Athletes from 13 different schools have been named the Chagrin Valley Conference Athletes of the Week for the week ending Sunday, April 12, 2026.
Each athlete was nominated by his or her coach. All are based on the period from Monday, April 6, to Sunday, April 12, 2026.
BASEBALL
Name: Sam Barcikoski
School: Berkshire
Grade: 12
Stats: Batted .571 (4-for-7) with a triple, one home run, one RBI, four runs scored, and one stolen base; Pitched four shutout innings
Coach’s Quote: “He’s the kind of player who impacts the game in multiple ways and brings a lot of edge to our team,” said Berkshire coach Craig Barstow. “You can see the work he’s put in, and it’s translating on the field. He’s been a big spark for us.”
Name: Connor D’Astolfo
School: Perry
Grade: 12
Stats: Threw a seven-inning complete game with just 78 pitches, three hits, five strikeouts, and he also recorded a pivotal two-out hit in the bottom of the eighth inning that led to the game-winning run
Coach’s Quote: “Connor’s performance on the mound in our opening day of CVC play not only secured the win for us that day but set up our pitching for the rest of the week,” said Perry coach Matt Platt. “He throws strikes and keeps us in every game. He has also put together good at-bats and come up with timely hits.”
Name: Chace Gron
School: Kirtland
Grade: 12
Stats: Batted .571 (4-for-7) with 4 runs scored, 2 RBI, and 2 stolen bases
Coach’s Quote: “Chace has been a consistent bat in the bottom part of our order so far this season,” said Kirtland coach Luke Smrdel. “He didn’t play last year, and he got his shot early and has run with it. He’s hit in a bunch of clutch moments for us and has played fantastic defense at third base for us, too.”
Name: Anderson Jolliffe
School: Independence
Grade: 11
Stats: Batted .727 (8-for-11) with 7 RBI, 1 home run, 3 doubles, and 11 runs scored; on the mound, he threw a no-hitter in his first appearance with 10 strikeouts, and 0 earned runs
Coach’s Quote: “Anderson Jolliffe wasted no time during the first full week of the season, proving his determination and power at the plate to see the ball well, hunt his pitches, and make the most of his at-bats,” said Independence coach Jim Crooks. “On the mound, Jolliffe was dominant with his repertoire of pitches, yielding only a handful of batted balls for our defense, in the no-hit debut outing versus Caldwell High School.”
Name: Gavi Lappen
School: Beachwood
Grade: 12
Stats: 2-0 on the mound with 10 strikeouts, a 0.00 ERA, and a .174 opponent batting average; recorded a .400 OBP with three hits, 5 RBI, 5 runs scored, and 2 stolen bases
Coach’s Quote: “Gavi had two appearances on the mound and ended up getting the victory in both games, while allowing no earned runs,” said Beachwood coach Matt Lamovec. “He was a catalyst on the offensive end as well, as he found himself in the middle of several big scoring innings. We will look to him to continue setting the table for the middle of the order throughout the season.”
Name: Caleb Panteck
School: Orange
Grade: 12
Stats: Struck out 14 in 6 2/3 scoreless innings while allowing just 2 hits; scored one run, drew a walk, and stole a base
Coach’s Quote: “In a classic pitcher’s duel, neither team scored until the bottom of the sixth. Caleb pitched with composure and command, keeping hitters off balance, and getting past some tight spots due to a couple of errors,” said Orange coach Fred Zupancic. “He showed grit and discipline at the plate after being down two strikes. He worked a seven-pitch at-bat into a walk and stole home for the game’s only run.”
Name: Dylan Pribanic
School: Chagrin Falls
Grade: 10
Stats: Batted .556 (5-for-9) with a .714 OBP, a double, 4 walks, a HBP, 1 RBI, 5 runs scored, and a stolen base
Coach’s Quote: “Dylan has a lot more confidence this season after playing a full year as a freshman last season,” said Chagrin Falls coach Michael Sweeney. “He had a great week last week and has been getting better and better. I know Dylan will continue to improve throughout the season because of his hard work and dedication to the sport. By the end of the season, Dylan could be one of the better hitters in the area. Not only is he turning into a tremendous hitter, he is also an excellent outfielder with a strong arm.”
GIRLS LACROSSE
Name: Caroline Briggs
School: Hawken
Grade: 11
Stats: Scored 9 goals with 4 assists and 14 draw controls
Coach’s Quote: “Caroline is a complete player as a lacrosse midfielder,” said Hawken coach Jim Newman. “Caroline consistently wins that draw, thus giving our team the opportunity to possess the ball and run our offense effectively. In recent wins, Caroline is a true leader on the field from an offensive and defensive perspective. As a junior captain, Caroline inspires her teammates through hard work, resilience, and a true competitive spirit.”
SOFTBALL
Name: Leigha Blazetic
School: Wickliffe
Grade: 12
Stats: Batted .625 (5-for-8) with 2 home runs, 7 RBI, 2 runs scored, 1 walk; Struck out 38 in 18 innings pitched
Coach’s Quote: “Leigha has been a tremendous leader for our team and continues to set the standard with her work ethic and competitiveness,” said Wickliffe coach Marlana Mucciarone. “She brings confidence and composure every time she steps on the field, which has a big impact on those around her. Her ability to contribute in all aspects of the game makes her a key part of our success. We’re excited to see her keep building on this momentum throughout the season.”
Name: Rylee DeMattia
School: Jefferson
Grade: 12
Stats: Batted .714 with 5 hits, 1 home run, 4 RBI, and she threw out one potential base-stealer
Coach’s Quote: “Rylee has had a great stretch at the plate this nomination period, swinging the bat with confidence and coming through in big moments to help the team,” said Jefferson coach Emily Hagerdon. “She’s also been doing a great job behind the plate for us, managing the game well and contributing on defense. Rylee is just getting started, and we’re excited to see her keep building on this.”
Name: Peyton Gambatese
School: West Geauga
Grade: 10
Stats: Batted .750 (6-for-8) with 5 runs scored and 3 RBI
Coach’s Quote: “Peyton has hit well all year, and her defense behind the plate has kept teams on alert, because she will throw to any base at any time,” said West Geauga coach Mark Percassi. “She has been a catalyst near the top of the order.”
Name: Morgan Hunt
School: Geneva
Grade: 9
Stats: Batted .500 with a .667 OBP; in the circle, she struck out nine with no earned runs in 2 ½ games pitched
Coach’s Quote: “Morgan has impressed me from day one,” said Geneva coach Eleshia Pitcher. “As a freshman, she has come in and has taken charge on the mound. She has handled every situation we have put her in. This week, she had nine strikeouts and zero earned runs against two very tough lineups. Morgan has also proven herself at the plate.”
Name: Carly Kray
School: Edgewood
Grade: 11
Stats: Recorded four hits, three walks, and three runs scored in two games
Coach’s Quote: “Carly had a great week at the plate and in the field,” said Edgewood coach Randy Vencill. “She has had a tremendous start to the season and has been a big reason for our team’s success.”
Name: Moira Wonders
School: Berkshire
Grade: 10
Stats: Batted .500 and went 2-1 in the circle with 38 strikeouts, including 18 in one game
Coach’s Quote: “Moira has continued to be our go-to pitcher and is always putting us in the position to win,” said Berkshire coach Joe Medlen. “Moira is an absolute workhorse and is a great teammate and is as humble as they come. Moira cleared the 100 strikeout mark as a freshman and is well on her way again.”
BOYS TENNIS
Name: Matthew Busby
School: Chagrin Falls
Grade: 12
Stats: Won a singles match in straight sets
Coach’s Quote: “Matt is an extremely talented tennis player with incredible discipline and enthusiasm for the sport,” said Chagrin Falls coach Mary Kay Yuyas. “He is the team captain and is a positive force for his teammates. It is a privilege to coach such a great athlete who also displays such good sportsmanship.”
Name: Randall Vencill
School: Edgewood
Grade: 10
Stats: Went 2-0
Coach’s Quote: “Randy has moved up from second doubles last season to take the first singles position this season,” said Edgewood coach Renee’ Mattson. “He is transitioning to the spot well, and I’m very proud of his mental game and how he is playing so far.”
TRACK & FIELD
Name: Izzie Copeland
School: Kirtland
Grade: 12
Stats: Won the 800 and 1600 at the Grand Valley Invitational
Coach’s Quote: “Izzie is continuing right where she left off in cross country and indoor track in her first meet of the outdoor season,” said Kirtland coach JP Moran. “She looks to finish out her amazing career this spring in style.”
Name: Gia Palmisano
School: Geneva
Grade: 9
Stats: Named MVP of Grand Valley Twilight Invitational
Coach’s Quote: “Gia was named MVP of the Grand Valley Twilight Invitational on Friday evening after placing first in three events (100m, 200m, and 400m),” said Geneva coach Annah Haeseler. “Gia is a hardworking, tough athlete who has been competing at a high level, all while working through some pain. Her grit and determination make her a standout on this Geneva team.”
