Tag Archive for: Warriors

FALCONS CAN’T MATCH WEST BRANCH OFFENSE

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AUSTINTOWN, OH- Last Friday turned into a tough outing for the Austintown-Fitch Falcons as they fell 5-1 to the West Branch Warriors.

The game started off slow, but West Branch got things rolling in the second inning when Jeremiah Thomas knocked a single to put the first run on the board. Not to be outdone, Mason Petridis responded for the Falcons with a homer to left field after battling through a 7-pitch at-bat, tying the game up at one apiece in the bottom of the second.

However, the Warriors quickly regained their lead in the third thanks to Hunter Shields, who ripped a double to bring in another run, pushing West Branch ahead 2-1.

Anthony Perry was the standout on the mound for West Branch, giving up just one run on six hits over nearly seven innings, striking out five and walking one. Over on the Falcons’ side, Nik Kyprianou took the loss after giving up two runs in just over two innings of work. Carter Owens started the game for the Falcons, pitching two solid innings and Gavin Bell closed it out to earn the save for the Warriors.

Petridis had a good day despite the loss, going 2-for-3 and driving in the Falcons’ only run. Frank Senediak also had a pair of hits, showing some resilience in the Falcons’ lineup.

West Branch, meanwhile, showcased their aggressive baserunning, stealing five bases throughout the game. Aaron Tucker and Boston Mulinix were particularly pesky on the paths, each snagging multiple bases. The Warriors’ defense was on point too, with Tucker involved in six plays, helping his team to keep a clean sheet without any errors.

West Branch’s lineup had a strong showing at the plate, racking up nine hits. Shields was especially effective, driving in three runs and going 2-for-4.

The Falcons are looking to turn things around in their next game against the Boardman Spartans on Monday. They’ll be hoping to tighten up their game and get back on the winning track.

WARRIORS ESCAPE TWINSBURG RALLY

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In a thrilling offensive showdown, West Branch secured a dramatic walk-off victory against Twinsburg with a final score of 11-10.

West Branch’s offense was firing on all cylinders, led by Aaron Tucker’s impressive performance. Tucker went 4-for-5 at the plate with two RBIs and two runs scored, including the game-winning walk-off double. Beau Alazaus contributed three hits, driving in three runs and scoring once, while Gavin Bell also had a hot bat, going 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. Hunter Shields added a hit, an RBI, and two runs scored, and Jaxon Robb chipped in with a hit and two RBIs.

Twinsburg put up a strong fight, but West Branch’s offensive firepower proved to be too much. Despite the loss, Twinsburg had several standout performances at the plate, but West Branch’s late-game heroics sealed the victory.

WARRIORS COME OUT THE WEEKEND ON A POSITIVE NOTE

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CANFIELD OH- West Branch wrapped up their weekend at the JoAnne Kernan Classic with an impressive 10-0 victory over Erie McDowell.

The West Branch offense came out firing on all cylinders, led by Mikayln Woods and Addie Craven, who both went 3-for-4 at the plate. Woods contributed three RBIs and scored two runs, while Craven added two RBIs and scored twice herself. Sarah Schmidt went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored, and Matti Hawk scored two runs.

On the mound, Klary McKay delivered a dominant performance, pitching 5.1 innings, allowing only one hit, and striking out six batters.

With this win, West Branch finished the tournament with a 2-1 record, showcasing their potent offense and solid pitching.

PLESKA BREAKS RBI RECORD AS CLIPPERS SWEEP THE DAY

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CANFIELD OH- Columbiana showed resilience and determination as they bounced back from a tough loss to sweep their doubleheader on Saturday, defeating Lakeview in a thrilling extra-innings game and then overpowering West Branch.

In the first game against Lakeview, Columbiana’s offense came alive with clutch hits and a walk-off victory. Caitlynn Pleska led the charge, going 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Mackenzi Gamble contributed with a 2-for-5 performance and two RBIs. Ella Dota played a crucial role, scoring the walk-off run on a fielder’s choice. On the mound, Gamble pitched 3.2 innings, striking out three batters, while Pleska pitched 5.1 innings, allowing no runs and no walks.

Lakeview put up a strong offensive effort, with Paige Schwartz leading the way with a 2-for-4 performance, including two RBIs and a run scored. Isabella Isenberg and Kalyssa Werner also had multiple hits for Lakeview.

In the second game against West Branch, Columbiana continued their offensive momentum. Ella Dota and Caitlynn Pleska both hit home runs to power the team to victory. Dota went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored, while Pleska went 1-for-3 with a home run and a run scored. Cameron Perkins and Ava Davanza also contributed RBIs to secure the win.

On the mound, Gamble and Pleska combined for an impressive pitching performance. Gamble pitched 4.0 innings, allowing just one hit and striking out six batters, while Pleska pitched 3.0 innings, allowing four hits and no runs.

Despite the loss, West Branch put up a fight, with Josie Miliken leading the offense with a 2-for-4 performance.

Columbiana’s doubleheader sweep showcased their offensive firepower and resilience, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the season.

WARRIORS OUTLAST RED RAIDERS IN WALK-OFF WIN

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Story by Larry Jennings

East Ashtabula, OH- In game 1 of a double header at Edgewood High School, the Edgewood Warriors and the Harvey Red Raiders engaged in a baseball battle for the ages, culminating in a heart-stopping walkoff victory for the Warriors. The game, played on a sunny, but chilly, Saturday afternoon, kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last moment.

This game was part of a 3 team double header, celebrating the 2024 Ray Webker Classic.
The scoreboard lit up with a flurry of runs as both teams showcased their offensive prowess. With the final score standing at 14-13, it was evident that this was no ordinary game of baseball.
The Warriors seized an early lead in the bottom of the third inning, sparked by Logan Kray’s clutch double that drove in a run. Alex Spurduto then electrified the crowd with a towering home run to left field, bringing in three more runs and setting the tone for the Edgewood squad.
However, the Red Raiders refused to back down, mounting a fierce comeback in the top of the fifth inning. With a barrage of hits, including a pivotal error that drove in two runs, Harvey surged ahead to take a 7-4 lead, stunning the home crowd.
The back-and-forth battle continued into the seventh inning, with the Red Raiders extending their lead to 13-6, seemingly on the cusp of victory. But the Warriors had other plans.
In a dramatic turn of events, Edgewood rallied with unwavering determination in the bottom of the seventh. With the game tied at 13 and tensions running high, an error by the Red Raiders allowed the winning run to cross the plate, sealing a remarkable walkoff triumph for the Warriors.
Logan Cray emerged as a hero for Edgewood, delivering a clutch single on a full count that drove in three crucial runs, igniting a jubilant celebration among players and fans alike.
Pitcher Caleb Johnson earned the win for the Warriors, pitching with precision and composure in the final moments of the game. Despite the high-scoring affair, Johnson and the Edgewood defense held firm when it mattered most, securing the thrilling victory.
Offensively, Alex Spurduto led the charge for Edgewood, driving in three runs and going 3 for 5 at the plate. Aiden Hernandez, Logan Kray, and Zane Naylor also contributed multiple hits, showcasing the depth of talent in the Warriors lineup.
On the other side, Trent Hull led the offensive charge for the Harvey Red Raiders, tallying three runs batted in and showcasing his hitting prowess. Aiden Engelhart, Christian Cowlin, Brandon Bildstein, and Rodrigo Flores also made notable contributions at the plate for the visiting team.
Despite the disappointment of the loss, the Harvey Red Raiders demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the game, keeping pace with the Warriors in a thrilling display of baseball prowess.
As the dust settled on a memorable contest, both teams could hold their heads high after delivering a performance that will be remembered for years to come. The Edgewood Warriors emerged victorious on this occasion, but the spirit of competition and sportsmanship prevailed on the diamond.  The second game of the day for Edgewood was against the Pymatuning Valley Lakers, while Painesville travelled to Conneaut to take on the Spartans.

LAKERS RIDE THE WAVE PAST WARRIORS

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Photo Credit: Kelly Summers Photography

Story by Larry Jennings

East Ashtabula, OH- In game 2 of a double header at Edgewood High School, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers clashed with the Edgewood Varsity Warriors in a baseball showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Despite a hard-fought battle, the Warriors ultimately fell short, facing an 8-6 defeat on their home turf on Saturday.

The game showcased standout performances from both teams, with Alex Spurduto leading the charge for the Warriors with an impressive three-hit display. Spurduto’s versatility at the plate was evident, highlighted by his solo home run in the fifth inning, a double in the third, and a single in the first.

Despite Spurduto’s efforts, the Lakers and Warriors engaged in a fierce back-and-forth struggle, with the lead shifting hands multiple times. Pymatuning Valley capitalized on a crucial error in the seventh inning, seizing the momentum and securing a decisive advantage over the Warriors.

The Lakers struck early, scoring a run in the opening inning on a balk to grab an initial lead. However, the Warriors quickly responded in the bottom of the first, as Riley Baldwin’s timely single drove in two runs, giving Edgewood an early advantage.

The game’s momentum swung back and forth, with Pymatuning Valley regaining the lead in the third inning on a double by Haynes and a sacrifice fly by Smith. Yet again, the Warriors rallied, with Sean Lincoln’s pivotal single driving in two runs to put Edgewood ahead.

In a contest marked by momentum shifts, both teams showcased resilience. Spurduto’s fifth-inning home run extended the Warriors’ lead, but Pymatuning Valley fought back with a run in the sixth. Zane Naylor’s sixth-inning solo homer provided hope for the Warriors, but the Lakers’ late surge secured the win.

Drake Haines and Landon Paul led the Lakers with two hits each, with Haines contributing three RBIs. Ty Vickery scored three runs for the Lakers, while Seth Bryan earned the win on the mound with five strikeouts in 6-1/3 innings.

Despite the loss, the Warriors displayed determination, with pitcher Logan Kray battling on the mound and Baldwin and Lincoln delivering crucial hits. As they prepare to face Conneaut in their next matchup, the Warriors remain focused on bouncing back and continuing to compete at a high level.

Meanwhile, the Lakers look ahead to their upcoming clash with the Lakeside Dragons on Monday, aiming to maintain their momentum and secure another victory on the road.

WARRIORS WIN A FIGHT TO THE FINISH

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By Ty Bartell

CANFIELD OH- In the 17th annual JoAnne Kernan Strikeout Cancer Memorial, plenty of great softball
teams from all around northeast Ohio came to McCune Park in Canfield to play for a bigger cause. Two of those teams that did battle Friday night were The West Branch Warriors and The Archbishop Hoban Knights softball teams!

Although a gritty battle through and through with plenty of offense throughout the ball game, it was The Warriors who secured the victory by tallying some late runs to seal the contest on The Knights 8-6.

Klary McKay started in the circle for West Branch and Gracelyn Schultz stood opposite of her as the pitcher for The Knights. The Warriors grabbed an early lead in the top of the first when Sara Schmidt would belt an RBI single up the middle, giving The Warriors a 1-0 lead, before being thrown out going for second base.

West Branch would strike for three more runs in the top half of the third, highlighted by a Sara Schmidt RBI Sacrifice fly and an RBI single by Addi Craven. Adding an additional run in the top of the fourth, The Warriors saw themselves with a commanding 5-0 advantage.

However, Hoban would finally strike on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fifth, courtesy of a two-run blast by Savannah Regan, her second of the season, trimming the West Branch lead to three at 5-2. Adeline Herstitch would come through for The Knights the following inning when she brought in a run with an RBI single in the bottom of the sixth.
Leading 5-3, The Warriors would use three doubles in the top of the seventh by Matti Hawk, Sara Schmidt, and Klary McKay to get three runs back and own a 8-3 lead heading to the bottom of the seventh! The Knights would respond, with RBI hits by both Taylor Gerring and Gracelyn Schultz to bring the deficit to two runs with Hoban having the tying run on base!

However, Klary McKay and The Warriors got the job done, stranding the tying run in scoring position to give West Branch their ninth win of the season with an 8-6 victory over Hoban.

The battery combination of McKay and Sara Schmidt won Players of the Game nods as McCray held her own against a potent Knight lineup, while also delivering an RBI double in the second. While Schmidt had a day at the ballpark, going 2-for-2 with a single and a double, walking once, getting a sacrifice fly and ending the day with 4 RBI! Interviews with both can be found below.

West Branch (9-2) will be right back in-action on Saturday, April 20th with two games at McCune against both Erie McDowell (5-3) and Columbiana (10-3). Meanwhile, Hoban (7-6) will play again on Monday, April 22nd when they travel to Massillon to battle The Jackson Polar Bears (7-6).
Stay updated with both West Branch and Hoban softball all season long with live games, scores, stats, stories and more on YSN!

WEST BRANCH COOLS OFF THE FALCONS

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AUSTINTOWN OH- In a showdown between two formidable teams, West Branch Baseball delivered a commanding performance to secure an impressive 5-1 victory over a streaking Fitch squad on Friday night.

Leading the charge for West Branch’s offense were standout performances from Hunter Shields, Jeremiah Thomas, and Aaron Tucker. Shields delivered in clutch situations, going 2-for-4 at the plate with three crucial RBIs, while Thomas contributed with a 2-for-3 performance, driving in a run and scoring one himself. Tucker added to the offensive barrage, collecting two hits and scoring a run to fuel West Branch’s scoring efforts.

On the mound, Anthony Perry showcased his pitching prowess, delivering a stellar performance over 6.2 innings of work. Perry demonstrated precision and control, allowing just one run on seven hits while issuing only one walk and striking out five opposing batters. His dominant pitching performance stifled Fitch’s potent lineup, setting the tone for West Branch’s victory.

Despite facing a formidable opponent, Fitch showed resilience at the plate with notable offensive contributions from Mason Petridis, Frank Senediak, and Drew Kaschak. Petridis launched a solo home run and drove in a run, while Senediak and Kaschak collected hits to keep Fitch in the game.

However, West Branch’s cohesive performance on both offense and defense proved too much for Fitch to overcome. With solid pitching and timely hitting, West Branch secured the win and showcased their prowess as a force to be reckoned with in the baseball arena.

WARRIORS GRAB A GRITTY VICTORY

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BELOIT OH- What a hard-fought battle it was on the softball field as West Branch emerged victorious over Minerva with a gritty 6-4 win.

Leading the charge for the Warriors was Sara Schmidt, who showcased her prowess at the plate with a stellar 2-for-3 performance, including a crucial RBI and 2 runs scored. Joining in the offensive effort were Matti Hawk, Addie Craven, and Klary McKay, each knocking in runs for West Branch with 1-for-3 performances on the day.

In the circle, Ellie Tucker was a force to be reckoned with, pitching a solid 6 innings and striking out an impressive 9 hitters. Despite giving up 3 earned runs on 3 hits, Tucker’s dominance on the mound kept Minerva’s offense in check and paved the way for West Branch’s victory.

It was a true team effort from West Branch, with every player contributing to the hard-earned win. With performances like these, the Warriors are proving to be a formidable opponent on the softball field.

WARRIORS GET REDEMPTION IN FALCONS REMATCH

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Story by Larry Jennings

Jefferson, OH- In a game marked by solid execution and skill, the Edgewood Warriors secured a convincing 6-0 win against the Jefferson Area Falcons on Thursday. The Warriors demonstrated their strength and ability on the softball field throughout the matchup.

Right from the start, the Warriors asserted themselves, scoring their first run in the opening inning when McKenna Rhodes grounded out. They continued to build on their lead in the second inning, with Natalie Ianetta’s double adding to their advantage.

Pitcher Lucianna Paolillo played a significant role in Edgewood’s success, effectively limiting the Falcons’ offense. Paolillo’s precise pitching kept Jefferson to just two hits over seven innings, with two strikeouts and no walks.

Jefferson’s pitcher, Ada Sirrine, faced a tough challenge against Edgewood’s lineup. Despite her efforts, Sirrine allowed six runs, three of which were earned, on 14 hits during the game, showcasing her resilience in the face of strong opposition.

Edgewood’s offense was relentless, tallying an impressive 14 hits overall. Luciano Paolillo and Natalie Ianetta stood out with three hits each, contributing significantly to the team’s performance.

The Warriors’ offensive contributions were spread across the lineup, with multiple players driving in runs. Mackenna Rhodes, Luciano Paolillo, Natalie Ianetta, Addison Lamson, and Carly Kray each contributed an RBI, highlighting the team’s collective effort.

Although Jefferson put up a fight, they ultimately couldn’t match Edgewood’s firepower. Gianna Iannetta, McKenna Vencil, and Avery Vencil led the Warriors’ offensive efforts with multiple hits each.

With this win secured, the Edgewood Warriors turn their attention to their upcoming game against Berkshire on Friday, aiming to maintain their momentum. Meanwhile, the Jefferson Falcons will regroup as they prepare to face Howland in their next matchup.