YSU

YSU
Men's basketball
YOUNGSTOWN -- Former Poland High standout Chad Fender has left the team. Coach Jerry Slocum said Fender, a freshman, does not wish to further his basketball career.
"We're disappointed in Chad's decision to leave basketball," Slocum said. "We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors."
Fender signed with Youngstown State in November 2004 and after a four-year varsity career at Poland.
Soccer teamloses in 2OT
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Penguins played strong defense against St. Francis but could not put any points on the board, losing 1-0.
Midfielders Caitlin Lee and Diane Fellabaum each had a shot on goal as well as defender Keeley Rice.
St. Francis also took seven shots, all of which were stopped by Youngstown State goalie Jessica Yarter keeping the Penguins' hope's alive.
Despite St. Francis outnumbering YSU in goal kicks six to one, the game remained scoreless and went into overtime. YSU held the Red Flashes through one sudden-death round with a save by Yarter.
The second overtime period ended when St. Francis forward Viviane Villar scored with the assist from Meghan Pearson at 106:34 into the game.
Youngstown State will be back in action on Sunday as they take on Horizon League rival Wright State at home.
Volleyball losesleague opener
DAYTON -- Youngstown State volleyball team lost its Horizon League opener to Wright State.
The Penguins lost in four games 30-28, 30-20, 28-30 and 30-22 to fall to 7-5 on the year.
Cari Leslie led the Penguins with 11 kills and 16 digs. Abby Lettenhofer also had 11 kills while Amanda Cindric had 20 digs.
LOCAL
Niles to honorAlberini
NILES -- Former Niles High football players, coaches, trainers and Frontliners Boosters will pay tribute to Richard Alberini on Oct. 2 at Alberini's Restaurant on Route 422.
Alberini has been a long-time contributor to the Niles football program.
Tickets may be purchased at the Niles McKinley Athletic Department, Nick Lamonge's Razor Edge, Mike Melillo's Barbershop and Joe Merlo's Barber Shop. For information call (330) 393-5595 or (330) 530-3405.
Florak to speakto Trumbull Famers
NILES -- Youngstown State baseball coach Mike Florak will be the guest speaker at the Trumbull County Sports Hall of Fame's meeting on Monday. The group will gather at Damon's Restaurant on U.S. 422 in Niles at 6:30 p.m.
The group will have a banquet at Sorrento's Restaurant in Warren on Oct. 16 at 2 p.m. For details, call (330) 540-2733.
REGION
Indians losecoin flip
NEW YORK -- The Boston Red Sox won a coin flip Friday and would host the Cleveland Indians if the teams finish with the same record and a tiebreaker playoff is needed to determine the AL wild-card team.
The Philadelphia Phillies would host the Atlanta Braves if they finish tied for the NL East lead and a tiebreaker is necessary. The San Diego Padres would host the San Francisco Giants if the teams wind up in a tie for first in the NL West.
Steelers sign WR Washington
PITTSBURGH -- Wide receiver Nate Washington was signed Friday by the Pittsburgh Steelers from the team's practice squad.
To make room for Washington, the team released rookie running back Noah Herron.
Washington, an undrafted rookie free agent, originally made the 53-man roster, but was released Sept. 13.
Burks joins Indians staff
CLEVELAND -- Former Cleveland outfielder Ellis Burks was hired Friday by the Indians as a special assistant to baseball operations.
Burks will help instruct and develop players during spring training and will assist Indians general manager Mark Shapiro and his staff with personnel decisions.
Vindicator staff/wire reports