saturday, August 3rd at 4:00pm EST. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

CENTRAL WINS A PAIR TO CLOSE POOL PLAY

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KIRKLAND WA – The Steel Valley All Stars (SVAS), a 14U softball team with players from Boardman, Canfield, Poland, and Struthers, representing Ohio as the Central Region Champions, dominated today to move to 3-1 in their pool play bracket.

In their first game, they blanked the Latin America team 6-0, thanks to Gia Vrona’s stellar pitching. Vrona threw seven shutout innings, giving up just one hit and striking out 12. She also set the tone offensively, smashing a leadoff home run on the second pitch of the game.

SVAS racked up 10 hits, with Emma Boccieri and Sydney MacDonald each contributing two hits and an RBI. Brooklyn Kosco added a double to the offensive effort.

In the nightcap, SVAS crushed the Southeast Region Champions from West Virginia 15-5. They exploded for 12 hits, led by Mackenzie Moore, who went perfect at the plate with three hits, including a double. Ali Blinsky had two hits, a double, and a triple, driving in two runs. Gianna Zuppo chipped in with two singles.

Justice Paris had a big game with two doubles and picked up the win on the mound. Paris went six innings, allowing five hits and striking out 11.

With these wins, SVAS secured the #2 seed in their bracket and will start elimination play against the West Region Champions from Arizona at 6:30 p.m. EST on Thursday, Aug 1st, live on ESPN+.

VRONA GUIDES CENTRAL TO FIRST WIN AT THE WORLD SERIES

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KIRKLAND WA – The Steel Valley All Stars (SVAS), a 14U girls’ softball team with players from Boardman, Canfield, Poland, and Struthers, secured their first win in pool play at the Junior League World Series by defeating Washington District 9, 10-0.

Gia Vrona was lights out in the circle, tossing a five-inning shutout. She allowed just one hit and struck out 10. Justice Paris closed it out with one inning of work, adding two strikeouts.

SVAS bats were hot, racking up 10 hits. Kitt Testa smacked two doubles, Emma Boccieri added one, and Milana Mollenkopf drove in two with her double. Sydney MacDonald also doubled. Paris hit a triple, driving in a run, while Vrona homered in the fourth, bringing in two runs. Ali Blinsky contributed with two singles.

The SVAS will finish pool play tomorrow against Latin America at 1 p.m. EST and the Southeast team from West Virginia at 7 p.m. EST. Catch all the action on ESPN+.