The Mason Baseball team started their 20111 campaign on the right track on Monday, March 28th. Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Comets rallied for a pair of runs to capture a 2-1 triumph over the defending GMC Champs the Lakota East Thunderhawks.

Marcus Otte, the No. 7 hitter in the lineup, led off the seventh with a single. Grable followed with a bunt single on an 0-2 count, and an error on the play allowed Otte to advance to third.

Evan Hills’ wild pitch brought in Otte to make it 1-1, then Kevin Niehoff followed with an infield single down the third-base line.

Evan Denny was intentionally walked to fill the bases, bringing up Quallen, who hit one sharply up the middle that Hills couldn’t field cleanly.

Mason sophomore right-hander TJ Zeuch, making his varsity debut, struck out five, gave up seven hits and an earned run in the fifth on Jesse Rait’s RBI double. Mason junior Zach Boden tossed the final two innings for the win.

Mason fell to Lakota East on Thursday by a final score of 3-1.

Mason jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the 1st inning with an RBI double from Josh Galloway knocking in Shane Johnson from 2nd base. With a strong pitching effort from Galloway Mason held onto a 1-0 lead going into the bottom of the 5th. East put up 3 runs (only 1 earned) in the bottom of the 5th to take a 3-1 lead. Mason left 2 men on base in the 6th but could not score again in this loss. Offensive highlights for the Comets; Chris Grable 2-3; Galloway 2-4, DBL; Johnson 2-4, R.

Next up the visit Hamilton on Friday, April 1st.

Mason jumped out to an early 7-0 lead after the first 2 innings. Sr. Eric Raffle pitched an outstanding complete 7 inn. game in this win for the Comets over Amhearst (near Cleveland). Raffle (1-0) had 10 K’s while giving up only 1 walk and 4 hits. Mason had 10 hits and 9 walks on offense. Offensive highlights for the Comets: Josh Galloway 2-3, 2RBI; Connor McVey 2-4, 2RBI;

Quality pitching and a strong offense gives the Comets a win over Hamilton 8 -2. Zeuch pitches 5 innings allowing 2 runs on 3 hits for the Mason win. Apking and Raffel each pitch a scoreless inning in relief. The Comets took the lead for good by scoring 7 runs in the third inning, batting through the lineup. The offense was led by Galloway with 4 RBI’s on a triple, double, and single.

No details are provided. Next up they host Sycamore on Wednesday, April 6th.

Mason fell to Sycamore on Wednesday, April 6th by a score of 14-3.

This was a battle of 2 of the top teams in the league with both teams coming into the game with 3-1 records in the GMC. The Comets were losing 5-3 after five innings and they were still in the game until the wheels came off in the 6th inning. The Comets gave up 9 runs in the 6th inning and ended up being run ruled after the 6th.

RBI doubles from Kevin Niehoff and Chris Oglesby provided the offensive highlights. The Comets will look to get back on track at Sycamore on Friday night.

Next up the Comets visit Sycmaore on Friday, April 8th.

The Comets split their 2 game series with the Aves with an 8-5 victory at Sycamore Friday night. The Comets had a strong pitching performance combined with timely hitting to raise their record to 4-2 in the GMC.

Andrew McDonald pitched 5 strong innings for the Comets with 7 strikeouts and gave up only 1 earned run. Zach Boden pitched the last two innings for the Comets garnering the win to raise his record to 3-0 on the season.

Of the 5 runs scored by Sycamore only 1 run was earned. Connor McVey jump started the Comet offense tonight with a lead off Home Run to start the game. The game was tied at 1-1 going into the 5th inning when McVey struck again pounding a second Home Run over the left field wall for a 3-1 Comet lead. The Comets struck for 2 more runs in the 6th inning and the game was tied at 5 all going into the 7th. The Comets had timely hitting in the 7th inning and put 3 runs on the board to go up 8-5 and seal the victory

Offensive Highlights:

Connor McVey 3-3; W; 2 HR; 3 RBI; 2R
Marcus Otte 2-3; W; 2 RBI; 1R
Corey Quallen 2-4; triple
Evan Denny 1-4; 2 RBI
Josh Galloway 1-1; W; 1 RBI; 1R
Shane Johnson 1-3; HBP
Josh Linne 1-3; W

The Comets first game on the field this week, after 2 days of rain delays, had them continuing their winning ways in the GMC with a 10-4 victory over Princeton on Wednesday, April 13th.

Good pitching along with solid hitting continues to the story behind the Comets success. TJ Zeuch was the starting pitcher going 5 innings and picking up the Win. Zach Boden pitched 2 scoreless innings to pick up the Save.

The Comets really got going in this game after Zeuch struck out the side in the bottom of the 2nd inning and the Comets came up in the top of the 3rd inning to put 3 runs on the board. The Comets added 5 more runs in the 4th inning to take a 9-1 lead in this game. Princeton scored 3 runs in the bottom of the 5th and the Comets added 1 run in the top of the 7th to end the scoring with a 10-4 win.

Offensive leaders for the Comets:

Galloway 2-2; BB; HBP; 2 RBI

Niehoff 2-3; 2R; SB

Linne 2-4; DBL; BB; 1RBI; 2R

Johnson 2-4; 2RBI; 2R

Otte 2-4; 1RBI; 1R

McVey 2-5; 2RBI; 2R; SB

Mason defeated Colerain on Thursday, April 14th by a score of 9-1. The Comets jump to the early lead on the road by scoring three runs in the first inning, and never look back. The three run lead was all starting pitcher Andrew McDonald would need for the victory as he pitched a complete game, giving up a single run on 3 hits while striking out 7 Cardinals.

A third inning 2 out rally added 3 runs. Three insurance runs were added in the seventh to complete the Comet scoring. The Comet offense recorded 10 hits and 6 stolen bases. Offensive leaders were Johnson and McVey, each going 2 for 4 (single and double each); Otte with 3 RBI’s; and Quallen with 3 stolen bases and 3 runs scored.

Next up Mason will host Colerain on Friday, April 15th.

Mason lost to Colerain on Friday, April 15th to split their 2 game series. Mason committed too many defensive errors and never led in this game.

Colerain put up 3 unearned runs in the first inning to put the Comets in a quick hole. The Comets battled their way back scoring 1 run in each of the first 3 innings, yet were still behind 4-3 at the end of the 3rd inning. That was as close as the Comets would get in this contest as Colerain went on to score in each of the last 3 innings to win 9-3. Offensively sophomores Josh Linne (2-4; DBL; 1RBI) and Connor McVey (2-4) provided the highlights.

Mason's doubleheader on Saturday, April 16th against St. Xavier and Cernterville was rained out. Next up the Comets host Middletown on Monday, April 18th.

Mason fell to Middletown on Monday, April 18th by a score of 7-5. The Comets got behind early in this game with the Middies scoring twice in the 1st inning and adding 4 more in the 2nd inning. The Middies had a 6-1 lead after 2 innings. The Comets got 1 run in the 1st inning and 1 run in the 5th inning but were still behind 7-2 after 5 innings.

The Comets battled back in the 6th inning with Connor McVey hitting a 2 run double in the right center alley. The Comets scored 3 runs in the 6th inning yet they left the bases loaded and were still down 7-5 after 6 innings. The game ended 7-5 with the Comets losing the first of this 2 game series.

Relief pitchers Hilbert, Wishard, and Apking held the Middies scoreless for the last 3 innings (each pitched 1 complete inning) as the Comets tried to battle back. Shane Johnson continues to pound out the hits to lead the Comets offensively going 3-4 with 2 RBI's.

Other offensive leaders:
McVey 2-4; DBL; 2 RBI
Vannelle 2-4; 1R
Linne 1-3; DBL; BB; 1R

The Comets lost to the Indians tonight at Fairfield’s Joe Nuxhall Field on Thursday, April 21 by a score of 7-1.

Mason offered little fight as Fairfield built a 7 run lead over 6 innings before Mason finally scored a single run in the seventh inning. The offensive highlight came in the seventh inning off the bat of Weingand, a pinch hit triple.

Mason notched a 8-5 victory against Princeton in a Friday, April 22nd matinee baseball game hosted at Comet Field.The makeup game was rescheduled from an earlier rainout.

The Viking offense jumped to an early four run lead in the top of the first inning. The Princeton lead didn’t last as the Comets matched that fast start by sending 10 batters to the plate and scoring 5 in the bottom of the first. Backed by good defense, starting pitcher Josh Galloway settled in and allowed only a single run the rest of the way. Defensive highlights included a spectacular diving catch in left center by Chris Grable and a run-saving hard tag at home by Josh Linne. Offensive leaders were Linne (2 for 3 with 3 RBI’s), Weingand (1 for 2,double, hit by pitch, 3 RBI’s), and Mcvey (2 for 4,1 RBI).

Mason' Saturday, April 23rd contest against Lasalle was rainout, No makeup date has been announced. Next up the Comets will host Fairfield on Monday, April 25th, weather permitting.

@ Middletown

(makeup game)

The makeup game between Mason and Middletown on Thursday, April 28th was suspended.

This game was stopped in the 4th inning due to inclement weather. Mason was leading 3-1 in the top of the 4th inning and was still batting when the game was called. Ryan McVey singled and was on base when Josh Galloway hit a 2 run Home Run in the first inning for the Comets. Andrew McDonald pitched the first 3 innings for the Comets only giving up 1 run in the 3rd inning during a driving rainstorm. The Comets were adding to their lead in the 4th inning with Kevin Niehoff driving in Cory Quallen from 3rd base with an RBI single.

The game is now scheduled to be continued Sunday May 8th at 4pm at Middletown. A new rule change this year only counts complete games that go the full 7 innings.

Mason will play a day-night double-header on Saturday. They will host St. Xavier at 1:00 pm then play Kings at Prasco Park beginning at approx. 6:30. The evening game will be Mason Youth Baseball night with many activities and events before and during the game. Admission is free to all. Please come out and support the Comets!

In an exciting game featuring multiple lead changes, the Comets fell to the Highlanders in extra innings 7-5. Mason struck early, scoring 2 in the first. Oak Hills came back to take the lead by scoring 3 in the top of the second. The lead didn’t last, Mason scored 2 more in the bottom of the third to regain the lead 4 to 3. Pitcher Eric Riffle held the Oak Hills offense in check until they scored 2 in the top of the 7th .

Not to be outdone, Mason tied the game by scoring 1 in the bottom of the 7th. In the 9th, the Comet offense faltered and couldn’t match the 2 runs posted by Oak Hills losing 7-5. The Comet offense was lead by McVey 4/5, 3 runs scored; Johnson 3/4; Niehoff 2/3; Grable 2/4, 1 run scored.

Kings--Youth Day

(6:30) @ Prasco Park

The Comets won their Saturday double header with a 10-4 victory over Kings. The game was witnessed by a capacity crowd at beautiful Prasco Park on youth league night for both teams.

Kings jumped on the scoreboard first with 2 runs in the top of the first inning. Not to be outdone the Comets came back with 3 runs in the bottom of the first sparked by an RBI double by Cody Apking. The Comets scored 3 more runs in the 2nd inning with Marcus Otte hitting an RBI single with bases loaded and Apking adding another RBI single as well. In the 4th inning the Comets put another 3 runs on the board. Chris Lamm did some fine pinch running stealing 2nd base while distracting Kings long enough to allow the runner to score from 3rd base. Josh Galloway also pulled off this base running feat later in the game.

The Comets led the entire way after their first at bat and took advantage of some sloppy Kings defense scoring 10 runs on 8 base hits. Connor McVey pitched a strong 4 1/3 innings in relief for the Comets and Zach Boden pitched a scoreless 7th inning.

Offensive highlights:

Cody Apking 2-4; DBL; 2 RBI; 1R
Marcus Otte 2-3; RBI; 2R
Chris Grable 1-2; 2 BB; 2R; 2 SB
Nick Vannelle 1-1; 2RBI pinch hit single (4th inn)
James Weingand 1-3; DBL

Next up Mason will host Lakota West on Monday, May 2nd, weather permitting.

NOTE: the Mason -Middletown game that was suspended on 4/28 due to rain, will be restarted on Sunday, May 8th at 4:00 pm.

Mason’s offense carried the team to a 12-3 victory on the road over the Lakota West Firebirds Wednesday, May 4th.

The Comets took the early lead in the second, Weingand scoring after a lead-off double to deep left center. Mason then broke the game open in the third, sending 13 batters to the plate, the first nine scoring before the first out was recorded. With a 10 -0 lead, the Comets played solid baseball behind starting pitcher Andrew McDonald, who pitched 5 strong innings, giving up 1 run on 7 hits while striking out 5.

Offensive leaders were McVey 2/5 (triple, single),3 RBI; Otte 3/3, BB, and 1 RBI; Sponseller 1/3, BB, 2 RBI; Galloway 2/3 (single, double), BB, 2 RBI; Niehoff 1/3 (double), 2 RBI.

Fairfield

(makeup)

The Fairfield Indians completed the season sweep of the Comets with a 4-0 win on Thursday, May 5th. The Comet offense could muster only 4 hits with no runs against Fairfield’s strong pitching and defense. Cody Apking for Mason was 2/3.

Next up Mason will visit Oak Hills on Friday, May 6th.

@ Oak Hills

(makeup)

The Comets came up short in extra innings ton Friday, May 6th, losing in the 8th inning on a Oak Hills’ walk off home run.

The Comets started the scoring in the second inning, after scoring a single run by playing small ball, Josh Galloway came to the plate with bases loaded and played long ball, hitting a grand slam to put the Comets up 5-0. Oak Hills put 5 runs on the board in the 4th to tie the game. Each team scored once in the 5th and 6th inning, to arrive at a 7 -7 tie in regulation. The game ended in the bottom of the 8th with Oak Hills taking the final game in the series 8-7. Offensive leaders: McVey 2/3 (single, double), 2 BB; Galloway 2/4 (single, home run), 4 RBI; Niehoff 3/4,(single. double, home run), 2 runs.

@ Middletown

(makeup)

Lakota West

(makeup)

Mason sweeps the 2 game series with Lakota West in 2011. This game was won by the Comets 7-1 with some timely hitting and good pitching. Brendan Begley had an RBI double in the 3rd inning to put the Comets up 2-1. Lee Sponseller had a single knocking in 2 runs in the 4th inning to put the Comets up 4-1. Nick Vannelle (1-2; DBL; 1RBI) and Josh Galloway both “took one for the team” as each got HBP (hit by pitch) with bases loaded scoring 2 more runs for the Comets. Andrew McDonald picked up his 3rd win of the season pitching a scoreless 2nd and 3rd innings. Erik Raffle, Zach Boden, and Nate Hilbert also pitched well in holding the Middies to just one run for the game. Kevin Niehoff continues to hit the ball well for the Comets going 2-3, 1RBI, 2R, and a stolen base.

The Comets last regular season game is Monday night at home vs. LaSalle before the sectional playoffs start on Thursday.

Lasalle

(makeup)

The Comets ended the regular season with an 11-10 victory over the Lancers on Monday, May 9th. The Comets pounded out 12 hits and played error free defense in this offensive duel.

Cody Apking had a 2 RBI single in the first inning for a 2-0 Comet lead. The Lancers had a 7 run 2nd inning to take a 7-2 lead. The Lancers scored 2 more in the top of the 3rd expanding their lead to 9-2. Apking had another RBI single in the 3rd inning as the Comets put 2 more runs on the board to cut the lead to 9-4. The score was 10-5 when the Comets came to bat in the bottom of the 5th inning. The Comets went on to score 6 runs in the 5th inning capped by a 2 run home run by Josh Galloway who went 4-4 at the plate tonight. Galloway also pitched very well going the last 4 1/3 innings only giving up 1 run to seal the victory for the Comets.

Offensive highlights:
Galloway 4-4; DBL; HR; 3RBI; 3R
Apking 2-4; DBL; 3RBI; 1R
Vannelle 2-4; DBL; 1R
Grable, Weingand, Sponseller, and T. Lawson also had hits for the Comets tonight.

The high school sectional playoffs start Thursday night with Mason hosting the winner of the Princeton/Amelia game. Come out and support your Comets Thursday night at 5pm.

SECTIONAL

vs. Princeton

5:00 p.m.

In a classic pitchers duel Mason outlasts Princeton in dramatic fashion with a walk off home run in the bottom of the 9th from Josh Galloway to win 1-0 in sectional tournament play on Thursday, Aug. 12th.

Both starting pitchers went the distance in this extra inning game. Andrew McDonald pitched an outstanding game for the Comets going all 9 innings with 10 strikeouts. McDonald carried a no hitter into the 8th inning before Princeton hit a single and tried to put together a late inning rally leaving runners on 2nd and 3rd base as McDonald struck out the last batter to end the inning. The Comets played solid defense to keep this a scoreless game until the bottom of the 9th inning. Galloway, the leadoff batter in the bottom of the 9th inning, left no doubt as he got every bit of the ball he hit deep over the left field fence to give the Comets a 1-0 victory.

Offensive highlights:

Galloway 1-4; HR; 1RBI

Niehoff 2-3; SB

Vannelle 1-3; DBL

Grable 1-3

Sponseller 1-3

Mason advances to play Lakota West at Oak Hills on Thursday May 19th.

SECTIONAL

vs. Lakota West

@ Oak Hills

**rescheduled date

The Mason baseball team ended their season with a loss to Lakota West in the sectional final by a score of 6-4 on Friday, May 20th. The game was played at Oak Hills and it was the 3rd meeting between these 2 teams in 2011. The Comets had won both regular season games against West but they could not make it 3 in a row.

The Comets had a strong pitching performance with Andrew McDonald going 6 2/3 innings but they could not muster enough offense to win this game. The Comets had 4 runs on 6 hits along with 3 errors. Cody Apking led the offense with 2 doubles and one run scored while Connor McVey added a double along with 2 intentional walks and one run scored. James Weingand went 1-2 with a walk and scored a run.

The Comets opened their 2011 season on the road against the Colerain Cardinals on Monday, March 28th. The game time temperature of 43 degrees made it a cold Opening Day for softball, but Coach Muff had the Varsity team ready to play.

The Comets got on the board early as Sami Hayner scored from third base on a wild pitch in the top of the first inning. The Cards came right back with 2 runs of their own in the bottom of the first to take a 2-1 lead. The score remained at 2-1 until the 5th inning.

Sami Parave opened the 5th with a walk. A bunt single by Hayner put runners at first and second with no outs. After a sacrifice bunt moved the runners over, Jillian Richardson hit a deep fly ball that enabled Parave to score from third and tie the game at 2-2.

The score remained tied until the top of the 7th inning. Parave and Hayner opened the inning with a walk and a bunt single. Claire Wehby then bunted up the first base line and Parave slid in safely at home to put Mason ahead 3-2. Jillian Richardson then capped off the scoring with a 3 run Home Run over the right field fence. Her opposite field homer put the game away. Richardson had 4 RBI’s on the day.

Senior Pitcher, Caitlyn Rausch, did a nice job of settling in after the first inning, and shut down the Cards the rest of the way. Rausch finished the day with 6 strikeouts and 1 walk.

The Varsity team starts the season 1-0 and gives Coach Muff her first victory as Head Coach of the Mason Comets.

Leaders: Pitching Rausch: 7 innings, 6 strikeouts, 1 walk, 6 hits, 2 earned runs Hitting: Richardson: 1 for 3, Home Run, 4 RBI Hayner: 3 for 4, 2 runs scored Browning: 2 for 3, Double

The Mason Comets beat the Kings Knights on Tuesday, by a score of 5-1. Played once again in very cold temperatures, this game was a tight contest until the 6th inning.

With the score tied 1-1 going into the top of the 6th, Mason took advantage of some walks, some wild pitches, and a single by sophomore second baseman Alex Johnson to push across 4 runs and take the lead for good. Junior catcher, Margo Hutchinson had an RBI single in the first inning that helped Mason take an early 1-0 lead.

Junior pitcher, Sarah Browning, had a very good outing, holding Kings to only 3 hits on the day. The Comet’s defense performed well behind her, allowing only two King’s base runners to reach second base on the day.

Mason is now 2-0 to start the season and will face the Hamilton Big Blue in a GMC Conference clash on Wednesday at Mason’s varsity field.

Leaders: Pitching Browning: 7 innings, 3 strikeouts, 2 walks, 3 hits, 1 earned run Hitting Johnson: 1-3, 2 RBI, run scored Hutchison: 1-2, 1 RBI, run scored Richardson: 1-3, double

The 2011 Comets are proving to be a team that takes a few innings to get warmed up. Perhaps the cold weather has been a factor, but all three of the Comet wins this season have come with the bulk of their runs being scored in the 6th and 7th innings. On Thursday the Mason defense played well again, allowing junior pitcher, Sarah Browning, to take a no-hit bid into the 7th inning against Hamilton.

Browning ran into some control issues in the 3rd inning, but a key unassisted double play turned in by freshman first baseman, Liz Hillen, ended the inning. This was another tight game that was scoreless going into the bottom of the 6th inning. Sophomore left fielder, Samantha Hayner, opened the bottom of the 6th inning with a slap hit out in front of the plate that she beat out for a hit. When junior third baseman, Claire Wehby, attempted to sacrifice Samantha to second base the throw sailed over the first baseman’s head and Mason had runners at the corners. Junior Shortstop, Jillian Richardson, bunted safely and Hayner scored from third base with Mason’s first run of the game. Liz Hillen then reached first base safely to load the bases. Sarah Browning then lined a single into centerfield scoring both Wehby and Richardson. Junior Catcher, Margo Hutchison, added an RBI later in the inning with a groundout to shortstop that knocked in Hillen with Mason’s 4th run of the inning.

Hamilton scored their lone run in the top of the 7th inning. Mason begins the season 3-0 and is now 2-0 in GMC Conference play.

Leaders:
Hitting
Hayner: 2-3, run scored, stolen base
Browning: 1-3, 2 RBI
Hutchison: 1-3, RBI
Pitching
Browning: 2 hits, 6 strikeouts, 1 run

The Mason Comets edged the Middletown Midddies on Friday by a score of 3-1. The Comets have now reeled off four straight wins to start the season under new Head Coach, Liann Muff.

In weather that was more suited for football, the Comets battled their opponent, and the elements, and came away with another GMC victory. Senior pitcher, Caitlin Rausch, gave a gritty performance. She struck out 12 Middletown batters while holding the Middies to 4 hits on the day. Junior third baseman, Claire Wehby, had a nice game - going 3 for 4 and making some nice plays at third.

In the 4th inning Junior Catcher, Margo Hutchison, hit a towering solo home run over the right center field fence and into a biting wind. Freshman, Liz Hillen, added a 2 for 4 day for the Comets. In the 5th inning, senior right fielder, Lynsey Carr, helped cap the scoring for Mason when she hit a sharp single through the middle driving in Hillen from second base with the Comets' third run of the day.

Picikerington Central

The Mason Comets put 5 runs on the board in the bottom of the first inning and that was all they needed – as Mason beat Pickerington Central 5-0 in the first game of a doubleheader on Saturday afternoon. Mason’s big first inning was highlighted by Alex Johnson’s 3 run triple over the left fielder’s head. Caitlin Rausch got the win and pitched a shut-out for the Comets, as they improved to 5-0 on the season.

Leaders:
Alex Johnson: 2 for 3, triple, 3 RBI’s
Sami Hayner: 2 for 3, run scored
Jillian Richardson: 1 for 3, RBI, run scored
Margo Hutchison: 1 for 3, RBI, run scored
Sarah Browning: 1 for 2, run scored

The Mason Comets lost their first game of the season as Pickerington Central shut them out 1-0 on Saturday. This was a very exciting ball game right down to the final out.

With the Comets down 1-0, Mason sophomore right fielder, Megan Warren, opened the 7th inning with a single. The Comets challenged, but were unable to bring the tying run home from third base as the game ended. Junior pitcher, Sarah Browning, pitched well and held Pickerington Central hitless going into the 7th inning. The Mason team defense was solid again with several nice plays turned by senior shortstop, Caitlin Rausch.

Leaders:
Megan Warren: 2 for 3
Jillian Richardson: 2 for 3
Sarah Browning: 7 innings pitched, 2 hits, 4 strikeouts, 1 walk

Next up Mason will visit Sycamore on Monday, April 4th.

The Comets improved their record to 6-1 on the season by beating the East Central Trojans by a score of 5-1 on Tuesday. Senior, Caitlin Rausch, gave the Comets another solid pitching performance and got the win for her effort.

The Comet offense scored all five of their runs in the third inning and held on for the victory. Junior catcher, Margo Hutchison, capped the scoring in the third when she drove a blast over the center field wall driving home two base runners. This was Margo’s second fence clearing home run of the season.

Hitting Leaders:
M. Hutchison – 2 for 3, Home Run, 3 RBI, Run scored
J. Richardson – 2 for 3, RBI, Run scored
S. Browning – 2 for 4, RBI, Run scored
S. Hayner – 2 for 3, Run scored
Pitching
C. Rausch: 7 innings, 5 strikeouts, 3 hits

The Lady Comets will host Fairfield on Wednesday, April 6th.

The Fairfield Indians traveled to Mason Wednesday for a game between the GMC’s only undefeated teams. Fairfield, with a 4-0 Conference record, and Mason at 3-0, led the GMC standings when play began on Wednesday. Channel 9 News was there and filmed footage of the game that was recapped on the 11:00 pm sports segment. Unfortunately the Comets fell by a score of 5-2.

Unfortunately, for the Comets, it was not their day. The Indians picked up a run in the 3rd inning and then added 4 more in the 4th inning. Down 5-0, the Comets’ added their first run of the game in the 5th inning when freshman, Liz Hillen, doubled to left field and drove home Margo Hutchison who had walked earlier in the inning. In the 6th inning, Junior, Sarah Browning, drove in Mason’s second run when she doubled to the left field wall driving in junior, Jillian Richardson, who had singled and scored from first on Browning's hit. Fairfield moves to 5-0 in conference play and sits alone at the top of the GMC standings. Mason will regroup and gear up for another GMC match with Sycamore on Thursday.

Game Leaders:
L. Hillen: 1 for 1, Double, RBI
S. Browning: 1 for 3, Double, RBI
J. Richardson: 1 for 3, Run scored
C. Rausch: 7 innings, 4 hits, 3 strikeouts

Next Mason visits Lakota East on Friday, April 8th.

Late Rally Lifts Mason Past Sycamore for 5-2 Win!

With two outs and the score tied 2-2 in the top of the 7th inning – it looked like Mason’s best hope for victory was going to be in extra innings. The Sycamore Aviators were playing a very good game marked by several defensive gems that robbed Mason of numerous hits and potential runs. Several times when it looked like Mason might bust the game open – Sycamore made a nice play to end a rally. These momentum swings would have taken the fight out of many teams, but the Comets kept battling. Nearly everyone in the Comet’s lineup had at least one hit today – with a season high team total of 13 on the day.

Junior shortstop, Jillian Richardson, started the 2 out rally in the 7th with her third hit of the day. Junior pitcher, Sarah Browning, then broke the 2-2 tie by launching a towering blast over the left field wall for her first home run of the season. Back to Back doubles by Junior, Margo Hutchison, and freshman, Liz Hillen then capped the scoring for Mason. The Comets shut the door on the Aviators in the bottom of the 7th and went home with the 5-2 win.

Leaders:
Hitting
J. Richardson: 3 for 4, Triple, 1 RBI, 1 run scored
S. Browning: 2 for 4, Home Run, 2 RBI, 1 run scored
M. Hutchison: 2 for 4, Triple, Double, 1 run scored
L. Hillen: 2 for 4, Double, 1 RBI,
S. Parave: 1 for 3, Triple, 1 run scored
Pitching
S. Browning: 7 innings, 6 strikeouts, 4 hits

Next up Mason visits Lakota East on Friday, April 8th.

Mason fell to Lakota East on Friday, April 8th by a score of 3-2. Last season the Lakota East Thunderhawks advanced to the State Semifinals. With several of their key players returning, including senior pitcher Sara Pearson, East is considered by many to be a favorite to win the D1 State Finals this season. On Friday, the Comets gave them all they could handle – and then some.

Entering the game with a 9-1 record, Lakota East has been dominating their opponents by an average score of 9-1. When the Comets took a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the 5th inning, you got the sense that the Comets were giving them a bit more than they expected from Coach Muff’s young team. Junior Pitcher, Sarah Browning, backed by a typically strong Mason defense, showed grit and determination in nearly taking down their GMC Conference rival. The Mason defense was highlighted by several nice plays. Junior shortstop, Jillian Richardson made a nice running catch behind third base in the third inning. Sophomore second baseman, Alex Johnson, made a couple of stellar plays that included a diving catch to her right in the fourth inning, and an unassisted double play in the sixth inning. In the fourth inning, junior catcher, Margo Hutchison, used her rocket arm to help turn a nice double play from pitcher to catcher to first base to help end a scoring threat.

The Comet’s offense picked up 5 hits on the day. Freshman, Liz Hillen, hit a key double into right field in the fourth inning that scored Mason’s 2 runs in the game. Junior third baseman, Claire Wehby, was hit in the helmet with a pitch that started that key fourth inning rally, and was forced to leave the game. Mason showed a lot of heart in the loss, and will use this game to continue to grow and build confidence as the season progresses.

Leaders:
Hillen: 1 for 3, 2 RBI
Richardson: 1 for 3, run scored
Browning: 1 for 2
Johnson: 1 for 3
Hayner: 1 for 4
Browning: 7 innings, 9 hits, 4 strikeouts

Next up Mason will host Oak Hills on Monday, April 11th, weather permitting.

The Mason Comets played at Lakota West on Wednesday,falling to the Firebirds 3-1 in a big GMC matchup. The Comets got off to a good start in the first inning when junior third baseman, Claire Wehby, singled and then scored on a double over the left fielder’s head by junior shortstop, Jillian Richardson.

The Comets carried their 1-0 lead into the fifth inning, but Lakota West scored 3 runs in the bottom of the inning to take the lead. The Comet’s offense was silenced after the first inning, and was never able to get any type of rally going the rest of the game. The Comets are now 4-3 in the GMC Conference.

Leaders:
J. Richardson: 1 for 3, RBI
C. Wehby: 1 for 3, 1 Run scored
S. Parave: 1 for 2
C. Rausch: 7 innings, 6 hits, 2 Strikeouts

Next up Mason will host Colerain on Friday, April 15th.

The Colerain Cardinals scored 2 runs in the top of the 7th inning on Friday, April 15th and held on for a 4-2 win over the Mason Comets.

The Cards jumped out in front of Mason in the first inning 1-0. Mason threatened in the 3rd inning when they had bases loaded and one out, but failed to score. The Comets did tie the game at 1-1 in the 4th inning when Senior, Ellen Boreing, singled into center field – driving in Mason’s first run of the game. Colerain took the lead again in the fifth inning on a solo home run and added two more runs in the top of the 7th inning. Down 4-1 in the bottom of the 7th inning, Mason scored one run when Sophomore Alex Johnson hit a 2 out triple into right center field and scored on a wild pitch. The Comets were unable to threaten any further and came up short to the Cards by a final score of 4-2.

Leaders:
E. Boreing: 1 for 1, RBI
A. Johnson: 1 for 2, Triple, 1 run scored
Rausch: 7 innings, 8 hits, 10 strikeouts

Next up Mason will visit Hamilton on Monday, April 18th.

The Mason Comets were able to put a “W” on the board Monday when they took down Hamilton’s Big Blue by a score of 8-5 on Monday, April 18th. The bats for both teams were silent early as neither team rallied until the fourth inning. Hamilton put 4 runs on the board in the 4th inning to take a 4-0 lead. Mason came right back and plated two of their own in the top of the 5th inning. Senior left fielder, Ellen Boreing and junior third baseman, Claire Wehby were on base via singles and scored on a throwing error from Hamilton’s third baseman to make the score 4-2.

Mason rallied again in the 6th inning, scoring six times and did all of their damage with 2 outs. Freshman, Liz Hillen, opened the 6th inning with a walk. Then, after two outs were made, the Comets went to work. Boreing singled for the third time on the day. Senior, Caroline Hillen, had a clutch two out hit when she sent a solid line drive into center field driving in Mason’s third run. Wehby kept the inning alive when her grounder to third went off the fielder’s glove and the tying run scored. Junior shortstop, Jillian Richardson added Mason’s fifth run with a sacrifice fly. Junior Pitcher, Sarah Browning, then cleared the bases with her second home run on the season – scoring three more runs for the Comets.

Mason held on for the 8-5 victory with their 8 runs scored marking a “high” for the season so far. Perhaps the team offense is starting to heat up for the Comets. They face the Princeton Vikings on Tuesday at Mason.

Leaders
E. Boreing: 3 for 3, 2 runs scored
C. Hillen: 1 for 1, 1 RBI, 1 run scored
M. Hutchison: 2 for 3
S. Browning: 1 for 4, Home Run, 3 RBI, 1 run scored
J. Richardson: 1 for 3, 1 RBI
A. Johnson: 1 for 3, 1 run scored
C. Wehby: 1 for 4, 2 runs scored
S. Browning: 7 innings, 8 hits, 6 strikeouts

Kentucky 5 Star Classic

London, KY

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Mason Competes in Kentucky 5 Star Classic

The Mason Comets traveled to London, KY on Friday, April 22nd to compete in the two-day Kentucky 5 Star Classic, held at North Laurel and South Laurel High Schools. The Comets squared off against some of the top ranked teams from both Kentucky and Tennessee. The Comets played two pool games on Friday and another on Saturday before advancing to the single elimination tournament.

In the first pool game on Friday they faced Mercy Academy – a team that finished as the runner up in the 2010 Kentucky State finals. Mason played well, but came up short – losing 3-0. In the night game Friday, Mason lost 6-1 to one of the top ranked schools from the state of Tennessee – Unicoi County.

The Comets defeated Western Hills (KY) by a score of 11-2 in their final pool game at noon on Saturday. Mason then beat North Laurel 4-2 in the first round of the tournament and advanced the semifinal round. Mason’s last game on Saturday was an 11-5 loss to the same Mercy Academy team that they had faced on Friday.

At a time when many other schools have been unable to play due to the weather conditions, Mason was able to play 5 games. The tournament enabled Coach Muff to utilize a lot of different players and lineup combinations against some very good competition.

Leaders for the tournament included:
C. Wehby: 4 for 9, 5 runs scored, some nice defense at 3rd base.
S. Browning: 4 for 9, 3 RBI, 2 runs scored, 1 Pitching win.
J. Richardson: 3 for 11, 1 run scored.
H. Mizener: 3 for 12, 3 RBI, 1 run scored.
M. Hutchison: 3 for 13, 4 RBI, 4 runs scored.
T. Stewart: 2 for 7, 1 RBI, 2 runs scored, 1 Pitching win.
E. Rumford: 1 for 2, 1 run scored.
S. Parave: 1 for 3.

Sycamore

(makeup)

The Mason Comets pushed their GMC Conference record to 6-4, as they defeated the Sycamore Aviators on Tuesday by a score of 7-3. The Comet offense picked up 10 hits on the day – with 5 of those hits coming in the first inning. The Comets were able to plate 4 runs in the first and held the lead for the rest of the game. Mason is scheduled to face GMC rival, Lakota East, on Wednesday at home.

Leaders:
M. Hutchison: 2 for 3, 2B, run scored
C. Wehby: 2 for 4, run scored
J. Richardson: 1 for 3, 2B, run scored
S. Browning: 1 for 2, 2 RBI, run scored
H. Mizener: 1 for 2, 1 RBI, run scored
C. Rausch: 1 for 1, 2B
T. Stewart: 1 for 2, 1 RBI
T. Stewart: 4 innings, 0 hits, 2 strikeouts

Next up they hoset Lakota East on Wednesday, April 27th, weather permitting.

The Mason Comets managed only one run on five hits against Middletown on Thursday, but one run was all they needed. Freshman pitcher, Tori Stewart, shut out the Middies with no runs on four hits. The Comets scored their lone run in the bottom of the 5th with three consecutive singles. Stewart, and freshman outfielder, Hannah Mizener started the rally off in the 5th inning with back to back singles to left field. Senior shortstop, Caitlin Rausch, then lined a clutch single into right field to bring home the Comets only run. Mason moves to 7-4 in the GMC and 12-7 overall.
Leaders:
Mizener: 2 for 2
Rausch: 1 for 2, RBI
Stewart: 1 for 2, run scored
Stewart: 6 innings, 10 strikeouts, 4 hits

Next up Mason will visit Oak Hills on Friday, April 29th. On Saturday, Mason will play a makeup at Princeton beginning at 9:00 am. The Comets are 12-7 overall and 7-4 in the GMC.

@ Princeton

(makeup 9:00 am)

Lakota East

(makeup)

Lakota East's Sara Pearson pitches a perfect game as the Hawks defeat the Comets by a score of 3-0 on Thursday, May 5th. Next up Mason will host Oak Hills on Friday, May 6th. Mason will visit Fairfield on Saturday, May 7th for a makeup game.

The Mason Comets came into the game with hopes of beating their GMC rival Lakota East, and making things a little tighter in the GMC league standings. After losing a tight contest with the Thunderhawks earlier this season by a score of 3-2, the Comets were ready to make a big statement before heading into Sectional play beginning next week. Unfortunately, things did not play out that way for the Comets. The Comets went toe to toe with Lakota East through 5 innings – and the score remained locked at 0-0. East began knocking on the door in the 6th inning, but when they added 3 runs in the 7th inning, they had all the scoring that they needed. Lakota East senior pitcher, Sara Pearson, kept the Comet bats silenced all day. Mason was held hitless, and Pearson walked away with a perfect game. Mason’s GMC record is now 9-5. Mason has 4 league games remaining before the start of postseason play.
Rausch: 5 innings, 3 hits, 3 strikeouts
Stewart: 2 innings, 3 hits, 2 strikeouts

Oak Hills

(makeup)

@ Fairfield

(makeup)

Lakota West

(makeup)

Princeton

(makeup)

SECTIONAL

vs. McAuley

5:00 pm

Mason defeated McAuley in the first round of the Sectional Tournament on Wednesday by a score of 15-7. They advance to play Sycamore, Monday, May 16th at Harrison.

Mason, coming into the tournament as a number 4 seed, and McAuley a number 5 seed, set up a very interesting early round matchup. The Mohawks brought a .300 team batting average into the game – but it was the Comets’ offense that shined. Mason posted 17 hits on the day, including 4 home runs. Junior catcher, Margo Hutchison, had a huge day, with 2 home runs and 5 RBI’s. Sophomore first baseman, Alex Johnson, and freshman outfielder, Tori Stewart, also homered for the Comets. Senior shortstop, Caitlin Rausch, junior pitcher, Sarah Browning, and freshman outfielder Sami Parave all had multiple hits for the Comets.
Leaders:
M. Hutchison: 3 for 3, 2 Home Runs, 5 RBI, 4 runs scored
A. Johnson: 3 for 5, Home Run, 3 RBI, 1 run scored
S. Browning: 3 for 5, Double, 3 RBI, 2 runs scored
T. Stewart: 1 for 5, Home Run, 3 RBI, 2 runs scored
S. Parave: 2 for 3, Double, 2 runs scored
C. Rausch: 2 for 3, run scored
S. Browning: 4 innings, 5 hits, 3 strikeouts
C. Rausch: 3 innings, 7 hits, 4 strikeouts

The Comets have an overall record of 18-9.

SECTIONAL FINAL

vs. Sycamore

@ Harrison

Comets Advance to District Final

The Mason Comets kept their streak of consecutive District Final appearances alive. Liann Muff, in her first season as Head Coach, and the Softball Comets, will advance to their eighth consecutive District Final game this Friday. The Comets defeated the Sycamore Aviators by a score of 9-3 on Monday in the Sectional Final game that was held at Harrison High School.

The game was actually a lot closer than the final score would seem to indicate. Mason fell behind early after the Aviators scored a run in the top of the second inning. Mason answered with a run in the bottom half of the second inning, and then added two more in the third inning. Sycamore pulled to within a run at 3-2 in the fifth inning. Mason then took control in the sixth inning, as they sent 12 batters to the plate. A combination of three Sycamore errors, three walks, and three Comet hits, led to six runs scored for Mason in the inning. Junior, Sarah Browning, hit a bases clearing triple into right center field that scored three runs. Junior, Margo Hutchison, followed with an RBI double, and the Comets were able to breathe a little easier.
Leaders:
S. Browning: 2 for 4, Triple, 4 RBI, run scored
J. Richardson: 2 for 3, RBI, run scored
M. Hutchison: 1 for 4, Double, RBI
T. Stewart: 5 innings, 5 hits, 2 strikeouts
S. Browning: 2 innings, 1 hit, 3 strikeouts

Mason will now advance to their eighth straight district final, where they’ll face fifth-ranked Glen Este (23-4) at 5 p.m. Friday at Lakota East High School.

DISTRICT FINALS

vs. Glenn Este

3:00 pm @ East

(rescheduled)

The girl's softball team fell to Glenn Este in the District Finals on Saturday, May 21st by a score of 1-0. The Comets managed only 3 hits and one walk in the shut out affair. Trojan Freshman second baseman Kayla Gregory scored the game's only run in the bottom of the first inning. Gregory walked, stole second and scored on a throwing error on the steal attempt. Mason's Sarah Browning took a no-hitter into the sixth before allowing two singles.

The Comet Softball season comes to an end for Coach Muff’s talented squad. The team played well all season long. The Comets should be proud of their accomplishments and excited about their future. Best wishes and congratulations to Mason’s four graduating seniors!

The Lady Comets end their season with an overall record of 19-10.

The Mason boy's tennis team opened their season wiith 5-0 win against Princeton. SEE SUMMARY BELOW:

1S - Cepeda vs Nagel 6 - 2; 1 - 6; 6 - 4

2S - Tsai vs Ferchen 6 - 0; 6 - 0

3S - Schneider vs Hazen 6 - 0; 6 - 1

1D - Hs/Lebedev vs Roy/Bent 7 - 6 TB 10 - 8; 6 - 2

2D - Mostowy/Heim vs Ficke/Biedenboch 6 - 2; 6 - 2

The Comets host Hamilton on Wednesday, April 6th.

1S - Cepeda vs Scruggs 6 -0; 6 - 0

2S - Tsai vs Campbell 6 - 0; 6 - 0

3S - Schneider vs Davnie 6 - 0; 6 - 0

1D - Mostowy/Lebedev vs Groh/Tillery 6 - 0; 6 - 0

2D - Speier/Heim vs Rueckel/Ports 6 - 0; 6 - 0

Mason tennis won it's third consecutive 5-0 match against Colerain on Thursday, April 7th. Freshman Luke Tsai wins a golden set! He did not lose any points the first set and only lost TWO points the entire match doing it in 28 minutes! He's only the second player in Mason tennis history to have a golden set. SEE SUMMARY BELOW:

Mason vs Colerain 5 - 0
1S - Cepeda beat Fitzgeral 6 -0; 6 - 1
2S - Tsai beats Wilcox 6 - 0; 6 - 0
3S - Schneider beats McPheters 6 - 0; 6 - 1

1D - Mostowy/Waters beat Sheline/White 6 - 0; 6 - 0
2D - Speier/Heim beat Grace/Moorman 6 - 2; 6 - 0
Record 3 - 0; GMC 3 - 0

Next up Mason travels to league rival Sycamore on Friday, April 8th.

Mason tennis fell 3-2 in a close match to the powerful Aves. Luke Tsai broke strings in two racquets during the warmup, but win on to win after borrowing a raquet from Mrs. Schneider. SEE SUMMARY BELOW:

1S - Miguel Cepeda lost to Adam Reinhart 2 -6 1 - 6

2S - Luke Tsai beats Mustafa Ahmad 4 - 6 7 - 6 TB 7 - 2; 6 - 2

3S - Jeremy Schneider beats Yuri Karev 6 - 3; 1 - 6; 6 - 4

1D - Vincent Hsu/Alex Lebedev lost to Dylan Stern/Frank Pan 4 - 6; 1 - 6

2D - Erik Waters/John Mostowy lost to Nikhil Grandhi/Jeffrey Kaplan 3 - 6; 4 - 6

Mason defeated Elder in the first rouind of the State Team Tournament on Saturday by a score of 4-1. They will advance to play Springboro in the 2nd round on a date to be determined. SEE SUMMARY BELOW:

1S - Miguel Cepeda lost to Drew Schroeder 6 - 4; 4 - 6; 3 - 6

2S - Luke Tsai beats Danny James 6 - 4; 6 - 0

3S - Jeremy Schneider beats Ryan Patty 6 - 2; 6 - 3

1D - Vincent Hsu/Alex Lebedev beat Nathan Walroth and Andrew Cole 7 - 6 TB 7 - 3; 7 - 5

2D - Erik Waters/John Mostowy beat Justin Cova/Keven Butler 7 - 6 TB 7 - 0; 6 - 4

Next up Mason will host Fairmont, weather permitting.

1S - Miguel Cepeda wins against Jake Flecther - 6 - 1; 6 - 0

2S - Luke Tsai wins against Jimmy Parks 6 - 1; 6 - 0

3S - Jeremy Schneider wins against Futi Tomponlibis 6 - 0; 6 - 0

1D - John Mostowy/Colin Heim win against Nick Johnson 6 - 1; 6 - 0

2D - David Speier/Erik Waters win against Brian Baker/Paul Stephen 6 - 2; 6 - 0

State Team Tourney (round 2)

Mason vs. Springboro

1S - Miguel Cepeda wins against Zach Berry 6 - 3; 4 - 6; 6 - 3

2S - Luke Tsai wins Ryan O' Gara 6 - 4; 7-6 TB 8 - 6

3S - Jeremy Schneider wins against Phillip Gruber 6 - 0; 5 - 7; 7 - 6 TB 10 - 8

1D - Vincent Hsu/Alex Lebedev wins against Phillip Locklear;Cruz Zwissher 6 - 2; 4 -6; 7 - 6 TB 13 - 11

1D - John Mostowy/Colin Heim win Anthony Ramigona/ Ryan Beatty 7 - 6 TB 7- 4 6-2

Mason defeated Oak Hills 5-0 on Wednesday, April 13th. SEE SUMMARY BELOW:

1S - Miguel Cepeda wins against Jay Morgan - 6 -0; 6 - 0

2S - Luke Tsai wins against Christian Vandewalle 6 - 0; 6 - 0

3S - Colin Heim wins against Ed Smith 6 - 0; 6 - 1
1D - Vince Hsu/Erik Waters win against Miraj Patel/Anthony Winder 6 - 0; 6 - 0

2D - John Mostowy/Alex Lebedev win against Adam Center/Michael/Rabe 6 - 0; 6 - 0

The Comet tennis team made it three straight 5-0 wins with the defeat over Fairfield on Thursday, April 14th. SEE SUMMARY BELOW:

1S - Miguel Cepeda wins against Ty Ko - 6 -1; 6 - 0

2S - Luke Tsai wins against Spencer Keith 6 - 0; 6 - 0

3S - Alex Lebedev wins against Adam Zinader 6 - 2; 6 - 1
1D - John Mostowy/Colin Heim win against Matt Wienek/Adam Reece 6 - 1; 6 - 4

2D -Erik Waters/Colin Heim win against Eric Lee/Drew Branderburg 7 - 5; 6 - 0

Record: 8 - 1 GMC: 6 - 1

Mason will host Lakota West on Friday, April 15th.

1S - Miguel Cepeda wins against Drew Schroeder 6 – 3; 7 – 6 TB 7 - 5

2S - Luke Tsai loses against Danny James 3 – 6; 5 - 7

3S – Jeremy Schneider loses against Nathan Walroth 3 – 6; 2 - 6

1D - Vince Hsu/Alex Lebedev win against Ryan Patty/Andrew Cole 4 – 6; 6 – 3; 7 - 5

2D - John Mostowy/Colin Heim win against Kevin Butler/Justin Cova 6 – 3; 6 - 3

Record 9 - 1; GMC 6 - 1

State Team Tourney

vs. Butler

The Mason tennis green machine kept on winning defeating Butler 5-0 on Wednesday, April 20th in the 3rd round of the State Team Tournament. SEE SUMMARY BELOW:

1S - Miguel Cepeda wins against Lauren Jackson 6 – 1; 6 - 0

2S - Luke Tsai wins against Kyle Teague 6 - 3; 6 - 1

3S – Jeremy Schneider wins against Mike Berry 6 - 0; 6 - 1

1D - John Mostow/Alex Lebedev win against Gary Hoss; Alex Anderson 6 - 2; 6 - 0

2D - Erik Waters/Colin Heim win against JW Bowling/Chris Smith 6 - 0; 6 - 0

Record 10 - 1; GMC 6 - 1

Next Mason will visit Laktoa East on Tuesday, April 26th.

Mason Tennis beat Lakota East 3 - 2 after over an hour of rain delay on Tuesday, April 26th. SEE SUMMARY BELOW:

1S - Miguel Cepeda loses to Zach Mueck 1 - 6; 0 - 6

2S - Luke Tsai beats Colin Sasthav 6 - 0; 6 - 1

3S - Jeremy Schneider beats Billy Barren 6 - 0; 6 - 0

1D - Vince Hsu/Alex Lebedev lose to Freddy Abunku/Drew Souders 3 - 6; 4 - 6

2D - John Mostowy/Colin Heim beat Akash Umakamtha/Mitch Naufer 7 - 5; 6 - 3

The tennis Comets run their record to 11-1 overall and 8-1 in the GMC. Mason is ranked # 4 in the Cincinnati Coaches' Poll and #8 in the State Coaches' Poll!!! Next up they will host Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy on Wednesday, April 27th (weather permitting).

Mason tennis continued their winning ways on Wednesday, April 27th beating CHCA by a score of 3-2 Mason's overall record expands to 12-1 on the season. SEE SUMMARY BELOW:

1S - Miguel Cepeda beats Logan Henjze 6 - 4; 6 - 1

2S - Luke Tsai beats Roger Phelps 6 - 2; 6 - 1

3S - Jeremy Schneider beats Ben Wittlagel 7 - 6 TB 7- 4; 6 - 0

1D - John Mostowy/Colin Heiml ose to B. Tedrick/A. Tedrick 2 - 6; 3 - 6

2D - Erik Waters; Dave Speier lost to Colin Keanny; Cody DiFabio 3 - 6; 6 - 7 TB 3 - 7

Mason will be in Flight A of the OTCA Coaches' Classic Tournament which is at Mason starting Thursday, April 28th through Saturday, April 30th. Also in this Flight is Lakota East, Lakota West, Loveland, Princeton, St. X, Seven Hills, and Sycamore.

For the first time in Mason's history and in the Coaches' Classic history, three varsity teams from the same school were entered into this tournament. Even more amazing, all 27 players on those three Mason teams won 3rd place or higher, thus earning a medal or trophy. Plus, Varsity A in Flight A earned as many points as Sycamore to tie for first place.

This is our best showing ever. Sycamore took first place via a tie breaker. They won the championship for 3rd singles and Mason won the championship for second doubles. Our rules state singles beat doubles in a tiebreak situation.

Meanwhile, Varsity White first team won Flight C and won both doubles championships. Varsity White second team won Flight D and won all the championships.

SUMMARY BELOW

GCTCA Coaches Classic
Flight A
At Mason
Team scores: 1. Sycamore 245 (first place by tie breaker); 2. Mason 245; 3. Lakota East 205; 4. Loveland 150; 5. St. Xavier 85; 6. Elder 65; 7. Princeton 35; 8. Seven Hills 20.
Championship
First singles: Mueck (Lakota East) d. Reinhart (Sycamore) 4-6, 6-2, 6-3
Second singles: F. Abunku (Lakota East) d. Tsai (Mason) 6-2, 6-2
Third singles: Karev (Sycamore) d. Schneider (Mason) 6-1, 6-2
First Doubles: Stahl-Streicker (Loveland) d. Pan-Stern (Sycamore) 7-5, 6-3
Second Doubles: Heim-Mostowy (Mason) d. Eldridge-Giles (Loveland) 6-1, 7-6 (7-4)
Third place
First singles: Cepeda (Mason) d. Nagel (Princeton) 8-4.
Second singles: Ahmad (Sycamore) d. Duma (St. Xavier) 8-6
Third singles: Santen (St. Xavier) d. Souders (Lakota East) 8-0
First Doubles: Hsu-Lebedev (Mason) d. Umakantha-Noufer (Lakota East) 8-6
Second Doubles: Grandhi-Kaplan (Sycamore) d. Head-Markovits (Seven Hills) 8-4

Flight C

At Anderson and Turpin
Team Scores: 1. Mason B 275, 2. St. Xavier B 195, 3. Mariemont 145, 4. Fairfield 140, 5. La Salle 125, 6. Anderson 70, 7. Walnut Hills 60.
Championship
First Singles: Heckle (La Salle) d. Scott (Anderson) 6-4, 6-1.
Second Singles: Ohlinger (St. Xavier B) d. Kalmbach (Mason) 6-0, 6-1.
Third Singles: Peck (Mairemont) d. Tanveer (St. Xavier B) 6-2, 6-1.
First Doubles: Water-Speier (Mason) d. Reece-Wiencek (Fairfield) 6-1, 6-4.
Second Doubles: Justice-Justice (Mason) d. Lee-Bradenburg (Fairfield) 6-2, 7-5.
Third Place
First Singles: Srinath (Mason B) d. Swords (Mariemont) 8-1.
Second Singles: Degerberg (Mariemont) d. Knobloch (Walnut Hills) 9-7.
Third Singles: Schweppe (Mason) d. Zinader (Fairfield) 8-3
First Doubles: Brophy-Cline (St. Xavier B) d. Fitter-Mechlin 8-2.
Second Doubles: Spohr-Good (St. Xavier B) d. Plummer-Neff (Walnut Hills) 8-3.

Flight D
At Colerain and Northwest
Team scores: 1. Mason (C) 400, 2. Kings 145, 3. Oak Hills 130, 4. Talawanda 125, 5. Northwest 115, 6. New Richmond 70, 7. Colerain 45, 8. Hamilton 20.
Championship matches
First singles: Sunkara (Mason) d. Campbell (Talawanda) 6-3, 6-2
Second singles: Dmitriev (Mason) d. Rohde (Northwest ) 6-2, 6-1
Third singles: Heim (Mason) d. Rowan (Talawanda) 6-1, 6-0
First doubles: Bhirani-Sahai (Mason) d. Raabe-Patel (Oak Hills) 6-1, 6-2
Second doubles: Curtis-Chagarlamus (Mason) d. Smith-Wunder 7-6, 6-0

Next up Mason will host Lakota West on Monday, May 2nd, weather permiiting.

Mason Green tennis beat Lakota West 5 - 0 on Monday, May 2nd. SEE SUMMARY BELOW:

1S - Miguel Cepeda beat Martin Burbank 6 - 3; 6 - 3

2S - Luke Tsai beat Aaron Madaris 6 - 1; 6 - 0

3S - Jeremy Schneider beat Nick Lang 6 - 2; 6 - 4

1D - Vince Hsu/Alex Lebedev beat Clark Gibson/Chris Waflart 6 - 1; 6 - 0

2D - John Mostowy/Colin Heim beat Hunter Cross/Brian Griffith 6 - 0; 6 - 0

Tuesday's match versus Loveland was postponed and will be made up on May 12th. Next up the Comets will visit CCDS on Wednesday, May 4th. Mason will host the GMC Tennis Championships beginning on Thursday, May 5th and concluding on Saturday, May 7th.

The Mason green varsity tennis team defeated Cincinnati Country Day on Wednesday, April 4th 5-0. SEE SUMMARY BELOW:

1S - Miguel Cepeda won 6 - 3; 6 - 3
2S - Luke Tsai won 6 - 4; 6 - 2
3S - Jeremy Schneider won 6 - 0; 6 - 1

1D - Eric Waters/Alex Lebedev won 6-2; 6 - 1
2D - Colin Heim/John Mostowy won 6 - 4; 6 - 3

Next up is the GMC Championships at Mason on Thursday and Saturday, May 7th. Of note...all Mason players are seeded. See below:

1S - Miguel Cepeda #3 seed
2S - Luke Tsai #1 seed
3S - Jeremy Schneider - #1 seed

1D - Vince Hsu/Alex Lebedev - #2 seed
2D - Colin Heim/John Mostowy - #1 seed

GMC TOURNEY

@ Mason

Mason competed in the GMC Championshiips last week finishing 4th overall to 1st place Sycamore. This was a two place improvement from last year. SEE SUMMARY BELOW:

1st singles - Miguel Cepeda took 4th place
2nd singles - Luke Tsai won the championship
3rd singles - Jeremy Schneider won the championship

1st doubles - Vincent Hsu/Alex Lebedev took 3rd place
2nd doubles - Colin Heim/John Mostowy took 2nd place

We ended up taking second place in the conference. Sycamore took first place and won the trophy.

Mason lost to St. Xavier of Kentucky on Sunday, May 8th by a score of 4-1. SEE SUMMARY BELOW:

1S - Miguel Cepeda lost to Alex Garnet 1 - 6; 4 - 6
2S - Luke Tsai lost to Andrew Eiferman 2 - 6; 4 -6
3S - Jeremy Schneider beat Garret Standbury 6 - 4; 6 - 2

1D - Vince Hsu/Alex Lebedev lost to Joe Siami/Sean Donohue 3-6; 3 - 6
2D - Colin Heim/John Mostow lost to Daniel Miller/Parker Thieneman 3-6; 1-6

The Comets are 14-2 and will play Fairmont at Mason Monday, May 9th at 4:30 p.m.

Jeremy Schneider and John Mostowy will play singles matches in the quarterfinals at Mason on Thursday, 5/12 at 4 pm. (Varsity Green Loveland match has been canceled).

Meanwhile, Miguel Cepeda and Luke Tsai are a doubles team and have qualified for Districts. They will play two seed matches on Saturday, 5/14 beginning at 8 am.

Districts are in Centerville on Thursday, 5/19.

Just in, we moved up to #3 in the City Coaches' Poll. Plus, we moved up to #7 in the State Poll.

Team Tennis Tourney

Varsity Green Lost to St. Xavier by a score of 4-1 in Round 4 of the State Team Tournament on Wednesday, May 11th. SEE SUMMARY BELOW:

1S - Miguel Cepeda lost to Devin Bostick 6-7; TB 5-7; 4-6
2S - Luke Tsai lost to Matthew Duma 6-7 TB 3-7; 3-6
3S - Jeremy Schneider beat Matthew Santen - 4-6; 7-5 STB 10-5

1D- Vince Hsu/Alex Lebedev lost to Edward Broun/Casey Leary 3-6; 5-7
2D - Colin Heim/John Mostowy lost to Don Baumerman/Elliot Bostic 3-6; 2-6

Next up are Districts at Centerville on Thursday, May 19th.

Jeremy Schneider and John Mostowy lost their matches on Thursday to higher seeds.

The Varsity Boys Tennis doubles team of sophomore Miguel Cepeda and freshman Luke Tsai won the Division I doubles title 6-0, 7-5, over Loveland's Austin Stahl and Ian Streicker. They have qualified for the OHSAA District Tournament on Thursday, May 19 at Centerville High School.

DISTRICTS

@ Centerville

The Varsity Boys Tennis doubles team of sophomore Miguel Cepeda and freshman Luke Tsai qualified for the OHSAA State Tournament on Thursday, May 19 at Centerville High School. While they have already qualified for the state tournament, they will play again this Saturday, May 21 at 9:15am against the doubles team from St. Xavier H.S. for state tournament seeding purposes as well as for the opportunity to play for the District Championship. SEE SUMMARY BELOW:

They beat:

4th Seed from Dayton - Joseph Londergan and Ryan Dull from Carroll 6 - 0; 6 - 0

Then they beat:

3rd Seed from Cincinnati - Ryan Patty and Nathan Walroth from Elder 6 - 0; 6 - 1

On Saturday, 5/21 they will return to Centerville to vie for seeding for State. Their first match is against:

2nd Seed from Dayton - Ryan O'Gara and Zach Berry from Springboro.

The OHSAA State Tennis Tournament will be held on Friday and Saturday, May 27 & 28 at Hilliard Davidson High School.

OHSAA State Tennis Tournament

@ Hilliard Darby

Cepeda and Tsai State Runner-ups

The Mason doubles team finished as state runner-up this past weekend. After earning a hard-fought three-set victory in the state semifinals, Cepeda and Tsai lost a 6-3, 6-1 decision to Upper Arlington’s Billy Weldon and Stu Little in the Division I finals on Saturday at Hilliard Davidson High School. It was the second straight state doubles title for Weldon and Little.

The doubles duo run to the state final caps off a postseason in which Cepeda and Tsai finished 12-1 as a team. That record includes sectional and district championships, and three wins in the state tournament. They entered the sectional tournament seeded No. 3 in the doubles draw.

Following two wins on Friday, Cepeda and Tsai beat Springboro’s Ryan O’Gara and Zach Berry 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 in the semifinals, a match in which they squandered a 5-1 first-set lead and fell behind 3-0 in the second set before coming back.

The Mason pair will have several more state opportunities as Miguel Cepeda is a sophomore and Luke Tsai only a freshman.

Congratulations on a tremendous season to both!