Tag Archive for: softball

HERALDS TOP BLUE JAYS TO WIN DISTRICT SEMI FINAL

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North Jackson, OH — Powered by a big night at the plate from Nadia Lagoa, the Saint John Heralds punched their ticket to the OHSAA District finals with a 10-5 victory over the Jackson-Milton Blue Jays in Monday’s district semi final.

Lagoa delivered in the clutch for the Heralds, finishing 3-for-4 with four RBIs. Her biggest swing came in the fifth inning when she roped a bases-clearing double to ignite a six-run rally. She added an RBI single in the sixth to cap off a dominant offensive performance.

Saint John wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, plating two runs in the first inning. Maddie Holler drove a double to center to score the game’s first run, and Mary West followed with an RBI groundout to give the Heralds an early 2-0 edge.

The Bluejays battled back in the fourth inning, taking a 3-2 lead on run-scoring singles from Ivy McBeth and Gabby Kerr. But the Heralds responded with authority in the fifth. Five hits—including Lagoa’s three-run double—helped Saint John reclaim control of the game with an 8-3 lead.

Isabelle Holler went the distance in the circle for the Heralds. The right-hander scattered 10 hits over seven innings, allowing five runs (three earned) while striking out four and walking one.

Katie Byers pitched a complete game for Jackson-Milton, but was tagged with the loss after allowing 10 runs on 16 hits.

Saint John’s offense was relentless throughout the night, racking up 16 hits as a team. Rylee Schiedel, Maddie Holler, Caitlyn Carney, Rylee Frasure, and Bella Brent all had multi-hit games. On the basepaths, the Heralds were just as aggressive—swiping eight total bases, with Lagoa and Brent leading the way.

Jackson-Milton tallied 10 hits of their own, with Joslyn Cellars, Grace Johns, and McBeth each recording two. McBeth, Kerr, and Amani Yasin each drove in a run for the Bluejays. Defensively, Jackson-Milton played a clean game with no errors. Catcher Charly Estes led the way with 10 fielding chances.

With the win, the Heralds advance to the OHSAA District finals, where they will take on the Chalker Wildcats on May 21, 2025 in Jefferson.

SONGER HITTING ALL THE NOTES

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HUBBARD OH— Freshman Layla Songer’s debut year at Hubbard High School has been nothing short of remarkable, making waves both in the classroom and on the softball field. In a recent appearance on the YSN podcast, Songer opened up about adjusting to high school athletics, her competitive drive, and the support that propels her forward.

Songer, who maintains a perfect academic record alongside a packed sports schedule, described the transition from middle school to high school as challenging but welcome. “The work is a lot harder up here. Sports are definitely more intense … but I like it a lot better than middle school,” she said. Already a leader in both offensive and defensive softball stats, Songer credits her years of travel ball experience for her poise as a varsity athlete. “What I was seeing in travel and what I was seeing in high school really wasn’t much different,” she noted. This background has fueled a confident start to her high school career, and she believes daily high school practices will only sharpen her skills for upcoming travel tournaments.

Songer is also quick to credit her support system, especially upperclassmen teammates like Haley Taylor and Lauren Komorak, as well as her family. She admits to persisting pregame rituals—like always putting on her socks and belt in her own room—and plenty of friendly rivalry with her older brother Braden, a standout on the baseball team. “Everything between me and him is always a competition,” Songer joked. With goals of reaching 1,000 career kills, digs, points, and 100 hits before graduation, Songer’s ambitions are set high. She hopes to play softball at the college level, and with her dedication, the future looks bright. “You have to surround yourself with people that you know will pick you up and not put you down,” she advises younger teammates. Layla Songer’s freshman season is proving that the Eagles’ promising star isn’t waiting for tomorrow—she’s making her impact felt today.

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HERALDS WIN OHSAA OPENER IN EXTRA INNINGS WALK OFF

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Ashtabula, OH — In a nail-biting OHSAA playoff showdown on Wednesday, the Saint John Heralds delivered a dramatic walk-off victory over the Warren JFK Eagles, edging out a 5-4 win in extra innings on their home field.

Tied at 4-4 in the bottom of the eighth, it was Mary West who played the hero, lacing a clutch RBI single that scored the winning run and sent the Heralds into celebration.

Saint John ace Isabelle Holler was dominant in the circle, striking out 13 batters over eight gritty innings of work. She allowed 10 hits and four runs while walking only two, keeping her team within striking distance throughout the game.

The Eagles struck first in the fourth inning, using a pair of doubles to get on the board. J. Ridley’s RBI two-bagger gave Warren JFK a 1-0 lead, which was quickly extended to 2-0.

The Heralds responded in the bottom of the fourth, taking advantage of a JFK error to even the score at 2-2.

Warren JFK regained the lead in the fifth when L. Day drove in a run with a double, but Saint John answered once again in the bottom half, this time with Rylee Frasure’s RBI single tying it up at 3-3.

In the seventh, the Eagles looked poised to steal the win as Day struck again, driving in another run to make it 4-3. However, the Heralds showed resilience. Caitlyn Carney stepped up with a game-tying single in the bottom of the frame, forcing extras and setting the stage for the thrilling conclusion.

Warren JFK’s K. Marlatt was tagged with the tough-luck loss despite a solid outing. She pitched 7.2 innings, giving up five runs—only one of which was earned—on five hits, while striking out eight and walking just one.

Frasure led the Heralds at the plate, going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Carney, West, and Frasure each drove in a run, while the Saint John defense turned two key double plays that helped limit the damage.

Warren JFK outhit the Heralds 10-5, with Marlatt and D. Wickham each tallying three hits. Day had a standout performance in the three-hole, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs.

The win keeps Saint John’s playoff hopes alive as they advance to the next round, showing poise and determination in a game that came down to the final swing.

RECORD INNING SETS THE TONE FOR RANGE OVER IRISH

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CANFIELD, OH- South Range brought the thunder on Monday, hammering Ursuline 17-0 behind a clinic from Sophia Brogan and a lights-out effort from Ashley Rupert.

Brogan was the spark and the fire. She went 4-for-4 at the dish with 4 RBIs, crushing a three-run homer to center and ripping a run-scoring double—all in a ridiculous second inning that saw the Raiders post 14 runs.

That inning was chaos for Ursuline. Heidi Bartels kickstarted it with a triple to right, Giada Pauline knocked in a run with a sharp single, Gabby Spooner dropped down a perfect squeeze bunt, and Solena DeJesus drove in a pair. South Range took advantage of two dropped third strikes and a costly error to keep the line moving. And Brogan? She capped the rally with a no-doubt shot to dead center, bringing home three more.

The Raiders weren’t done. In the third, Lilah Angus and Katie Dance each roped RBI singles to extend the lead to 17-0.

Rupert controlled the game from the circle, striking out eight while giving up just two hits and one walk in five innings of shutout ball. She got plenty of help from her defense—South Range turned a clean double play and played error-free all afternoon. Bartels led the way defensively with seven chances.

At the plate, the Raiders racked up 14 hits. Angus went 2-for-2, while DeJesus, Pauline, and Bartels each chipped in clutch hits and RBIs. The entire lineup did damage—every inning was loud.

With the win, South Range keeps rolling, the Lady Raiders will finish their NE8 tour Tuesday with Girard, then matchup with Orrville for the opening round of the OHSAA tournament.

 

THE ROWE TO GLORY

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LEAVITTSBURG OH- LaBrae Vikings’ standout Riley Rowe continues to impress both on and off the field, as highlighted in a recent episode of the YSN Live podcast. Rowe, whose athletic talents span softball, basketball, and volleyball, credits her success to strong family influences and unwavering confidence.

“I was just born into it,” Rowe shared about her family’s athletic roots, noting the impact of her accomplished parents and brother. While she’s recognized for excelling in multiple sports, Riley’s drive comes from her competitive nature. “If there’s a game going on, I just really want to win. I have that drive,” she said. Rowe acknowledges that staying at the top requires preparation and belief in herself. “Confidence is just so important,” she explained, emphasizing the value of putting in consistent work and shaking off mistakes.

Although still an underclassman, Rowe has embraced leadership roles across her teams. Inspired by former teammate Marissa Levinsky, she strives to uplift her peers, admitting that her outgoing personality makes her a natural leader. “I enjoy leading and I’m an extrovert, so I’m good at talking to everybody,” Rowe said. At home, competition doesn’t stop. Whether it’s family ping pong matches, basketball tournaments in the living room, or playful bets with her dad, the Rowe household is fueled by spirited camaraderie. “A little bit ago, we actually had a one-on-one tournament because we have a hoop in our living room,” Riley laughed.

On the diamond, Rowe’s bat has been on fire this season, something she credits to diligent preparation with her father. She thrives in high-pressure moments, saying, “I would love to be in a situation where people are relying on me to get a hit.” Despite her busy sports schedule, Rowe makes time for family, whether watching movies—“We like to put on the Home Alones”—or discussing game highlights at home. With her infectious energy, fierce competitiveness, and humble outlook, Riley Rowe continues to be a role model for young athletes in her community and an invaluable asset to the LaBrae Lady Vikings.

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EVANS IS ELITE EVERYWHERE SHE STEPS

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MCDONALD OH — Sophomore pitcher Aubrey Evans has quickly become a standout on McDonald High School’s softball team, earning recognition as one of the area’s top players, as highlighted in a recent episode of the YSN podcast.

Evans sat down with hosts Anthony Hartwig and DJ Yokley to reflect on her journey to the pitcher’s mound, where she’s now filling the shoes of last year’s senior starters. “It means a lot this year that I get to come in and take up that spot and fill in their shoes,” Evans shared, noting the hard work she put in during the offseason to prepare for her new leadership role. Transitioning from travel to high school softball came with surprises, including a grueling game schedule and the physical toll of pitching multiple times a week. “This week I think we’re playing five games in five days, so it’s a lot more tiring,” Evans said.

Despite these challenges, Evans has posted impressive numbers: an ERA just above 1.1 and more than 100 strikeouts, leading her team in innings pitched. While she admits to being naturally quiet, Evans is embracing the responsibilities that come with her pivotal role. “Just being nice to everybody and uplifting everybody in the dugout helps with leadership a lot as well,” she explained. Support from her coaches—and especially her father, who has been a constant presence and mentor—has been crucial to Evans’ development. “He helps me with whatever… he’s really helped me improve a lot,” she said.

Off the field, Evans enjoys spending time with her teammates, often gathering at local spots like Calaveras or nearby ice cream shops after games. With her star on the rise, Evans serves as both an inspiration and a source of pride for her tight-knit community. As for her competitive spirit, Evans didn’t shy away from a playful challenge: when asked if she’d pitch to the McDonald baseball team, she responded with a grin, “Some of them are kind of cocky, so maybe.” With her strong work ethic and positive attitude, Aubrey Evans is not only helping to lead her team—it’s clear she’s also writing the next exciting chapter of McDonald High School softball.

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BROOKFIELD GETS SECOND STRAIGHT ONE RUN WIN

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BROOKFIELD OH-  Brookfield scratched out a 4-3 win over Newton Falls on Monday, leaning on a fast start and some clutch swings early. The Warriors got rolling right away when Madison Obermiyer dropped a single into the outfield to cash in the game’s first run.

Newton Falls didn’t blink, though. They answered in the second with a pair of RBI singles to take a 2-1 lead and put the pressure back on Brookfield. But Brookfield had an answer of their own. Mya Jumper cracked a two-run triple to the gap to flip the lead right back, and Obermiyer stayed hot with another RBI knock to make it 4-2 by the end of the second. That would be just enough.

Obermiyer took care of the rest in the circle. The lefty went the distance, scattering six hits and striking out seven to lock down the win.

At the plate, Obermiyer couldn’t miss, going 3-for-3 to lead the charge. Jumper drove in a pair, and Elaina Boyce chipped in two hits and swiped a couple bags to keep the offense moving. Brookfield’s defense came through when it had to, turning a key double play to stop a Newton Falls rally.

Newton Falls got some big swings from Madison Davis, Madalyn Knight, and Addison Garro, and Hanna Wright had a nice day at the plate going 2-for-3, but they couldn’t find the big inning late to pull even. These two squads are right back at it Tuesday, this time at Newton Falls.

 

BADGER SLIDES THROUGH THE SKIPPERS

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FAIRPORT OH-  Badger had the bats humming and the arms dealing Monday, rolling over Fairport 15-0.

Samantha Bradbury was a nightmare for Fairport pitching, stacking up three hits — two doubles and a single — to help power the Braves’ offense all afternoon.

Badger wasted no time lighting up the scoreboard. Riley Thomas punched a single to right, Reghan Broadwater followed with a double to left, Sarah Miller roped a double to center, and before Fairport could blink, they were chasing five runs out of the first.

The Braves weren’t done. They kept pouring it on in the second and third, cashing in on errors, fielder’s choices, and patience at the plate. Badger worked 15 free passes on the day and made every mistake hurt.

Bradbury got it done in the circle too, tossing four innings of one-hit ball, striking out six and walking just two to grab the win. Madison Lindus came in and slammed the door with a clean inning in relief.

Badger finished with 11 hits overall. Thomas and Bradbury tore it up back-to-back in the lineup, each racking up three knocks. Miller, Broadwater, Thomas, and Autumn Yesko all drove in a pair. Kiyah Scharfenberg showed great patience, drawing three walks, and Lindus ran wild on the bases, swiping three bags.

The defense backed it up, flashing leather all game long with no errors. Broadwater led the way with seven putouts. Fairport struggled to find anything at the plate but got a hit from Sadler to break up the no-no. Badger heads to Bristol on Tuesday looking to keep the momentum rolling.

 

HILL HOMERS TWICE ON SENIOR NIGHT IN WIN AGAINST GENEVA

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Photo Credit: Tanya Grimm

JEFFERSON, Ohio — Behind a powerful offensive performance from senior Allison Hill, the Jefferson Falcons rolled to a 14-2 win over visiting Geneva on Monday night.

Hill, honored before the game along with fellow senior Marillia Matuz, delivered a memorable performance, blasting two home runs and driving in five runs to lead the Falcons’ offensive outburst. Hill opened the scoring with a two-run homer to center field in the first inning, setting the tone early. She later added a three-run shot in the fourth as Jefferson pulled away for good.

After Geneva’s Claire Cafaro trimmed the lead with a solo home run in the third inning, Jefferson responded in emphatic fashion. The Falcons erupted for six runs in the bottom of the third, highlighted by a run-scoring double from Alaina Barress, a two-run double by Rylee DeMattia, a two-run triple by Makenna Stanich, and an RBI single from Olivia Lewis.

Jefferson continued to pour it on in the fourth, tacking on six more runs. Hill’s second homer of the night provided the big blow, while Stanich, Lewis, and Kennidie Rogers each added RBI hits to extend the lead.

Lewis earned the win in the circle, pitching five innings while allowing just two runs (one earned) on seven hits. She struck out six and walked none. Geneva’s Caidyn Siegel took the loss, surrendering eight hits and eight runs over two and one-third innings.

Barress led Jefferson’s 16-hit attack, going 3-for-4 from the leadoff spot. Lewis, Matuz, Stanich, and Ada Sirrine each tallied multiple hits for the Falcons.

Geneva was led offensively by Gianna Markijohn, who finished a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate. The Eagles played error-free defense, with Addie Sheppard recording a team-high five fielding chances.

The Falcons (9-9) will look to stay hot when they host Sharon on Tuesday.

BIG BATS STRONG ARMS PUSH HERALDS PAST BOMBERS

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Photo Credit: YSN

ASHTABULA, OH – The Saint John Heralds kicked off Senior Night in style Monday evening, riding a lights-out performance from pitcher Isabelle Holler to an 8-1 victory over the visiting Windham Bombers.

Holler was in command from the circle, striking out 10 batters while allowing just three hits and one run across seven innings. The right-hander also issued five walks but worked out of any jams to keep Windham in check all game long.

The Heralds wasted no time providing run support, plating five runs in the bottom of the first inning. Nadia Lagoa got things started with an RBI groundout, followed by a pair of runs scored on Windham errors. Bella Brent delivered the big hit of the frame with a two-run single to cap the early outburst.

Saint John added to their lead in the second when Lagoa singled home another run, giving the center fielder two RBIs on the day. Lagoa finished 1-for-3 at the plate.

The Heralds racked up 13 hits in the win. Brent, Maddie Holler, Caitlyn Carney, and Rylee Frasure each recorded two hits, helping power the offense from top to bottom.

The evening also featured a heartfelt tribute to Saint John’s lone senior, Gianna Torres. On her Senior Night, Torres delivered a strong showing, going 1-for-2 with a single and a walk. Fittingly, she sealed the victory by fielding a grounder and firing to first for the final out of the game.

Windham was limited offensively, with Breille Jones, Libby Inman, and Lillian Pesa-Garrett each tallying a hit. Elaina Tucker led the Bombers in patience at the plate with two walks as Windham drew five free passes overall. The Bombers also turned a double play defensively.

With the win, the Heralds look to carry momentum into their next matchup as they travel to Lordstown on Wednesday.