Marlington fall sports show mix of triumphs and setbacks across programs
Football faces tough loss and key injury while volleyball surges to 17-2 record and soccer, golf teams close competitive weeks
Marlington’s football team struggled in a 62-0 loss to West Branch, committing four turnovers and managing just 73 total yards against the high-powered Warriors. Tyler Walder, 15, is pictured.Mark Tucker
Ray SarvisRaySarvisRay SarvisHartville News Correspondent
Published
As the week began, Marlington received disappointing news when star receiver Cam Evanich was ruled out for the season with a broken arm suffered in a recent loss to Carrollton.
Things didn’t improve Friday as the Dukes fell 62-0 to West Branch in an Eastern Buckeye Conference matchup. The Warriors (6-1, 2-0) dominated early, scoring 49 points in the first quarter to trigger a running clock. Grady Hirst completed a 43-yard touchdown pass and followed with an interception and short rushing touchdown to give West Branch a quick 14-0 lead. Senior linebacker Zach Coffee added a fumble recovery and interception to keep Marlington (3-4, 0-2) on its heels.
Marlington committed four turnovers and was outgained 425-73 in total yards. Quarterback Tyler Walder went 5-of-9 for 38 yards with two interceptions, and Caden Dine added 30 yards on 10 carries. Senior Malcum Salyers led the Dukes with three catches for 38 yards, three tackles, and an interception on defense.
Volleyball
The Dukes extended their winning streak to 16 matches and climbed to No. 7 in the Division IV state poll after two more wins. On Sept. 29, they swept Perry 3-0 (26-24, 25-16, 25-16) behind 17 kills from Danica Sarchione and 11 from Giana Bogunovich. Amiiah Sickles tallied 15 service points and 13 digs, while Justine Doringo added four blocks and Cali Young dished out 34 assists.
Two days later, Marlington swept Fairless 3-0 (25-22, 26-24, 25-13). Sarchione again led the team with 14 kills, 11 digs, and 15 service points, including three aces. Young added 25 assists as the Dukes improved to 17-2 overall and 10-0 in conference play.
Marlington’s boys soccer team extended its month-long unbeaten streak with a 3-0 win over Alliance and a 2-2 draw against GlenOak. Logan Smith, 17, is pictured.Mark Tucker
Golf
The Lady Dukes’ postseason ended Sept. 29 at the Division I Northeast District Sectional Tournament at Elms Country Club, where they finished 12th. Senior Madalynn Misch led Marlington with a 94, followed by sophomore Taniyah Spencer (96), sophomore Lillian Peterson (100), and junior Claire Rice (107).
Girls soccer
Marlington’s week started and ended with wins but included a tough midweek loss. On Sept. 29, the Dukes beat Southeast 2-0 with goals from Shelby Odey and Quinn Cernansky and five saves from goalkeeper Makenna Metz.
On Oct. 1, Alliance handed the Dukes a 5-0 conference loss after breaking open a close first half. Marlington rebounded Oct. 2 with a 4-0 win over Sandy Valley. Odey recorded a hat trick, Cernansky scored once, and Ashlyn Pauli, Meghan Kirby, and Olivia Callahan each notched assists. Metz had three saves for the shutout as Marlington improved to 5-8-2 (0-4-1 EBC).
Boys soccer
The boys’ team extended its unbeaten streak to a month with a 3-0 win over Alliance on Sept. 30 and a 2-2 draw against Federal League leader GlenOak on Oct. 4. Marlington (11-1-4, 5-0) now ranks 18th in the Division III state poll.
