Team Profile: Austintown-Fitch Falcons

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finishing their 2022 season 20-5 overall and undefeated in All American league play, the Falcons are off to a great start as they are 6-0 heading into Week 3. Following the loss of one of the state's best point scorers to graduation, this team is winning by committee as they have a corps of steady offensive contributors along with a sophomore setter back following a highly productive first-year effort. The Falcons are 1-0 in league play and have two conference matches scheduled this week versus Boardman and Canfield. Saturday will be a big non-league test as they will face undefeated Crestview (Columbiana, OH) and their dynamic point-scoring tandem. Here are some of Falcons' key players:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='227632' first='Rylie' last='Simons']</strong> - 2026 | S<br>Simons had 860 total assists for an even 10.0 a/s average in her first varsity season as a freshman in 2022. She was the floor general for a squad that averaged 12.5 k/s and a .260 efficiency. With 234 assists so far in 2023, her per set average is slightly ahead of her output from last season. She plays bigger than her 5'5 frame as she has athleticism that helps her get above the tape when blocking and to play the ball over on the second touch. Simons provides a veteran presence from the setting role as the Falcons continue to stabilize their offense minus their biggest arm from last season. He has good footwork and develops high hand position followed by consistent force of extension and location to put her attackers into good situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jordan Smith</strong> - 2024 | OH<br>Smith has risen to the challenge valiantly in replacing the point scoring lost from 2023. She earned 112 total kills last season for a 1.5 k/s average, which was fourth on the team in offensive production. Her impact in her final season has been more significant than that of her fellow returning teammates as she has earned double-figure kills in all but one match thus far. Smith led the Falcons with 24 kills in their hard fought 3-2 win over defending champ NDCL, then earned another 20-kill performance in their most recent win over Waynedale. She has 92 kills so far in 2023 for a 4.0 k/s average. The 5'10 pin is proving well she can swing a heavy ball at the net and from the back row to be an offensive threat from any rotation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='502124' first='Kylie' last='Folkwein'] </strong>- 2026 | OH<br>Another sophomore that earned significant time in her first year, Folkwein returns with improved quality to her movement and arm. She is currently second on the team offensively at 2.8 k/s, up from 1.9 k/s average from 2022. The 5'8 outside hitter is contributing at a higher rate on both sides of the ball. She can generate big lift at the pin to maximize her physical tools including using torque to generate aggressive pace. On the defensive side, Folkwein is contributing 9.7 digs and 1.2 blocks per match. Her season highs include 20 kills, 18 digs, and four blocks in separate single matches, all matching or surpassing previous career best outputs for a single contest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Afton Roby</strong> - 2024 | MH<br>Roby, a senior middle, was the second best offensive contributor from 2022 and is experiencing increased success so far this season at 2.3 k/s. She leads the Falcons' net defense with 3.5 b/m and once again as the top efficiency of their primary arms at .295. In their recent win over Waynedale she terminated 10 kills for the second time this season while also earning a career best seven blocks. At 6'0, she has some of the best size on this team and moves well in transition to develop good spacing around her setter. Roby has shown she can score through good arm control and placement of the ball through different attack points. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='482485' first='Izzy' last='Direnzo']</strong> - 2025 | L<br>Direnzo provides good first-touch action for the Falcons, especially on the defensive side. She reads the court well and gets herself into good position to be able to pursue the ball in all directions. She uses an effective first step and develops good angles and platform control to put the ball into good spots for her team to transition. With 69 digs in a reserved role over the course of the 2022 season, she has picked up 132 digs so far in 2023 for an average of 6.0 d/s. She earned a career high 28 digs in their 3-1 win over Lakeview earlier in the season, followed by 29 digs against NDCL. In the Falcons' most recent 3-1 win over Waynedale, Direnzo set a new career best of 34 digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->