Tag Archive for: United

QUAKERS CONTINUE WINNING WAYS

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SALEM OH- The Quakers continued a strong start to the season with a second 5-0 win over United Wednesday.  Salem got the sweep in straight sets at all 5 positions – Nick French and Christian Chappell remained undefeated on the season after winning 6-2, 6-2 at #1 doubles. Drake Harkleroad and Luke Deland got the second doubles win, and the singles players of Tyler Parker, Zach Parker, and Sophie Faulenbach all got solid wins.

The JV squad also got wins from Micah Fox, Camron Bodine, Emmit Harkleroad, and Garrett Menough.

 

Salem stays on the courts Thursday as they take on EBC rival West Branch.

*Contributed By Keith Parker at salemathletics.org

UNITED MAKES LONG TRIP WORTH IT

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HARTVILLE OH- The United Local softball team had plenty of time to focus on the task at hand during its long bus ride to Hartville on Wednesday.  Time well spent as the Eagles bats remained hot as they made quick work of the Lake Center Chrisitan Tigers winning 10-0 in 5 innings.

Junior Tori Firth stepped to the plate in the 3rd inning with her team clinging to a one run lead looking to remain red hot at the plate.  Red hot may not describe Firth as she blasted an offering deep, extending the United lead to 2-0. That lead was all Firth (5IP, 5K) would need in the circle as she limited Tigers hitters to just one hit over 5 innings of work.

The 5th inning is where the Eagles offense would come alive.  Following a leadoff groundout United was able to get two aboard as Firth stepped to the plate.  The junior answered the call as she once again sent a pitch over the fence for a 3 run blast extending the lead to 5-0 and well out of reach. Firth finished the game 2-3 2HR’s and 5 RBI.

The well-balanced United lineup also received contributions from Brielle Rose, who added two hits, and Samantha Lippiatt collecting a double and scoring 2 runs. Taylor Cope & Mati Zines each contributed run scoring singles as well for the victors.

United (3-1) looks to continue their winning ways as they travel to Niles on Thursday.

*Contributed By YSN’s Chris Sigler

UNITED EMPHATICALLY TAKES THE SWEEP OF LISBON

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The United Local softball team came into Tuesday’s matchup with Lisbon looking for the season sweep while trying to take out some frustration after suffering a close extra inning loss on Saturday.

United was able to take out their frustrations and more on Blue Devils pitching with a blowout 14-1 victory in 5 innings.  The lineup for the Eagles continues to put up double digits in the hits column collecting 12 on Tuesday. Junior Tori Firth was able to start the party in the 2nd inning taking a Mya Emmerling offering deep for a 3 run homerun giving the Eagles an early 5-0 lead.  Firth was not done there as she collected two more hits including a 3 run double, the slugger finished the evening 3-4 with 8 RBI’s.

Samantha Lippiatt also contributed to the offense going 3-4  with 2 doubles and a RBI while teammate Colby Burton chipped in 2 hits including a triple.

Tori Firth also did her job in the circle going the distance limiting the Blue Devils to just 2 hits and collecting 9 K’s.

Justyce Vrable single and a Mya Emmerling double was the extent of the Lisbon offense Tuesday night.

United (2-1) looks to continue their success on Wednesday traveling to Lake Center Christian.  Lisbon (3-2) will host EOAC rival East Palestine on Wednesday.

*Contributed By YSN’s Chris Sigler

SALEM WALKS IT OFF IN EXTRAS

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SALEM OH-

With the game tied 2-2 in the bottom of the 8th and two outs, senior Rylie Troy came to bat. Rylie got the nickname “Soldi” back in her freshmen year because she was money when the game was on the line. Rylie wasted no time smacking the first pitch for an infield single to the 5-6 hole scoring Laila Murray for the game winner. The table was set for her walk off in the bottom of the 8th as pinch hitter Sami Ganior showed discipline in drawing a walk to start the inning. Laila Murray came in as pinch runner. After one out, Salem gambled in stealing Murray & it paid off as she slid around the tag into scoring position at second. Jenna McClish put down a sac bunt pushing Laila to third. That’s when Soldi – did her thing plating Laila…Game winner!

Troy wasn’t just money in the box, she pitched a complete game for the win. She struck out 6 Eagle hitters allowing 0 runs the last three innings. A tireless workhorse as she pitched in all 4 games during the week.

The Quakers scored the first run of the game when Mack Zumbar slammed a double to the gap in the bottom of the 2nd scoring Chase Toy. Mack (great hustle) scored the second run in the 5th after walking, she went to second on a passed ball, stole third then scored on another passed ball with an aggressive lead & reaction.

Chase Toy slammed an outside curve ball to right & stole a base. Lauryn Barton hit a single.

The Quakers played stellar defense making some big time plays. In the top of the 8th Jenna McClish came full stride from center field making a diving catch. Without that catch the game may have went 9 innings. Mack Zumbar made a diving catch on a hot liner to first. Lo Dawg caught a ball & fired to first for the double play ending any chance of a rally in the 6th.

Tori Firth struck out 14 for United & doubled. Salem is home Tuesday vs Marlington.

 

*Contributed By Michael Thorpe at salemathletics.org

BLUE DEVILS TAKE FIRST STEP IN EOAC

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HANOVERTON OH- United scored four runs in the fifth inning, but Lisbon still found a way to win 7-4 on Thursday.

Hunter Sturgeon was the winning pitcher for Lisbon. The pitcher allowed five hits and four runs over four innings, striking out two and walking one. Daimen McCormick threw two innings in relief out of the bullpen. McCormick recorded the last six outs to earn the save.

Parker Berdine took the loss for United. The bulldog went three and a third innings, allowing three runs on six hits and striking out two.

Lisbon had 12 hits in the game. Ryan Reckner, McCormick, and Gage Owens each managed multiple. Reckner went 3-for-3 to lead in hits.

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UNITED SENDS A MESSAGE

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HANOVERTON OH- The season opening matchup between Lisbon and United had the potential to give everyone an early season preview of who could contend at the top of the EOAC this season.  Lisbon, the perennial league favorites in the EOAC, came into Hanoverton looking to maintain their grip at the top. United has other plans for this season as the upstart Eagles came ready to contend defeating Lisbon 9-2 on a cold blustery day.

Junior Tori Firth dominated the Lisbon hitters all afternoon going the distance striking 14 while only surrendering 2 runs on 3 hits.  The Eagles hitters backed up their starting pitcher by scattering 11 hits on the afternoon against Lisbon standout Mya Emmerling (6IP, 6K).

United scored twice in the first inning and 4 more times the next two innings to race out to a 6-0 lead.   Samantha Lippiatt led the offense collecting 3 hits and scoring 4 times.  Joshlyn Irie contributed going 2 – 3 with a 2 run double to break the game open in the 3rd inning.  Brielle Rose collected two hits, while teammates Makaylah Craig, Mati Zines, and Tori Firth all contributed an RBI in victory.

Lisbon was lead offensively by McKenna Daily going 2 – 3 and Justyce Vrabel 1 – 3 with an RBI.

United (1-0) looks to continue their winning ways traveling to Salem on Saturday.  Lisbon (0-1) looks to rebound as it travels to Youngstown East on Friday.

*Contributed By YSN’s Chris Sigler

UNITED OPENS UP THEIR TOURNAMENT RUN WITH A BANG

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HANOVERTON OH- Coming into Wednesday night’s opening round matchup with Labrae, it could have been easy for United to be happy with a 16 win campaign and the title of league champs.

The Vikings found out quickly United is not yet satisfied with its accomplishments as the Eagles came out determined to add to that list on their way to a dominating 48-22 victory.

United controlled the game from the opening tip with a game plan to limit the Viking offense to one opportunity and clean the defensive glass each trip down the floor. That game plan worked, coupled with a smothering 2-3 zone, the Labrae offense could only generate two transition layups as United raced out to a 13-4 lead after the first quarter. “ Rebounding has been a challenge for us all year, we know if we can rebound then we are tough to beat. The girls did a great job on both ends of the floor crashing the offensive glass for 2nd chance opportunities, while we held Labrae to 1 and done”” explained United coach Josh Sigler.

The beginning of the second quarter began with much of the same narrative as United reeled off six straight points increasing their lead to 19-4 on their way to a 25-11 lead at the intermission. The defense of the Eagles stepped up keeping the Labrae offense searching for open looks all night. “ Our last couple games we have been setting goals on the defensive end for the girls to achieve. Their intensity has increased, they are communicating more, and it is starting to pay off” said Sigler. The defense kept Labrae sharp shooting guard Laura McCoy in check the entire evening as McCoy could only muster a team high 9 points. The size of the Eagles proved too much for the Vikings in the end as well.

Coming out of the locker room the Eagles used that size often in the second half lead by Junior Taylor Cope. Cope controlled the game inside the rest of the way as the Junior contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Eagles to victory. The balanced attack of United saw Grace Knight pour in 11 points while Grayson Kidder contributed 12 points off the bench. The United head coach knew how much this opening game at home meant to his program “Anytime you win a tournament game it can be a confidence builder for your team. We talked about what a great opportunity we had with possibly playing two games at home vs two quality opponents. The girls were very excited for the opportunity to compete on their home floor.”

Following the victory Wednesday night the focus quickly turned to what lies ahead for the Eagles in Saturday’s Sectional Final. United is set to meet Ursuline for the second time in just 11 days. The first game saw the Eagles come out on top 51-46 in overtime, but the United head coach knows his team must be ready for the rematch, “Ursuline is a very athletic / active team that had us beat the first time. We were very fortunate to win that game, our rebounding and ability to take care of the basketball must improve this time around if we are to come out victorious and move on in the tournament.”

The rematch is set for the Sectional Final as United vs Ursuline is slated for Saturday at 1pm in Hanoverton.

*Contributed By YSN’s Chris Sigler

BULLDOGS WEAR DOWN UNITED

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HANOVERTON OH- The matchup on Saturday Poland vs United was looked at by many as a David vs Goliath contest.  Poland, serving the role as Goliath survived everything United could give them on their way to a 59-36 victory.

Poland immediately out of the gate wasted no time showing everyone why they are one of the best teams in the area.  The Bulldogs full court pressure forced the Eagles into multiple turnover situations which Poland turned into a quick 10-1 run.  United settled things down offensively matching baskets with the Bulldogs trailing 16-9 at the end of the first quarter.

Poland to begin the second quarter appeared to take their foot off the gas and United responded quickly to prove they could play with the high powered Bulldogs.  Poland Head Coach Nick Blanch was puzzled by his squad “For some reason we thought the game was already over and it showed in our effort during the second quarter.  Give them credit they played hard and fought their way back.”

Behind a motived defense United indeed fought their way back using a 9-2 run to take the lead at 23-18. United guard Madison Kibler found her stride fueling the comeback with her team high 9 points coming in the first half.  Poland responded prior to the half following a quick timeout to take the lead 28-26 going into the locker room.

United Coach Josh Sigler was ecstatic on the effort of his squad “Really proud of our effort.  We were down 10-1 quickly and battled back, for me that shows maturity and the will to be a better team.  We kept fighting.”

Coming out of the locker room for the 3rd quarter Poland’s Connie Cougras was determined to help her squad quickly squash any upset dreams United may have had.  The senior guard found the gas pedal in the third quarter on her way to a game high 21 points.  Poland turned up the heat on defense as well limiting United to just 6 points while widening their lead 46-32 and never looking back.

Morgan Kluchar contributed a 13 point / 10 rebound double double for Poland in the victory.  Addyson Blazer chipped in 8 points & 5 steals in defeat for United.

Coach Blanch following the game was happy with the efforts his kids showed out of the locker room “At halftime I told them look if you think that team is just going to let you win because we are Poland you need to wake up.  United is a very well coached team and we needed to execute.”

Coach Josh SIgler  on his team’s efforts following the game “This game should give us confidence in that we can play with anyone. there is still a lot to play for and we are very excited about that.”

 

Both coaches have a ton of respect for each other which was on display after the game. Each coach agreed the score at the end did not reflect how competitive the game actually played out.

 

Coach Blanch: “Josh is a great coach, I knew when we put United on our schedule he would have his girls ready to make us compete, and that’s exactly what they did.  That is a good team and we were challenged today.” Coach Sigler: “Poland is a D2 power in our area and Nick is one of the best.  They are deep and have skill at all positions, they are very good, so happy we hung with them.”

Poland (13-1) travels Tuesday to take on Champion. United (10-4) will also be on the road traveling to Wellsvlle on Thursday.

 

*Contributed By YSN’s Chris Sigler.

EAGLES CAPTURE EMOTIONAL WIN

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HANOVERTON OH- Schools districts are usually  direct reflections of the communities they encompass.  When it comes to the love and passion those communities put on display for their school, United Local may not only be one of the best in our area but one could argue the best in the state of Ohio.  Those qualities were on full display Thursday night as United harnessed all that energy and defeated Southern Local 57-32 in front of a very energized crowd.

Entering Thursday night United held a two game lead on Southern in the EOAC title race and the Eagles wasted no time proving who belonged on top.  Behind a motivated defense United bullied the Indians into multiple turnovers racing out to a 19-4 first quarter lead.  Down big to start the second quarter Southern took advantage of United foul trouble and cut the lead to 22-11.  Not to be deterred the Eagles showed their offensive capabilities and finished the quarter on a 11-2 run extending the lead to 33-13 at the half.

The talented offense of United led by Grace Knight slammed the door shut on any second half comebacks Southern may have had in mind.  Knight, just a sophomore, is becoming one of the Eagles go to players turning in a 16 point /10 rebound performance in victory.

Coach Josh Sigler has noticed the increased output “Grace Knight is slowly becoming very good all-around player.  She makes us a dangerous team moving forward.”  Knight along with  teammate Addyson Blazer combined for 17 rebounds on the night.  The offensive output of this Eagles squad doesn’t end with just one player.  Grayson Kidder came off the bench and added a 15 points of her own.

“Grayson is very much in the conversation of making us a really good team.  We have different players every night stepping up in the scoring column.  This team does not care who scores, they just want to score.”  YSN Big Dog of the Valley nominee Madison Kibler helped guide the offense to victory with 8 points, 5 steals and team high 9 assists.  Ashley Shroades turned in a solid 15 point performance in the loss for the Indians.

Following the win Coach Sigler knows he has a tough opponent next up on the schedule “We have no time to celebrate, Poland comes to town on Saturday.  They are a very good  well coached Division 2 basketball team.  We have to be on our “A” game and have to show the fight and will to compete.  We are definitely getting better and that’s what you want to see this time of year.”

  Thursday night was made extra special due to the “Random act of Kindness” The Kim & Ashley Bergman Memorial Fund provided free admission to the students from both schools. Those students took full advantage and provided a great atmosphere for the game.  “ The crowd and atmosphere was unreal.  Cannot say enough about our student section, these girls absolutely love the energy they bring.  We have one heck of a community when it comes to supporting our student athletes.”

Prior to the game that support was on full display along the sidelines as the United coaching staff honored Ashley Bergman with her own spot on the bench placing the number 23 jersey over one of the chairs.  “This game was for Bergs.” The win set the stage for Saturday as United (10-3, 9-0) vs Poland  (12-1) is slated for 11am in Hanoverton.

*Contributed By YSN’s Chris Sigler

 

UNITED CONTINUES DOMINATION OF EOAC

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HANOVERTON OH-

United Local faces one of their toughest stretches of the season this week as three very important games awaited them on the schedule.  The Eagles took to the court Monday night with nothing but purpose on their minds.  That purpose was victory and Leetonia played the role of victim as United won in convincing fashion 77-40.

Leetonia came out ready to compete using their tough inside presence hung with United early trailing at the end of the first quarter 16-10.  The depth of the Eagles however proved to be too much for Leetonia in the second quarter.  Behind a constant full court pressure United forced Leetonia into 16  first half turnovers on their way to building a commanding 38-21 halftime lead.

United took advantage of their depth as their transition offense hit another gear in the second half. The offense hit their stride as Sophomore Grace Knight got hot on her way to a team high 19 points leading her squad to victory in the second half.  Taylor Cope once again made her presence felt on the inside for United.  Cope was able to turn in another top performance garnering a  13 point / 12 rebound  double double stat line.  Starting point guard Addyson Blazer contributed 8 points and 6 rebounds for the victors as well.

    Coach Josh Sigler is liking where his offense is heading hitting the 70 point mark for the second time in a week “Our transition game has really put pressure on the opposing teams.  We are doing a much better job moving without the basketball,  it’s opening up more inside for Taylor and she has really stepped up her game.”

United’s bench has also played a key role as of late providing an offensive spark outside of their starters.  Grayson Kidder poured in 10 points and Katie Dees chipped in 8 for the Eagles.  “Cannot say enough about what the players coming off our bench are contributing.  Three Sophomores and a Freshman are providing us the depth and a spark in all facets of the game.  They are as fearless as our starters.” says Sigler.

Leetonia only dressing 8 players for the game never quit despite the deficit in the second half.  Ella Gregorino faced with handling the United pressure all night answered the call leading the Bears with 13 points.  Teammate Allison Francosky contributed 12 points / 7 rebounds for Leetonia.  Despite the success on offense Coach SIgler knows what the team needs to improve on moving forward “ We still need to keep improving on defense.  Sometimes we relax, we just need to get to the point of relaxing when the game is over.”

United (9-3) (8-0) will have no time to relax as Southern Local (13-2) (6-2)  will travel to Hanoverton for a crucial EOAC matchup on Thursday.  Leetonia looks to rebound traveling to East Palestine on Thursday.

*Contributed By YSN’s Chris Sigler