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!🎳
Tonight we proudly celebrate our incredible seniors and the lasting impact they’ve made on our Swim & Dive program, our school, and our community. Their dedication, leadership, and commitment—both in and out of the pool—have helped shape our team and set the standard for those who follow.
Please join us in congratulating our seniors and their families for the countless hours of hard work, support, and sacrifice that made these moments possible:
🌟 Sean Cummings
🌟 Sam DiStefano
🌟 Timmy DiTosto
🌟 Lydia Kenney
🌟 Mary Melone
🌟 Aly Murray
🌟 Jillian Palusak
🌟 Grant Parker
🌟 Julia Pickens
🌟 Samantha Viano
We are so proud of everything you’ve accomplished and even more excited for what lies ahead. Best of luck in your next chapter—know that once you’re part of this program, you’re always part of the family.
