Boardman Athletics is excited to announce a new partnership with Raising Cane’s to recognize a Spartan Athlete of the Week — celebrating the dedication, hard work, and achievements of our student-athletes!
We’re proud to introduce our first-ever honoree… girls lacrosse standout Ava Gaps!
This week was one to remember for Ava as she reached an incredible 100 career goals — and counting! She also delivered a dominant performance with 5 goals in one game vs. Canfield.
And her talents don’t stop there — this multisport athlete also competes in track & field, running the 200m and 400m for Boardman and was a member of the volleyball team.
🔥 What a way to kick off this new tradition!
Congratulations, Ava, on an amazing milestone week — Spartan Nation is proud of you!
Lady Spartans’ Bats Explode in 15-5 Road Win Over West Branch
The Boardman Lady Spartans’ offense came alive in a big way Thursday, erupting for 15 runs in their first road matchup of the season to defeat West Branch, 15-5, in six innings.
Boardman provided plenty of run support for senior pitcher Addie Kowacich, who made her first start of the year in the circle and earned the win.
The Spartans wasted no time getting on the board. In the top of the first inning, Ellie Wymer led off the game with a double off the left-field wall and later scored on a line drive up the middle from Kowacich to give Boardman an early 1-0 lead.
The offense broke things open in the second inning, sending 10 batters to the plate and scoring seven runs. Emily Swantek sparked the rally with a leadoff single—one of her four hits on the day. Autumn Miller followed with her first varsity hit, a bloop single to right field that brought Swantek home. Wymer delivered again with her second double off the wall, driving in two more runs.
Addie Rudge added an RBI on a groundout while also reaching on an error. Later in the inning, Kenzie Cherne reached safely on a misplayed ball in the infield that allowed two runs to score. Swantek capped off the inning with another RBI single, pushing the Spartans’ lead to 8-0.
West Branch answered with two runs in the bottom of the second on a double and a triple, but Boardman quickly responded. In the third inning, Miller led off with a triple off the center-field fence and later scored on a Wymer RBI groundout to extend the lead.
The Warriors continued to battle, adding two more runs in the third after a leadoff triple and a defensive miscue by the Spartans.
Boardman’s offense, however, refused to slow down. In the fourth inning, the Spartans loaded the bases, leading to an RBI single by Swantek through the left side. Wymer later drew a bases-loaded walk to bring in another run.
In the fifth, Kowacich helped her own cause with a triple to deep right-center field, scoring Rudge. Courtesy runner Addie Fiddler came in to score on a wild pitch, and Swantek added yet another RBI single as part of her perfect day at the plate.
The Spartans added their final run in the sixth when Mikayla Rivera led off with a single and later scored on a base hit by Cherne, making it 15-5.
Kowacich then closed the door in the bottom of the inning, retiring the side in order to secure the run-rule victory.
Kowacich went the distance, tossing six innings while allowing seven hits and five runs (three earned), and striking out seven.
Offensively, the Spartans pounded out 14 hits in a complete team effort. Swantek led the way with a perfect 4-for-4 performance and three RBIs. Wymer finished 2-for-4 with two doubles and four RBIs, while Kowacich added two hits and two RBIs. Miller went 2-for-4 with an RBI, and Torres also collected two hits. Rivera and Cherne each contributed a hit, with Cherne driving in a run.
With the win, Boardman improves to 3-1 on the season. The Spartans will return to action next Wednesday when they travel to Archbishop Hoban for a 5:00 p.m. matchup.
Boardman will look to regroup for their next coming match this Saturday against Avon.
In a close, hard fought game, the Boys Varsity lacrosse team lost to local rival Canfield. The first quarter was a back and forth battle that ended up in a 3-3 tie going into the second. It was a true offensive team effort as Daniel Ramovs and Chase Zelesnak scored off of assists from Tanner Dravecky. Then freshmen Tyler Holcomb found the back of the net with an assist from sophomore Liam Moore to round out the first quarter. Zelesnak would find the goal two more times in the second quarter to complete the hat trick and give the Spartans a 5-4 edge going into halftime, one of the goals coming off of an assist from defenseman Finn Schubert. Canfield would tighten up the defense in the second half allowing only one more goal before winning 8-6. The final goal for Boardman would come from Kyle Congson after a Zelesnak assist. Mikey Montgomery went over 50% in faceoffs. Defenseman Toby Sofran led the team in ground balls with 5 while teammates CJ Rice and Finn Schubert added 4 each. Goalie Lane Schubert posted an impressive night in the goal recording 7 saves.
The team will look to get their first win of the season Thursday night at Gilmour Academy.
The JV Boys Lacrosse team lost to Canfield Tuesday night in a close game. Daniel Ramovs found the back of the net to give the Spartans a 1-0 lead going into halftime while goalie Aiden Pavone posted a shutout in the first half and one save. Canfield would come out in the third and tie the game up midway through the quarter. With just 14 seconds left in the third quarter, Canfield would get a goal to take the lead 2-1. Canfield added one more goal in the fourth with just two minutes left to seal the victory. Eli Sedlacko led the team in ground balls with 5 while Liam Moore went 3 for 5 on faceoffs for the Spartans.
The boys will be back in action Thursday night at Gilmour Academy.
Sferra Fans 18, Rudge Triples Three Times in 7–3 Win Over Mooney
Boardman improved to 2–1 on the season with a 7–3 victory over Cardinal Mooney on Tuesday.
The Spartans fell behind early after some ill-advised defense in the top of the first inning allowed Mooney to take a 2–0 lead. However, Gabi Sferra quickly settled in and took control of the game from the circle. The standout pitcher delivered a complete-game performance, striking out 18 batters while allowing just one earned run.
Boardman responded in the bottom of the first. After Ellie Wymer drew a leadoff walk, Addie Rudge delivered the first of her three triples, driving a ball off the right-field fence to bring Wymer home and cut the deficit to 2–1.
The Spartans evened the score in the third inning. Rudge again ripped a ball off the right-field fence for a triple, and Kenzie Cherne followed with a clutch hit over the third baseman’s head to tie the game at 2–2.
Mooney struggled defensively in the fourth inning, which allowed Boardman to take its first lead. Jocelynn Torres led off with a walk, and Emily Swantek reached on an error. A dropped fly ball in left field off the bat of Wymer allowed Torres to score, giving the Spartans a 3–2 advantage.
The Cardinals answered in the top of the fifth, stringing together three singles to tie the game at 3–3.
Boardman broke the game open in the bottom half of the inning with a two-out rally. Torres started things with a single, and Swantek followed with a drive into the left-field gap. A misplay by Mooney’s defense allowed both runners to score, putting the Spartans back in front.
The Spartans added insurance in the sixth. Mikayla Rivera reached on a bloop single and later scored when Rudge blasted her third triple of the game off the right-field fence. Cherne then reached on a dropped fly ball, extending the lead to 7–3.
Boardman will return to action Thursday as they travel to West Branch for a 5:00 p.m. start, looking to build on their momentum.
Boardman High School’s girls lacrosse team earned a dominant 14–4 victory over Southeast at home. Senior Ava Gaps reached a major career milestone in the win, scoring her 100th career goal. The achievement highlights her consistency and leadership as a key contributor to the Spartans’ offense. There were a host of Spartans players that tallied points with Ava Gaps 5, Val hoysack 2, Lydia Kenney 2, Jemma Pavone 2, Suri Stephens 1, Morgan Zolla 1 and Pickles Vondran 1. Boardman offense helped pace the game aiding the defense to key stands when needed.
The Spartan defense played strong throughout the whole contest led by Catherine Lorenzi with 7 saves between the pipes. While sister Audrey Lorenzi had 1 save. Loose balls were controlled by the Spartan defense with Giavanna Kalmer with 4, Gianna Mordocco with 3, Lydia kenney with 2, Jacey Bogerd 2, Payton Konnerth 2 and Suri Stephens with 1. The Spartans got to see a ton of young talent on the field and are excited to see the JV team in action this Saturday. This type of play on both sides led Boardman to control the game from start to finish, showcasing strong teamwork on the field.
Spartan Fans — the countdown is on! We are ONE WEEK AWAY from the start of the Boardman Boys Tennis season, and opening day will be right here at home as the Spartans take on the Lake Blue Streaks!
Our players and coaches have been putting in the work, and we can’t wait to see their dedication pay off on the courts this spring. Let’s pack the courts, bring the energy, and start the season strong!
👏 Join us in wishing our Boys Tennis team the best of luck as they begin the 2026 season! Drop some 💚 in the comments to show your Spartan support!
Spartans Split Opening Day Doubleheader
The Boardman Lady Spartans softball team opened their 2026 regular season campaign on Saturday in a competitive three-way doubleheader. The Spartans entered the season looking to build off last year’s historic run, which saw them finish 26-5, share the AAC conference championship—their first since 2003—capture a district title for the first time since 2011, and win a regional championship for the first time since 2002. Their season ultimately ended in Akron with a state semifinal loss to Holland Springfield.
Boardman opened the day against Lakeview, a Division IV Final Four team from a year ago, before taking on Gilmour Academy, a regional semifinalist in 2025. Both opponents featured Division I commits, presenting an early-season challenge for the Spartans.
Game 1: Lakeview 6, Boardman 2
Lakeview jumped out quickly, scoring three runs in the first inning to take early control. Boardman responded in the bottom half when Jocelynn Torres singled, driving in Kenzie Cherne—who had reached base earlier—to cut the deficit to 3-1.
The Spartans struggled to capitalize with runners in scoring position throughout the game, and Lakeview added two more runs in the third inning to extend the lead.
Boardman answered in the fifth. Gabi Sferra drew a walk and later scored after Lanie Joyce reached on an error and Mikayla Rivera grounded out, trimming the deficit to 5-2. However, Lakeview added an insurance run in the inning to push the lead to 6-2.
The Spartans threatened late, loading the bases with the tying run at the plate, but a deep fly ball off the bat of Cherne fell just short, ending the rally.
Sferra took the loss in the circle, allowing three earned runs on five hits while striking out three over 2 2/3 innings. Addie Kowacich provided strong relief, giving up just one run on two hits with three strikeouts over 3 1/3 innings.
Offensively, Torres led the way with two hits and an RBI. Rivera added a hit and an RBI, while Kowacich, Joyce, Sferra, and Cherne each recorded a hit.
Game 2: Boardman 6, Gilmour Academy 1
The Spartans bounced back in game two with a strong all-around performance against Gilmour Academy.
After Sferra worked out of a jam in the top of the first, Boardman struck first. Rivera and Ellie Wymer drew back-to-back walks, and a defensive miscue on a Kowacich fly ball allowed Rivera to score.
Boardman broke the game open in the second inning. Kate Thames led off with a single, followed by a Torres hit. Sferra reached on a fielder’s choice that resulted in an error, setting the stage for Rivera, who ripped a double down the third base line to drive in two runs. Wymer followed with a double to center, and Addie Rudge added another RBI double to cap off the big inning.
The Spartans added another run in the fourth when Thames walked with the bases loaded after Kowacich and Wymer singled.
Sferra was dominant in the circle, carrying a no-hit bid into the fifth inning and finishing with a complete-game performance. She allowed one run on six hits, striking out nine while walking one to earn the win.
Boardman tallied seven hits in the game. Wymer went 2-for-3 with two runs scored, an RBI, and a walk. Rivera added a hit and two RBIs and scored twice, while Rudge, Kowacich, Thames, and Torres each contributed a hit.
With the split, the Spartans move to 1-1 on the season. Fred Mootz also collected his 100th win as the skipper of the Spartans. They will return home Monday to host Cardinal Mooney.
The Boys Varsity Lacrosse team dropped their home opener to the Green Bulldogs 18-3. Things looked promising with the Spartans' scoring off the opening faceoff until the refs waived the goal for an illegal stick. After the shakeup, the Spartans were in a battle being down just 4-2 after the first quarter. The Bulldogs opened a much wider lead scoring 6 in the second quarter to go up 10-2 at the half. Boardman battled on but an extended lead resulted in a running clock and the boys ultimately fell 18-3 as time expired. Mikey Montgomery was a bright spot for the team winning 9 of 17 faceoffs and leading the team in ground balls with 9. Goalie Lane Schubert came up with 5 saves as well. Scoring for the Spartans were Chase Zelesnak who had two goals, one with an assist from Luke DeJoseph. And Kyle Congson added the final goal for Boardman with an assist from Tanner Dravecky. The boys will look to rebound Tuesday night at home again against rival Canfield.
Opening up the season at home, the JV Boys team dropped their first game to the Bulldogs 6-2. The boys trailed by just two goals at the half 3-1. But the Bulldogs came out with a strong third quarter extending their lead by three before pulling away in the fourth quarter. Scoring for the Spartans were Tyler Holcomb and Liam Moore. The defense was led by Finn Schubert who grabbed 11 ground balls while Aiden Pavone recorded 5 saves in his debut at goalie.
2026 Spartan Baseball Schedule
Night at the Races — Support Lady Spartans Fast Pitch! 🥎🐎
Join us for a fun night out while supporting the Lady Spartans Fast Pitch Club at this year’s Night at the Races fundraiser!
📅 March 28, 2026
📍 St. Nicholas Church
764 Fifth Street, Struthers, OH 44471
🎟 $15 donation to attend
🚪 Doors open at 6:00 PM
🏁 Races begin at 7:00 PM
Enjoy an exciting evening featuring:
🎟 50/50 Raffle
🎁 Chinese Auction
🐎 Horse racing fun with friends and the Spartan community!
All proceeds help support our Lady Spartans Fast Pitch program. Gather your friends, bring your lucky charm, and come ready for a great night!
⚠️ This event is for guests 21 and older only!
Also competing on Saturday was senior James Mitchell in the Shot Put. Mitchell placed 9th overall with a throw of 50’1.25”. Burgos-Perez and White placed 14th and 16th in the 1600 just a short time after the 4x8 concluded. The Spartans will open the outdoor track season on March 27th at Medina Highland.
The Spartans will be represented in THREE events:
🏆 Shot Put
Senior James Mitchell returns to the indoor state meet for the second straight year after a qualifying throw of 50' 8".
🏃 1600 Meter Run
Juniors Dylan White and Jonathan Burgos-Perez punched their ticket to state with impressive 4:28 performances.
🔥 4x800 Relay
Senior Adam Nigro, junior Tommy Sullivan, White, and Burgos-Perez — along with alternates senior Dom Theodore and sophomore Jacob Turek — qualified with a strong 8:14 run.
To earn All-Ohio honors, athletes must finish in the top 8. The Boardman Boys Track program proudly boasts 63 All-Ohioans and four former Indoor State Champions — and this group is ready to add to that tradition!
Good luck to our athletes, coaches, and families — Spartan Nation is cheering you on!
🏊♀️ Alex Taylor is headed to the ‘A’ Finals tomorrow in the 100 Backstroke after finishing 8th in prelims!
🏊♀️ The 400 Freestyle Relay team of Ella Miller, Rachel DunLaney, Aly Murray, and Alex Taylor is also advancing to tomorrow’s ‘B’ Finals after a strong 16th-place finish today!
We’re excited for finals, grateful for our amazing coaches and supporters, and proud of this top-notch program.
Infinitely SPARTAN PROUD of this team! 🫶
Tonight we proudly celebrate our senior Lady Spartans, Olivia Combis and Jocelynn Torres, and thank them for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to the basketball program.
Both athletes have represented Boardman with pride through multiple sports, clubs, and unforgettable team moments. As they prepare for their next chapters—Olivia to Ohio State University and Jocelynn to Kent State Salem—we know they will continue to do great things.
Boardman Athletics thanks Olivia and Jocelynn for everything they have given to Lady Spartan Basketball and wishes them the very best in the future.
WE ARE SPARTAN PROUD!🏀
Individually for the Spartans, sophomore Kara McCutcheon was tournament MVP, shooting games of 216 and 186 for a 402 set. This performance secured her spot as the AAC Player of the Year for the 2025-2026 season. Freshmen Emily Rickabough and Brooklyn Bailey shot games of 178 and 160 for a 338 set and 171 and 159 for a 330 set, respectively, making them members of the AAC All-Conference team for the 2025-2026 season. Other Boardman contributors were sophomore Caitlyn Cox with games of 179 and 174 for a 353 set, freshman Collen Sullivan with a 136, and sophomore Alaina Grieco with a 192. Boardman heads into the post season starting Sunday, February 15th, with hopes of another state run.
Thank you, Jessy, Chase, and Brayden, for the memories, the hard work, and your time as Spartans. We wish you nothing but success as you roll into your next chapter!
A special shoutout and congratulations to the Struthers Senior bowlers - We are grateful for the Wildcat/Spartan friendly rivalry.
We are Spartan Proud!🎳
