Tag Archive for: softball

WARRIORS PAOLILLO LEADS THE CHARGE PAST WOLVERINES

Story by Larry Jennings

Chesterland, OH- In a thrilling showdown on Wednesday, the Edgewood Warriors asserted their dominance on the softball diamond, clinching a 6-3 victory over the West Geauga team. Led by the stellar performance of pitcher Luciana Paolillo, the Warriors showcased their prowess and secured a well-deserved win.

Paolillo’s command of the game was evident from the start, as she struck out an impressive 16 batters over the course of seven innings. Despite surrendering six hits and three runs, Paolillo remained composed, steering her team to victory with precision and skill.
The offensive prowess of the Warriors was on full display, with standout performances from Carly Kray and Mckenna Vencill. Kray’s bat proved to be a potent weapon, as she collected three hits in four at-bats, including a crucial double in the fourth inning. Vencill also made her mark with two runs batted in, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive onslaught.
From the outset, the Warriors set the tone for the game, opening the scoring in the first inning with a well-executed play that saw Makenna Rhodes drive in a run with a timely single. The momentum continued in the second inning, as the Warriors extended their lead with three additional runs, courtesy of RBI singles from Kray and Vencill.
Despite a valiant effort from West Geauga, led by pitcher Lely Percassi, who battled through seven innings, the Warriors’ relentless offensive pressure proved to be too much to handle. Percassi’s efforts were commendable, as she held her own against a formidable lineup, striking out two batters and demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
Edgewood’s offensive onslaught was further fueled by the collective efforts of Addison Lamson, Makenna Rhodes, and Avery Vencill, who each contributed multiple hits to the team’s impressive tally of 13 hits for the game.
For West Geauga, Dayana Malone emerged as a standout performer, tallying three hits in four at-bats and providing a spark for her team’s offense. Shaylynn Rogaski, Lely Perkassi, and Malone each drove in a run, showcasing the team’s determination to compete until the final out.
With this victory under their belts, the 6 – 3 Edgewood Warriors look ahead to their next challenge as they prepare to face off against Perry in a key CVC Lake Division contest in their upcoming game on Thursday. Bolstered by their stellar performance, the Warriors remain focused and determined to continue their winning streak as they strive for excellence on the softball diamond.  West Geauga (6 – 5) will look to bounce back against Orange on Thursday.

TATAR SHINES ON MILESTONE DAY

HOWLAND, OH-Brooke Tatar was absolutely electric yesterday, knocking two homers and driving in seven runs to lead the Howland Tigers to a dominating 16-1 victory over the Warren G. Harding Raiders. The game, held at Warren G. Harding, was also a milestone event as Tatar reached her 300th career strikeout—a testament to her prowess in the circle- but she also would dazzle with her bat on this career day.

Right from the first inning, the Tigers were all over the scoreboard. Tatar set the tone with a clutch single that brought in two runs. Maya Kubancsek kept the momentum going with a double that added another run to the tally. The relentless attack continued into the second inning with Madison Schmitz’s double scoring another run, followed by Tatar smashing another two-run single.

The fourth inning turned into a showcase of power with the Tigers plating six runs off six hits. Alyssa Massucci started with a solo homer, followed by Tatar’s commanding two-run shot to center, and Brianna Deeter added a solo homer of her own. Sydney VanNess chipped in with a triple that scored another run, and an error brought in yet another run. The fifth inning saw no let-up as Tatar launched another solo home run to center, part of a four-run inning that stretched the lead to 16-1.

In the circle, Tatar was just as formidable. Over three and a third innings, she gave up just one hit and an unearned run while striking out nine. This performance brought her to a career milestone of 300 strikeouts. Meanwhile, Karly Trisler faced a rough outing for the Raiders, surrendering 15 earned runs over five innings.

The Tigers’ lineup showed depth and ferocity, accumulating a total of 20 hits. Key players like Massucci, Kubancsek, Luman, Schmitz, and Deeter each collected multiple hits, demonstrating the team’s offensive strength.

Despite the tough day, Azarriah Phillips managed a hit for the Raiders, and Chayse Powell stole two bases. They also turned a double play, showcasing some solid defensive moments in a challenging game.

The Tigers are now gearing up to take on the Lakeview Varsity Bulldogs this Thursday. With the momentum from this game and Tatar’s historic performance, it’s shaping up to be another thrilling matchup!

FOSTER GOES LONG; BULLDOGS BASH LEETONIA

NEW WATERFORD, OH- East Palestine put on a show, dominating the scoreboard in a 15-0 shutout against Leetonia. The game was all but decided early with East Palestine exploding for 10 runs in the first inning and adding four more in the second.

Maddie Foster was a standout, smashing her third homer of the season. Jasmine Ludt and Cami Kridler each chipped in with two hits, keeping the offense rolling.

In the circle, Gabby Andre was nearly untouchable. She tossed all five innings, giving up just one hit and racking up nine strikeouts.

This win brings East Palestine’s record up to 4-5 for the season. They’ll be looking to keep the momentum when they face Leetonia again on Wednesday.

RAMS RIP SPRINGFIELD

MINERAL RIDGE, OH- On a busy Saturday that marked their fifth game of the week, the Mineral Ridge Lady Rams showed no signs of fatigue as they dominated Springfield with a decisive 15-3 victory at home.

Fueling their win was a standout performance from freshman pitcher Savannah Turek, who handled Springfield’s lineup with ease. Turek pitched the entire game, allowing just three hits and one run while striking out eight.

At the plate, Mineral Ridge was on fire. Lily Merolillo led the charge with three hits. Aaliyah Wall, Maggie Collins, and Megan Haynie weren’t far behind, contributing two hits each. Sullivan Sandy, Turek, and Sydney Wyllie each added a hit to round out a total of 12 big hits for the day. The team’s scoring was bolstered by Merolillo, Turek, and Wall, who each drove in two runs, while Wyllie and Haynie each added an RBI.

The Lady Rams also showcased aggressive baserunning, stealing a total of ten bases. Sandy was particularly swift, stealing four bases, followed by Merolillo with three, Wyllie with two, and Haynie adding one more to the tally.

After such a dominant performance, the Lady Rams are set to continue their conference play, hosting McDonald on Monday.

BEAVER LOCAL TAKES TWO

EAST LIVERPOOL, OH-The Beaver Local Beavers kept their winning streak alive, sweeping Union Local in a thrilling doubleheader with scores of 14-10 and 11-10 this past Saturday.

Beaver Local now stands at a 7-8 record and is gearing up for their next clash at East Liverpool on Tuesday.

In the first game of the doubleheader, Tatum Duncan clutched up with a two-run single in the sixth inning that proved pivotal for the Beavers. Addison Eells, who came in as relief, pitched three solid innings, striking out four and walking two to notch the win. Both Ciara Call and Eells had a hot day at the plate, bagging three hits each, while Delaney Morris smashed two doubles and drove in three runs.

The drama ramped up in the second game, which came down to a last at-bat thriller. Sydney Willson-Plunket emerged as the hero with an RBI triple that sealed the game for a walk-off win.

Call again took the circle in relief and mirrored her first game’s performance, striking out four and walking two to secure the win. Ally Wright also made significant contributions, going 2-for-3 with three RBIs. Eells continued her strong performance with three hits and two RBIs, and Tori Druschel matched with three hits of her own.

With their spirits high after these back-to-back wins, Beaver Local is looking to carry this momentum into their next game and continue climbing up the standings.

LADY LIONS RALLY IN OFFENSIVE THRILLER

PEPPER PIKE: in a game that can only be described as a rollercoaster, Orange High School staged a massive comeback against their rivals in Chagrin Falls, overcoming a staggering 16-1 deficit by the middle of the fourth inning. The Lions roared back with an unbelievable 16-run rally in the same inning to seize a 17-16 lead. They didn’t stop there, adding six more runs in the next two innings to secure a wild 23-18 victory.

Orange was relentless at the plate, racking up 18 hits throughout the game. Kelsey Lewis was particularly unstoppable, driving in six runs on four hits, including an electrifying inside-the-park grand slam. Shannon McNeeley also had a hot bat, contributing four hits of her own. Clare Hess, Sarah Korland, and Halle Arnold each added multiple hits to round out a robust offensive performance by the Lions, who also showed great discipline by drawing 10 walks.

Despite the high score, Clare Hess pitched the entire game for Orange, giving up 18 runs on 16 hits. Remarkably, she struck out no batters and walked only one. It was a tough day in the circle, but her team’s offensive firepower kept them in the game and ultimately led them to victory.

Next up, the Lions will face Mayfield in the second game of a doubleheader, looking to keep their momentum going after this thrilling win.

SMOOTH SAILING FOR LAKERS IN WIN OVER BRISTOL

Bristolville, OH- The Pymatuning Valley Lakers delivered a stunning offensive surge in the top of the seventh inning, rallying for five runs on five hits to secure a commanding victory. Mackenzie Kribbs ignited the rally with a powerful solo home run to center field, setting the tone for the Lakers’ late-game heroics. Kendall Gray’s clutch single drove in another run, while Mckenna Jordan’s double plated two more, and Haines contributed with a groundout to add another run to the Lakers’ tally.

Saige Payne led the charge from the pitcher’s circle, pitching a complete game and earning the win for the Lakers. Despite conceding seven hits and seven runs (six earned), Payne showcased her resilience, striking out nine batters and walking just one.

For the Bristol Panthers, Mackin endured a tough outing on the mound, surrendering nine runs (three earned) over three and two-thirds innings, resulting in the loss. Despite tallying three strikeouts, Mackin struggled to contain the Lakers’ potent offense.

Offensively, the Lakers dominated the game, amassing an impressive 16 hits. Clark, Jordan, and Gray each contributed three hits apiece, while Payne and Kribbs also made significant contributions with multiple hits. The Lakers’ disciplined approach at the plate was evident, as they accumulated eight walks throughout the game.

Despite the loss, Bristol found some success at the plate, with Mackin driving in two runs and M Workman leading the team with two hits.

On the basepaths, Imhoff showcased his speed with two stolen bases for the Lakers, while Bristol managed to swipe four bases in the game.

Looking ahead, the Lakers will carry their momentum into their next home game against Conneaut on Tuesday, aiming to continue their winning streak and maintain their dominance on the field.

LAKERS BRING THE PAYNE IN WIN OVER ROCKETS

Maplewood, OH- In a commanding display of offensive prowess, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers secured an impressive 8-2 victory over the Maplewood Rockets on Wednesday, fueled by the stellar performance of Saige Payne at the plate.

Payne’s bat was on fire, delivering three hits in as many at-bats, including a crucial double in the fourth inning and singles in the third and sixth innings, setting the tone for the Lakers’ offensive onslaught.

The Lakers wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Macie Payne driving in the opening run with a single in the top of the first inning. Saige Payne extended the Lakers’ lead to 3-0 with another timely single in the third inning, paving the way for their commanding victory.

On the mound, Payne showcased her versatility, not only delivering at the plate but also earning the win with a solid pitching performance, surrendering just one earned run on four hits over seven innings, while striking out an impressive nine batters and demonstrating excellent control.

Maplewood’s E Perline faced a tough outing, absorbing the loss after allowing eight runs on 13 hits over seven innings, while striking out two and walking six.

Saige Payne wasn’t alone in her offensive prowess, as Allison Clark, McKenna Jordan, and Rylee Young also made significant contributions with multiple hits for the Lakers. The Lakers’ lineup proved formidable, with both Paynes driving in three runs each, showcasing the depth and power of their batting order.

The Lakers exhibited patience at the plate, drawing six walks throughout the game, while also capitalizing on their speed with seven stolen bases, led by Clark and Jordan.

Despite Maplewood’s efforts, including a run batted in by R Krieg and solid hitting from E Nevinski, the Lakers’ dominant performance proved too much to handle.

Looking ahead, the Lakers will carry their momentum into their next matchup against the Grand Valley Mustangs on Thursday, aiming to continue their winning streak and further solidify their position as a force to be reckoned with in the league.

PIRATES SAIL PAST WARRIORS

Story by Larry Jennings

Perry, Ohio- In a tough early season softball game for Edgewood the Warriors fell to the Perry Pirates. The Perry Pirates managed to secure a 9-5 victory over the Edgewood Warriors, despite being out-hit by their opponents. The Warriors squad collected a commendable nine hits compared to Perry’s six, but it was the Pirates who capitalized on crucial opportunities, sealing their triumph.

The game’s narrative unfolded swiftly in the early innings, with Perry making their intentions clear right from the onset. Callie Thompson’s grounded out play in the first inning set the tone, putting Perry on the scoreboard early on. As the game progressed, Emma Brainard’s contribution in the second inning extended Perry’s lead to two.

However, it was in the third inning where Perry showcased their offensive prowess, effectively widening the gap. Elise Strahan’s strategic play after tagging up, coupled with Morgan Winters’ powerful double that brought in two runs, and Emma Brainard’s clutch single, added to Perry’s dominance.

Madeline Rupert’s performance on the mound was instrumental in Perry’s victory. Despite conceding eight hits and four runs (three earned) over four and one-third innings, Rupert’s strategic pitching, which included three strikeouts and two walks, ultimately earned her the win.

On the flip side, Lucianna Paolillo took the mound for the Warriors, battling through seven innings. Despite her efforts, surrendering nine runs (seven earned) on six hits, while striking out two and walking five, led to her taking the loss.

For Edgewood, Mackenna Rhodes emerged as a standout performer, driving the middle of the lineup with two crucial runs batted in. Rhodes’ two-for-four performance at the plate injected some momentum into Edgewood’s offense. Juliana Gregory also contributed significantly, collecting two hits in three at-bats.

On Perry’s side, Morgan Winters shone bright, going two-for-four at the plate and leading the team with three runs batted in. Perry’s disciplined approach at the plate, accumulating five walks throughout the game, proved to be a key factor in their victory. Sidney Collins and Callie Thompson notably stood out, each drawing two bases on balls.

With this loss behind them, Edgewood now sets their sights on their next challenge, a game at Conneaut scheduled for Wednesday. As they regroup and refocus, the Warriors will undoubtedly look to bounce back from this defeat and showcase their resilience in the upcoming matchups.

LADY CARDS FIGURE IT OUT AT THE BEACH

MYRTLE BEACH, SC- In a spectacular display of power hitting, Leah Figueroa led the Canfield Cardinals to a convincing 10-0 win over Spring Mills  Cardinals on Thursday at North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex.

Figueroa’s bat was on fire as she smashed two home runs, totaling four RBIs on the day. Her impressive display of hitting prowess came in the third and sixth innings, leaving the opposition struggling to contain her explosive offense.

Pitcher Malena Toth was equally outstanding in the circle,  delivering a masterclass and perfect performance with 16 strikeouts. Toth’s dominance stifled the opposing batters, as she kept them at bay with zero hits and zero runs allowed over six innings, issuing no walks in the process.

The Canfield Cardinals wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Faith Morell igniting the offense in the third inning with a triple that brought in a run. An error further contributed to the Cardinals’ early lead before Figueroa’s first home run of the game added two more runs to the scoreboard.

In the sixth inning, Canfield continued to pile on the runs, with Alexa Ignazio and Jessica Shugart contributing RBIs before Figueroa once again showcased her power with another towering home run.

The Cardinals’ offense was firing on all cylinders, amassing an impressive 12 hits throughout the game. Sydney Lutz and Faith Morell led the charge with multiple hits each, providing ample support for Figueroa’s offensive onslaught.

Defensively, Canfield Cardinals Varsity exhibited precision and composure, committing zero errors in the field. Figueroa was particularly active, handling the most chances with 16 opportunities.

With this dominant performance, the Canfield Cardinals have set the stage for further success as they look ahead to their next challenge back in the Buckeye State against Boardman on Tuesday.