text stringlengths 237 126k | date_download stringdate 2022-01-01 00:32:20 2023-01-01 00:02:37 ⌀ | source_domain stringclasses 60 values | title stringlengths 4 31.5k ⌀ | url stringlengths 24 617 ⌀ | id stringlengths 24 617 ⌀ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fox Chapel boys volleyball finds positives after reaching postseason again
Phil O’Keeffe’s 20th season as Fox Chapel boys volleyball coach wasn’t as lengthy as hoped, but the veteran coach is pleased about the season overall.
The Foxes finished 5-7 in section play and 6-9 overall. Fox Chapel made the WPIAL playoffs for the seventh time during O’Keeffe’s tenure.
The Foxes, seeded 12th in the Class 3A playoffs, were swept by No. 5 Norwin, 3-0, in the opening round of the playoffs.
“Success is always in relative terms,” the veteran coach said. “Before the season, we knew we were going to be young. The way it was playing out, we had three starting sophomores who are young but pretty good, and three first-year seniors.”
Eric Baker, Bobby Chacko and Mannix McKaveney came out for the team, and that turned out to be a positive.
Said O’Keeffe: “All three of them did very well, considering they had only about a month of practice before we started our games. We’re very pleased with that. I give a ton of credit to all three of them for hanging in there. They performed admirably.”
Once again, a major contributor was Ben Shelestak, one of the WPIAL’s top players. Even with the skills of the players on hand, it was tough handling traditional section opponents such as North Allegheny, Shaler and Seneca Valley.
Those three schools earned three of the top four seeds in the Class 3A bracket. To no one’s surprise, Seneca Valley and North Allegheny, the top two seeds, played for the WPIAL title May 25 at Robert Morris.
“I knew going in it was going to be a little rough, but I was pleased at making the playoffs,” O’Keeffe said. “In the last match of the season, we had to beat Butler at home, and we ended up tied for fourth place, finally beating Butler in the last set.”
The Foxes trailed 14-10 in the final set before rallying to a 20-18 victory. The May 10 victory avenged a 3-0 setback at Butler eight days earlier.
As a youngster, O’Keeffe played at Central Catholic High School, then at Allegheny College. After that, he played eight years professionally with the Macon Volleyball Club in France.
After his playing days ended, O’Keeffe returned and helped a friend coach a Junior Olympic team. He got the coaching itch permanently and came to Fox Chapel a year later.
His Foxes brought home WPIAL championships in 2006 and ’15. The 2007 team and the 2010 team were both WPIAL and PIAA runners-up.
The 2022 squad was the seventh team to qualify for the WPIAL playoffs.
“We know what our section is. I try to get a run every four years or so,” O’Keeffe said.
“So it seems to be the cycle. Teams like NA and Seneca seem to reload every year, and we look at every four-year cycle.”
One disappointment was the cancellation of the 2020 season because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Foxes were thought to be a WPIAL contender and had done well in scrimmages before the plug was pulled on the season.
“The ’06 team is what really put the program in motion, winning the WPIAL, then making it to the state finals,” O’Keeffe said.
“That was my fourth year and their fourth year.”
The Foxes will be playing in the same section over the next two seasons against Butler, North Allegheny, North Hills, Pine-Richland, Seneca Valley and Shaler.
Jordan Varee, a member of the 2006 team, was O’Keeffe’s top assistant for the past seven seasons. | 2022-05-28T18:30:38Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Fox Chapel boys volleyball finds positives after reaching postseason again | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/fox-chapel-boys-volleyball-finds-positives-after-reaching-postseason-again/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/fox-chapel-boys-volleyball-finds-positives-after-reaching-postseason-again/ |
The Plum baseball team was no stranger to a close game even before it played its WPIAL Class 5A first-round playoff game against No. 6 Shaler on May 17 at North Allegheny.
The 11th-seeded Mustangs battled to keep their season alive, but the Titans were just that much better in a 4-2 victory which ended Plum’s season.
“It was a microcosm of our season,” Plum coach Carl Vollmer said.
“It was a very good, close game against a really strong team in Shaler. They showed that all year. I felt we had a number of opportunities to win that game. We just fell a little bit short.”
Shaler saw its own 2022 spring season close one game later with a 6-5 loss to No. 3 West Allegheny in the quarterfinals.
Senior infielder Silvio Ionadi collected a double for Plum in the playoff setback, and Titans pitcher Derek Leas struck out 10.
Plum went 8-4 in Section 2 and all four losses — one to Fox Chapel, one to Hampton and both games against Mars — were decided by just one run.
“We had opportunities in all of them,” Vollmer said.
The other two losses in the regular season came against two of the top teams in Class 6A — Central Catholic, 5-2, and North Allegheny, 12-2.
“I think we were a few hits away from having a really special season,” Vollmer said.
“Our execution at times could’ve been a little bit better. It just didn’t happen this year. That’s baseball. Things just didn’t break our way, I suppose. We were right there and competed in every game, regardless of opponent.”
Vollmer said the team struggled to score runs at times throughout the season. It tallied two or fewer runs in a game eight times.
“That, at times, put a lot of pressure on the defense and the pitching,” he said.
“In a number of games, we gave ourselves very little margin for error. We were hanging on every pitch, and that is a tough way to go through a season. We are going to continue to work on building our offense more while keeping our defense and pitching at a high level.”
The pitching staff, paced by the efforts of senior Justin Giarrusso, finished the season with a team earned-run average of 2.07.
Giarrusso’s ERA was 0.65, and he picked up three victories in nine appearances en route to second-team all-section honors.
“Our pitching was tremendous all year long,” Vollmer said.
“Justin Giarrusso wasn’t recognized to the level he should’ve been. His season was phenomenal. He only gave up 11 hits in section play. How he didn’t make all-section (first team); I really feel it was wrong. I firmly believe he was the best pitcher in our section.”
Senior pitcher/first baseman Colin Solinski, junior pitcher/infielder Caden Norcutt, sophomore pitcher/infielder Colin Watson, and junior pitcher/outfielder James Rumcik also recorded wins as the Mustangs finished 12-7 overall.
Ionadi, along with junior outfielder Brady Dojonovic, were named to the all-section first team.
Ionadi led the team in batting average (.386), doubles (9), home runs (2), total hits (23) and runs scored (16) while finishing second in RBIs with 11.
Dojonovic batted .343 with 11 runs scored.
Solinski, who led the team with 16 RBIs, joined junior Caden Norcutt as third-team picks.
Ionadi, Giarrusso and Solinski closed out their Plum varsity careers, along with fellow seniors John Ioannou, Brett Kelly, Jake Bell, Cameron Wickline, Joshua Gentile and Joshua Tedrick.
“We’re going to really miss all of these seniors,” Vollmer said.
“They all brought their own elements to our team. At the same time, the future is really bright.”
Dojonovic and Norcutt will help form the core of next year’s team with the likes of juniors Nick Lamia (.325), Carson Svidron (.318) and Logan Kemmerer (.295). | 2022-05-28T18:30:56Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Missed opportunities prove costly for Plum baseball team | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/missed-opportunities-prove-costly-for-plum-baseball-team/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/missed-opportunities-prove-costly-for-plum-baseball-team/ |
The Penn-Trafford softball team will play for a WPIAL Class 5A title against Armstrong on Thursday at Cal (Pa.).
The Warriors were dominant in the regular season, losing just a pair of one-run games, and as the No. 2 seed, they were favored to make a deep postseason run.
Plum saw Penn-Trafford up close and personal in the first round May 17. Mustangs coach Phil DiLonardo said the girls, as the underdogs, battled hard before falling 10-0 in five innings. It was another example, he said, of his team’s willingness to fight and battle through whatever was thrown at them in an up-and-down 2022 season.
“We stuck right with them going into the fourth,” said DiLonardo of the playoff matchup at Norwin.
“I felt that was a victory for us right there. Mia Smith is a great pitcher. She’s only given up two runs in three (playoff) games. She shut Shaler out also (5-0), and they’re always tough. We both had three hits against her. I think that says a lot about how good she is.
“We struggled offensively in that game, but we had chances to score runs, especially early. One of our problems all year was not getting that clutch hit in games.”
DiLonardo said the team overcame adversities such as injury and players moving around to different positions as it punched its ticket to the postseason for the third straight year.
Plum, which finished 7-12 overall and 5-7 in Section 1 play, faced a must-win situation in the final week of the regular season. It was win or go home at rival Penn Hills on May 10.
The Mustangs, who came into the game with a winning feeling after nonsection victories over Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (9-6 on May 5) and North Catholic (12-8 on May 9), produced a complete 6-0 triumph over the Indians to clinch the postseason berth.
“Basically, what I told them before the Penn Hills game was that our playoffs started that day,” DiLonardo said.
“It was win and advance against Penn Hills. We needed to have that game to get into the playoffs, and the girls responded. The girls played really well down the stretch to get to that point. They persevered through a lot of stuff. Their battle, heart and determination to get us to that point was huge, even more so than being in the playoffs. It also was a lesson for the younger kids that getting to the playoffs isn’t easy. You have to put the work in.”
DiLonardo said the playoff experience is a benefit to his returning group.
But before the team could begin to get ready to build on the postseason experience with offseason work, it had to say goodbye to a group of six seniors — Cassidy Starr, Jaralyn Kincaid, Ashley Polakovic, Maura Marston, Shianne Walker and Jenna Nardo — who helped form a foundation of leadership.
Polakovic played the first three games of the season before injury took her out of the lineup. She returned against OLSH, and in eight games, she batted .423 (11 of 26) with two doubles, four runs batted in and four runs scored.
“That kind of helped reset our defense, and it was a big part of us playing pretty well down the stretch,” DiLonardo said.
Junior Mackenze Lang, who battled shoulder issues and split time between the pitching circle (611/3 innings) and serving as the designated player, led the team in batting with a .442 average (19 for 43). She hit six home runs, tallied 14 RBIs, and scored 19 runs.
Opposing teams respected her power ability as a number of her team-best 16 walks were intentional free passes.
“For the situation Mackenzie was in, she gave it all she had,” DiLorenzo said. “She didn’t get a whole lot to hit this year, especially in the section.”
Freshman Dani Pici made an impact in her varsity debut at catcher and pitcher.
She hit .392 with four home runs and a team-leading 18 RBIs.
“Dani was a pleasant surprise for us,” DiLonardo said. “It’s sometimes tough as a freshman just to get into a starting lineup, but to produce like she did, I thought she had a great year, and her future is really bright.”
Kincaid (.316, 12 RBIs) earned second-team all-section recognition at third base, while junior Kendal James (.340) was an honorable mention selection at second base along with Pici, Lang and Marston.
Also expected back next year and hoping to make an impact will be junior outfielder Taylor Lorish (.327), junior infielder Madelyn Wagner and freshman infielder/outfielder Bella Tavella.
“I told them at the banquet the other night that I felt the future is bright with who we have coming back and who we have coming up,” DiLonardo said.
“I had the opportunity to watch a few of the junior high games, and there are some really talented kids down there.” | 2022-05-28T18:31:08Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Strong finish helped Plum cap season in WPIAL playoffs | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/strong-finish-helped-plum-cap-season-in-wpial-playoffs/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/strong-finish-helped-plum-cap-season-in-wpial-playoffs/ |
Deer Lakes’ Carson McCoy is shoulder to shoulder with Schuylkill Valley’s Luke Seymour after the first lap of the 800 meters at the PIAA Class 2A championship.
Deer Lakes’ Nathan Buechel passes the baton to Adan Herman in the PIAA Class 2A 1,600 relay Saturday.
SHIPPENSBURG — Carson McCoy apologized after his latest come-from-behind victory, knowing he’d just ruthlessly dashed the hopes of the same opponent for the third time.
But McCoy wasn’t really sorry.
The Deer Lakes senior used his strong kick to surge ahead in the final stretch and win the boys 800 meters Saturday in the PIAA Class 2A championship at Shippensburg University. McCoy was trailing with about 50 meters left before passing Schuylkill Valley’s Luke Seymour for the dramatic win.
The margin of victory was less than a second, but Seymour had seen this story before. The Penn State recruit lost in similar fashion to McCoy in the 1,600 on Friday, and in the 1,600 here last year.
Both were also about a second or less.
“After the race, he was like, ‘Dude, can I just win one?’ ” McCoy said. “I don’t even know how to reply to that, so I’m like, ‘I’m sorry, then.’
“I just apologized.”
Truthfully, McCoy was ready to celebrate. The Eastern Michigan recruit left Seth Grove Stadium with three more state medals, two golds and a seventh-place medal from the 1,600 relay that featured him in the anchor leg.
The Lancers finished fourth in the team standings for Class 2A boys on the strength of McCoy’s legs.
His 800 time was a personal-best by two seconds, and he could thank Seymour and the other runners in the race for that feat.
McCoy reached the line in 1 minute, 51.02 seconds. Seymour was second in 1:51.85, and Riverview junior Amberson Bauer was third in 1:55.19.
“I haven’t been pushed like that in an 800 all year,” said McCoy, who tried to explain his surge in speed. “I’d say it’s just the competition and the atmosphere, definitely.”
He contributed to a dominant weekend for WPIAL distance runners. They swept the four 3,200 races, won three of the four 1,600s and claimed two of the 800s. Moon’s Mia Cochran completed a unprecedented distance triple, winning all three events. Brownsville’s Jolena Quarzo also won twice.
“The WPIAL is definitely the most dominant district in distance running,” McCoy said. “It’s awesome to see so much success in the WPIAL.”
But there was a moment Saturday that McCoy wasn’t certain he’d be a two-event winner. His first lap in the 800 had him nine-hundredths of a second behind Seymour. That’s fine because McCoy prefers not to lead and instead is confident in his “kick,” the ability for runners to sprint to the finish line in a distance race.
“I live or die by it,” he said.
But in the final lap Saturday, McCoy had doubts.
“I was hurting so bad,” McCoy said. “I was just staring at the line and grinding away. I was thinking about all of the training I did. I’ve got to push.”
That was unfortunate for Seymour.
“With like 120 to go, I thought I’d lost it,” McCoy said. “But I was like, ‘Come on, I’ve got to win this thing.’ ”
• Riverview’s 3,200 relay of Ty Laughlin, Christopher Barnes, Parker Steele and Bauer earned a spot on the medals stand by placing eighth in 2A boys. The team finished in 8:16.
• Apollo-Ridge’s Gavin McCall finished 11th in the 2A boys triple jump at 42 feet, 9¾ inches. | 2022-05-29T00:09:24Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Deer Lakes’ Carson McCoy celebrates another come-from-behind win at PIAA championships | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/deer-lakes-carson-mccoy-celebrates-another-come-from-behind-win-at-piaa-championships/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/deer-lakes-carson-mccoy-celebrates-another-come-from-behind-win-at-piaa-championships/ |
Hempfield’s Elizabeth Tapper’s winning throw for the PIAA Class 3A girls discus was 153 feet Saturday, May 28, 2022, at Shippensburg University.
Norwin’s Aaron Schmook throws in the PIAA Class 3A javelin Saturday, May 28, 2022, at Shippensburg University.
Hempfield’s Elizabeth Tapper wins the PIAA Class 3A girls discus Saturday, May 28, 2022, at Shippensburg University.
Norwin’s Aaron Schmook placed eighth in the PIAA Class 3A javelin with a throw of 171 feet, 11 inches Saturday, May 28, 2022, at Shippensburg University.
SHIPPENSBURG – Now that Hempfield Area junior Liz Tapper has two PIAA gold medals on her resume, what’s in store next?
“I want to repeat and add state records in both events,” Liz Tapper said with a grin on her face. “I was so close this year. I have to fix a few flaws. I’m going to lift and practice — nothing unusual.”
After winning the PIAA Class 3A shot put Friday, Tapper added gold in the discus Saturday at the PIAA track and field championships at Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium.
Her winning throw was 153 feet. She was hoping to challenge the state marks, but she fouled on three throws in the finals.
Tapper was not pleased with her performance in the finals.
“I’m content with how I competed,” Tapper said. “Last year, it was rough technically. So we really worked hard to iron out things, and my goal was to throw 150 and I threw 153, so I’m satisfied by meeting that goal.”
Her performance surprised event her parents — Rob and Shelby Tapper.
“I never thought she’d be a state championship, especially being a gymnast for all those years,” Rob Tapper said. “I guess it just happened.
“She started pole vaulting, and it was a natural transition from gymnastics. But I never expected her to excel in throwing, ever.”
Shelby Tapper added: “Liz is gifted athletically. She has a great work ethic. She practices a lot. I don’t know if she thinks about being the best, but she works so hard with it and with her coaches.”
Tapper already owns the school record in both events — 164-4 is the discus and 48-1/2 in the shot put.
She becomes the fourth Hempfield thrower to win multiple titles, joining Rachel Serafin, Weston Banks and Max Adams. She also is one of nine throwers from Hempfield to win state titles.
Tapper picked up the pole vault in sixth grade. Throwing events came two years later during the covid-19 shutdown when she couldn’t practice the pole vault but could practice throwing. She wasn’t keen about throwing the shot put at first.
“I started taking it seriously the summer after my freshman year,” Liz Tapper said. “I couldn’t pole vault because of covid, so I could spend more time throwing. I never thought I’d be here. I’m still kind of in shock.”
Tapper said she was inspired watching former Hempfield standouts Mackenna Orie and Bella Gera throw when she was young. And she’s ecstatic to be mentioned with them.
“I followed in the footsteps Bella and Mackenna, and that’s what I wanted,” Tapper said. “I’m happy. It took a lot to get here, so I’m happy where we are right now.”
Hempfield sophomore Peyton Murray earned a bronze medal for finishing third in the discus. He threw 161-8.
Murray said he was pleased with his performance, even though gold was the goal.
“I’m pretty happy,” Murray said. “Sure I was going for first, but the guy who won it came out of nowhere. I wasn’t expecting that, and it got in my head.
“I was a little off. I think I should have done better. I’m OK with it.”
4 medals for Brewer
Greensburg Central Catholic senior Corinn Brewer ended her high school career by earning four medals in Class 2A.
But the Notre Dame commit, who has earned 10 PIAA medals in track and field, was not pleased with her day. Things went south when she didn’t clear 11-6 in the pole vault.
“I should have won that,” Brewer said. “I felt I should have done better. I was a lot slower (Saturday).”
Brewer has been bothered by injuries to her shins. It prevented her from practicing the high jump and pole vault.
She placed sixth in the high jump (5-0) Friday and then came back Saturday to finish fourth in the pole vault (11-0), seventh in the 100 hurdles (15.96) and seventh in the 300 hurdles (47.98).
Earning medals
Other Westmoreland athletes who earned medals were: Greensburg Central Catholic freshman Eva Denis (seventh in the Class 2A 100), Greensburg Central Catholic junior Lizzie Dlugos (sixth in the shot put), Southmoreland senior Alexis Jacobs earned a second state medal by placing sixth in the shot put, Norwin junior Ashley Laukus tied for eighth in the Class 3A high jump and Norwin senior Aaron Schmook placed eighth in the javelin.
Dlugos, who is coming off knee surgery, said she was pleased to earn a medal at states.
“I’m very excited,” Dlugos said. “I didn’t throw my best, but I’m excited to return as a senior.”
Jacobs said her goals were met by placing in two events.
“I’m satisfied because I didn’t place here as a junior,” Jacobs said.
Laukus said she didn’t know what to expect, but earning a medal was big.
“I didn’t reach my personal best of 5-4, but did medal,” Laukus said. “Now I have something to shoot for.”
Schmook was pleased to earn a medal. His best throw was 171-11.
The Norwin girls’ 1,600-meter relay team of Bernadette Zukina, Alexandra Walton, Bella Brozeski and Layla Robertson placed seventh in a time of 3:59.49. | 2022-05-29T00:09:36Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Hempfield’s Tapper wins Class 3A discus for 2nd gold of PIAA track and field championships | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/hempfields-tapper-wins-class-3a-discus-for-2nd-gold-of-piaa-track-and-field-championships/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/hempfields-tapper-wins-class-3a-discus-for-2nd-gold-of-piaa-track-and-field-championships/ |
Westmoreland H.S. athletes of the week: GCC’s Emma Henry, Hempfield’s Peyton Murray
Hempfield’s Peyton Murray was named Tribune-Review athlete of the week May 28, 2022.
Emma Henry
Claim to fame: Henry helped lead the Centurions to a 9-6 victory over Springdale in the WPIAL Class A third-place game to give GCC a PIAA playoff spot for the first time since 2012. She doubled, tripled and drove in two runs, and she also was the winning pitcher.
“She’s our bulldog,” GCC coach Mike Gaffney said.
Third-seeded GCC reached the WPIAL semifinals but lost to No. 2 Union, 9-2.
Henry is batting .559 with 25 RBIs and 22 runs scored, and she is 7-6 in the circle with a 3.05 ERA, 93 strikeouts and 45 walks.
What motivated your team to win the WPIAL third-place game?
We had a tough loss last year, and we didn’t get the result we were hoping for in our semifinal game last week, so we all really wanted to win this one. We also all wanted to prove that we are a good team after years of being looked over.
You hit a triple and scored on an error in the last game. It was like an inside-the-park home run. Was that one of the more exciting hits you have had this season?
It definitely wasn’t the prettiest, but I was glad we got to start scoring and how everyone’s bats really woke up that inning and how we really set the tone.
Do you like hitting or pitching better?
I honestly love both. Both hitting and pitching can be challenging at times, but when you get through the tough times, they can really pay off.
Are you getting any college attention. What is your dream school?
Yes, there are a few schools interested, but I don’t think anything will really be final until the summer or fall. I would really love to go anywhere where I can continue playing the game.
GCC hasn’t made the state playoffs in a decade. Why was this the team to return to the PIAA postseason?
I think this team is really special because we are really close to each other. We all really pick each other up, and our attitude and want-to-win has really changed compared to previous seasons. We all really want to go far.
How do you feel you’ve grown as a leader?
I don’t know if I would consider myself a leader, but I definitely work on bettering myself so I can bring the best for my teammates and the people around me.
Where are you from originally and what brought you to GCC?
I originally went to Jeannette and moved to GCC in middle school. I moved to GCC for better opportunities for my future/college.
Why do you wear No. 17?
It was my dad’s number.
Have you ever met a famous person?
Antonio Brown.
Who is your favorite Twitter follow?
I don’t really go on Twitter a lot, but when I do I like to look at coaches and their different perspectives on what mechanics “should be.”
Do sports run in your family?
My dad played football at Seneca Valley, and my youngest sister is really into softball as well. She currently goes to Jeannette.
Any unique talents or hobbies?
I am fluent in sign language.
What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
I will definitely be a softball coach in some aspect. Maybe for an actual team or lessons.
Favorite home-cooked meal?
Stuffed pepper soup passed down from my mom’s family.
Favorite movie or TV show?
Go-to drink at Starbucks?
Venti coffee frappuccino with heavy cream, sugar free vanilla, and double-blended. Trust me on this one.
Go-to MTO order at Sheetz?
Chicken sandwich.
Who is the most inspirational person in your life?
There are a lot of very inspirational people in my life, so this is a hard question to answer, but my grandma is definitely one of them because of how kind she is to everyone.
Sport you’re secretly good at?
Basketball. I grew up playing with friends.
Coach Mike Gaffney’s best advice is _____?
Keep rolling.
Peyton Murray
Claim to fame: Murray placed third in the PIAA Class 3A discus with a throw of 161-8. He was the WPIAL champion in the event May 18. A hip injury kept Murray from competing early in the season. He had to take five weeks off and was advised that he might miss the season. But he kept his faith and fought through the injury to make it to states.
Talk about the injury? I had a hip flexor and they originally told me I was going to miss the season and now I’m here.
What did you do to get yourself back to competing? They gave me a shot, and I was off for five weeks. After that, I had a lot of practice and dedication and hard work.
When did you feel you were back in the groove, or are you not all the way back? I’m not sure I’m all the way back. I’ve had better practices lately. Apparently hit 170 in warm-ups, so I’m getting close. I thought I’d be at 175 this season. I need more lifting because that’s one thing I couldn’t do.
Being a sophomore, does that give you more motivation next season? Everyone on the podium was a senior except maybe one. There is always someone who comes out of nowhere who can throw 170. I feel I’ll be there next year.
Talk about your coach, who happens to be your dad (Dave)? I think he’s one of the best coaches in the state, if not the best. He’s my dad, and we spend a lot of time together. I like him.
How does your dad motivate all the throwers? He gets up for every throw. He motivates me a lot. He built a pit in our backyard during covid. I definitely wouldn’t be here (without him).
Was there a time when you were growing up that you weren’t interested in throwing? Right before I started, I didn’t like it. As soon as you do anything good, it’s fun. I started in seventh grade.
Who was your biggest influence? My dad and my brother Alex are my biggest influences. They help me a lot.
What’s the goal for next year? Win it for sure and making it in the shot put and try to get on the podium in both. I’m hoping to hit 180 next year.
Are there any hobbies you do or something your friends would be surprised you do? Not really. I like lifting a lot. That’s what I’ll be doing all summer and get really big. The guy who took second was huge, and he just got started.
If your mom would get you something to eat or make you something special, what would it be? She can buy me Chick-fil-A. I love Chick-fil-A. But she makes good meals.
If there was one person you’d like to have lunch with, who would it be? Ryan Crouser. He’s definitely an inspiration to me. Greatest shot putter in the world.
Tags: Greensburg C.C. | 2022-05-29T00:09:55Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Westmoreland H.S. athletes of the week: GCC’s Emma Henry, Hempfield’s Peyton Murray | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-h-s-athletes-of-the-week-gccs-emma-henry-hempfields-peyton-murray/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-h-s-athletes-of-the-week-gccs-emma-henry-hempfields-peyton-murray/ |
WPIAL athletes sweep 3,200-meter races at PIAA championships
Brownsville’s Jolena Quarzo won the PIAA Class 2A 3,200-meter run Saturday, May 28, 2022, at Shippensburg University.
Eden Christian’s Sean Atkins won the PIAA Class 2A 3,200-meter run Saturday, May 28, 2022, at Shippensburg University.
Butler’s CJ Singleton won the PIAA Class 3A 3,200-meter run Saturday, May 28, 2022, at Shippensburg University.
SHIPPENSBURG — Brownsville junior Jolena Quarzo must like running early in the morning.
For the second consecutive day, Quarzo ran the first race of the day at the PIAA track and field championships at Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium.
And again she was the first to cross the finish line.
A day after winning a gold medal in the 1,600-meter run, Quarzo had a record-setting performance in winning the Class 2A 3,200-meter run in 10 minutes, 19.41 seconds, breaking her sister Gionna’s mark of 10:25.91.
It was quite a successful event for WPIAL athletes, as they swept all four 3,200 races.
Moon’s Mia Cochran also set a PIAA record in winning the Class 3A girls race in 10:13.62. Eden Christian’s Sean Aiken then won the Class 2A boys race in 9:13.47. Butler’s C.J. Singleton capped off the WPIAL dominance with the Class 3A boys title in 8:57.73.
Quarzo set the pace early in the race and gradually pulled away from the pack. She actually lapped one runner three times and numerous other runners once.
“I didn’t even know that I lapped someone three times,” Quarzo said. “I just knew when I was at 5:06 through the first mile I had a chance. Then I heard the announcer tell the fans to encourage me through the final four laps. That was neat.
“I was pretty tired, but I said ‘keep it at a good pace because you’re so close to the record and just keep going.’ I was definitely going for the record.”
Quarzo won the 1,600 on Friday for the first time. This is the second time she’s won the 3,200 at the state meet, joining her sister. The Quarzos have won the last four 3,200-meter run gold medals.
“I talked to my sister on Friday and she told me she wanted me to get the record,” Quarzo said. “She told me that I had already run a 10:27, that it shouldn’t be a problem for me. Just go out confident and set a good pace and you should get it.”
Quarzo said after she got through the mile, she felt confident she could get the record.
“I started feeling it after I hit the mile,” Quarzo said. “I want to get between a 5:05 and a 5:10, so when I hit it and was told I got a 5:05, so I said this is good and keep it good. The first mile was fast, so I could back off.”
She said she never expected to run a 10:19. | 2022-05-29T00:10:07Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | WPIAL athletes sweep 3,200-meter races at PIAA championships | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/wpial-athletes-sweep-3200-meter-races-at-piaa-championships/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/wpial-athletes-sweep-3200-meter-races-at-piaa-championships/ |
Ligonier Valley senior Maddie Griffin slaps at a pitch in a March 16 scrimmage at Hempfield.
There is plenty of softball left in 2022, but the WPIAL has set the table for next season with its realignment for the new two-year enrollment cycle.
The most significant movers and shakers locally are Yough and Ligonier Valley, who will be section opponents in Class 3A after changing classifications.
Yough will move down from 4A while Ligonier Valley will bump up a class.
Section 3-3A will also include Mt. Pleasant, Southmoreland and Derry.
Section 2-5A will now be more inclusive to Westmoreland teams. It will house Penn-Trafford, Latrobe and Franklin Regional.
Also, Greensburg Central Catholic will move up a class to 2A.
Franklin Regional had a pretty good idea it was on its way to victory against Woodland Hills.
The tell-tale sign? A 16-run first inning.
The big-hitting Panthers won 18-2 in three innings as Toryn Fulton homered twice, including a grand slam, and drove in five runs. Alex Patberg added four RBIs.
Franklin Regional (9-1) leapt into the TribLive HSSN Class 5A rankings for the first time this season, taking over the No. 3 spot.
Other Westmoreland County teams in the rankings include No. 1 Hempfield (5-0) in 6A, No. 3 Yough (6-1) in 4A, No. 4 Southmoreland (4-1) in 3A, No. 2 Ligonier Valley (5-2) in 2A and No. 3 Greensburg Central Catholic (5-2) in A.
Greensburg Central Catholic junior catcher Isabella Marquez is having a busy spring. In addition to being one of her team’s top hitters and on-field leaders, she is splitting time between softball and track. Marquez competes in the hurdles, high jump, triple jump and pole vault.
Among a slew of postponements from Monday and Tuesday was the matchup between Class 6A No. 1 Hempfield and No. 5 North Allegheny. The teams are now set to meet at 4 p.m. May 3 in McCandless.
Cycle alert
Bailey Kuhns is better known for her exploits on the basketball court, but the Greensburg Central Catholic senior has some softball skill, too.
Kuhns, a Mercyhurst hoops commit, hit for the cycle when GCC thumped Mapletown, 15-0, in five innings. She drove in four runs.
Tags: Franklin Regional, Greensburg C.C., Hempfield, Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Penn-Trafford, Yough
• Norwin softball looking to overcome soggy, slow start to season | 2022-04-20T15:13:25Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Westmoreland County softball notebook: Realignment to shake up sections | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-county-softball-notebook-realignment-to-shake-up-sections/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-county-softball-notebook-realignment-to-shake-up-sections/ |
Armstrong’s Jenna Clontz is greeted at home plate by teammates after hitting a two-run home run against Franklin Regional on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, in Murrysville.
Armstrong pitcher Cameryn Sprankle delivers against Franklin Regional during a game on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, in Murrysville.
Franklin Regional pitcher Carli Ramchandran delivers against Armstrong during a game on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, in Murrysville.
Armstrong’s Emma Paul (left) and Emma Smerick celebrate after scoring against Franklin Regional during their game on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, in Murrysville.
Franklin Regional pitcher Carli Ramchandran catches an infield pop-up hit by Armstrong’s Isabella Atherton during their game on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, in Murrysville.
Franklin Regional’s Sydney Jackson doubles in front of Armstrong’s Nichole Benvenuti during their game Wednesday in Murrysville.
Armstrong’s Jenna Clontz rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run against Franklin Regional on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, in Murrysville.
With nicknames like “Camo,” “Smoke” and “Mack Attack,” players on the Armstrong softball team appreciate a good time.
But just the same, they know when it’s time to put the business end of the bat on the ball.
The top-ranked Class 5A team in the WPIAL — and state — flexed its offensive muscles in a big way Wednesday, ripping No. 3 Franklin Regional, 17-2, in a Section 1 game shortened to four innings in Murrysville.
“This was the best ball we’ve played all year,” River Hawks junior outfielder Jenna Clontz said.
Armstrong, the returning WPIAL and PIAA runner-up, has now scored 107 runs in seven games, rolling out a lineup that simply rakes 1 through 9.
If there ever were a statement game for the River Hawks (7-0, 5-0), this run-ruled result might have been it.
“When we played them (earlier in the season) at our place, it was a hitter’s fest,” Armstrong coach Doug Flanders said. “Today, we were just solid all around — pitching, batting and base-running. We were motivated.”
Franklin Regional (9-2, 5-2), which went hit-for-hit with the River Hawks in an 18-13 loss, committed eight errors. The Panthers’ five-game winning streak is over.
The River Hawks outhit the Panthers, 15-3.
Teams used to go to Dairy Queen after victories. Armstrong stopped at a Starbucks on the way home. A day at the plate like that was worth some baked goods and a couple dozen Frappuccinos and fruit drinks.
A nine-run fourth inning lulled the Panthers, who have been potent themselves with an 11.2 run average.
“We had them to two outs (in the first) and they hit that home run,” Franklin Regional coach Jim Armstrong said. “That was a little deflating. We made eight errors. Defensively, I didn’t know if that was my team. We dropped some balls, had some overthrows and there was miscommunication.”
Clontz, known at “JC,” hit her first home run of the season, a two-run blast in the first.
Junior Cassidy Adams added two hits, junior winning pitcher Cameryn Sprankle had two doubles, and junior Cassidy Adams went 3 for 3.
Sophomore Jessica Pugh and junior Emma Smerick each had two RBIs.
“We really hit well with two outs today,” Clontz said. “The lower part of our lineup is really doing well too.”
In their previous meeting, the teams combined for 31 runs and 30 hits.
This time, Franklin Regional’s bats were quiet.
“Camo (Sprankle) hit her spots and really had some movement on her pitches,” Flanders said.
Errors allowed the River Hawks to begin to pull away in the second when they took a 6-1 lead.
Another miscue allowed them to increase it to 8-1 in the third.
“Our goal is to score every inning,” Flanders said.
The back-breaking inning for Franklin Regional followed. After a walk and an error, the River Hawks went to work and did not let up.
A two-run single by Pugh kick-started a nine-run rally. Adams and Sprankle had run-scoring doubles, Smerick knocked in two more, and an error and wild pitch led to a 17-1 lead.
Junior Madison Nguyen homered for the Panthers in the fourth.
“The weather is getting warmer and I think we are getting better as the weather improves,” Flanders said. “We put the barrel on the ball and let the results take care of themselves.”
Coach Armstrong took the loss in stride.
“It’s humbling because of how our defense played,” he said. “Not to make excuses, but it’s tough to get into a rhythm (with the weather). It’s annoying. We have only practiced on our field twice all year.
“Like Clint Hurdle said, ‘Go home, take a shower and wash it off.’”
Tags: Armstrong, Franklin Regional | 2022-04-21T03:31:32Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | No. 1 Armstrong puts on a show in statement win over Franklin Regional | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/no-1-armstrong-puts-on-a-show-in-statement-win-over-franklin-regional/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/no-1-armstrong-puts-on-a-show-in-statement-win-over-franklin-regional/ |
By: Jose Negron
Ligonier Valley senior pitcher Maddie Griffin delivers in a scrimmage March 16 at Hempfield.
Senior Maddie Griffin finished with 15 strikeouts and a three-hit performance at the dish to help lead Ligonier Valley to a 7-2 victory over Serra Catholic in Section 2-2A play Wednesday afternoon in McKeesport.
Griffin, a Youngstown State commit who helped guide the Rams to a state championship game appearance a year ago, allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits. She didn’t walk a batter and struck out eight of the first nine hitters she faced. Her command was on point as she threw 73 of her 85 pitches for strikes.
“Maddie recently hurt her ankle and she’s been down for a couple of weeks. This was her first game back, and she wasn’t feeling too good about herself before the game,” Ligonier Valley coach Mark Zimmerman said. “I thought she really fought hard. She hit her spots, and while they started sitting on the outside for her to come inside, she still did her job for us. She’s just a really tough kid.”
After three scoreless frames to start, the Rams (6-2, 5-0) managed to give Griffin some run support by striking first with a pair of runs in the top of the fourth inning.
Lyla Barr led things off with a single to center field before Natalie Bizup lined one into left. The ball snuck past Serra left fielder Ava Wos, allowing Barr to come all the way home with the game’s first run.
After a sacrifice bunt by Neve Dowden and a bunt single by Zoe Plummer, Griffin delivered at the top of the lineup with an RBI single up the middle to push the Rams’ lead to 2-0.
That advantage swelled to three in the top of the sixth when a bunt single by Griffin was followed by a sacrifice bunt by Ruby Wallace. Sydney Foust was intentionally walked and Cheyenne Piper blooped a run-scoring single into shallow left-center field for a 3-0 edge.
“We work at just trying to get a run here and a run there, and pretty soon, you’ll have a lead that you can feel pretty good about, especially with Maddie pitching,” said Zimmerman, whose team finished with 10 hits in the win. “We left some girls out there we would have liked to have brought in, but we executed pretty well.”
Serra Catholic (5-4, 3-2) was limited to just one hit off Griffin – a fourth-inning bunt single by Lida Wos – in the opening five frames.
The sixth inning, however, brought with it a bit of two-out magic for the Eagles.
After Griffin induced a flyout and picked up her 12th strikeout of the contest, Serra leadoff hitter Caroline Malandra got things started with a single down the left-field line. Lida Wos followed with an infield single before a bloop single to right by Olivia Gergely allowed Malandra to score from second and cut the deficit to 3-1.
“I felt like we needed to just break one through,” Serra Catholic coach Denny Willaman said. “We just needed a bloop or something to get one. We were running on all those pitches, and I knew we would score one. Once that hit by Liv fell, I think everyone took a little breath.”
One batter later, Tori Tom hit a sharp grounder to Piper at short. She delivered a low throw to first baseman Peyton LaVale and she was unable to pick it out of the dirt, giving Lida Wos the chance to score and make it a one-run game.
“I’ve coached for over 20 years and there is just something about this team that I love. I really can’t explain it,” Willaman said. “They’re a confident group, and I thought we played our butts off today. The last inning kinda took the wind out of our sails, but I’m very proud of the way they fought back.”
A four-run top of the seventh inning did indeed put a damper on the energetic mood of the Eagles.
Madisyn Zigarovich picked up two quick strikeouts to begin the inning before three runners reached on a walk to Dowden, an error by second baseman Maria Goldstein and an infield single by Griffin. One batter later, Ruby Wallace lifted a fly ball to left field, but it was misplayed by Ava Wos for a bases-clearing error that turned a one-run deficit into a more insurmountable one.
“Mistakes happen,” said Willaman, whose team finished with five errors in the loss. “We’re still very young, and the girls are trying their best.”
Wallace later scored on an RBI double by Foust, who matched Griffin with a three-hit effort. Barr contributed with a pair in the win.
Despite allowing seven runs on 10 hits and four walks, Zigarovich was still solid in the circle for the Eagles. Only three of those runs were earned and she finished with five strikeouts.
“Maddie has pitched unbelievable for us this year,” Willaman said. “Every game she has gotten better and today she hit did a nice job of hitting her spots.”
Serra Catholic is scheduled to travel to Jeannette on Thursday, while Ligonier Valley will play at Apollo-Ridge.
“They fought back, but we hung in there today,” Zimmerman said. “It was two good teams going at it. That’s just the type of game it was.”
Tags: Ligonier Valley, Serra Catholic | 2022-04-21T03:31:44Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | With Griffin back in circle, Ligonier Valley softball handles Serra Catholic | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/with-griffin-back-in-circle-ligonier-valley-softball-handles-serra-catholic/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/with-griffin-back-in-circle-ligonier-valley-softball-handles-serra-catholic/ |
West Greene defeated Greensburg Central Catholic, 13-3, in a matchup of top-five softball teams in WPIAL Class A.
West Greene softball players wait for their bus to arrive after Friday’s 13-3 win at Greensburg Central Catholic.
West Greene players and their coach, Billy Simms, hung out in a dusty gravel parking lot near the Greensburg Central Catholic softball field Friday afternoon waiting for their ride home.
Simms sat Indian style as he tallied up the scorebook while players giggled and passed the time.
The fact that the five-time defending champion Pioneers had just dismantled GCC in a Section 2-A game for their fifth win in a row, made their long wait more tolerable.
West Greene had to share a bus with its baseball team, which played at Bishop Canevin, so the softball team sat around until the bus came back from Pittsburgh.
With a 13-3, six-inning victory, heavy-hitting West Greene (5-3, 5-0), ranked No. 1 in Class A, now has four mercy-ruled wins. Their other victory was by a 9-0 score.
The Pioneers scored in every inning, pounded out 13 hits, including five doubles, and built a 9-3 lead after three innings thanks to a five-run third.
“We have a veteran team,” Simms said. “I am overly pleased with how we played today.”
It was a rough day in the field for No. 3 GCC (6-3, 3-1), which committed six errors to help the Pioneers’ cause.
GCC, which saw a five-game winning streak end, had a 3-2 lead after the first inning before the Pioneers scored 11 unanswered runs.
“You can’t make those kind of mistakes against a team like that,” GCC coach Mike Gaffney said. “They have won four or five WPIAL titles in a row. They can hit the ball, and they know how to win.”
The baseball team drove with the softball team to GCC, then the bus took them to their game before returning to pick up the girls.
“We went to Myrtle Beach with the baseball guys, so it wasn’t a big deal,” West Greene junior London Whipkey said. “We really got our bats rolling today, and our defense was solid.”
Simms, who is also the school’s athletic director, said four bus drivers called off, leaving him shorthanded.
“We made the most of it,” he said. “We had thought about rescheduling, but we figured it would be best to play.”
Whipkey doubled, singled and reached base five times.
Senior Katie Lampe, the leadoff hitter, went 3 for 3, also reached five times and ad four RBIs.
Senior Olivia Kriger, freshman Payton Gilbert and senior Anna Durbin, a Pitt-Greensburg basketball commit, doubled. They are the Nos. 6, 7 and 9 hitters.
“Our 6 through 9 girls don’t get a lot of love, but they hit today,” Simms said.
Junior Lexie Six added two hits and an RBI, and senior Kiley Meek, the winning pitcher, also had a double.
Meek and Lampe are Saint Vincent commits.
Junior Emma Henry delivered a two-run triple in the first, and junior Isabella Marquez knocked in a run on a groundout to give the Centurions a 3-2 edge.
The lead was short lived. Lampe’s run-scoring single, which followed Durbin’s double, made it 4-3.
The Pioneers took command with a big third, which started with a single by Six and and double to left by Gilbert.
Back-to-back errors by the GCC infield allowed West Greene to take a five-run lead before Meek’s RBI double made it 9-3.
“The wheels came off,” Gaffney said. “We had some girls who didn’t make plays who normally make them. It was a tough day. but it’s just a blip. … This game doesn’t define us.”
Another error led to the 10th run in the fifth and the 13th in the sixth to bring the mercy rule into play.
The Pioneers could have made it worse: They left the bases loaded in the sixth.
“This game is a confidence boost for us,” Whipkey said. “That hasn’t been one of our strengths the last few weeks, but we’re improving that way.”
And they’re gaining confidence in their bus drivers.
Tags: Greensburg C.C., West Greene | 2022-04-23T03:54:12Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | No 1. West Greene softball team routs No. 3 Greensburg Central Catholic | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/no-1-west-greene-softball-team-routs-no-3-greensburg-central-catholic/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/no-1-west-greene-softball-team-routs-no-3-greensburg-central-catholic/ |
Beaver pitcher Payton List throws against Highlands during the PIAA Class 4A softball semifinals last season.
A long and soggy week of WPIAL softball will conclude on a bright note with the sun shining on one of the top Class 4A game to this point in the season.
No. 1 Beaver visits No. 2 Montour at high noon Saturday with first place in Section 3-4A up for grabs.
Both teams are 2-0 in section play.
The defending WPIAL and PIAA champion Bobcats are a perfect 5-0 this season. Led by Virginia Tech recruit Payton List, they have allowed only two runs all year and none to a WPIAL opponent.
The Spartans haven’t played a game in nearly three weeks. They are 4-1 since losing their season opener to High Point Christian out of North Carolina.
In their most recent section win, Montour scored 24 runs in a victory over New Castle.
Week-long effort
The WPIAL baseball sectional series are usually on Monday and Tuesday each week, although some were scheduled for a Tuesday and Wednesday home-and-home series because many schools were off on Easter Monday.
However, because of the weather and wet conditions, there are still some schools trying to finish their weekly two section games against the same opponent Saturday.
A couple of key matchups include:
• Connellsville at Thomas Jefferson in Section 4-5A: While everybody is looking up at Bethel Park and Peters Township, the Falcons and Jaguars are separated by one game in the fight for third place. TJ is 3-2 while Connellsville is 2-3.
• Carmichaels at Bentworth in Section 1-2A: The host Bearcats (3-0) had a one-game lead over the Mighty Mikes (2-1) heading into their first game of the sectional series on Friday in Greene County.
Breaking the logjam
One game in the loss column separates the top five teams in Section 1-3A baseball.
Going into its game Friday, defending district champion Hopewell (4-1) had a one-game lead over Ellwood City (3-2). The Vikings beat the Wolverines, 4-3, on Wednesday.
The other four teams in the section are set to square off, first on Friday, and then the rematch will take place on Saturday.
On Saturday, Beaver Falls (2-2) visits Mohawk (2-2) while New Brighton (2-2) will host struggling Freedom (0-4).
Tags: Beaver, Montour | 2022-04-23T03:54:18Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | What to watch for in WPIAL sports on April 23, 2022: Top 2 teams in Class 4A softball to meet | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/what-to-watch-for-in-wpial-sports-on-april-23-2022-top-2-teams-in-class-4a-softball-to-meet/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/what-to-watch-for-in-wpial-sports-on-april-23-2022-top-2-teams-in-class-4a-softball-to-meet/ |
The early part of the 2022 Chartiers Valley baseball schedule has played out like a day at a great amusement park. An occasional bump in the road, but one thrill ride after another that leaves you on top of the world and wanting more as you leave the park.
The Colts came out of the gates running hard and are in the mix for a playoff berth in the tough Section 3-5A.
“We struggled with our approach early in the season,” Chartiers Valley coach Curt Cairns said. “We took a tough loss on a Saturday at West Mifflin. We came in on a Sunday and hit for two and a half hours with a singular approach to prepare for game one against Shaler. The next day we executed and found a way to get a win against a real good team. That win gave us confidence that we could handle big arms in our section.”
A split with one of the three tri-champs in the section last year gave Chartiers Valley some momentum heading into a series with 2018 champion North Hills.
However, when their section games were postponed on Monday and Tuesday due to weather, the weekly section series for the Colts became a one-day doubleheader against the Indians.
In the first game, trailing 1-0, the Colts tied the game with a run in the fourth inning, and then won it on a walk-off hit in the bottom of the eighth.
“Andrew Evans was the difference maker in Game 1,” Cairns said. “He went 7 2/3 innings and allowed three hits. Brendan Cruz walking it off with a two-out double was pretty impressive too.”
The second game was just as tight. Chartiers Valley used the same script in falling behind early, rallying and winning the game on its final at bat.
The “host” Indians scored two runs in the first and added another in the fourth before the Colts came back with three runs in the fifth inning to tie the game, then scored in the seventh to secure the sweep, 4-3.
“Our approach at the plate had been spotty all day,” Cairns said. “We finally were able to string together some opposite field hits and a couple stolen bases.”
Kacey Threats’ sacrifice fly in the seventh chased home the game-winning run. Threats was 2 for 2 with two RBIs in Game 2 for Chartiers Valley.
“(Threats) had some fantastic at-bats in that second game,” Cairns said.
In 15 innings against North Hills, Chartiers Valley pitching allowed only four runs, a big reason why they escaped with two victories.
“Our pitching has been solid so far,” Cairns said. “They were fantastic on Wednesday. Evans, Ashton Bogdon, Ryan Bioni, and Cruz were around the zone all day. They kept guys off balance and were complementary in their change of pace.”
Through the early part of the season, Cairns has leaned on many different players, something he will continue to do as they season heads into May.
“This year has been a team effort,” he said. “I know that sounds cliché, but we have used every single guy in the dugout in our wins this year. These guys are grinders.”
Some of the other players who have contributed to the Colts’ diamond success this season include shortstop Owen Taylor, first baseman AJ Scalise, second baseman Layne Lesko and third baseman Zander Fasulkey. Kyle Witte, Charlie Caputo and Justin Ferrari have all hit well and anchored the outfield.
Mike Giammatteo has been a great complement to Threats behind the plate while Ashton Bogdon, Ryan Bioni and Joey Vanzin have been solid on the mound with Tyler Zallenick at designated hitter while returning from an injury.
The Colts know the second half of section play won’t be easy as they try to earn a spot in the WPIAL playoffs for a second straight year.
“This section is as tough as I have seen,” Cairns said. “The quality of arms is unlike anything I have seen in any section we have ever been in. That makes every game a tight one. We have to continue to grow as a pitching staff and we have to execute when we get shots. So far, we have done that.” | 2022-04-23T17:54:00Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Chartiers Valley’s comeback Colts in thick of tough section baseball race | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/chartiers-valleys-comeback-colts-in-thick-of-tough-section-baseball-race/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/chartiers-valleys-comeback-colts-in-thick-of-tough-section-baseball-race/ |
Pine-Richland sophomore Marissa DeLuca has been a key contributor this season for the Rams.
Natalie Zentz and Alexia Brown both pointed to the bond within the Pine-Richland softball team as one of the factors to their early season success.
While the team is close off the field, they’re pulling together between the lines as well.
The Rams have been solid in all three phases — pitching, hitting and defense — and getting contributions throughout the lineup. It’s led to a 5-1 overall record and a 3-1 mark in Section 2-6A through Wednesday.
“We have a really great group of girls that are motivated to achieve the same goals,” Zentz said. “It’s something that connects us all. We all want to do well and play our hardest, while forming a great bond and family-like atmosphere. That pushes us to never give up even if we are down one run or two runs. We never let anyone get down. We’re always there to pick each other up.”
Pine-Richland is coming off a season where it won its first playoff game in 25 years.
The Rams have been in tight games throughout with four of their six games decided by three runs or less. They are 3-1 in those contests.
They’ve gotten some big hits from different players in each game.
In the lone loss, a 3-2 defeat against Hempfield, Brown tripled, and Mackenzie Gillis had two hits.
Sophomore Jocelyn Langer, freshman Illiana Aggelou and sophomore Marissa DeLuca belted a double each in a 4-1 win over Seneca Valley. Brown, a senior, homered, DeLuca went 4 for 4 with a double and Langer singled and doubled in a 6-2 win over Norwin. Rams coach Sam Hartzberg credited everyone in the lineup with contributing a big hit at some point in one of the wins.
Brown agreed with her coach’s sentiments.
“Everyone has something that they bring to the lineup,” Brown said. “We have some girls at the top that can slap bunt and drag bunt and some that are total power hitters. We also have fast girls throughout the lineup. The coaches have done a good job of putting us in the right places. We have a good strong top of the lineup with sophomores and freshmen. When they hit it carries down through the lineup. We’re all unique in how we can contribute, but having those younger players come in and contribute has been huge for us.”
While the Rams have been hitting the ball well, standout senior pitcher Gabriella Aughton has shut opponents down. Aughton, a Boston College recruit, struck out 31 batters in the first four section games. Fellow senior Harley Aguglia recorded three outs in the seventh to get the save in a 5-4 win over North Allegheny.
Defensively, the Rams have been stout all season, but one play stands above the rest, and it came on the final out of the North Allegheny game.
The Tigers had runners on base with two outs when a high pop fly was hit just behind second base, but Langer raced in from deep center field, laid out with full extension, caught the ball and held on as she crashed into the ground sending the entire team into a state of euphoria as they rushed to her to celebrate.
It was a highlight reel catch and Zentz had a good look at it from her right field spot.
“It was truly amazing,” Zentz said. “She had the perfect angle to it, called for it and took it all the way. After she caught it we all were jumping around, cheering and screaming. It was such a good game and after she made the catch there was just some relief that we won. Those are the situations and games that you live for. All of us coming together after that moment is part of what makes us a great team.”
The Rams have put themselves in good position going into the second half of section play. They’ll likely have to play some close games again in the second go-round in a highly competitive section, but they’re ready for it.
“It’s definitely nerve-wracking being in so many close games, but since we’ve built a team culture where we’re all focusing on the same end goal it helps us get through them,” Brown said. “We can all take a deep breath when we get in the dugout and know we’re on the same page. Those intense games have helped us grow closer as a team, and overall they’ve been good for us as a team.” | 2022-04-23T17:54:06Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Clutch efforts in close games help Pine-Richland softball to 5-1 start | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/clutch-efforts-in-close-games-help-pine-richland-softball-to-5-1-start/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/clutch-efforts-in-close-games-help-pine-richland-softball-to-5-1-start/ |
Gordon Snyder | Fox Chapel Athletics
Sydney Schutzman and the Fox Chapel girls lacrosse team compete against Peters Township on March 25, 2022, at Fox Chapel.
Lindsay Sheffler and the Fox Chapel girls lacrosse team compete against Peters Township on March 25, 2022, at Fox Chapel.
Goalie Tess Petrucelli and the Fox Chapel girls lacrosse team compete against Peters Township on March 25, 2022, at Fox Chapel.
Fox Chapel opened its post-spring break portion of its girls lacrosse season with a 14-8 victory over Shaler to go 6-0 on the season.
But now a meat grinder of a schedule looms.
With a combination of make-up matches from weather and the school district’s spring break, the Foxes are looking at four matches in a week.
“I can’t complain at all, certainly,” said coach Kellee Cribby on her team’s hot start. “I’m very much a coach who focuses on what’s next, so were just focused on the back half of our season now.”
And that back half will be filled with challenges.
Said Cribby: “It definitely is a challenge coming back from spring break and the other (weather) cancellations early in the season that have to get fit in. We’re taking it one a time, but four in a week is definitely a challenge.”
The Foxes are led by a strong defensive unit that consists of seniors Annabel Siddons, Aldem March and Mira Tramontina.
“They’re our core defensive unit, they provide great leadership and all three are captains,” Cribby said. “I also have senior captain Sydney Kennedy, one of our top attackers.”
Fox Chapel is also getting strong play from sophomore goalkeeper Tess Petrucelli, yielding only 4.6 goals per game.
“She’s been phenomenal and has risen to the challenge,” Cribby said. “It helps having three seniors in front of her, but I’m proud of how she’s playing.”
The leading scorer thus far is sophomore Sydney Schutzman, averaging five goals per game.
Also enjoying fine seasons are junior attackers Lindsay Sheffler and Mercer Murton.
There was reason for optimism in the preseason, with seven seniors dotting the lineup.
“We have a really great senior class that loves the sport and are motivated to perform well,” said the third-year coach. “They help setting an example of working hard and making sure they are executing during games. I felt really confident with the leadership we had that we could have a really great season, and the others have really stepped up and really risen to that level.”
The closest game the Foxes have had going into their busy week was a 13-8 victory over North Allegheny in early April.
Cribby gives considerable credit to her assistants, Eleni Brown, a teammate from their days at Allegheny College, and Erik Ingram, who is also Fox Chapel’s highly-successful boys soccer coach.
Fox Chapel had three straight section titles from 2017-19 only to see that streak broken by the pandemic in 2020. Last year was marked by some covid-related cancellations, but things have pretty much returned to normal this season.
With 38 players on the roster, Fox Chapel is also able to field a junior varsity team and has reaped the benefits of girls playing in an AAU program serving various age groups in the Pittsburgh region.
The WPIAL playoffs are set to begin around May 15.
The top six teams from each of the two Class 3A sections make the postseason. | 2022-04-23T17:54:18Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Fox Chapel girls lacrosse facing busy stretch after hot start | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/fox-chapel-girls-lacrosse-facing-busy-stretch-after-hot-start/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/fox-chapel-girls-lacrosse-facing-busy-stretch-after-hot-start/ |
Franklin Regional’s Anthony DiFalco plays against Hampton during a 2021 WPIAL Class 3A semifinal.
Anthony DiFalco’s goals aren’t just limited to the soccer field.
The Franklin Regional star also excels in the classroom.
The WPIAL announced winners of its James Collins Scholar-Athlete Awards and DiFalco was a recipient. Each will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
DiFalco was a three-time All-American, three-time All-Region and three-time all-state player. He scored a school-record 118 goals.
He won two WPIAL Class 3A titles, added a runner-up finish and made the PIAA semifinals twice.
DiFalco will continue his playing career at Duquesne.
Among the 20 senior winners (and 142 nominees) were Carter Green of Penn-Trafford, Maddie Griffin of Ligonier Valley, Gracie Spadaro of Southmoreland and Meghan Zambruno of Greensburg Central Catholic.
Green, a former standout quarterback, is headed to Seton Hill for lacrosse.
The Franklin Regional track and field teams improved to 4-0 with a Section 5-3A sweep of Oakland Catholic. The boys won, 95-55, and the girls were victorious by a score of 80-70.
Nick Petrucci took second place in all three throwing events, while Nick Provenzo earned 15 points as he ran a leg of two winning relays and also won the 800-meter run.
For the girls, Alexandra Hartman competed in four events, including a runner-up finish competing in the high jump for the first time.
Checking in on Franklin Regional athletes competing at the college level:
• Point Park: Junior Angalee Beall was named the River States Confernce Pitcher of the Week. She went 3-0 for the Pioneers, pitching a pair of complete games and saw some brief work in relief. Beall only walked two over 15 innings. In a 6-3 win over Carlow, she gave up five hits and two earned runs and did not walk a batter.
• Westminster: Junior Ryan Beard was part of two first-place relays at the Westminster Invitational. He helped the 400-meter relay to a win in 43.19 seconds, and the 1,600-meter relay in 3 minutes, 27.84 seconds. Beard also pitched in to a 400 relay win at the Grove City Mini Meet (42.17). Then, at the Thiel College Invitational, he joined his 400 relay teammates for another victory, in 42.42 seconds.
• Gannon: Sophomore Kendra Delissio had a 9.98 goals-against average over 283 minutes this season.
• Gannon: Junior Clayton Skoff shot a 76 to help lead the Golden Knights to a victory at the Gannon Spring Invitational at Whispering Woods Golf Club in Erie. Freshman teammate Michael Wareham added a 77 on the way to a team score of 303, 12 shots ahead of Humber. Skoff tied for third individually, while Wareham was seventh.
Wareham nearly won his next start, at the Mercyhurst Invitational.
He tied for second, and his second-round 71 not only tied a tournament low, but it also vaulted him 11 spots on the leaderboard. He posted 78-71 for a 148 total. Skoff tied for 19th.
More High School Soccer Boys
• Plum’s Kaley Simqu commits to play soccer at Pitt
• PIAA football, soccer championships moving from Hershey to Cumberland Valley
• Trib HSSN Top 21 Stories of 2021: New Castle basketball adds to trophy case
• A-K Valley senior spotlight: Springdale’s Andrew Haus | 2022-04-23T17:54:37Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Murrysville Star notebook: DiFalco picks up WPIAL scholar-athlete honor | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/murrysville-star-notebook-difalco-picks-up-wpial-scholar-athlete-honor/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/murrysville-star-notebook-difalco-picks-up-wpial-scholar-athlete-honor/ |
Pine-Richland baseball has a bunch of underclassmen in the lineup, but the Rams also have a lot of fight.
Proof of their resilience was on display in a big sweep of Seneca Valley April 12 and 13.
It’s not just that they won. It’s how they did it.
They earned a tight 10-7 win in Game 1 and rallied to score seven runs in the bottom of the seventh to steal Game 2, 11-10.
The victories have boosted the confidence level for the Rams.
“I think that it gives you hope and makes you believe,” veteran Pine-Richland baseball coach Kurt Wolfe said of the sweep. “We knew Seneca Valley was ranked third when we played them and that they had a very good team with very good arms. It shows them that we can compete with these teams even though we are a little bit younger and inexperienced. It does a lot for them in the mental part of the game for the rest of section play.”
In Game 1, the Rams trailed 5-3 after four innings, but scored three runs in the fifth and four more in the sixth, while facing Seneca Valley ace and Auburn commit Owen Yarussi.
The Rams (4-6, 3-2 Section 1-6A) got key hits throughout the lineup.
There were multi-hit efforts from junior Joey Perry and senior Tyler Armstrong. Tommy Zimmerman, a sophomore, doubled and drove in three runs. Jacob McGuire, a junior, doubled and plated a pair of runs. Juniors Owen Henne and Cole Nelson doubled, and freshman Anthony Mengine singled and scored twice.
In Game 2, the Rams were down 10-4 before their outburst in the seventh.
“I had never been in a comeback like that at (the high school level),” Wolfe said. “That’s a lot of runs to be scoring in one inning, that’s for sure.”
The Rams worked several walks in the inning, and the big hit came off the bat of Armstrong, who doubled into the right-center gap to cut the deficit to 10-9. A couple batters later, Zimmerman was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, which scored the winning run.
Prior to the rally, Pine-Richland drove up the pitch count on Raiders starter Owen Malak up, and he had to exit after five innings. Malak had pitched a complete game shutout in a 1-0 win over North Allegheny the week prior.
“I think the biggest thing was getting Malak out of the game,” Wolfe said. “That really helped us. They used three pitchers the day before, so they couldn’t come back to a couple of those guys. They had to throw some younger guys and I don’t care who you are, that’s a tough situation to come into, because all the momentum was on our side. It was nice that we were able to somehow get guys on base and ultimately win it.”
Armstrong had two hits and three RBIs in Game 2. Joseph Connell, a senior, had a single and a pair of RBIs. Nelson and Mengine added a single and an RBI each.
Pine-Richland split a series with Central Catholic to start the Section 1-6A season. The Rams dropped Game 1 to section leader Butler, 7-2, on April 20 and Game 2 was scheduled for April 21.
Two-game series with Allderdice and North Allegheny the next two weeks complete section play. | 2022-04-23T17:55:07Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Pine-Richland baseball team builds confidence after sweeping Seneca Valley | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/pine-richland-baseball-team-builds-confidence-after-sweeping-seneca-valley/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/pine-richland-baseball-team-builds-confidence-after-sweeping-seneca-valley/ |
Plum third baseman Caden Norcutt looks to make a play during the first inning of a Section 2-5A game at Woodland Hills on April 20, 2022. The Mustangs defeated the Wolverines, 11-0.
The Plum and Mars baseball teams set the standard for close and competitive games the past two seasons.
That was evident when the Section 2-5A rivals met April 12 and 13.
The Mustangs swept the Planets last year — both games ending in one-run results — and Mars returned the favor this time around by capturing the first game at Mars, 6-5, before taking Game 2 at Plum, 3-2.
“They were heartbreaking losses,” said veteran Plum coach Carl Vollmer, who saw his team hold a 5-4 lead in the seventh inning of Game 1 and a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning of Game 2 before Mars rallied.
“We were definitely competitive in both games and really felt the outcomes could’ve been different. Last year, we were able to make a play in each of the games to win them. This time, we weren’t able to make those one or two plays that would’ve made the difference. Those are games in a season we can learn and grow from and understand how important every pitch is, every at-bat is and every play is. It’s tough to have to learn from losses, and they definitely stung, but we are using those to, hopefully, fuel us the rest of the way.”
Plum stood at 5-3 overall and 3-2 in Section 2 after an 11-0 victory at Woodland Hills on April 20. It was part of a bounce-back effort from the Mars series, as the Mustangs added a 12-5 nonsection win against Steel Valley on April 14.
Vollmer knows how important every game in the section will be as the Mustangs hope to keep pace.
Plum, the defending Section 2 champ, kicked off the season late last month with a section series sweep of Armstrong, winning by scores of 9-1 and 8-1.
Through section play April 20, Hampton stood alone at the top of the section standings at 6-0, and Mars was second at 5-1. Fox Chapel checked in at 5-3.
Plum was scheduled to take on Woodland Hills at home in Game 2 of their series Thursday before matching up with Penn Hills for two games April 25 and 26.
Vollmer knows his team has a lot to play for in the section down the stretch as it faces Hampton on May 2 and 3 and Fox Chapel on May 9 and 10.
Nonsection games with Penn-Trafford, Franklin Regional and Central Catholic also remain in the regular season.
“The remainder of the schedule definitely will test our mental toughness and will show how strong we are as a group,” Vollmer said.
“We need to be keyed in and playing well together. A lot of what we are trying to get the players to do is go out and compete and be prepared for every pitch and situation. We sometimes get so consumed with mechanics and with technical skills.”
Through eight games, Plum owned a .324 team batting average. The lineup produced a season-best 15 hits in the second win over Armstrong and added a 12-hit attack against Steel Valley.
In that same stretch, Mustangs pitchers came together to compile a 2.64 ERA.
Junior Logan Kemmerer led Plum in batting with a .526 average (10 of 19) through eight games with six runs scored.
Senior Silvio Ionadi, who went 2 for 3 with a triple and two runs scored in the 6-5 setback to Mars, batted .435 (10 for 23) over those same eight games with a team-best eight runs scored. He also owned four RBIs and the team’s lone home run, a solo shot in the season-opening triumph over Armstrong.
Senior Colin Solinski and junior Nick Lamia fronted the team with eight and seven RBIs, respectively.
The Mustangs down the stretch also will continue to lean on a pitching staff that saw four hurlers earn at least one victory through eight games.
Senior Justin Giarusso won his second game of the season in the opener against Woodland Hills as he struck out eight and walked two while scattering four hits in the shutout.
The Wolverines hoped to gain some momentum against Giarusso and the Mustangs early in that contest and loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the first. But Giarusso struck out the next three batters to get out of the jam.
The Plum offense then staked Giarusso to a 5-0 lead with four runs in the top of the second.
Junior Caden Norcutt went 2 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored, junior Carson Svidron plated three runs and Solinski and Josh Tedrick tallied a pair of RBIs each. | 2022-04-23T17:55:13Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Plum baseball rebounds after dropping series to Mars | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/plum-baseball-rebounds-after-dropping-series-to-mars/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/plum-baseball-rebounds-after-dropping-series-to-mars/ |
Paul Studt | SportsByPaul.com
Bethel Park’s Troy Volpatti (27) fights off a Peters Township opponent on March 20, 2022, at Bethel Park HS Stadium.
Bethel Park’s Kelton Kramer (5) looks to pass to a teammate with a Peters Township player in pursuit on March 20, 2022, at Bethel Park HS Stadium.
Bethel Park’s Max Radcliffe (2) competes against Peters Township on March 20, 2022, at Bethel Park HS Stadium.
Bethel Park’s Dylan Wentz (26) looks for help behind his own net as goalie Owen Peters (1) keeps watch against Peters Township on March 20, 2022, at Bethel Park HS Stadium.
Bethel Park’s Weston Konopka (14) competes against Peters Township on March 20, 2022, at Bethel Park HS Stadium.
Bethel Park’s Troy Volpatti (27) rumbles forward against Peters Township on March 20, 2022, at Bethel Park HS Stadium.
Bethel Park’s Matthew Kopp (9) drives toward the net against Peters Township on March 20, 2022, at Bethel Park HS Stadium.
Bethel Park’s boys lacrosse team placed third in Section 1-3A at 6-2 last season, behind only Mt. Lebanon (8-0) and Upper St. Clair (7-1).
The Black Hawks edged Fox Chapel, 5-4, in the WPIAL first round before losing a 14-7 decision to North Allegheny to finish 10-6 overall.
“I think our team did very well,” coach Tim Schreiber said. “I’m most proud of the way the boys grew individually and as a team while dealing with a lot of things that were out of their control like injuries and covid quarantines.
“The future is bright. We returned a lot of our core contributors and are excited to see how our younger players grow and develop.”
Bethel Park is a senior-laden squad this spring, led by two key senior players in midfielder Troy Volpatti and goalkeeper Owen Peters.
“We are led by 12 seniors, many of whom were key contributors for us last season,” Schreiber said. “We are hoping they can lead us to a successful postseason run. Our expectations are the same as they are every season, to compete for the section and WPIAL championships.”
Volpatti is a two-sport standout. He ended the 2021 spring season as the team’s leading scorer with 32 goals and 21 assists (54 points). He also was the leading rusher on the football team (the past two years) as a 5-foot-11, 185-pound running back/defensive back.
“I had a decent season but couldn’t have done it without the other midfielders and attackmen giving me assists and open lanes to score,” Volpatti said. “We have a lot of experience so we should be very good.”
Volpatti will continue as a dual-sport athlete at Washington & Jefferson, competing in football and lacrosse.
The 6-2, 195-pound Peters played football for 10 years as a middle linebacker/tight end but has made lacrosse a focal point in his life the past few years. He competes for The Dukes Lacrosse Club in Philadelphia in the offseason.
“After playing both football and lacrosse my freshman year, I decided to focus on lacrosse and pursue my goal of playing in college,” Peters said. “I believe I had my best season yet. I felt I stepped up and made big saves in key moments.
“I try to be a leader for my teammates. The goalie’s job is to be the general of the defense.”
Peters, a Mount St. Mary’s recruit, made 182 saves and averaged 6.8 goals allowed in 2021.
“I am looking forward to a WPIAL championship run,” Peters said. “Personally, I’m going to give everything I have to make that happen.”
Through April 20, the Black Hawks were 6-3 overall and 2-2 in league play, and were led offensively by senior attackers Alex Greene (28 goals, 12 assists), Matthew Kopp (27 goals, 10 assists) and Weston Konopka (11 goals, 7 assists), along with senior midfielders Max Radcliffe (24 goals, 12 assists), Kelton Kramer (15 goals, 13 assists) and Volpatti (17 goals, 20 assists).
The athletic Radcliffe has played lacrosse since seventh grade “after watching my brother play,” and also has participated in basketball and baseball.
“I wanted to focus all of my attention on lacrosse in high school,” he said.
Radcliffe said the Black Hawks are dreaming big in 2022.
“This year our ultimate goals would to bring a section championship back to Bethel and win our first WPIAL championship,” Radcliffe said. “Some of my personal goals for the season would be to practice as hard as I play in a game and to help lead the team along with all of the other seniors.”
The tandem of Greene and Kopp has been an offensive force this season with 55 goals and 22 assists between them. Radcliffe and Volpatti also combined for 41 goals and 32 assists; Volpatti leads in assists.
“I would say our biggest strength is our balanced scoring from our top six offensive players,” Schreiber said. “They are all experienced seniors and capable scorers that make us tough to defend.
“Another strength is our defense anchored by All-American goalie Owen Peters, along with senior defensemen Robbie Abraham, Nate Yoder, Dylan Wentz, Parker Cardemone and Evan Crist.”
Abraham is well-versed in the athletic arena. He started playing lacrosse eight years ago while in fifth grade, and also has competed in basketball, golf, soccer and ice hockey.
He plans to continue his lacrosse career at Saint Vincent, where he will study criminology, law and society.
Abraham looks for the Black Hawks to win section and WPIAL titles this season thanks to the strong senior leadership on the team.
“I feel our strengths as a team are reflected through our senior leaders,” he said. “We have a very strong senior class with guys who have a lot of chemistry and experience.
“A personal goal I have for myself is to improve each day and be a good leader and role model, especially for the young players.”
Volpatti, Peters and Kramer are fourth-year lettermen this season. Volpatti and Peters were all-section selections a year ago.
Greene, Kopp and Radcliffe have joined Volpatti and Kramer as returning starters on offense. Radcliffe plans to join Abraham on men’s lacrosse team at Saint Vincent.
Abraham, Yoder and Wentz are united with Peters as starters on the defensive end of the field.
Bethel Park started out 5-1 this season before suffering close losses to North Allegheny and Mt. Lebanon.
The Black Hawks rebounded with a 10-9 win against Hempfield. | 2022-04-23T17:55:19Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Senior-heavy Bethel Park boys lacrosse ready to make postseason run | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/senior-heavy-bethel-park-boys-lacrosse-ready-to-make-postseason-run/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/senior-heavy-bethel-park-boys-lacrosse-ready-to-make-postseason-run/ |
Belle Vernon’s Quinton Martin runs against New Castle in the 2021 WPIAL Class 4A quarterfinals.
Add two more Power 5 scholarship offers for Belle Vernon sophomore Quinton Martin.
The top-end programs continue to buzz around the five-star sophomore football player, who reeled in offers from Louisville and Texas A&M on consecutive days last week.
Martin (6-3, 185) is ranked as the No. 1 recruit in Pennsylvania — No. 14 in the nation — by 247Sports.com.
He is No. 12 overall by Rivals.com. Martin played running back and defensive back last season for Belle Vernon.
People around the Leopards program are beginning to wonder if it is only a matter of time before the premier programs — Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma among them — come calling. Especially since he has two years of high school football to play.
His other offers include Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Michigan, Texas, Pitt, Penn State and West Virginia.
Mankins on the mend
Greensburg Salem basketball player Kaitlyn Mankins is back to playing AAU basketball for the Western PA Bruins.
Mankins, a sophomore center, suffered a gruesome leg injury in January during a game at Franklin Regional.
She dislocated her left patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shin bone.
“Kait is doing great,” Greensburg Salem coach Rick Klimchock said. “She had multiple double-figure games at the Bruins’ tip-off tourney.”
Mankins was averaging 10 points and eight rebounds when she was injured.
Gordon player of week
Hempfield senior Sean Gordon was named a Western PA Volleyball Coaches Association Class 3A Player of the Week.
Gordon’s team is holding down the No. 5 spot in the association rankings through four weeks of the season.
Norwin is No. 3, Penn-Trafford 6 and Latrobe 10.
Derry is No. 9 in Class 2A.
• Jake Smith, a four-sport athlete at Greensburg Salem, will continue to run cross country at Fairmont State. Smith, a 13-time letterwinner, also plays baseball, bowls and plays hockey for the Golden Lions. He won the Westmoreland County Coaches Association cross country title and was a Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League all-star.
• A pair of athletes from Ligonier Valley made college commitments. Senior Bjorn Sigurdsson will play soccer at Penn State Greater Allegheny. Sigurdsson’s mother is from Germany and his father came from Iceland. He had six goals last season for the Rams. Senior Abigail Painter, meanwhile, will run track at Westminster. Painter has competed in the 100- and 200-meter dashes, the 400, the 1,600-meter relay and the javelin.
• Senior Madison Cyphert of Southmoreland will continue her softball and tennis careers at Mt. Aloysius.
Tags: Belle Vernon, Greensburg Salem, Hempfield, Ligonier Valley, Southmoreland | 2022-04-23T17:55:25Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Westmoreland County high school notebook: Offers piling up for Belle Vernon’s Quinton Martin | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-county-high-school-notebook-offers-piling-up-for-belle-vernons-quinton-martin/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-county-high-school-notebook-offers-piling-up-for-belle-vernons-quinton-martin/ |
Penn Hills pitcher Maura Wade throws against Plum last season.
When the season began, first-year softball coach Ashley Banner believed the inexperienced Penn Hills softball team had potential.
The Indians’ first win in her tenure, an 18-8 six-inning victory over Plum on April 13 on the road, snapped a significant losing streak. Penn Hills hadn’t beaten the neighboring Mustangs since a 4-2 victory on April 29, 2009.
The Indians had lost 18 consecutive to Plum. Maura Wade and Abella Gray each drove in five runs to help Penn Hills score its first section win of the year and topple the Mustangs.
“We were slow to start, but once our bats we heated up, one thing led to another,” Banner said. “Once we started to get hits against Plum, their confidence started to build. The team supported each other well and it shows.”
Penn Hills may have the opportunity to knock down many more barriers. By knocking off rival Woodland Hills, 15-0, last Wednesday, the Indians evened their record at 2-2 overall and 2-2 in Section 1-5A play.
Penn Hills went 0-12 in the section last season and only won two games overall.
One of the Indians’ losses in section play this season came due to a forfeit to Kiski Area. Penn Hills made the decision as a district to not play the Cavaliers in any sports due to an incident at a middle school volleyball match. Penn Hills accused Kiski Area fans of making racist comments and gestures during the match.
The Indians will also forfeit their second scheduled meeting with the Cavaliers later in the season.
Banner said she could see the excitement with her team after Penn Hills beat Woodland Hills. The Indians took advantage of the Wolverines’ mistakes to win in three innings.
Gray had a team-high two RBIs.Wade allowed one hit in three innings of work to earn the win in the circle.
“You can see their morale up and the excitement after the win,” Banner said. “Their hard work was paying off.”
While Penn Hills hasn’t had a large sample size of games — the Indians only contested three through April 20 — there have been several players hitting at an outstanding clip. Gray leads the team with a .727 average, while Kiera Mack is hitting .714 and Lauren Sipple is at .667.
While those averages are unlikely to keep up as Penn Hills gets more games in, Banner believes the Indians have the foundation to continue to challenge for more wins in section.
“We’re taking it one game at a time and we are setting the bar high,” Banner said. “We want to challenge them. We are putting our best foot forward and are excited to see the hard work pay off.” | 2022-04-23T17:55:31Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Work starting to show dividends for Penn Hills softball team | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/work-starting-to-show-dividends-for-penn-hills-softball-team/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/work-starting-to-show-dividends-for-penn-hills-softball-team/ |
Courtesy of Jett Slepak
Highlands’ Jimmy Kunst is a member of the 2022 baseball team.
Will Jones Photography LLC
Kiski Area’s Hannah Simpson is a member of the 2022 softball team.
How did the team play against Indiana on Wednesday?
We definitely hit better than we have in past games. I fell like we turned it on that game. We played pretty good defense.
How did it feel to drive in so many runs and contribute at the plate like that?
It was definitely nice to have a positive impact on the game and know that I impacted our score.
How have you been pitching this season?
I feel like I’ve been doing pretty well. My movement has been working nicely. I’m definitely more of a movement pitcher.
What is your mentality in the circle?
I try to throw batters off guard. I rely on my movement pitches. I think that throws a lot of people off, and people underestimate me.
I feel like we have a pretty good chance of making playoffs and doing well.
What made you decide on attending Seton Hill?
I like how it’s close to home. I’m pretty sure I’m going to into their (physician’s assistant) program. It’s a very nice program.
Who is the funniest member of the team?
Ashlee Bair. She is one of our seniors and is always making a positive atmosphere. If someone makes a mistake, she makes it easy to come back off it.
Report card: Highlands junior Jimmy Kunst laced a line drive to right field to score the winning run Wednesday in a 2-1 walk-off victory over Burrell. It was another strong performance for the Golden Rams, who improved to 6-4 overall and 3-3 in Section 1-4A on Friday with a 5-0 win over the rival Bucs. Also 1,000-point scorer in basketball, Kunst averaged a team-best 20.9 points and helped Highlands finish 19-8 and reach the WPIAL semifinals and PIAA quarterfinals.
What was it like to hit that walk-off in extra innings Wednesday?
It felt really good. We played well as a team the whole game but couldn’t put anything together. Getting that last hit was really exciting.
How has the team been playing recently?
I thought we’ve been playing pretty good. We had some mental mistakes here and there. But we’re coming together. Each game we’re getting better and better. These past couple games are showing what we’re really like as a team.
Just do a little bit of everything, the little things. Just score runs. Come in when I need to pitching-wise. Make plays in the field, not try and do too much.
What are the team’s goals for the rest of the season?
The main one is to win a WPIAL championship. Short-term is to win the next few section games so we can accomplish that WPIAL goal.
If I could play both going forward … I couldn’t pick. It just depends on the season. I kinda like them equal.
I started in the Natrona Heights League when I was 5. I just went up through that program. I didn’t start travel baseball until I was 10 or 11.
Have you started making any plans for college?
Last summer, some baseball schools started reaching out. I’m taking it slow. I want to see what basketball schools are looking at me. I have to decide what sport I want to play, what position I want to play.
What do you want to study?
Something in the medical field. I’m still trying to figure it out.
I’m top 10 in my class academic-wise. Some people might not know about that.
Tags: Highlands, Kiski Area | 2022-04-23T23:21:02Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | A-K Valley athletes of the week: Kiski Area’s Hannah Simpson, Highlands’ Jimmy Kunst | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/a-k-valley-athletes-of-the-week-kiski-areas-hannah-simpson-highlands-jimmy-kunst/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/a-k-valley-athletes-of-the-week-kiski-areas-hannah-simpson-highlands-jimmy-kunst/ |
Southmoreland sophomore softball player Amarah McCutcheon
Submitted by Brandon Coughlin
Hempfield’s Brandon Coughlin is a member of the 2022 baseball team.
School: Southmoreland
Claim to fame: McCutcheon, an ultra-talented Class of ‘23 prospect with power and range, delivered the Scotties a walk-off win Wednesday in a 4-3 victory over Waynesburg.
McCutcheon, a shortstop, went 3 for 4 with a double and three RBIs in the win for the Class 3A No. 3 Scotties. Her two-out single drove in the game-winner in the seventh.
She had two RBIs in an 11-6 win over defending WPIAL and PIAA champion Mt. Pleasant, homered against South Allegheny and singled off of standout Maddie Griffin in a tight 2-1 win over Ligonier Valley.
McCutcheon had a breakthrough freshman season when she hit .613 with 11 home runs, 27 RBIs and 32 runs.
What was going through your mind before you got the winning hit against Waynesburg?
Knowing that it was the bottom of the seventh, Elle (Pawlikowsky) was on first, we had two outs and I had to deliver. Our team had worked so hard all game whether that be making plays for (pitcher) Maddie Brown, or hitting the ball and laying down bunts when we needed them. Our team and coaches were so loud at my at-bat, I had a good feeling I was going to hit because I had so many people believing in me.
Your nickname has to be “Cutch,” right?
It is (lol).
Do you have a nickname for your bat?
All of my bats have been called Casper because they are Ghost bats.
Southmoreland had themes in preseason practices where players dressed up in ballerina outfits, camouflage, medical scrubs, fluorescent construction gear and cowboy hats and boots. What was your favorite?
Definitely the cowboy.
You also play catcher in travel ball. What do you think of that position?
I haven’t really caught in travel recently due to one of my teammates being out with an ACL injury. So I mainly play third for travel.
How much do you think about last year’s WPIAL semifinal loss to Ellwood City?
Honestly, not very much. I’ve always been taught, whether it be by coach Todd (Bunner), my mom or my travel coaches, that once it happens, it’s done. You don’t dwell on it because it’s not going to change. So you go back with your team to work like you never did before so you can be your best.
What did you strive to improve on this high school season?
Continuing to work on my defense and to continue working on my hitting and helping my team in any way that I can.
How far was the longest home run you have ever hit?
Around 315-ish feet during travel season last year.
Did you ever turn a triple play?
Who is the best pitcher you’ve ever faced?
Sydnie Watts, who is from Ohio and plays for Austintown Fitch High School.
What is your go-to drink at Starbucks?
Strawberry acai with lemonade.
There is talk of the Name, Image, Likeness movement coming to the high school level. Who or what would you like to endorse?
Definitely my shoulder brace.
I can do back flips and crazy flips.
What is a sport you’re sneaky good at?
Favorite breakfast, lunch and dinner?
French toast, pizza, and steak and mashed potatoes.
Best pizza in your hometown?
Bud Murphy’s.
How many times will you visit the Evergreen Drive-In this summer?
Not a lot due to softball.
What movie have you seen way too many times?
“A League of Their Own.”
What band or song could you listen to every day?
Cody Johnson or Morgan Wallen.
Brandon Coughlin
School: Hempfield
Claim to fame: The standout outfielder/pitcher played a key role in helping the Spartans earn a split against first place Mt. Lebanon. He went 4 for 6 with a home run, three RBIs, two walks, two stolen bases and two runs scored. He also started the final play of the game when he made a perfect throw to Joe Fiedor, who turned and threw a strike to the catcher to tag out a potential tying run on the final play of the game. He is batting .364 with two home runs, 10 RBIs, seven runs scored, four stolen bases, nine walks, an on-base percentage of .512 and slugging average of .606. He is the teams’ closer with 12 strikeouts in eight innings.
What are the goals for yourself and the team?
I’m trying to do as much as I can to help the team. The goal all season has been to make it back to the WPIAL 6A championship game and go further than we did last year in the PIAA playoffs. We lost in the championship game, and we lost a lot of seniors. But we have some young players starting to step up. I’m confident that our pitchers, Jake Kramer and Noah Zadroga, will do the job.
How big was it to hand Mt. Lebanon its first loss in the section?
It was huge because we lost the first game to them in nine innings, and we walked away knowing we should have won. It was a lot closer than it should have been. On the final play, the kid was pulling the ball all game, and I knew it was coming to me. When he hit, I knew I had to get to the ball quickly and get the ball to Joe. He made a great throw to get the runner.
You’re going to Lehigh. What sold you on the school?
It has great athletics and academics. I want to get into some sort of engineering program, and I also like the coaches. I feel it’s a perfect fit for me.
Who got you into baseball?
My dad, Vince, got me started in Tee-ball at Bovard when I was 4 or 5. My dad played in high school at Penn Hills. I just love the game.
Do you play any other sport?
No, I gave up basketball my freshman season so I could devote more of my time trying to get better in baseball. I’m a lot stronger now. I hit the ball further and harder. I’m more athletics.
Do you have any pregame rituals like meals or music you listen to?
Not really. I put on eye black, and I like to listen to loud music. I pack my own lunch to I make sure I have an apple, yogurt, snacks and a peanut butter sandwich.
I like my mom’s chicken and rice dishes. They’re always pretty good.
Who is or was your favorite Pirate? And do you have another player you like to watch?
My favorite Pirate was Josh Harrison. I liked how scrappy he was. I like watching the Yankees’ Giancarlo Stanton.
Tags: Southmoreland | 2022-04-23T23:21:20Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Westmoreland High School Athletes of the Week: Southmoreland’s Amarah McCutcheon and Hempfield’s Brandon Coughlin | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-high-school-athletes-of-the-week-southmorelands-amarah-mccutcheon-and-hempfields-brandon-coughlin/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-high-school-athletes-of-the-week-southmorelands-amarah-mccutcheon-and-hempfields-brandon-coughlin/ |
Shaler’s Eloise Facher connects on a base hit during a game against Highlands on April 1.
Shaler pitcher Bethany Rodman celebrates a strikeout against Highlands on April 1.
When things go smoothly for the Shaler girls softball team, the Titans feature power not many other teams in WPIAL Class 5A can match.
But what Shaler needs to transform itself into a serious postseason contender is the ability to stay on track when things go sideways.
In the Titans’ five victories, Shaler has plated 53 runs. In Shaler’s two losses, to Section 3-5A rivals North Hills and Fox Chapel, the Titans weren’t able to make as much solid contact as they would have liked at the plate.
“I think power is our strength,” Shaler coach Tom Sorce said. “Good pitching stops that. We have to learn how to make adjustments. That’s what we preached after those losses. We haven’t been making the adjustments we need to be successful.”
When Shaler is on, the Titans (5-2, 2-2) are tough to stop. In the Titans’ first seven games, they connected on 11 home runs.
Bethany Rodman leads the team with three home runs. Kate Gordon, Cam Murphy and Megan Povich have also shown pop. Sorce also expects outfielder/first baseman Eloise Facher, who is out with an injury, to make major contributions when she gets back in the lineup.
Murphy said she feels the Titans have been putting a lot of pressure on themselves to replicate last year’s succes.
Shaler won the section with an 8-1 mark but bowed out in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs to Connellsville.
“Last year, we accomplished a lot as a team,” Murphy said.
“Winning the section was a big deal for us. We are trying to do the same thing we did last year. Bringing all of that into this season is a lot of pressure on us. We get in our heads a lot.”
Despite the longing to replicate last season’s success creating pressure, Shaler hasn’t suffered much in the win column.
The Titans are in third place in the section and are in a good position to compete for a playoff spot.
Shaler is benefiting from the experience it has. The Titans returned 16 of their 17 varsity players from last season and have 11 seniors. Rodman has been carrying the workload inside the circle, striking out 31 batters in 46 innings pitched.
Sorce believes taking a few losses early may benefit the Titans in the long run.
“Last year, we peaked early,” Sorce said. “We played well early and then petered out toward the end. Even with the experience we have, we haven’t started as strong. Now we are starting to pick it up a little bit, which is a reversal of last year.”
Murphy believes that experience will help Shaler as the games become more elevated in importance.
“It helped us this season because having players who know what to do and work well as a team makes a big difference,” Murphy said. | 2022-04-24T16:45:07Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Shaler softball looks to make adjustments to keep bats hot | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/shaler-softball-looks-to-make-adjustments-to-keep-bats-hot/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/shaler-softball-looks-to-make-adjustments-to-keep-bats-hot/ |
St. Gabriel’s girls CYO basketball team peaked at the perfect time.
The Gators advanced to the Diocese of Pittsburgh playoffs as the No. 1 seed then rolled to the league championship.
St. Gabriel’s defeated St. Bede’s, 61-39, in the semifinal round before cruising past Our Lady of Hope, 60-27, in the championship game Feb. 27 at Bishop Canevin.
St. Elizabeth and Our Lady of Mount Carmel also participated in the tournament.
The Gators were section champions this year and ended up 10-3 overall.
The team consisted of three seniors, forward Anna Wiatrowski, point guard Bella Marabito and guard Leyna Laurent; three juniors, guard Abby Hutchison, point guard Brooklyn Williams and forward Lauren Murphy; and sophomore forward Alexa Meyer. All seven girls hail from Baldwin.
Ashley and Alyssa Shanahan share the coaching duties for the St. Gabriel girls CYO team.
“CYO was completely canceled last year during covid, so we missed a season and only had two returning players from our previous winning team,” Ashley said. “We had high hopes as we usually do but ran into a few obstacles during the season, so we were hoping for the best when it came time to playoffs. We were excited to finish the season as the first seed but knew we had to bring our A game for playoffs.”
“Our team really came together to work together, communicate and play their hearts out to pull off a back-to-back championship win. We can’t wait to see what next year brings.”
Two years ago, the Gators defeated St. Bernard’s in the Diocese of Pittsburgh championship game and finished with a 15-2 record.
“The team did really well,” Ashley said. “We were really impressed to see a group of girls from different schools work so well together.
“We weren’t sure what to expect having so many new players, but everyone was determined from the beginning to play hard and do their best.”
The 2020 championship team was made up mainly of Baldwin students, including Marabito, Abby Joyce, Drew Martin, Lexie Kennard and Emily Meador in the backcourt; Nicole Luffy, a guard/forward; and Wiatrowski, Ashley Wilson and Nina Dongilli in the frontcourt.
Erin LaQuatra (Bishop Canevin), Italia Bernardi (Seton LaSalle) and Josie Richardson (Oakland Catholic) rounded out the squad.
Kennard, Luffy and Wilson were the only seniors on the team.
“Every girl contributed,” Ashley said. “It was a tough start for us in the diocesan championship game, but everyone stepped up, especially forward Nina Dongilli, who accounted for a number of our points and took over as point guard for a large portion of the game.”
Kelsey Heenan served as an assistant coach for the Gators. | 2022-04-24T16:45:13Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | St. Gabriel’s comes together to win Diocese of Pittsburgh girls hoops crown | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/st-gabriels-comes-together-to-win-diocese-of-pittsburgh-girls-hoops-crown/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/st-gabriels-comes-together-to-win-diocese-of-pittsburgh-girls-hoops-crown/ |
Taller roster gives Shaler boys volleyball team new look
Shaler’s Dom Rossi bumps the ball back to Norwin during a match last season.
Shaler senior outsider hitter Dom Rossi knows the Titans have a different way to build energy than in his previous years with the program.
Featuring a larger frontline, the Titans can put up a strong block against section rivals North Allegheny and Seneca Valley.
“I think the height helps,” Rossi said.
“It gives you energy when you get a big block. We’re able to roll off those moments.”
For the first time since Paul Stadelman took over as the Titans coach, Shaler has some serious size up front.
Tanner Planz is 6-foot-6, Ian Weber is 6-4, Marty Stanton is 6-5 and Luke Hoffman is 6-5.
During the Titans’ 4-2 start, Shaler’s improved block has given the Titans program, previously known for its doggedness on defense, a new look.
“Having bigger guys that can get their hands over the net is helpful with blocking,” Stadelman said.
“It helps get in better spots to make the playoffs. If we don’t get a block, it tends to influence the hitter and what shots they are going after.”
Shaler, which started 3-2 in Section 2-3A play, showed it would be a tough out from its opening match.
Opening the season with Penn-Trafford, the team that swept the Titans out of the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs last season, Shaler scored a 3-0 victory.
Weber led Shaler with four blocks and also added six kills. Sophomore outside hitter Logan Peterson led the team with 13 kills against the Warriors.
The Titans have a tremendous amount of versatility. In Shaler’s 3-0 victory over Pine-Richland on April 14 at home, Planz led the team with nine kills while Rossi contributed eight.
“We’ve done a lot of strength and conditioning to increase our verticals,” Stadelman said.
“We are a better block team. We are more dynamic on offense and are attacking with multiple weapons across the front row at all times. We have a lot of interchangeable parts, which is both challenging and rewarding as a coach.”
There may be no better example of Shaler’s collective versatility than Rossi.
Rossi, who signed recently with Thomas More (Ky.) University to play volleyball in college, was forced into action as a freshman with Shaler as a setter.
During that season, the young Rossi played a vital role in helping the Titans finish third in the WPIAL and win a state playoff match for the first time in program history.
As a senior, Rossi has served Shaler as a strong outside-hitting option.
“I think it shows my versatility,” Rossi said.
“For my club team, I was setter and right-side. I can play anywhere. It shows I can play wherever they want to put me.”
With many players willing to take on different roles to challenge themselves, Shaler now just needs to find a way to put everything together.
The Titans have taken two losses in the section to North Allegheny and Seneca Valley, which will be battling for the top spot in the section. Shaler is hoping to stay in the race for the top and lock in a playoff spot.
The Titans need to take their newfound skills and build off their old identity.
“We have to get more scrappy on defense,” Stadelman said.
“We need to get a little bit more energetic about making splash plays and making really strong defensive and scrappy plays. In the backcourt, we need to do a better job of playing defense.” | 2022-04-24T16:45:19Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Taller roster gives Shaler boys volleyball team new look | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/taller-roster-gives-shaler-boys-volleyball-team-new-look/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/taller-roster-gives-shaler-boys-volleyball-team-new-look/ |
Laurel Highlands quarterback Rodney Gallagher rolls out to pass during a game against Belle Vernon on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, at James Weir Stadium in Rostraver.
Pitt, Penn State and West Virginia remain in the hunt for Laurel Highland’s Rodney Gallagher, the state’s top football recruit in the 2023 class.
Gallagher announced a “Top 8” list on Sunday that included the Panthers, Nittany Lions and Mountaineers, along with Notre Dame, Oregon, Oklahoma State, Texas and Virginia Tech. The two-sport standout in December announced he’d play football in college instead of basketball.
He had around two dozen football offers.
Rivals rates the 6-foot, 180-pound wide receiver and defensive back as a four-star prospect and ranks him 107th nationally. He is ranked first among Pennsylvania prospects.
Two of his finalists joined his scholarship list only in the past few weeks. He announced an Oregon offer March 17, and added Oklahoma State on April 12.
Gallagher visited Notre Dame this weekend, and recently announced trips to Minnesota on June 10-12, Oklahoma State on June 15-17 and Virginia Tech on May 7. However, Minnesota wasn’t on his list of finalists announced Sunday.
He made visits this month to Pitt and West Virginia.
— Rodney Gallagher 3rd (LLC????) (@Rodney_G3) April 24, 2022
Tags: Laurel Highlands | 2022-04-25T01:04:38Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Pitt, Penn State, WVU among college finalists for Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/pitt-penn-state-wvu-among-college-finalists-for-laurel-highlands-rodney-gallagher/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/pitt-penn-state-wvu-among-college-finalists-for-laurel-highlands-rodney-gallagher/ |
Through the first eight games of the season, the Peters Township baseball team was perfect.
Yet, the Indians took a back seat in the rankings to another undefeated team in Section 4-5A, defending PIAA champion Bethel Park.
“I believe that we had a lot to prove coming into (last week’s) matchups versus Bethel Park,” Peters Township coach Rocky Plassio said. “They are such a good team who has proven that they know how to win. Bethel is well coached, and their kids play the game the right way. Last season, they swept us and helped show us what you have to do in order to accomplish great things. When you can find a way to beat a team like that, it helps provide confidence in our kids that we can compete with the very best.”
The pendulum of power in the section and Class 5A swung to the side of the Indians after they swept two games from the Black Hawks, 6-5 in 9 innings at home and 11-2 at Bethel Park.
There were plenty of players who played key roles in the impressive wins, but leading the way was senior first baseman Wes Parker.
On Wednesday night, Parker delivered with three hits, including a double, a run scored and an RBI.
“Wes has been terrific all season for us in the cleanup spot,” Plassio said. “His last two at-bats in that game were his best. His single to left in the bottom of the 7th with two outs kept the rally alive and helped set the stage for Jack Lutte’s clutch two-run single to tie the game and force extra innings. His double in the ninth was hit really well, which put him in position to score the game-winning run.”
Parker proved the opener of the sectional showdown series was no fluke as he went 2 for 3 with a home run and two RBIs on Friday.
“Wes again performed when his team needed him most,” Plassio said. “We knew that Bethel Park would want to get that win, coming off an emotional loss a couple nights earlier. Fortunately, our offense led the way. Wes hit a long home run, but probably even more important and more impressive, was the job he did on the mound. Wes threw strikes with command and he worked rhythmically, which is a real key for him on the mound.”
In picking up the save, Parker pitched three scoreless innings, allowing no hits with three strikeouts.
“On the mound, Wes throws hard,” Plassio said. “Wes also is able to effectively locate his off-speed pitches, which compliments his strong fastball. Wes attacks hitters with confidence and executes the plan well.”
That being said, Plassio and his coaches are being careful with the Toledo recruit after injuries played a role in his 2021 season.
“Coming off a season last year in which he experienced some arm issues, we have tried to do our best to put Wes in spots where he can succeed while rebuilding his confidence in his arm,” Plassio said. “He has started games and also come in relief like he did on Friday. We feel very confident in his ability to adapt to the situation. We will continue to monitor his progress on the mound as the season unfolds as we will need him to perform at that spot in key situations moving forward into the future.
Parker finished the week with two more hits with an RBI double in a 6-2 nonsection victory over Latrobe on Saturday.
The Indians have two more section series remaining, including a home-and-home matchup against last place Albert Gallatin this week.
“Coming off a long, highly anticipated and emotional week of baseball, I think that our boys know that they must remain focused,” Plassio said. “I expect things will only become more difficult in the second half of the regular season, but our boys are confident in their ability to continue to find success. They are a very close knit group of kids who are working tirelessly to maintain a team first approach in everything that they do.”
Week 2 – Gavin Homer, Indiana
Week 1 – Jake Kendro, Norwin
Tags: Peters Township | 2022-04-25T01:04:44Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Trib HSSN Baseball Player of the Week for April 24, 2022 | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-hssn-baseball-player-of-the-week-for-april-24-2022/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-hssn-baseball-player-of-the-week-for-april-24-2022/ |
Defending WPIAL Class 3A baseball champion Hopewell entered last week tied for first place with Ellwood City, one game ahead of Mohawk and New Brighton in a crowded top in Section 1-3A.
The Vikings turned back the clock and brought out the brooms with a pair of victories over the Wolverines that puts Hopewell back alone on top of the section.
“Every week you have two big section games,” Hopewell coach Morgan Singletary said. “The team’s names change each week, but they are all big games and you need to be physically and mentally prepared for each week and each game.
After a rainout, the two met Wednesday at Hopewell in a game that turned into an instant classic.
In a low-scoring pitchers’ duel between the Vikings’ Anthony LaSala and the Wolverine1s’ Nick Magnifico, Hopewell rallied for two runs in the sixth inning to take a 2-1 lead.
The Wolverines answered with two runs in the top of the seventh to go back up 3-2 before the Vikings scored twice in the bottom of the seventh for a walk-off 4-3 victory.
“That was the third game this year that we had to come from behind to win,” Singletary said. “In all of those games, we had big hits on offense that put us up. Against Ellwood, we were able to get Anthony (LaSala) on base down by one in the seventh, and then Lucas (Arrington) and Chris (Mullins) came through with big hits. Guys that have been there coming through for us.”
There were no dramatics when the teams met Friday at Lincoln High School.
Hopewell scored four runs in the third inning and led 6-2 going into the seventh inning before scoring seven runs to cruise to a 13-5 win.
“We were able to limit our strikeouts,” Singletary said. “If there has been one thing that has been a glaring negative for our offense this season, it has been the number of strikeouts we have had each game. Our game getting rained out Thursday was an opportunity to address it at practice, and the players responded. In Friday’s game, we only had three. If we are putting the ball in play, our offense will be in good shape.”
Hopewell lost Saturday in a nonsection game to Class 4A Blackhawk, 12-7, ending the Vikings six-game winning streak.
At 7-3 for the season, is this what Singletary expected a month into the campaign?
“More or less, yes. We knew we would have strong pitching out of Anthony and Lucas, and we knew the top of our lineup would be strong on offense with Anthony, Couper (Stala), Lucas, Chris and Ty (Eberhardt). We also knew we would need to fill some slots of both defense and offense to round out the lineup. We have been very happy with how some guys have stepped up in Landon Fox, Stephen Slate and Marshall Nock.
“We expect to be the conversation for winning our section and making a run in the playoffs, and I feel like we are at this point.”
A year ago, Hopewell won Section 1-3A, was the top seed in the district postseason and rolled past Waynesburg Central, Deer Lakes and McGuffey before edging South Park in the title game 6-5 for the Vikings’ first baseball championship since 2010.
Singletary knows there is work left to be done in the regular season but feels his Vikings are ready for the final three weeks and beyond.
“I like what we have been able to accomplish to this point and am very proud of how this group of players have competed. With that being said, there is always room for improvement. Wins and losses, we are in a good place, but the majority of our players know the grind of the playoffs. With single elimination, you need to be at the top of your game every game. We are still working to get to the top of our game.”
2022 Trib HSSN Baseball Teams of the Week:
Week 2 — Chartiers Valley Colts
Tags: Hopewell | 2022-04-25T01:04:51Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Trib HSSN Baseball Team of the Week for April 24, 2022 | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-hssn-baseball-team-of-the-week-for-april-24-2022/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-hssn-baseball-team-of-the-week-for-april-24-2022/ |
North Allegheny’s Varun Kaveti scores during a match against Butler on April 7, 2022, at North Allegheny High School.
North Allegheny and North Catholic kept their places at the top in the Class 3A and Class 2A boys volleyball rankings, respectively, as the Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association released its Week 5 top-10 polls Monday morning.
The Tigers solidified their hold on the Class 3A top spot with three victories last week, including a 3-0 triumph over No. 2 Seneca Valley in a Section 2 showdown on Friday.
Seneca Valley stayed at No. 2. The Raiders swept past No. 9 Butler on Tuesday.
The top six stayed the same, with Norwin at No. 3, Shaler at No. 4, Hempfield at No. 5 and Penn-Trafford at No. 6.
Upper St. Clair was the biggest mover in Class 3A this week, bumping up two spots to No. 7. The Panthers suffered a 3-2 loss to Moon last Tuesday in Section 1 play but bounced back to score a 3-2 win over No. 8 Canon-McMillan two days later.
It then captured its own tournament Saturday with a 2-0 victory over Canon-McMillan in the finals.
Latrobe (No. 10) joins Canon-McMillan and Butler in rounding out the top 10.
North Catholic was able to stave off a challenge to the Class 2A top spot from No. 3 Montour in a Section 2 battle last Tuesday. The Trojans remained undefeated with a 3-2 victory.
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, at No. 2, posted 3-0 victories last week over No. 8 Derry and No. 10 Hopewell.
Montour moved up one spot, while Seton LaSalle dipped one spot to No. 4.
Ambridge and Gateway maintained their positions at No. 5 and No. 6, respectively.
Trinity made the biggest jump in Class 2A, climbing three spots to No. 7 after prevailing 3-2 in a Section 3 battle with No. 9 Thomas Jefferson on Tuesday and defeating Keystone Oaks, 3-1, in section play Thursday.
Western Pa. Volleyball Coaches Association
Top-10 Rankings – Week 5
7. Upper St. Clair (9)
10. Latrobe (10)
Jack Birch, senior, middle hitter, North Allegheny
Michael Mihalov, junior, middle hitter, Norwin
Bradyn Winters, junior, setter/middle hitter, Moon
Justin Oswald, sophomore, outside hitter, Upper St. Clair
10. Hopewell (8)
Josh Hovan, senior, libero, Ambridge
Will Kromka, senior, outside hitter/middle hitter, Gateway
Cameron Ross, senior, outside hitter, Plum
Gavin Poe, junior, middle hitter, Seton LaSalle
Tags: Ambridge, Butler, Canon-McMillan, Derry Area, Gateway, Hempfield, Hopewell, Latrobe, Montour, Moon, North Allegheny, North Catholic, Norwin, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Penn-Trafford, Plum, Seneca Valley, Seton La Salle, Shaler, Thomas Jefferson, Trinity, Upper St. Clair | 2022-04-25T17:49:44Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | North Allegheny, North Catholic hold on to top rankings in boys volleyball coaches’ poll | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/north-allegheny-north-catholic-hold-on-to-top-rankings-in-boys-volleyball-coaches-poll/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/north-allegheny-north-catholic-hold-on-to-top-rankings-in-boys-volleyball-coaches-poll/ |
Young athletes finding success for Highlands track and field
Highlands’ Brooke Signorella takes fourth in the girls 100-meter hurdles during the Lady Spartan/Wildcat Invitational April 8 at Latrobe’s Memorial Stadium.
Brooke Signorella had just earned a fourth-place finish in the 100-meter hurdles at the annual Lady Spartan/Wildcat Invitational, but her sprint wasn’t quite over.
The Highlands sophomore quickly returned to the starting line because as soon as the hurdles were cleared from the track it was time for her next race, the 100-meter dash.
Signorella’s quick recovery is one her many special talents on the track and one she shares with several other Highlands underclassmen who have made impressive contributions this season.
“Things are coming along,” coach Chad Walsh said. “We have a lot of young kids contributing. Each week they seem to get a little better. That’s a positive for us. Our numbers are up this year. We have a lot more participation. Some of these young kids have been surprising.”
After her fourth-place finish in the 100 hurdles in 17.91 seconds, Signorella placed eighth in 13.60 in the 100-meter dash at the Lady Spartan/Wildcat Invitational on April 8 at Latrobe’s Memorial Stadium.
“I’m expecting some big things out of her,” Walsh said of Signorella, who also competes in the long jump and high jump. “It seems each day, each week she picks it up a little more. The technique gets better. The next few weeks leading up to WPIALs, she’ll have a chance to see where we stand with her.”
Junior Cassidy Davis also had an impressive performance at Latrobe, finishing third in long jump with a mark of 16 feet, 51⁄4 inches. Norwin’s Nataiah Robertson-Dutrieuille took first (17-23⁄4).
“She’s just powerful,” Walsh said of Davis. “She’s either first or second in the dual meets. She just seems like she gets stronger each week.
“She will get more technique each week. She’s starting to catch it, hit the board really hard and rappel herself out into the pit and refining the technique.”
Davis also tied for ninth in the high jump after clearing 4-6 and has cleared 5 feet during practice sessions. Sophomore Cadence Chambers also has made an impact in the high jump.
Freshman Tyarah Woody is another promising sprinter for Highlands. She placed 11th in the 100 (13.73) and competed in the 200 and long jump. Sophomore Elizabeth Ransom has competed in the 200 and long jump. Junior Eve Johnson and senior Rebekah Young are top middle distance and distance runners.
Senior Ahmonti Ondo has returned in the hurdles after finishing 22nd in the 100 hurdles and 300 hurdles at WPIALs last season.
Senior Lilly Johnson is another one of the team’s more experienced athletes. The returning WPIAL qualifier finished 16th in the shot put at WPIALs last season and has continued to post high marks. She was 13th in the shot put with a mark of 28-11⁄2.
“She works really hard,” Walsh said. “She spends extra time after practice video taping herself, critiques her technique. She seems to click.”
Senior Fatama Shareef has added depth to the throwing events.
On the boys’ side, sophomore Kyan Chambers tied for seventh in the high jump at Latrobe after clearing 5-6. He also took fifth in the long jump with a leap of 19-8. Walsh said he has surpassed 5-10 in the high jump and 20 feet in the long jump this season. Junior Ashton Hatajik also has come through in the high jump, clearing 5-4 at Latrobe. Senior Kalle Lammert has been the leader in the triple jump.
Junior twins Logan and Noah Leslie have been key point scorers in shot put and discus. They were 18th (104-9) and 28th (100-2), respectively, in the javelin at Latrobe. Roman Vivirito also has been a contributor in the throwing events. Freshman Trevor Grant and Tyler Bender also have added to the javelin field.
Junior Zach Dunlap and freshmen Darius Cherry and Nygel Jack have contributed in the sprint events. Sophomore Eliott Bannister and senior Justin Do have led the way in the middle distance and distance events.
Highlands has gone winless in four dual meets in Section 4-3A, but Walsh is confident the athletes will continue to improve as the postseason meets approach. The Golden Rams will compete in the Pine-Richland Invitational May 6 to prepare for the WPIAL meet, which is set for May 18 at Slippery Rock.
“Just keep getting better. Start reaching their PRs,” he said. “The kids we’ve got now who are showing they’re in the mix, we just want them to keep getting better, hone their skills and get technique better each week and put the work in. Hopefully, in the end it pays off for us.” | 2022-04-25T17:49:56Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Young athletes finding success for Highlands track and field | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/young-athletes-finding-success-for-highlands-track-and-field/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/young-athletes-finding-success-for-highlands-track-and-field/ |
Ligonier Valley pitcher Maddie Griffin fires a pitch in a scrimmage March 16 at Hempfield.
Maddie Griffin admits she has not lived up to her own lofty expectations this spring.
After all, the senior softball pitcher from Ligonier Valley threw 11 no-hitters, including five perfect games, last season.
While she has been bothered some by an ankle injury, the pressure to perform at such a high level from the circle has taken its toll on the fireballer.
But then came Monday’s game, and Griffin was back to her unhittable, dominant self.
In one of most impressive performances yet, she struck out all 21 batters she faced for a perfect game to lead the No. 2 Rams to a 3-0 victory over Seton LaSalle at Donaldson Field in Ligonier.
“In no way did I feel like there was a game like this around the corner,” Griffin said. “I was struggling a lot at the beginning of the year. My dad and I had a pep talk last night about going out and having fun, and that’s just what I did tonight.”
With a rise ball leading her arsenal, Griffin did not issue a walk and worked quickly and efficiently through a decent lineup.
She threw 81 pitches, 66 strikes and 15 balls.
A Youngstown State commit, Griffin also had two hits and scored a run for the Rams (7-2, 6-0 Section 2-2A).
“I felt the best I have ever felt today in the circle,” Griffin said. “Everything was working. … The pressure I put on myself this year has been suffocating, and having a game like this was a breath of fresh air.”
Griffin said the perfect game crossed her mind when Ligonier Valley broke up a scoreless game by scoring three times in the bottom of the sixth inning to give her a cushion with three outs to go.
“I had to calm myself down and work pitch by pitch so I wouldn’t jinx it,” she said.
Maddie Griffin pitched a perfect game in the Lady Rams’ win tonight! pic.twitter.com/MiqbXOG8Ey
— Ligonier Valley Athletics (@LVSDAthletics) April 25, 2022 | 2022-04-26T02:14:05Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Better than perfect: Ligonier Valley’s Maddie Griffin strikes out all 21 hitters she faces vs. Seton LaSalle | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/better-than-perfect-ligonier-valleys-maddie-griffin-strikes-out-all-21-hitters-she-faces-vs-seton-lasalle/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/better-than-perfect-ligonier-valleys-maddie-griffin-strikes-out-all-21-hitters-she-faces-vs-seton-lasalle/ |
By: Jeremy Sellew
Belle Vernon catcher Mia Zubovic slaps a tag on Elizabeth Forward’s Bella Gimiliano for the final out of the top of the third inning Monday, April 25, 2022.
Elizabeth Forward used two big innings, including a five-run fifth, to hang on for a 9-6 win at Belle Vernon in Section 2-4A softball Monday.
The Warriors were able to dig deep at the end and withstand a Leopards rally after seeing left fielder Maddisyn Best suffer a head and eye injury in the bottom of the sixth inning.
“It gets emotional, and it’s a tough thing like that losing a teammate,” EF coach Harry Rutherford said. “We were able to settle down and get the final outs we needed.”
The Warriors (8-1, 5-1) broke open a 3-1 game with their five spot in the fifth. Shelby Telegdy and Grace Smith led off with back-to-back singles off Leopards’ reliever Talia Ross. Ross uncorked a wild pitch and walked three of the next five batters she faced. Telegdy’s courtesy runner scored on a wild pitch before Smith came in to score on the third walk.
The order turned over and Brooke Markland made the Leopards pay with a two-run single. After Lauren Vay walked, Telegdy roped her second single of the inning – and fourth of the game – to drive in Julia Johnson with the eighth EF run.
“Too many walks hurt us. The pitching, it needs to get better,” Belle Vernon coach Tom Rodriguez said. “We weren’t hitting our spots. When the catcher is setting up outside, we need to hit that spot. If she has to come inside, they’re hitting those pitches.”
The Warriors were able to add another insurance run in the top of the seventh when Smith delivered a two-out, RBI double.
Elizabeth Forward had the 4 for 5 performance from Telegdy, along with two hits and two RBIs each from Markland and Smith.
Carlee Soukup added a pair of hits as the Warriors finished with 14 in the game.
“Trust me, I have no problems with the offense. Top to bottom, I’m very pleased with the way we smack the ball around,” Rutherford said. “But there are some things we need to do better. We need to a better job of getting runners around the bases. To have 11 runners left on base, that’s inexcusable.”
The game started with a bang in the bottom of the first inning. The highlight was Maren Metikosh earning some free Dilly Bars, slamming a solo shot off the Dairy Queen billboard in right center field.
The Leopards (4-4, 3-3) maintained their lead behind starter Olivia Kolowitz until the top of the third.
Markland, Vay and Telegdy led off the inning with three straight singles to load the bases with one out. Smith delivered the tying run with a sacrifice fly to right and Bella Gimiliano followed with a two-run single to center to make it 3-1.
Immediately after the Warriors made it 8-1, the Leopards started to chip away, picking up a run in the bottom of the fifth with a Lexi Daniels delivering an RBI single following a two-out double by Gracie Sokol.
Ashley Joll led off the bottom of the sixth with a single to center and came in to score on the two-out triple by Mia Zubovic. Zubovic hammered a ball deep to left that Best was tracking, and with the wind, it likely would have been a home run.
But the ball bounced off the fence and Best collided with the fence, hitting her head off of the gold piping along the top. Best remained down while being attended to by Belle Vernon’s athletic training staff. She was helped off the field with an apparent eye and possible head injury until an ambulance arrived.
Rutherford said she was taken by ambulance to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
“It was a very scary situation. It’s hard to come back seeing a teammate go down like that with an ambulance called,” Rutherford said. “It took us a while to recover from that, I think, but we were able to take care of the job at hand.”
The Leopards made things interesting in the bottom half of the seventh, plating three runs before the Warriors were able to get the final out.
Daniels delivered Belle Vernon’s second homer of the game to make it 8-4. Abby Fabin singled and Metikosh reached on an error to put runners on first and second. Joll delivered with a triple down the left-field line to score Fabin and Metikosh before Telegdy was able to strike out Ava Zubovic and force Lauren VanDivner to line out to right to end the game.
“I thought we hit the ball hard and Brooke did a great job of fielding her position at short that took away a couple hits and maybe some runs from them,” Rutherford said. “We took care of business, but we had a chance to really come in her and send a message to the other teams in the section. We were up 9-1. We ended up 9-6. That’s not putting the other teams on notice like we had a chance to do.”
Kolowitz took the loss for the Leopards. She allowed three runs on eight hits and struck out five. Ross struck out six and walked six. She allowed six runs on six hits.
Telegdy was the winner for EF, allowing five earned runs and striking out five. She walked four.
The Leopards travel to Laurel Highlands on Tuesday, while the Warriors will host the Mustangs on Wednesday.
Tags: Belle Vernon, Elizabeth Forward | 2022-04-26T02:14:11Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Elizabeth Forward softball holds on to beat Belle Vernon | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/elizabeth-forward-softball-holds-on-to-beat-belle-vernon/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/elizabeth-forward-softball-holds-on-to-beat-belle-vernon/ |
Springdale pitcher Alexis Hrivnak (32) and her battery mate, catcher Bri Thompson, are greeted by coach Anthony Pototo as they come off the field after the bottom of the fifth. Hrivnak gave up four hits, walked three and struck out 16 as the Dynamos topped Leechburg, 4-3, in a Section 3-1A clash Monday at Gilpin Leechburg Park.
In addition to her sixth-inning triple, she was hit by a pitch leading off the second. She was the only one of the first 12 Blue Devils batters to reach against Hrivnak, who struck out the other 11.
Vozar broke up Hrivnak’s no-hitter with a two-out double in the fourth.
Springdale and Leechburg rematch May 5 at Springdale. The Blue Devils play at Riverview on Wednesday before hosting a doubleheader against Ellis on Friday. | 2022-04-26T02:14:17Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Springdale softball takes advantage of Leechburg miscues, holds off late rally | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/springdale-softball-takes-advantage-of-leechburg-miscues-holds-off-late-rally/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/springdale-softball-takes-advantage-of-leechburg-miscues-holds-off-late-rally/ |
Ligonier Valley’s Miles Higgins is the reigning Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association javelin champion.
Norwin thrower Cody Scherle takes part in practice April 25, 2022, at Norwin.
Norwin thrower Aaron Schmook at practice April 25, 2022, at Norwin.
The returning WPIAL Class 2A champion, who placed fourth in the PIAA championship, was hoping to compete against good friend Aaron Schmook of Norwin in the county meet. However, Schmook, who recently won the Butler Invitational with a school-record throw of 198 feet, 3 inches, will be missing the county meet because of a choir commitment in Dollywood, Tenn.
Higgins’ best throw of the season came in early April at Mt. Pleasant. Since then, the weather conditions and rain made throwing areas difficult to compete on.
But with the extended forecast calling for dry conditions this week, Higgins hopes the throwing area will be conducive to some big throws.
While Higgins proved last year that he was one of the best throwers in the state, Schmook had a day to forget. Both are hoping to surpass the 200-foot mark and contend for PIAA titles.
“I’m learning a new form, and I’ve learned a technique,” Scherle said. “I’m a foot or so away from the old record of 179-8. I’m at 178-3. I’m really excited to see what Miles has got and looking forward some good completion.”
While Higgins has signed to compete at North Carolina-Wilmington, Schmook and Scherle are uncommitted. Schmook named a dozen NCAA Division I programs that are interested in his services, including Kent State, Youngtown State, Louisville and Penn State.
• Numerous athletes looking to defend titles at WCCA | 2022-04-26T21:36:42Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Busy week ahead for Ligonier Valley javelin standout Miles Higgins | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/busy-week-ahead-for-ligonier-valley-javelin-standout-miles-higgins/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/busy-week-ahead-for-ligonier-valley-javelin-standout-miles-higgins/ |
Greensburg Central Catholic’s Corinn Brewer has WCCA 800, and 1,600 and pole vault titles to defend.
The best of Westmoreland County will descend on Latrobe’s Memorial Stadium Saturday for the running of the Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association track and field championship.
This is the 99th year for the boys and 42nd for the girls.
Numerous returning champions are back trying to defend their titles.
Heading the list are Greensburg Central Catholic seniors Corinn Brewer and Joe Blahovec and Latrobe senior Brennan Campbell. Brewer was a triple winner last year, winning the 800- and 1,600-meter runs and the pole vault.
Blahovec won the 200 and 400, and Campbell won the 110 high hurdles and 300 hurdles.
Other returning champions include Ligonier Valley senior Miles Higgins (javelin), Greensburg Salem junior Aaron Tressler (3,200), Greensburg Salem senior Donavin Waller (triple jump), Norwin senior Bernadette Zukina (400), Kiski Area sophomore Eliza Miller (3,200), Norwin senior Layla Robertson (300 hurdles), Norwin junior Ashley Laukus (high jumper) and Hempfield senior Capri DeCaro (triple jump).
Hempfield junior Liz Tapper is be the favorite in the shot put and discus and will challenge Brewer for the pole vault title. Tapper finished second in all three events last season.
Tapper is No. 1 in the country in the discus with a throw of 163-9. The state record is 168-11 by Greensburg Central Catholic’s Colleen Rosensteel in 1984.
The first flight of field events will begin at 9:30 a.m., and the running preliminaries at 10:45 a.m. The running finals are slated to begin at 1 p.m.
The girls 400, 1,600 and 3,200 runs are loaded with returnees. The top nine finishers in the 400 are back, the top 19 are back in the 1,600 and the top 16 in the 3,200.
Slippery Rock Invitational
Three Hempfield athletes and two relay teams took first place at Slippery Rock University. Tapper won the discus (157-08), Caleb Prola won the 200 (22.96), Daniel Sierk took first in the discus (155-09) and the team of Alicia Weimer, Lily Murphy, Julia Snider and Cydney Blahovec took the 3,200 relay and the 1,600 relay.
Campbell won the 110 hurdles (15.06) and finished second in the 300 hurdles (40.44). Southmoreland’s Olivia Cernuto won the triple jump (35-05.5).
Hempfield senior Noah Ser finished second in the high jump (6-2). Sierk finished second in the shot put (49-8.5) to Penn Hills senior Angelo Allen (59-8.5).
Cydney Blahovec, a junior, also placed second in the 800 (2:21.00). Derry freshman Jane Huss placed second in the 3,200 (11:51.79).
Hempfield junior Lindsay Simmons finished third in the 100 hurdles (17:00), and Latrobe freshman Brylee Bodnar placed fourth (17.12). Bodnar placed second in the 300 hurdles (49.02) and Simmons third (49.41).
Hempfield junior Giana Torri placed third in the high jump (4-10), Cernuto was fourth in the long jump (16-9.25) and Tapper placed second in the pole vault (11-6) and shot put (46-8.24),
Butler Invite
Greensburg Salem senior Dwight Sarver took first place in the discus with a throw of 146-1.
Indiana junior Abbie Huey won the 200 (25.36) and 400 (57.90).
Norwin senior Layla Robertson won the 300 hurdles (45.10). Teammate Bella Brozeski, a junior, placed fifth (48.23). The Norwin 1,600 relay team breezed to a win (4:02.16).
Here is a list of track meets this weekend:
• Mars Invitational (33 teams) Friday
• Fayette County Coaches Association Championship (seven teams) Saturday at Uniontown Area High School
• Indiana County Principal’s Track Championship (eight teams) Saturday at Marion Center
• South Fayette Invitational (29 teams) Saturday
• Tri-County Championship (five teams) Saturday at Shenango
• Washington-Greene County Championship (10 teams) Saturday at Peters Township
Tags: Belle Vernon, Burrell, Derry Area, Franklin Regional, Greensburg C.C., Greensburg Salem, Hempfield, Kiski Area, Kiski School, Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Monessen, Mt. Pleasant, Norwin, Penn-Trafford, Southmoreland, Valley, Yough
• Busy week ahead for Ligonier Valley javelin standout Miles Higgins | 2022-04-26T21:36:54Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Numerous athletes looking to defend titles at WCCA | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/numerous-athletes-looking-to-defend-titles-at-wcca/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/numerous-athletes-looking-to-defend-titles-at-wcca/ |
Apollo-Ridge took advantage of four Jeannette errors, got a grand slam from junior Brandon Butler and solid pitching from Brady Schrock in a 10-0 victory Tuesday in a Section 2-2A battle.
The Vikings, who have clinched a berth in the WPIAL playoffs, improved to 6-3 overall and 5-2 in the section. The young Jayhawks, who are still in the playoff hunt, fell to 2-4 and 2-3. Apollo-Ridge also completed a two-game sweep of Jeannette, winning 8-3 on Monday.
Schrock allowed four singles while walking one and striking out six. He allowed singles by Tyler Horn and losing pitcher Michael Mason to open the first inning. But he got out of trouble when third baseman Nathan Kavulic snagged a one-hopper off the bat of Gavin Holemeyer and turned it into a double play.
Apollo-Ridge took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning when Brady Schrock singled in Karter Schrock, who reached on an error.
“We came out strong, but Brady (Schrock) can throw,” Apollo-Ridge coach Jason Mamros said. “He’s got a nasty curveball when he gets ahead in the count. They just couldn’t catch up to his fastball.”
Mason stranded Butler after a lead-off triple in the third inning, but three walks and an error set up Apollo-Ridge for a five-run fourth inning, highlighted by Butler’s grand slam, his second home run of the season.
“We definitely needed this game,” Butler said. “We’re finally clicking together as a team. Getting on top early is what won us the game. Baseball is 90% mental, and we were able to get into their heads.
“Just stayed calm and went straight back and straight through. I work hard to produce like that.”
Apollo-Ridge put the game away in the fifth inning on four consecutive hits, including an RBI double by Kavulic.
“We got clutch hitting,” Mamros said. “Brandon’s home run was a blast. It was a big hit. It went from a close game to it gave us a nice little cushion.”
But the errors just gave Apollo-Ridge too many extra chances.
“With a young group of players, fielding the ball is going to be an issue,” Jeannette coach Marcus Clarkson said. “We have to learn to be better. These guys are working hard, but we didn’t field well today or Monday.
“Growing pains are hard. We’ll be back at it tomorrow. We’ll learn, and sometimes you have to learn the hard way.”
Jeannette hosts Shady Side Academy on Wednesday.
Apollo-Ridge still has a big series with Shady Side Academy on May 2 and 3 as it tries to finish second in the section.
Tags: Apollo-Ridge, Jeannette | 2022-04-27T00:52:42Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Strong pitching, Butler’s grand slam lift Apollo-Ridge over Jeannette in Section 2-2A baseball | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/strong-pitching-butlers-grand-slam-lift-apollo-ridge-over-jeannette-in-section-2-2a-baseball/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/strong-pitching-butlers-grand-slam-lift-apollo-ridge-over-jeannette-in-section-2-2a-baseball/ |
Norwin’s Jake Kendro rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against Upper St. Clair on Tuesday at Norwin.
Norwin’s Jack Whalen drives in two runs with a base hit against Upper St. Clair on Tuesday.
Norwin’s Jake Kendro (18) celebrates his solo home run against Upper St. Clair on Tuesday.
Norwin catcher Tyler Cupp tags out Upper St. Clair’s Charlie Eberlie at home plate during their game on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at Norwin High School.
Norwin pitcher Sebastian Rosado-Guindin delivers against Upper St. Clair on Tuesday.
Norwin’s Ty Stecko bats against Upper St. Clair on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at Norwin High School.
Norwin pitcher Sebastian Rosado-Guindin celebrates with Ty Stecko during their game against Upper St. Clair on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at Norwin High School.
Norwin’s Christian Minto doubles next to Upper St. Clair’s Jack Shearer during their game on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at Norwin High School.
Norwin’s Elijah Dunn (17) celebrates with Jake Awenowicz after scoring against Upper St. Clair on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at Norwin High School.
Norwin’s Jake Kendro bats against Upper St. Clair on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at Norwin High School.
Here comes Norwin.
After losing four of five and getting swept by Canon-McMillan, the Knights are back in the playoff conversation in Section 2-6A — and back to .500 — after a sweep of their own.
Seniors Jake Kendro and Ty Stecko homered, and senior Sebastian Rosado-Guindin pitched 62⁄3 innings of three-hit baseball as Norwin took the second of two games from No. 3 Upper St. Clair, 7-3, on Tuesday in North Huntingdon.
“They’re a dangerous team,” Upper St. Clair coach Jeff Donati said of Norwin. “Their infield makes a ton of plays, and they hit. If they can throw strikes, they can be very good.”
Norwin (6-6, 4-4) also won 5-2 on Monday to snap the Panthers’ five-game winning streak. Stecko went 3 for 5 with a double in that game.
This time, he launched a two-run homer in the sixth to increase the Knights’ lead to 7-3 and give Rosado-Guindin a more comfortable lead with which to work.
The big lefty from Puerto Rico quieted the Upper St. Clair (7-4, 5-3) lineup after a shaky third inning.
“We’re trying to put it all together, our offense, defense and pitching,” said Stecko, a Mount St. Mary’s commit who has four home runs and 20 RBIs. “We’ve been starting to do that lately.”
Surprisingly, Rosado-Guindin came in with two outs in a pressure-mounting first to spell senior Noah Czajkowski, who had control problems and loaded the bases before the quick hook.
With one pitch, Rosado-Guindin got the a flyout to end the threat and keep it a 1-0 game.
“This is a big one to get,” Norwin coach Mike Liebdzinski said of the series. “Noah just needs to get his confidence back. We know what he can do. Sebastian was solid. I told him to go out and throw strikes. If you do that behind a good defense, good things will happen.
“The last two games, we’ve had big hits in key moments.”
An efficient Rosado-Guindin, an IUP recruit, went on to strike out six and walk one on 69 pitches.
He also pitched 11⁄3 innings Monday.
Game 2 looked like it was going to go back and forth early on before Norwin pulled away.
Norwin took a 2-1 lead in the second on a two-run single by senior Jack Whalen, who went 2 for 3. The Panthers tied it on a run-scoring double to right by senior Brandon Liokareas, a Seton Hill commit.
Junior Hunter Schroeck grounded out to knock in another run and make it 3-2 Panthers.
All three USC hits came in the inning, all in a row. But they managed just one runner after the third.
Kendro, a Tennessee commit, clubbed his third homer of the spring off the scoreboard in right to tie it 3-3 in the bottom of the inning.
“This helps us and gives us momentum,” Kendro said of the sweep. “We are gaining confidence and starting to come together.”
Then, after senior Christian Minto doubled to center, junior Chris Slatt grounded out to score a run before senior Jake Awenowicz’s sacrifice fly gave the Knights a 5-3 advantage.
“We played Friday and Saturday, and that really depleted us pitching-wise,” Donati said. “We used two pitchers who were seeing their first varsity experience. They came in and battled. (Monday) we were four outs away from a win. It was a good effort.”
Junior Owen Mandler took the loss for USC.
Akron commit Mateo Cepullio did not play for the Panthers as he rested an injury.
Tags: Norwin, Upper St. Clair | 2022-04-27T03:51:04Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Norwin beats Upper St. Clair, makes up ground in section | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/norwin-beats-upper-st-clair-makes-up-ground-in-section/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/norwin-beats-upper-st-clair-makes-up-ground-in-section/ |
Kiski’s Isabel Ramos connects on a 2-run single against Plum during the fifth inning on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at Kiski Area High School.
Kiski’s Ashlee Bair scores against Plum on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at Kiski Area High School.
Kiski pitcher Hannah Simpson delivers during the third inning against Plum on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at Kiski Area High School.
Kiski pitcher Hannah Simpson tags out Plum’s Mercy Newell at third base during their game on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at Kiski Area High School.
Kiski’s Isabel Ramos celebrates her 2-run single against Plum during the fifth inning on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at Kiski Area High School.
The Kiski Area softball team missed the WPIAL playoffs in 2019 and ‘21 after a run to the quarterfinals in ‘18.
But the Cavaliers have assured themselves a return to the postseason this spring.
They solidified their positioning in the Section 1-5A standings and clinched Wednesday at home against rival Plum.
Kiski Area broke open a tie with a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth and added some insurance with three more in the sixth en route to a 6-1 victory over the Mustangs.
“I think we are in a really good spot,” said senior Ashlee Bair, a La Roche commit who smacked her first high school home run, a two-run shot in the sixth.
“We started off the season kind of slow, but we’ve really ramped it up in the past couple of weeks and really focused on what we needed to do to clinch a spot in the playoffs.”
The win put Kiski Area at 6-5 overall and 6-3 in the section. The Cavaliers, who have won two straight after Monday’s 8-0 loss to section leader Armstrong (8-2, 6-0), originally were scheduled to play Penn Hills on Friday, but with the Indians refusing to play Kiski Area in any sports this spring, the game goes down as a forfeit win.
The Cavaliers instead will travel to Valley on Friday at 5 p.m. for a nonsection game.
Bair’s home run was a part of a six-hit effort off Plum starter Makenzie Lang that included the winning single from senior Isabel Ramos’ with two outs and the bases loaded in the fifth.
Junior Mackenzie Favero, who scored three runs from her leadoff position in the batting order, reach on an error with one out in the fifth. After Lang struck out Madison Leith for the second out, Bair drew a walk, one of six free passes Lang would issue in the game. Junior Hannah Simpson drew a second walk to load the bases, setting the stage for Ramos, who had just been inserted into right field and was batting for the first time in the game.
Ramos didn’t flinch in her opportunity as she made contact and blooped the ball into shallow right field. Favero and Bair scored to make it 3-1.
“It felt so good to get this win because (Plum) beat us twice last year and kind of knocked us out of the playoffs,” said Favero, who had three hits, including a home run, and three RBI in Kiski’s 5-4 come-from-behind victory over the Mustangs on April 6.
“We always talk about focusing on keeping locked in the whole game and not getting down. We showed patience and trusted that we would get a couple of more runs, and we did that.”
Both of Kiski’s fifth-inning runs were unearned. Lang, also Plum’s leading hitter, gave up four earned runs and walked six while striking out six.
Leith, who was 0 for 2 with a sacrifice bunt in her first three plate appearances, delivered a run-scoring single for the Cavaliers in the sixth and came around to score on the Bair home run.
The six runs helped junior Hannah Simpson pick up her fourth win of the season (4-5). The Seton Hill commit gave up five hits and walked four while striking out seven over seven innings.
She has 56 strikeouts against just 11 walks in 55 innings. Plum’s lone run, an RBI single off the bat of freshman catcher Dani Pici in the top of the first, was unearned, so Simpson was able to lower her ERA to 2.80.
The Kiski Area defense turned double plays in the first and fifth innings, and Plum left runners in scoring position in the second and third frames.
“I am definitely a movement pitcher, so I aim to throw batters off,” Simpson said.
“That was working pretty well today on my side. My defense did a great job behind me and got outs when we needed them. This is a total team effort at the plate and on defense.”
The Mustangs loaded the bases with two outs in the top of the seventh on an error, a walk and a fielder’s choice that didn’t yield an out. But Simpson got Plum left fielder Taylor Lorish to pop out to Bair at second for the final out.
Pici added a single in the fifth and finished 2 for 4. She is batting .412 on the season (14 for 34).
Lang singled in the first and walked three times, raising her average to .423 (11 for 26).
Plum fell to 3-9 overall and 3-5 in section play. The Mustangs, who are still in the playoff hunt in Section 1, will host Armstrong on Friday.
“We put some runners on and missed some chances, but (Simpson) pitched a pretty good game,” Plum coach Phil DiLonardo said. “You have to give her credit. We’re just still looking for that clutch hit. That has been kind of a storyline all year. But I thought Makenzie pitched really well, too.”
Tags: Kiski Area, Plum | 2022-04-28T02:30:03Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Kiski Area defeats Plum, clinches WPIAL playoff berth | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/kiski-area-defeats-plum-clinches-wpial-playoff-berth/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/kiski-area-defeats-plum-clinches-wpial-playoff-berth/ |
North Catholic’s Alex Garvey serves during the WPIAL Class 2A doubles championship Wednesday at North Allegheny. Garvey and Brody Golla teamed up to win the title.
Shady Side Academy’s David Mnuskin (left) and Sam Bitzer display gold medals for winning WPIAL Class 3A doubles championship Wednesday at North Allegheny.
Shady Side Academy’s Sam Bitzer (left) and David Mnuskin celebrate a point in the WPIAL Class 3A doubles championship Wednesday at North Allegheny.
Franklin Regional sophomore Dhruv Kulkarni serves in the WPIAL Class 3A doubles championship Wednesday at North Allegheny.
Teams in the WPIAL doubles tennis championships Wednesday faced two obstacles – tough opponents and terrible weather.
The teams that handled the windy, cold conditions the best took home the titles.
The Shady Side Academy duo of David Mnuskin and Sam Bitzer defeated Franklin Regional’s Dhruv Kulkarni and Prerit Yadav, 6-3, 6-3, to claim the Class 3A title. Both teams advanced to the PIAA championship May 27-28 at Hershey.
The Class 2A title went to the North Catholic duo of Brody Golla and Alex Garvey, who defeated South Park’s Tim Lakatos and Alex Duing 7-6 (7-3), 6-3. Those two teams along with the team of Drew Dimidjian and Tony Sparta of Thomas Jefferson, who placed third, advance to states.
Dimidjian and Sparta defeated Mike Cavett and Grady Johnson of Beaver, 6-4, 6-4.
Bitzer and Mnuskin said the weather conditions made it difficult.
“We weren’t going for line. We wanted to keep the ball in play and force our opponents to make the mistakes,” Bitzer said. “We knew we had to deal with the wind and kept on going. We were pretty good at the net and didn’t give away too many points.
“It’s pretty amazing to be a champion. I lost early last year and I really wanted to do it because it’s my last year.”
Mnuskin said winning the title means a lot. He couldn’t play in 2020 because of covid and last year, he had elbow surgery.
“We want to try to take our game to the next level,” Mnuskin said.
The Franklin Regional duo said they found the conditions to be difficult.
“We struggled a lot in the first set,” Kulkarni said. “We battled back, but … we’re looking forward to states.”
Yadav said it was hard to serve in the wind.
“It was hard to volley,” Yadav said. “The ball was moving a lot. We’re looking for states and a clean slate.”
Even though the cold and wind affected some, the North Catholic duo decided to play in shorts and short-sleeve shirts.
They rallied down two set points in the first set for a 7-6 (7-3) win. The win keyed the victory.
“Winning that first set was huge,” Golla said. “It gave us a boost for the second set. I didn’t play that well, but Alex carried me. He really played well.”
The win was huge for the North Catholic team. Covid shut them down in the 2021 tournament.
“We were seeded No. 2 and it was a bummer that we couldn’t play,” Golla said. “We’re excited for the state tournament.”
The Franklin Regional team of Andrew and Aaron Allen won the Class 3A third-place match against the Mt. Lebanon duo of Jack and Luke Wilke, 6-4, 6-4. The third-place team in Class 3A does not advance to the PIAA tournament.
Tags: Franklin Regional, North Catholic, Shady Side Academy, South Park | 2022-04-28T02:30:09Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Shady Side Academy, North Catholic teams win WPIAL doubles titles | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/shady-side-academy-north-catholic-teams-win-wpial-doubles-titles/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/shady-side-academy-north-catholic-teams-win-wpial-doubles-titles/ |
Franklin Regional’s Jordan Suvak celebrates a triple against Penn-Trafford on April 4.
Westmoreland County games have not lacked late-inning drama lately.
Take last Wednesday. If you didn’t walk it off, you probably didn’t win.
There were four one-run games that day.
• Brady Lane doubled, then scored on an error, as Penn-Trafford clipped Kiski Area, 3-2, in eight innings.
• Hempfield dropped a 4-3 decision to Mt. Lebanon as Derrick Shields hit a walk-off double, spoiling Spartans home runs by Brandon Coughlin and Ryan Firmstone.
• Canon-McMillan slipped past Norwin, 2-1, as Andrew Koan hit a walk-off double in the bottom of the seventh, while Greensburg Central Catholic edged Monessen, 7-6, as Max Kallock ripped a pair of doubles.
On Monday, the thrills continued — at least in Alverton.
Kaiden Keefer hit a sacrifice fly to score Anthony Govern in the bottom of the seventh for a 2-1 victory over Charleroi. Govern doubled to set the table for the upstart Scotties.
Derry wasn’t as fortunate, as the Trojans were tripped up by Deer Lakes, 13-12, on a walk-off single by Wayne Love.
May 12 is the final day for teams to complete section play. The top four teams in each section qualify for the WPIAL playoffs, which could begin the week of May 16.
The top three WPIAL finishers in Class 4A, 3A and A, the top four in 5A and 2A and the top two in 6A will advance to the PIAA playoffs.
Hempfield is getting used to close games. The Spartans have played five one-run games, winning two of them — 2-1 over Upper St. Clair and 11-10 against Mt. Lebanon.
Latrobe is quietly sitting atop Section 1-5A, winners of nine of 10 games.
Nobody is catching the section champs, either.
The Wildcats were 8-0 in section after a 17-3 win over Kiski Area on Tuesday, giving them a 3.5-game cushion over Penn-Trafford (8-3, 4-3) with two section games to play — against the Warriors.
The teams will meet May 2-3 with Game 1 of the series at Latrobe.
Latrobe catapulted into the TribLive HSSN Class 5A rankings this week, taking the No. 4 spot. The Wildcats join Peters Township (1), West Allegheny (2), Bethel Park (3) and Shaler (5).
Derry remained at No. 5 in Class 3A.
Scotties, Cougars for first?
Yough and Southmoreland will play their Section 4-3A series finale against one another Monday and Tuesday. Could the two-game set decide the section?
The teams were tied for first place after wins Monday. Southmoreland (6-3, 5-2) and Yough (6-4, 5-2) were a half-game ahead of Waynesburg (4-8, 4-4).
Southmoreland has never won a section title in baseball. Yough shared a section title with Greensburg Salem in 2019.
Helping his cause
Franklin Regional senior Jordan Suvak combined with Kyle Morgan to blank McKeesport, 10-0, in six innings.
Suvak pitched four innings of shutout baseball against the Tigers, who clipped Penn-Trafford on Monday, 4-2. He also homered for one of the Panthers’ 18 hits.
Latrobe’s Jake Albaugh also helped himself out with a homer in a 17-3 win over Kiski Area. He struck out six and allowed four hits in the win.
And Dylan Grabowski of Penn-Trafford ripped a double and drove in two to coincide with a 10-strikeout performance in a 10-0 win over McKeesport.
Monday’s schedule is packed with key section games that are, in turn, packed with playoff implications and significance in the standings.
The top matchups, which will then flip sites for Tuesday’s matchups, include Norwin at Hempfield, Kiski Area at Franklin Regional, Penn-Trafford at Latrobe, Belle Vernon at Greensburg Salem, Mt. Pleasant at Ligonier Valley, Southmoreland at Yough and Greensburg Central Catholic at West Greene.
“It’s pretty neat. He’s a special player. He’s the first to make it here. I am very proud.” — Norwin coach Mike Liebdzinski on his former star hitter, JJ Matijevic, getting called up to the majors with the Houston Astros
Tags: Derry Area, Greensburg C.C., Hempfield, Latrobe, Norwin, Penn-Trafford, Southmoreland, Yough | 2022-04-28T14:20:03Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Westmoreland County baseball notebook: Teams playing 1-run thrillers | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-county-baseball-notebook-teams-playing-1-run-thrillers/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-county-baseball-notebook-teams-playing-1-run-thrillers/ |
After thrilling wins, narrow losses, Deer Lakes baseball remains in playoff hunt
Deer Lakes’ Josh Branngan scores past Derry pitcher Nate Papuga on a wild pitch Monday.
Deer Lakes’ Danny Geis scores against Derry on Monday.
Deer Lakes pitcher Evan Kijowski throws against Derry on Monday.
Deer Lakes pitcher Justin Brannagan delivers against Derry on Monday.
Though the baseball season hasn’t quite gone as planned, Deer Lakes remains in the thick of the WPIAL Class 3A baseball playoff race as the climax to the regular season approaches.
After some disappointingly close losses, the Lancers thought they had a strong momentum shift with a thrilling, come-from-behind victory against Derry on Monday. Deer Lakes scored six runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to pull out a 13-12 win, scoring three of the runs with two outs.
But after Tuesday’s game at Derry was postponed, the teams played Wednesday and the Trojans posted a 9-3 victory. Deer Lakes is now 4-4 in Section 3-3A, 6-8 overall. The top four section teams make the playoffs.
The Lancers are in a third-place tie with Mt. Pleasant at 4-4, but the Vikings swept the season’s series from Deer Lakes, should tiebreaker rules prevail at the end of the section season.
The Lancers can clinch a playoff berth by defeating Valley at home Monday and in New Kensington on Tuesday. The magic number for Deer Lakes to clinch the playoffs is two. Any number of Deer Lakes victories and Ligonier Valley losses totaling two puts the Lancers in the postseason.
But after going 7-3 in section play last season and returning a considerable number of players in 2022, the Lancers were hoping not to be worrying about magic numbers in May.
Deer Lakes is looking at one-run road losses to Ligonier Valley (7-6) and East Allegheny (2-1).
“At East Allegheny, we walked a guy to load the bases. We got out of it, but we didn’t produce at the plate,” said Lancers coach Josh Tysk. “Great job by their pitching staff. I thought that was a momentum-shifter that could have gotten us going, offensively, but it didn’t.”
Monday’s 13-12 win over Derry can’t be minimized. A loss there would have really put the postseason in doubt.
“I’m pleased about the fight our guys had,” Tysk said moments after the win. “This is the ultimate high. You walk away after a great ending.”
And a great ending it was.
Down 12-7 to start the seventh, Jacob Danka led off with a home run and Wayne Love followed with a double and scored on a sacrifice fly.
With the bases loaded and two outs, Ryan Cochran was hit by a pitch, Bryce Robson scored on a wild pitch, and Danny Geis came home on a misplay on a ball hit up the middle by Danka.
Love ended it with his second hit of the inning to score Anthony Smith and set off a celebration.
“It was really good to have a big hit like that at a big moment, coming back from that big of a deficit,” said Love, a sophomore. “I was mainly trying to get any sort of hit in the outfield and get that run in.”
Tysk is one of many coaches who like the idea of back-to-back games.
“I love it,” he said. “I think it makes you a complete high school team. You can’t just run one horse out there in a bunch of games. I really pleased with the WPIAL and the way they’re doing it. You have to strategize now.”
The playoffs are tentatively slated to begin the week of May 16. | 2022-04-28T23:10:07Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | After thrilling wins, narrow losses, Deer Lakes baseball remains in playoff hunt | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/after-thrilling-wins-narrow-losses-deer-lakes-baseball-remains-in-playoff-hunt/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/after-thrilling-wins-narrow-losses-deer-lakes-baseball-remains-in-playoff-hunt/ |
Hempfiled defeated visiting North Allegheny, 4-2, in a Section 2-6A softball game.
A day after moving into the state softball rankings, Hempfield was out to show it belonged there again.
The Spartans looked the part in an efficient, 1 hour, 20-minute victory against visiting North Allegheny.
The top-ranked team in WPIAL Class 6A and fourth-ranked team in the state got a lift from the bottom of its batting order and strong work from its freshman pitcher and defense to come out ahead 4-2 on Thursday in Section 2-6A action at Kalp Field.
The first-place Spartans moved to 9-0 overall and 7-0 in section. The win was their 10th straight at home.
Riley Miller earned the complete-game win, striking out six and walking two, while helping her cause with a solo home run and two RBIs.
Working ahead in counts and pounding the strike zone, she forced nine groundouts and five flyouts against a potent Tigers lineup that was limited to five hits, the same number Hempfield had, only the Spartans produced three doubles and Miller’s homer.
Hempfield first-year coach Tina Madison will take the win, but she wasn’t altogether pleased with the production of her team. While the Spartans only left three on base — a far cry from the 16 they left stranded in a 3-2 win over Butler — she wanted more from the brow of the order.
“Usually the top of our lineup is fire,” Madison said. “It wasn’t as good today, but the back end was really good. And so was our defense.”
But isn’t that the mark of a good team: one part of the order picking up another?
“I knew our girls were going to get up for a team like NA. They’re NA,” Madison said. “They’re a big rival for us and such a good program. I want to teach them to finish. This is 6A. You let a couple girls on base, and you’re a swing away from giving up the lead.”
Spartans senior Sydney Mitchell tied it 1-1 with a run-scoring double off the fence in the bottom of the first.
Miller, who hits eighth, ripped an opposite-field solo shot to right center with two outs in the second for a 2-1 lead.
The Spartans then worked out of trouble in the third when North Allegheny (7-4, 3-3), which has dropped 4 of its last 6, put two on with two outs. The runners reached on an error and a walk.
But freshman Sammy Plotsko, who had an RBI earlier, lined out to sophomore Sarah Podkul, who made a leaping grab at second.
The Tigers tied it 2-2 in the fourth, though, as freshman McKenna Rowlands singled, senior Reagan Dietrick walked and junior Sadie Kelly singled.
Kelly’s hit took an odd bounce off the infield dirt, which disrupted sophomore shortstop Olivia Grimmer from fielding the ball cleanly.
A two-run fourth put Hempfield in front to stay. Sophomore Hannah Uhrinek walked and moved to second on a sacrifice.
Freshman catcher Allie Cervola then singled to left before Grimmer, the No. 7 hitter, roped a double to the base of the fence in left center for an RBI.
Miller’s sacrifice fly to center made it 4-2.
Uhrinek also had a double but was left on base.
North Allegheny didn’t get a runner to second the rest of the game.
“They’re a good team, and they have a quality program,” North Allegheny coach Morgan Vescovi said. “We fell short, but we know we could have played a better game with them. We’re starting to learn our opponents as we go. That is the first time we saw them. We didn’t know (Miller), and now we do. We have to make adjustments for the next game against them.”
While it did have one error, Hempfield was mostly sound defensively.
“Our defense was really good,” Miller said. “We’re all there for each other. If (the top of the order isn’t producing), we’re there to step up and do the job.”
Junior Meghan McDonough had two hits, and senior Alaina Whipkey tripled for the Tigers.
Hempfield has clinched its seventh straight playoff berth. Third-place North Allegheny is closing in on a postseason spot.
“Hempfield is the only team we have seen twice,” Vescovi said. “We have a lot of games left to play. We have four section games next week.”
Tags: Hempfield, North Allegheny | 2022-04-29T01:54:20Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Hempfield softball stays unbeaten in victory over North Allegheny | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/hempfield-softball-stays-unbeaten-in-victory-over-north-allegheny/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/hempfield-softball-stays-unbeaten-in-victory-over-north-allegheny/ |
Deer Lakes pitcher Maddie Kee celebrates with catcher Ia Germanich after defeating Valley on Thursday, April 28, 2022, at Valley High School.
Deer Lakes pitcher Maddie Kee delivers against Valley on Thursday, April 28, 2022, at Valley High School.
Maddie Kee was key for the Deer Lakes softball team in its Section 1-3A clash at rival Valley on Thursday afternoon.
Under sunny skies, Kee led the way at the plate, going 3 for 4 with a double and three RBIs. She also scattered four hits in the pitching circle and walked three while striking out 11 as the Lancers scored a 6-3 victory to clinch at least a share of the section title.
“We just wanted to come out strong and focused because we knew they were going to do the same and come out with a lot of energy,” said Kee, who paced an eight-hit Deer Lakes attack. “There was so much on the line for both teams. We had a lot of motivation, and it was nice to get this win.”
Deer Lakes, 6-0 in section play, will close out its section slate at home against North Catholic on Monday and at Derry on Tuesday before finishing the regular season with a gauntlet of games against Shaler (May 6), Fox Chapel (May 9) and Knoch (May 11).
“We have a very tough schedule ahead of us,” Deer Lakes coach Rick Cerra said. “We have a lot of softball next week, and we have to be ready to play our best. This is good for us to play a lot of high-quality teams like we did today. The girls are excited, and they want to play these strong teams.”
Valley (8-3, 5-2) came into the game hoping to keep pace with Deer Lakes at the top of the section standings. The Vikings also had a little revenge on their minds after the Lancers got the better of them, 7-0, when the teams met April 4.
The Vikings close out section play Monday with a road game against Shady Side Academy. Valley hosts Kiski Area on Friday.
Cerra said his Lancers remembered last year’s matchup at Valley, a 6-3 loss that played heavily into Deer Lakes losing out on the section title by one game to North Catholic.
It looked as if Deer Lakes might run away with Thursday’s game early as it scored a pair of runs in the top of the first on Kee’s two-run double and three more in the top of the second on RBIs from Kee, Lydia Guthrie and Keeghan Cook to lead 5-0.
Guthrie went 2 for 4 and scored two runs.
Valley got back in the game with a pair of runs in the second and one more in the third to close the gap to two.
Vikings cleanup hitter Haley Demharter paced the rally, and she finished 2 for 3 with a home run and a pair of RBIs. Valley also got hits from leadoff hitter Leah Taliani and Ryleigh Kasten.
“We had no choice but to try and build an early lead,” Cerra said. “We knew coming in that (Valley coach) Carrol (Perroz) was going to have her team ready. With each inning that passed where we didn’t score, I got more and more concerned because you can’t let a team like that stay in the game, especially a game like today.
“We both came in knowing how big this game was. We knew it was going to be tough. We still had the burn from last year’s game here.”
Deer Lakes added an insurance run in the top of the seventh as Guthrie singled, went to third on a groundout from Shayne Cerra and scored on a throwing error.
Valley had one last shot in the bottom of the seventh, but Kee retired the Vikings in order to put the game on ice.
Morgan Dunkel took the loss for the Vikings. She struck out five and walked two. Of the six Deer Lakes runs, only three were earned.
“I told the girls after the game I am so very proud of them,” Perroz said. “Deer Lakes scored really quick early on, but the girls knew there was a lot of game left, and they didn’t put their heads down. They kept battling.
“Deer Lakes is a good team, so we couldn’t afford to give them some free things, extra outs and stuff like that. They took advantage of anything extra that they got. We had a few miscues on the basepaths, and they took advantage of that as well. We have some things to clean up, but hats off to Deer Lakes. They are undefeated in the section for a reason.”
Tags: Deer Lakes, Valley | 2022-04-29T01:54:26Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Pitcher plays key role as Deer Lakes tops Valley, clinches share of section title | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/pitcher-plays-key-role-as-deer-lakes-tops-valley-clinches-share-of-section-title/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/pitcher-plays-key-role-as-deer-lakes-tops-valley-clinches-share-of-section-title/ |
Valley senior captain Nate Clarke chases down a volley during a scrimmage against Kiski Area on Thursday.
The Kiski Area boys tennis team opens the WPIAL Class 3A team tournament Tuesday as the No. 9 seed, and the Cavaliers, the runner-up to Franklin Regional in Section 1, will take on No. 8 Central Catholic at 3 p.m. at Norwin.
The matchup comes almost 10 years to the day from the last time Kiski Area took park in a WPIAL team tournament match.
That day, May 7, 2012, the Cavaliers, led by WPIAL singles qualifier Charles Law, as well as Tyler and Thad Paunovich and Zach Ferraccio, came in as the No. 11 seed and lost 5-0 to No. 6 Central Catholic in the first round.
This year’s group hopes for a different first-round outcome, and coach Trent Goerk feels they can make it happen.
“We’ve been building the program and hoping to have a team that would collectively be able to get to the team playoffs,” Goerk said. “We’ve had some guys who have made WPIAL singles and doubles throughout the past decade but not the whole team. The section has been challenging for a while with some really good teams. But our guys were pretty experienced from last year, and they put everything together. I am really proud of them for their play all season.”
Kiski Area missed the playoffs by one match last year. Franklin Regional, Penn-Trafford, Latrobe and Norwin got the tournament bids from the section.
The Cavaliers will have juniors Jackson Newell and Nate Coleman and sophomore Calder Gee in the singles spots, and juniors Tre Curry and Andres Bordoy at No. 1 doubles, with junior Ethan Beck and senior Zach Jordan at No. 2 doubles.
The winner between the Cavaliers and Vikings will take on the winner of No. 1 Franklin Regional and No. 16 Moon in Thursday’s quarterfinals.
Kiski Area finished section play 5-2 with its losses coming to Franklin Regional, 5-0, and Hempfield, 3-2.
It punched its playoff ticket with key wins over Norwin, 3-2, and Connellsville, 5-0. The Cavaliers won the tiebreaker over Norwin, also 5-2 in section, and earned the better seed.
The top two finishers in Class 3A advance to the PIAA playoffs.
While Kiski Area makes its long-awaited playoff return, Valley keeps rolling, and the Vikings are in the Class 2A playoffs for the fifth year in a row.
Valley finished 6-1 in Section 3-2A, runner-up to North Catholic (7-0), and is the No. 6 seed. It will host Hampton in the first round at 3 p.m. Monday.
The Vikings, led by senior team captains Dario Wolfe (No. 3 singles) and Nate Clarke (No. 1 doubles), are hoping for another deep run after making it to the semifinals last year as the No. 3 seed.
“We had a number of players move up after last year, and I like how everyone adapted,” said Wolfe, who will play in college at Allegheny. “We’ve played really well as a team all season, and I like our chances in the playoffs.”
Wolfe and juniors Nicholas Bussard (No. 1) and Dylan Gentile (No. 2) will form the singles lineup Monday, while Clarke and junior Ethan Harcelrode and the duo of junior Zachary Doran and freshman Landon Harcelrode are the doubles teams.
Valley broke through to the semifinals last year after losing in the quarterfinals three years in a row.
“We entered this season with realistic optimism, having five guys in new positions and three of them being first-year starters,” Valley coach Rachael Link said. “Our focus as a team was to elevate the caliber of our game and enhance our court savviness.
“Finishing in second place in our competitive section is a feat owed to their determination and unwavering work ethic during every practice and match. The rapid growth was propelled by the fact that they have each other to train and against and with.”
Highlands is a playoff team for the fourth straight season. The Golden Rams lost in the first round in 2018 but advanced to the quarterfinals in 2019 and last year.
The Golden Rams finished 4-3 Section 3-2A, fourth behind North Catholic, Valley and Indiana (5-2).
They begin tournament play Monday as the No. 13 seed and will visit No. 4 Thomas Jefferson at 3.
“This team started to come together last summer,” said veteran coach Tyler Kirin, who won his 100th match as Highlands coach against Knoch on March 24. “These guys love to play the game, and they are out here developing their skills and working to get better. A lot of this is because of what they do and their dedication to themselves and each other. I could tell early on that things were coming together and we had a good shot at the playoffs. I like our chances Monday.”
Sophomore Sam Norris leads the way at No. 1 singles, followed by senior Richard Ratliff and junior Luke Vunora at No. 2 and No. 3 singles. The doubles teams Monday are expected to be senior laden with Ronald Ratliff and Daniel Babinsack at No. 1 and Seth Gorney and Jake Peters at No. 2.
“I am very excited for this match against TJ,” Norris said. “We have a good shot. Some people might not think we can win on Monday. But I think we are a better team than the No. 13 seed. We’ll have a chance to prove it.”
In Class 2A, the top three teams advance to states.
Tags: Highlands, Kiski Area, Valley | 2022-04-29T22:55:03Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Kiski Area, Valley, Highlands gear up for WPIAL team tennis tournament | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/kiski-area-valley-highlands-gear-up-for-wpial-team-tennis-tournament/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/kiski-area-valley-highlands-gear-up-for-wpial-team-tennis-tournament/ |
Franklin Regional track teams claim section titles with undefeated records
Franklin Regional’s Ella Evans ties for third in the girls high jump during the Wildcat Invitational Friday, April 8, 2022, at Memorial Stadium.
Franklin Regional pulled a section double-dip this spring, winning team titles in boys and girls track and field for just the second time in program history.
Both teams posted 6-0 section records.
Seventh-year coach Bob Ralston knew he had talent but wasn’t sure if it was full-on section-winning kind of talent.
“I did have my doubts we could go 6-0, especially the boys,” Ralston said. “Last year, 15 out of 18 events were led by seniors, and we had very few juniors on the team. Losing that many leaders is hard to recover from quickly.
“On the girls side, we only lost one top point-scorer, so I knew they had a good shot at the title. Central and Oakland Catholic always give us a big challenge.”
Ralston said unexpected roster turnover at Central and Oakland Catholic can change the outcome of meets and makes it tough to game plan for meets against those programs.
“Our meets are usually decided by some random event third-place finish,” he said. “They don’t have an eighth grade to see what the upcoming talent looks like. … You just never know what they are going to bring.”
But Franklin Regional was ready for anything this year.
“Our kids are tenacious,” Ralston said. “They go hard at practice and in competition. They know what I expect from them, and they don’t want to disappoint. My coaching staff is also a big reason for our success. We all strive to be the best coach we can be. The effort we put in to planning, training and trying to help these kids be their best is noticed by the kids, and they respond to it.”
While many of the top teams in the WPIAL rely heavily on their track athletes, Ralston said his team became proficient in the field events.
“It seems every season there is a group that stands out,” Ralston said. “Years past, it was jumpers or middle distance, but this year I have to recognize our throwers. They have been sweeping events in the section meets and really stepping up to get new personal records when needed to win those points.”
Nick Petrucci, Andrew Nesler and Nick Larese have been key throwers of the shot put and discus.
Larese’s throw of 122 feet, 5 inches in the discus is a team record. Petrucci is second at 120-7.
But track success still matters greatly, and the Panthers know how to produce middle- and long-distance talent.
A key senior leader has been runner Nick Provenzo, one of the top point-scorers for the boys.
“He has brought in a lot of points in his races and is the finishing leg for both the 4-by-4 and 4-by-8 (relays), which has had good success as well,” Ralston said. “We have a strong group of 10th-grade boys who are working hard and have a bright future.”
Sierra Todero leads the girls’ jumpers, while Leah Brockett is the top distance scorer, and Alexandra Hartman is the go-to hurdler. Hartman also competed in the high jump to get much-needed points.
Perhaps the tie that binds the program is its adjustment to sharing athletes with other sports, clubs and activities.
“Their most impressive trait can be viewed as a blessing and a curse for the team,” Ralston said. “What impresses me the most about the kids is how many activities they participate in and still can show up and perform in track. There are days when a lot of kids are not at practice. It’s not because they are lazy; it’s because they have commitments elsewhere.”
So, an athlete might leave early or arrive late to appease a busy weekday schedule. But they have shown up for meets, and that has mattered most to the Panthers.
Ralston wonders what some of his kids could do as full-time track and field athletes.
“Track is not the first love for most of these athletes,” Ralston said. “Many have other sports that come first because they have been doing them since a very young age. The team is also full of club members, band members, national honors members, musical performers, working a job, and so much other stuff. Sharing these kids with so many other activities does cut into training time, and when you lose training time it does hinder them from reaching the highest levels, which is where most of them want to be.” | 2022-04-30T17:29:42Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Franklin Regional track teams claim section titles with undefeated records | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/franklin-regional-track-teams-claim-section-titles-with-undefeated-records/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/franklin-regional-track-teams-claim-section-titles-with-undefeated-records/ |
Several Norwin wrestlers took part in the Ultimate Club Duals freestyle tournaments April 24 in State College.
The Knights claimed their first trophy in freestyle competition, taking third place with a 6-2 record.
The Norwin softball team thought it finally was going to play on its home field April 25, but North Allegheny asked to postpone the teams’ Section 1-6A game.
Norwin had been dealing with unplayable outfield conditions on its home diamond, which has a turf infield and grass outfield. But the field was ready to go before the cancellation.
Norwin had not played a home game since March 25.
Norwin held strong at No. 3 in the association rankings, behind No. 2 Seneca Valley and WPIAL power North Allegheny.
Norwin shut out Armstrong, 3-0, in a recent match (25-16, 25-11, 25-20).
Kevin Skewers led the team with seven kills and Luke Mumpower had 28 assists.
Checking in on Norwin alumni playing college sports:
Allegheny: Sophomore pitcher Garrett Senchur earned a win in relief, working 1 2/3 innings without allowing a hit, as the Gators defeated Penn State Behrend, 5-4. Senchur had a 1.59 ERA in five appearances.
Pitt-Johnstown: Freshman Sal Cerilli helped the Mountain Cats earn a trip to the NCAA Atlantic/East Region Championships for the first time in program history.
UPJ is the No. 9 seed in a 20-team field and will play May 5-7, at Ravenwood Golf Club in Victor, N.Y.
Clarion: Sophomore Courtney Kosanovic took third in the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 12 minutes, 23.24 seconds at the Slippery Rock Invitational.
Saint Vincent: Grad student Tyler Condrasky powered the Bearcats (9-1) past Washington & Jefferson with six goals and three assists in a 17-6 victory.
Washington & Jefferson: Sophomore Nate Petrarco had a team-high nine ground balls in a 17-16 loss to Thiel.
Westminster: Senior Magen Polczynski ad a goal and three ground balls but the Titans lost to Washington & Jefferson, 18-2. She pumped in four goals and two assists in a 15-12 loss to Bethany. | 2022-04-30T17:30:12Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Norwin notebook: Norwin wrestlers shine at freestyle tournament | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/norwin-notebook-norwin-wrestlers-shine-at-freestyle-tournament/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/norwin-notebook-norwin-wrestlers-shine-at-freestyle-tournament/ |
Norwin track teams celebrate 4th straight outright section titles
Norwin’s Ashley Laukus ties for first place in the girls high jump during the Wildcat Invitational Friday, April 8, 2022 at Memorial Stadium.
Shaler’s Eloise Facher edges out Norwin’s Nataiah Robertson-Durieuille and Mt. Pleasant’s Rylin Bugosh in the girls 100-meter dash during the Wildcat Invitational Friday, April 8, 2022, at Memorial Stadium.
Norwin’s Andy Breauchy leads Hempfield’s Luke Snider in the 3,200-meter run April 12, 2022.
Unbeaten in five Section 1-3A meets, the Norwin boys and girls track and field teams pulled off a four-peat: four outright section titles in as many years — the run includes co-titles in 2017.
But coach Tim Van Horn thinks the Knights could be in line for larger goals.
“I would really like to see our teams make the WPIAL championship,” Van Horn said. “There are a lot of great teams in the WPIAL, and both teams realize that we have a tremendous amount of work to do. Our athletes are competing hard in practice and working to bring the best out in each other. They are up for the challenge.”
Norwin’s girls won the Lady Spartan/Wildcat Invitational, and the Knights had several strong individual showings.
The momentum carried over to a big section meet against Hempfield, which Norwin swept.
Junior Trey Huha had a 20-point effort against the Spartans, winning the 100- and 200-meter dashes, as well as the long and triple jumps.
Junior Nataiah Robertson was a three-event winner (100, 200, long jump) for the Knights. She also anchored the winning 400-meter relay.
Senior Bernadette Zukina won the 400, anchored the winning 1,600 relay and placed second in two other events, while senior Layla Robertson won the 300 hurdles, took second in the 100 hurdles and was a member on the winning 400 and 1,600 relays.
Senior Aaron Schmook won javelin and broke his own school record with a throw of 189 feet, 3 inches.
Schmook has been pushed all season by senior Cody Scherle, who was second in the meet, and also finished runner-up to Schmook at the Wildcat meet.
It sure looks like Norwin has a potential WPIAL javelin champion on its hands.
“Aaron is an absolute competitor who puts everything he has into every rep, and that carries over to every throw,” Van Horn said. “He is dedicated in the weight room and dedicated to learning more about his craft. He came into this season with a chip on his shoulder, and we believe that he still hasn’t reached his full potential.”
Knights shine at Butler
Schmook shined as the Butler Invitational, winning the javelin title with a throw of 198 feet, 3 inches.
The mark was the No. 1 toss in the state.
Scherle again was nipping at Schmook’s heels, throwing 175-7 for second place.
Freshman Ryan Schiller took fifth in the 110-meter hurdles, despite suffering an ankle injury, with a time of 16.17 seconds.
The Norwin girls finished second overall at Butler, with an individual win by the 1,600-meter relay of Bella Brozeski, Alexandra Walton, Robertson and Zukina, whose time of 4:02.16 was 10 seconds ahead of Mt. Lebanon.
Robertson also won the 300 hurdles in 45.10 seconds.
Van Horn said Schiller is done for the season. He said the freshman clipped a hurdle and, while trying to correct himself in mid-air, fell awkwardly and fractured his ankle.
“Ryan is an awesome kid who works his tail off every workout,” Van Horn said. “He competes in every rep and loves facing the top dogs. He is like a silent assassin: He doesn’t say much, but when he lines up, you know he is going after everyone else on that line. He will be a huge loss for us, but I know he will battle back and will be a force the rest of his career. We are all hoping for a speedy and full recovery.”
Norwin’s senior girls are 15-0 in the program, while the boys are 14-1. | 2022-04-30T17:30:18Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Norwin track teams celebrate 4th straight outright section titles | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/norwin-track-teams-celebrate-4th-straight-outright-section-titles/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/norwin-track-teams-celebrate-4th-straight-outright-section-titles/ |
Shady Side Academy tandem captures school’s 11th WPIAL doubles title
Shady Side Academy’s David Mnuskin (left) and Sam Bitzer display gold medals for winning WPIAL Class 3A doubles championship April 27 at North Allegheny.
Shady Side Academy’s Sam Bitzer (left) and David Mnuskin celebrate a point in the WPIAL Class 3A doubles championship April 27 at North Allegheny.
The WPIAL boys tennis doubles title has returned to Shady Side Academy.
Bulldogs senior Sam Bitzer and junior David Mnuskin overcame weather more suited for late January than late April to prevail over Franklin Regional’s Prerit Yadav and Dhruv Kulkarni, 6-3, 6-3, at North Allegheny High School.
The duo was seeded fourth and coming off an upset the previous day over No. 1-seeded Andrew and Aaron Allen, also of Franklin Regional, 7-5, 3-6, 6-3.
Prior to that, the Allens eliminated eighth-seeded Cooper Friday and Will Siegel of Fox Chapel to reach the semifinal round.
The winds of Wexford proved to be no match for Bitzer.
“The wind is nothing new to me,” Bitzer said. “I practice and play outdoors a lot.”
Mnuskin made up for lost time as he missed all of last season following elbow surgery after his freshman season was wiped out due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“We played well together. We kept the pressure on them,” Mnuskin said. “We’re definitely going to use this win, mentally, to prepare for the state tournament and hopefully take our game to another level.”
Bitzer and Mnuskin are now the 11th doubles champions from Shady Side, all coming since 1996. The Bulldogs pair will be back for the PIAA tournament on May 27 when they face the No. 3 team from District 1 at 8 a.m. at Hershey Racquet Club.
The tandem also will join their Bulldogs teammates in the WPIAL team tournament, which got underway Tuesday. Shady Side Academy was scheduled to host Pine-Richland in the opening round. The quarterfinals are set for Thursday and semifinals Monday.
The finals will be May 11 at Washington & Jefferson’s Janet T. Swanson Tennis Center.
Staff writer Paul Schofield contributed. | 2022-04-30T17:30:24Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Shady Side Academy tandem captures school’s 11th WPIAL doubles title | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/shady-side-academy-tandem-captures-schools-11th-wpial-doubles-title/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/shady-side-academy-tandem-captures-schools-11th-wpial-doubles-title/ |
Former Jeannette coach Roy Hall to be honored at Westmoreland County scholar-athlete banquet
Jeannette coach Roy Hall celebrates his team’s win over Imani Christian in the 2017 WPIAL Class A title game.
Roy Hall learned a lot from the coaches who preceded him at Jeannette.
He said he owes a great deal of credit for his success as a coach to the late Joe Mucci, whom he played for in the early 1980s, and former coaches Art Tragesser, Bob Murphy and Ray Reitz.
“I learned from Coach Mucci as far as the discipline and what it takes,” Hall said. “I felt like I’m one of the luckiest coaches in (Westmoreland County) because I’ve had some fabulous coaches. I can’t say anything bad about them. I learned so much from all of them.
“Having a guy like Coach Mucci, who I played for, I can honestly say there is no school in the county that has had coaches tied together like we have at Jeannette.”
Hall, 59, retired after the 2021 season.
The Jayhawks’ new coach is Jeannette graduate Thomas Palone.
Hall stepped down a year after winning the 2020 WPIAL Class A title and finishing second in the state, losing to Steelton-Highspire in the PIAA championship game.
Jeannette won PIAA and WPIAL titles under Hall in 2017.
The school has won eight WPIAL championships.
Hall was the offensive coordinator for Reitz when the Jayhawks won consecutive WPIAL Class AA titles (2006-07) and made it to back-to-back state championship games, winning in 2007.
“What made Roy such a good coach was his rapport with the players,” Reitz said. “He treats everyone the same. There is no nonsense in how he runs the program.”
For his work with players, Hall was named the 2022 Michael and John Ferrante Memorial Award winner for promoting sports and student athletes.
He will be honored at the 66th annual Westmoreland County Scholar-Athlete Judge John J. Driscoll banquet Tuesday at Ferrante’s Lakeview in Hempfield.
The banquet will honor two student athletes from each of the 18 county schools. A male and female will win the Excellence Award.
Mt. Lebanon coach Bob Palko, who coached with Hall and Mucci at Jeannette, will be the guest speaker.
“I’m definitely honored to receive this award, especially seeing all the people who have received it,” Hall said. “So many great coaches and sports figures, I’m grateful. It means a lot to me.”
Hall coached 37 seasons at Jeannette, the last 35 on the high school level. He was the head coach for 13 years.
He joined Tragesser’s staff as an assistant. He was 1982 Jeannette graduate and attended Cal (Pa).
“My first year as coach, we didn’t make the playoffs for the first time in 16 years,” Hall said. “But I made a promise we’d be back, and I received a lot of support from the school and community. I wanted to keep the Jeannette tradition going.”
Hall said one of the most memorable seasons was when the Jayhawks won their first state title.
“That was a pretty special team,” Hall said. “It was a special season.”
JOHN AND MICHAEL FERRANTE MEMORIAL AWARD WINNERS
1984: Frank Buscanics
1985: James Weir
1986: Robert Rodebaugh
1987: John Bacha
1988: Donald Hall
1989: Henry Funk
1990: Lawrence Dalla Betta
1991: Frank “Patsy” Malpezzi
1992: Oliver “Ollie” Molter
1993: Howard “Huddie” Kaufman
1994: Gary Garrison
1995: Robert Van Atta
1996: Ralph W. Snyder
1997: Ronald Peduzzi
1998: Joseph Mucci
1999: Judge Charles E. Marker
2000: William “Bill” Abraham
2001: Joseph E. Pellis
2002: Bob “Spike” Melago
2003: Ralph R. Conde
2004: Bob Trautwine
2005: William “Bill” Priatko
2006: James “Jim” Farrell
2007: Dave P. McNichol
2008: Ron Firment
2009: Gerald Page
2010: Patrick Ratesic
2011: Raymond Zsolcsak
2012: Tom Traynor
2013: Bob Murphy
2014: Carl Davis
2015: Art Tragesser
2016: Paul Schofield
2017: John Sullivan
2018: Bob Kalp
2019: Lynn Jobe
2020: Ron Colland
2021: Chuck Tursky
Tags: Jeannette
• Westmoreland HS notebook: Steelers draft goes from Ricketts to Pickett
• Shady Side Academy grad Skyy Moore goes to Kansas City Chiefs in 2nd round | 2022-04-30T22:26:17Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Former Jeannette coach Roy Hall to be honored at Westmoreland County scholar-athlete banquet | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/former-jeannette-coach-roy-hall-to-be-honored-at-westmoreland-county-scholar-athlete-banquet/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/former-jeannette-coach-roy-hall-to-be-honored-at-westmoreland-county-scholar-athlete-banquet/ |
Westmoreland HS notebook: Steelers draft goes from Ricketts to Pickett
Carson Shuglie has helped the Hempfield baseball team qualify for the WPIAL playoffs.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ seismic move to select Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett in the first round of the NFL Draft had fans buzzing, debating and reminiscing.
While Pitt has only had one other quarterback go in the first round — former Central Catholic great Dan Marino — Pickett actually followed a local player in the history books.
Before Pickett was taken with the 20th pick Thursday, the last Pitt player to be drafted in the first round by the Steelers was Tom Ricketts, a Franklin Regional graduate. An offensive tackle, Ricketts was the 24th pick in the 1989 draft.
An interesting note on Ricketts (6-foot-4, 295 pounds), who was a three-year starter at Pitt: He took over for Panthers’ great Bill Fralic in 1986 after Fralic (Penn Hills) was drafted, also in the first round, by the Atlanta Falcons.
Pride of ‘97
Hempfield plans to honor its 1997 football team, the last in the program to host and win a WPIAL playoff game. A ceremony will take place Sept. 2, and players and coaches from that team will be recognized.
It will have been 25 years since Hempfield defeated Woodland Hills, 30-25, at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans lost in the quarterfinals to Upper St. Clair, 33-0. Upper St. Clair went on to edge Penn-Trafford, 28-27, in the championship in the “Kevin Topper Game” at Three Rivers Stadium.
More information will be released at a later date.
With a little more than a week left in the WPIAL baseball and softball regular season, a number of Westmoreland teams have qualified for the playoffs.
Baseball qualifiers are: Hempfield in Class 6A; Latrobe and Penn-Trafford in 5A; and Greensburg Central Catholic in A.
Softball qualifiers are: Hempfield in 6A; Franklin Regional, Kiski Area and Penn-Trafford in 5A; Burrell in 4A; Valley in 3A; Ligonier Valley in 2A; and Greensburg Central Catholic in A.
P-T Hall of Fame
Penn-Trafford announced its 2022 Warrior Football Hall of Fame Class.
It comprises: Mike Enick (1996), Aaron Miller (2004), Ryan Moore (1998), Manny Simpson (2012), Justin Williams (2012), coach Erv Guzik (1972-94), Dave Bucar (contributor) and the 2011 team.
The induction banquet will be Oct. 1 at Manor Valley Golf Course.
Schiller injured
Norwin freshman Ryan Schiller took fifth in the 110-meter hurdles at the Butler Invitational, but later suffered an ankle injury.
He finished in a time of 16.17 seconds.
Norwin coach Tim Van Horn said Schiller is done for the season after his injury in the 300 hurdles.
He said the freshman clipped a hurdle and, while trying to correct himself in mid-air, fell awkwardly and fractured his ankle.
“Ryan is an awesome kid who works his tail off every workout,” Van Horn said. “He competes in every rep and loves facing the top dogs. He is like a silent assassin. He doesn’t say much, but when he lines up, you know he is going after everyone else on that line.
“He will be a huge loss for us, but I know he will battle back and will be a force the rest of his career. We are all hoping for a speedy and full recovery.”
Norwin held strong at No. 3 in the association rankings, behind No. 2 Seneca Valley and powerhouse North Allegheny.
WPIAL golf outing
The inaugural WPIAL Scholarship Golf Outing is set for 11 a.m. June 20 at Cedarbrook Golf Course in Rostraver.
The event will raise money for the WPIAL/James Collins Scholar-Athlete Awards and scholarships. The WPIAL has awarded $678,000 in scholarships since 1991.
The outing also is seeking sponsors.
More info: wpial.org.
Latrobe senior Vinny Amatucci is headed to nearby Saint Vincent to play hockey. A 6-3 goaltender, Amatucci had an 87.8 save percentage and a 3.00 goals-against average in 14 games last season.
• Penn-Trafford senior Chase Crissman committed to play golf at Washington & Jefferson.
• Derry senior Sydney Williams will play college soccer at Susquehanna, a Division III school in Selinsgrove.
Notebook doodle
Derry has qualified for the WPIAL boys volleyball playoffs for the 25th straight time. … In addition to naming Scott Seltzer its executive director, the WPIAL announced its bord of directors for 2022-23. They are: Senior high reps Brian Geyer (Peters Township), Ricci Rich (Trinity), David McBain (West Allegheny), Heather Lewis (Seneca Valley), Ron Ledbetter (Moon), Michael Allison (Hopewell), Scott Heinauer (Mars), Michael O’Brien (Fox Chapel), Nathan Milsom (Carlynton) and Jason Olexa (Brentwood). The junior high rep is Tom Evans, the former Yough athletic director and current event coordinator at Hempfield.
Tags: Derry Area, Greensburg C.C., Hempfield, Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Norwin, Penn-Trafford | 2022-04-30T22:26:23Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Westmoreland HS notebook: Steelers draft goes from Ricketts to Pickett | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-hs-notebook-steelers-draft-goes-from-ricketts-to-pickett/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-hs-notebook-steelers-draft-goes-from-ricketts-to-pickett/ |
Submitted by Anna Cibik
Leechburg’s Anna Cibik is a junior on the 2022 softball team.
Submitted by Silvio Ionadi
Plum’s Silvio Ionadi is a senior on the 2022 baseball team.
How did the team play in the doubleheader Friday against Ellis?
I think we did really well. The defense was really good. We only had one error in the two games. On offense, we struggled with the slower pitching at first, but we caught onto it and did really well.
What was it like to throw a no-hitter against Riverview?
It was good. We did really good that game. It was only a three-inning game. It was really cold out.
How did you get started with pitching?
My mom (Janel Cibik) was a pitcher in high school. She pitched for Leechburg. As soon as I started playing softball, she got me into pitching and taught me the fundamentals. Through the years, my dad (Erik Cibik) has kept me in it. He’s been my catcher for everything. He’s taken me to lessons.
Who is the toughest batter you’ve ever faced?
A girl I play travel ball with, before we were on the same team, Jessica Dunn. She plays for Karns City. She always gave me a hard time pitching to her because she’s such a consistent hitter. Sometimes, I just didn’t know what to throw her.
What has the team done well during this six-game winning streak?
The past few weeks, we’ve really started to pick up our hitting. At the beginning of the season, that was a big weakness for us. We’ve really started swinging better and getting to the baseball, get better hits, get timely hits. That’s what you need to score runs.
I love the location, great weather up there, the school is great, great campus. The baseball field is amazing. I went to a camp there in the fall. All the players were nice and gave me a lot of insight about the season and the school. Their engineering program there is one of the best in the state, so it seemed like kind of a no-brainer for me.
Who would play you in a movie?
Probably Leonardo DiCaprio. That’s probably the most fitting for me.
Most people look at me and think I’m a city boy, but I actually love to hunt. I just got my first buck this last season, a nice little 8-point buck. I love to hunt, I love to shoot guns at the range. My dad is the owner of a gun shop, Smoke N’ Guns in Oakmont. | 2022-05-01T02:45:43Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | A-K Valley athletes of the week: Leechburg’s Anna Cibik, Plum’s Silvio Ionadi | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/a-k-valley-athletes-of-the-week-leechburgs-anna-cibik-plums-silvio-ionadi/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/a-k-valley-athletes-of-the-week-leechburgs-anna-cibik-plums-silvio-ionadi/ |
Leechburg’s Anna Cibik pitches against Dubois Central Catholic in the PIAA playoffs last season.
Spring is upon us.
The flowers are blooming, the lawn mowers are humming and Leechburg is in the WPIAL softball playoffs.
The Blue Devils clinched their WPIAL record 35th consecutive Class A softball berth Friday with a doubleheader victory over The Ellis School, 15-0 and 12-1.
Leechburg is 6-1 in Section 3-A play. Even if the Blue Devils lose their final three section games, tiebreakers would be favorable.
Leechburg can still win at least a share of the section title. The Blue Devils visit Springdale Thursday. The Dynamos defeated Leechburg, 4-3, last Monday.
The team made the WPIAL semifinals last season and defeated South Side to earn the third-place spot from the WPIAL in the PIAA tournament, losing the opener to DuBois Central Catholic.
Another local team doing extremely well is Burrell, in the playoffs for the 16th consecutive season.
The Bucs are 7-0 in Section 1-4A, 8-0 overall. Burrell is fourth in the Trib HSSN ratings this week.
Katie Armstrong has pitched five consecutive shutouts, including Friday’s 1-0 victory over Freeport.
The Bucs will receive a test Monday night when they host Highlands (6-4, 5-2), a PIAA semifinalist from last season. The game will be at 6:30 p.m. at Bon Air Elementary Field.
Burrell defeated the Golden Rams, 6-3, earlier.
Highlands football
With the surprise resignation of Highlands football coach Dom Girardi a few weeks back, the school district is getting set to name his successor.
The Highlands School Board is scheduled to meet for its agenda session May 9 and its regular meeting May 16.
The new coach will be the 10th in school history, following Frank Martin, Fran Rogel, Al Rinaldi, Don Szydlik, Frank Rocco Jr., Chuck Debor, Tim Karrs, Sam Albert and Girardi.
It just seems like yesterday that Har-Brack and Tarentum consolidated forces, but 2022 will be the 55th season of Highlands football.
The playoffs are coming
With the WPIAL high school baseball and softball regular seasons heading into the home stretch, let’s go over playoff qualification.
The top four teams from each section make the playoffs.
First of all, if there is a tie for first place, the tie will not be broken, and all tied schools will receive a section plaque.
That being said, if there are two or more teams tied for a playoff position, head-to-head competition will be the first piece of criteria used.
If two teams split the season’s series, both teams will go. If one team sweeps the season’s series, however, that team alone will advance.
It gets a little sticky if three or more teams tie.
In the event of three or more teams tying, head-to-head again is used. If one team has a superior head-to-head record, that team goes and the others — if there is still a playoff position to be determined — go head-to-head and repeat the process.
Tags: Burrell, Highlands, Leechburg | 2022-05-01T02:45:55Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | George Guido: Leechburg softball heading to playoffs for 35th straight season | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/george-guido-leechburg-softball-heading-to-playoffs-for-35th-straight-season/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/george-guido-leechburg-softball-heading-to-playoffs-for-35th-straight-season/ |
Westmoreland High School Athletes of the Week: Ligonier Valley’s Maddie Griffin, Penn-Trafford’s Dylan Grabowski
Ligonier Valley’s Madison Griffin is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Penn-Trafford junior Dylan Grabowski
Maddie Griffin
Claim to fame: One of the most dominant arms in the WPIAL, Griffin pitched the fifth perfect game of her high school career, doing so in head-turning fashion Monday as she struck out all 21 in a 3-0 victory over Seton La Salle.
Griffin, a Youngstown State commit, now has 13 no-hitters and 24 shutouts over this season and last.
She improved to 5-2 on the season with a one-hit, 17-strikeout performance the next day in a 9-0 victory over Brentwood. She went 2 for 3 in an 8-3 win over Steel Valley that stretched the Rams’ winning streak to eight.
Griffin then struck out 15 in a two-hit shutout, 12-0, against Brentwood. She also had three hits in that game.
What did your perfect game tell you about the state of your pitching?
That what my pitching coach, Rick Shaheen, and my dad, have been telling me is working. I was having a lot of mechanical issues to start the season because I took a lot of time off in the winter.
Why the time off?
I wanted to prepare for the playoffs this year. Last year, I was exhausted by the state championship, so I am trying to preserve myself for a WPIAL and, hopefully, a state run.
Where does your competitive drive come from?
My personal drive comes from trying to be the best. My dad says that I am the most competitive person he has ever spoken to.
What are some examples of your competitiveness off the field?
In the classroom, I am always striving to get the best grade in the class. I study more than I should sometimes because of that. I got third in the state in the FBLA accounting event.
How much credit goes to your catcher, Sydney Foust?
I can tell Syd works hard on her own to become a better catcher, and it really showed on Monday. By her framing the pitch for an extra second it allows the pitch to seem more believable, which, obviously, helps me a lot. I like to paint the corners, and that extra inch she gives me is very important.
Do you have all five of your perfect-game balls together somewhere?
I have the ball from my first perfect game from freshman year and the 21-K perfect game together. I didn’t keep the rest because I strive for perfection at this point, so it doesn’t jump off the page to me anymore.
Could you hit one of your pitches? If so, which one?
If I was pitching to myself, I would definitely strike out. If there was one pitch I think I could possibly hit it would be a rise because being a slap hitter I was taught to stay on top of the ball.
Who would play Maddie Griffin in a movie about Maddie Griffin?
I love Florence Pugh. So I would want her to portray me in a movie.
Who would play coach Mark Zimmerman?
It might be Morgan Freeman because every time I hear his voice I feel like I’m going to be told a life lesson.
Are you the bookworm or prankster on the team?
Honestly, I’m both. I have very good grades, but I’m also the most outspoken and humorous person on the team. Sydney Foust is the main outlet to my jokes. She mostly just gives me a silent glare though. I can’t tell if she is laughing internally or plotting my demise.
What past pro sports event you attend if you could go back in time?
Definitely a Steelers Super Bowl. Since I was too young to attend or even understand what was going on it would be awesome to feel the excitement with my dad, who is a die hard Steelers fan.
Vans or cowboy boots?
Vans for sure. Living in Ligonier, I feel out of place when I say I don’t like hunting or the outdoors all that much.
Tik Tok or Wordle?
TikTok. When I get a chance to relax I do not want to spend it thinking about words.
Starbucks or Dunkin?
Anyone who has seen me at school for the past two years knows it’s Starbucks. I get a drink from there almost every day.
Idlewild or Kennywood?
Idlewild when I was younger. Kennywood now.
NetFlix or in-person movies?
If we are talking about Marvel movies, I will watch those in the theater over Netflix any day.
Have you ever tried to pitch or hit a baseball?
Yes. I failed miserably at throwing a baseball because it is so different from a softball.
Have you ever signed an autograph? Did you practice your signature first?
I have yet to give out an autograph but I have practiced before. I have had people knock on my car window to ask if I’m the pitcher from Ligonier though.
Dylan Grabowski
Claim to fame: Grabowski picked up a huge win for the Warriors on Tuesday by tossing a one-hit, five inning shutout against McKeesport. Grabowski struck out 10 and helped his cause by driving in two runs with a double. He is 1-1 this season with 33 strikeouts in 21 innings and an ERA of 2.00. When he’s not pitching, he plays second base.
How big was the win against McKeesport? We were coming off a loss to them, and we needed it to bounce back. I had good control and good command of all four of my pitches (fastball, curveball, change-up and knuckleball).
You’re in the running for second place in the section, and you have a big series against first-place Latrobe. What’s the key to beating them? We’re going to throw our best pitchers at them: Nolan Marasti and myself. The loss Friday to Plum was tough, so we need to bounce back and finish strong.
You have a few football players on the team. Since they won the WPIAL and PIAA title, what type of mentality do they bring to the field? Nolan, Jakob Haynes and Jacob Otto bring a certain confidence to the field. They don’t like to loss.
What are the team goals this season? Since winning the section is not possible, we want to make the WPIAL playoffs and go as far as we can. We definitely want to win the WPIAL title.
When you watch MLB, is there any player you like to watch? I like to watch a lot of players, especially Ke’Bryan Hayes. He plays hard and he has a lot of heart.
Is there anything you do prior to a game? I do a lot of stretching and use the plyo ball to help my pitching. I use it to loosen up.
Is there any special music you like to listen to? Not really. I like all music.
Is there a favorite meal you like the most? I like all Italian foods, so I guess spaghetti and meatballs that my mom makes the best. | 2022-05-01T02:46:43Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Westmoreland High School Athletes of the Week: Ligonier Valley’s Maddie Griffin, Penn-Trafford’s Dylan Grabowski | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-high-school-athletes-of-the-week-ligonier-valleys-maddie-griffin-penn-traffords-dylan-grabowski/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-high-school-athletes-of-the-week-ligonier-valleys-maddie-griffin-penn-traffords-dylan-grabowski/ |
A.J. Brentzel’s stint as Penn-Trafford wrestling coach has ended after three seasons.
With a fifth child on the way in the next three months, Brentzel made a difficult decision and resigned as coach. Job responsibilities and family trumped being a coach.
“I hate losing him,” Penn-Trafford Athletic Director Kerry Hetrick said. “We tried to put it off and have him think about it. He did a great job here. We have to go back to the drawing board.
“A.J. is a great person and the wrestlers liked him. That’s what so hard losing him. He put us in a good position. Now we have to find someone that can keep the program going.”
Brentzel leaves a program that is on the rise. The Warriors will return numerous starters from team that qualified for the WPIAL Class 3A team tournament. The team graduates PIAA placewinner Troy Hohman and Wesley Stull.
Some of the top returning wrestlers including Owen Ott, Hayden Coy, Joe Enick, Dom Hartman, Tasso Whipple and Adam Hall. Brentzel said numerous freshmen could be part of the lineup.
“I intend to help out if I can,” Brentzel said. “The program is in pretty good shape.
“It wasn’t always about wins and losses. My goal was to see improvement from the wrestlers, and I definitely saw that.”
Brentzel, a P-T graduate, is not sure who will apply for the job, but whoever does is getting a team that will be competitive the next few seasons.
Brentzel replaced Rich Ginther in 2020.
Hetrick said he hopes to hire coach by the June school board meeting. The job was posted internally and then will be posted externally. | 2022-05-01T18:51:24Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Penn-Trafford wrestling coach A.J. Brentzel steps down | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/penn-trafford-wrestling-coach-a-j-brentzel-steps-down/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/penn-trafford-wrestling-coach-a-j-brentzel-steps-down/ |
Quaker Valley’s softball team hopes the 2022 season ends up being a good learning experience.
The Quakers are a young club with five freshmen and three sophomores on its 12-player roster.
“This year, QV softball has quite a few newcomers,” coach Nicole Olson said, “and we expect to utilize our season to gain experience. Our section includes several very talented teams, so while it will be challenging it will also provide us with important learning opportunities.”
The Quakers haven’t been able to see much in the way of game action so far, playing only four games in the first few weeks of the season.
Among the integral players on this year’s team are sophomores Annica Kagle, a pitcher/first baseman, and Isabella Viola, a catcher who can also play either of the middle infield positions or in the outfield.
“Annica will spend time on the mound and at first base. We expect her to hit in the cleanup spot most games due to her power,” Olson said. “Isabella largely played in the outfield for us as a freshman, but we see her as more of a utility player this season, including time behind the plate catching.”
Senior leadership this spring is being provided by outfielders Lily Marcotte and Ilijana Hasak. Marcotte’s also an infielder.
Another team leader is junior Izzy Vybiral, a versatile athlete who can jump in wherever needed — catcher, infield or outfield.
“Izzy has a solid knowledge of the game and acts as a strong leader,” said Olson, who is assisted by Amanda Gilmore.
“Izzy also benefits our roster as a utility player.”
Two other QV players aiming to make an impact are junior INF/OF Morgan Persuit and sophomore INF/OF Marie McCullough.
Top freshman prospects this year include Nora Hammond (P/C/OF), Mae Kruawangmon (OF/INF), Jadyn Holt (INF/OF), Ava Evans (OF) and Keira Myers (1B/3B/OF).
Quaker Valley hasn’t had a winning softball season in recent memory.
The Quakers, who lost their first four section games, are members of Section 2-3A with Avonworth, Beaver Falls, Ellwood City, Keystone Oaks and South Park.
Avonworth is the reigning section champion.
The Antelopes were WPIAL semifinalists and PIAA quarterfinalists a year ago.
Avonworth won its first six section games and was 11-1 overall.
Keystone Oaks and South Park tied for second last season while Ellwood City finished fourth. The Wolverines, who were 8-1, 6-1 through April 26, advanced to the WPIAL finals and PIAA first round in 2021.
Quaker Valley didn’t win a section game last year and ended up 2-13 overall.
One of the victories was a 15-5 decision against Rochester, a WPIAL Class A playoff qualifier. | 2022-05-01T18:51:48Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Young Quaker Valley softball team gaining experience in limited action | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/young-quaker-valley-softball-team-gaining-experience-in-limited-action/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/young-quaker-valley-softball-team-gaining-experience-in-limited-action/ |
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart is back on top of the Class 2A rankings as the Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association released its Week 6 WPIAL boys top-10 polls Monday morning.
The Chargers defeated No. 5 Ambridge, 3-1, in Section 1 play last week and also toppled No. 4 Seton LaSalle, 3-0, in a nonsection match.
North Catholic fell out of the top spot and down one place to No. 2 after a 3-2 Section 1 loss to No. 5 Ambridge.
OLSH (6-1) and North Catholic (5-1) are tied atop the Section 1 standings. The Chargers and Trojans meet Tuesday at North Catholic in a rematch of a 3-1 North Catholic win from April 12.
Montour, in third place in Section 1 at 4-3, is No. 3 in this week’s Class 2A poll, followed by Seton LaSalle and Ambridge and Gateway at No. 6, Trinity at No. 7, Thomas Jefferson at No. 8, Hopewell at No. 9 and Derry at No. 10.
North Allegheny, undefeated in Section 2-3A at 8-0, and section rival Seneca Valley (7-1) remain No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in the Class 3A standings.
Seneca Valley scored a big win at the State College tournament on Saturday, topping North Allegheny in a one-game semifinal before sweeping two games from District 3 power Central York in the championship match.
Hempfield continues its move up the Class 3A ladder. This week, the Spartans are up two spots to No. 3 after a runner-up finish to Meadville — it fell 26-24 in the finals — at its own tournament and victories over Central Catholic, 3-0, No. 5 Norwin, 3-1, and Penn Hills, 3-0, in Section 3 play.
Shaler remains at No. 4, and Norwin moved down from No. 3 after the loss to Hempfield. The Knights rebounded with a 3-0 victory over No. 10 Latrobe.
The rest of the Class 3A top 10 includes Penn-Trafford at No. 6, Canon-McMillan at No. 7, Upper St. Clair at No. 8, and Butler at No. 9.
Each week, all of the WPIAL coaches have the opportunity to vote for the teams in the top-10 rankings. The classification players of the week are selected by the coaches association based on coaches nominations.
Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coach Association
Top 10 rankings – Week 5
7. Canon-McMillan (8)
8. Upper St Clair (7)
Blainey Jones, senior, outside hitter, South Fayette
Caleb Schall, senior, setter/outside hitter, North Allegheny
Niraj Thapa, senior, outside hitter, Baldwin
Josh Havrilla, junior, setter, Latrobe
9. Hopewell (10)
10. Derry (8)
Connor Bull, senior, middle hitter, Trinity
Luke Ball, junior, middle hitter, North Catholic
Trent McKnight, junior, middle hitter, Ambridge
Corey Obeldobel, junior, libero, Hopewell
Tags: Ambridge, Baldwin, Butler, Canon-McMillan, Derry Area, Gateway, Hempfield, Hopewell, Latrobe, Montour, North Allegheny, North Catholic, Norwin, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Penn-Trafford, Seneca Valley, Seton La Salle, Shaler, South Fayette, Thomas Jefferson, Trinity, Upper St. Clair | 2022-05-02T16:59:10Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | OLSH returns to top of Class 2A in latest boys volleyball coaches’ rankings | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/olsh-returns-to-top-of-class-2a-in-latest-boys-volleyball-coaches-rankings/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/olsh-returns-to-top-of-class-2a-in-latest-boys-volleyball-coaches-rankings/ |
Submitted by Rachael Link
The Valley doubles teams of Dario Wolfe (left) and Nick Bussard won the Section 3-2A title April 20 at Valley.
Spending months and months in quarantine allowed people to try out new hobbies and find different areas of entertainment.
Dario Wolfe’s newfound passion was tennis.
He spent months learning the game and practicing.
A longtime baseball player, he decided last spring to join the Valley boys tennis team instead.
“Dario was the missing piece that thrust us into winning the section title,” coach Rachael Link said.
Wolfe teamed with Thomas Albert to finish third at last year’s section doubles tournament and qualified for the WPIAL doubles tournament.
He has continued to hone his skills on the court and again is making an impact as a senior with the Vikings.
With Albert graduated, Wolfe, an Allegheny recruit, teamed last week with junior Nick Bussard to win the Section 3-2A doubles tournament, and they next will compete in the WPIAL doubles tournament.
“His versatility is incredible,” Link said. “He is incredibly coachable. He listens, he can implement it immediately and he’s going to work on it until he gets it. He wants to master things. He is brilliantly coachable.”
Wolfe took a few minutes off the court last week for an A-K Valley Senior Spotlight Q&A:
How did it feel to win the section doubles tournament?
It felt good. We won as a team. We played the same team that we played last year at section doubles, and we came in second. It felt good to win this year. I got another year of experience, which helped and knowing the way they played.
How do you and Nick work together on the court?
I have a good forehand, and he has a good backhand so we make a good team together.
Do you prefer singles or doubles?
I prefer singles because I get a lot more touches and get to serve twice the amount.
What got you interested in tennis?
During quarantine me and one of my friends (Thomas Albert) who I played with last year started to play. I always wanted to play but couldn’t because it was the same season as baseball. Last year, I took a chance and I really enjoy it. It’s more of an individual sport, and you can’t blame anyone else.
What was the toughest part of the game to pick up?
The backhand, probably.
How has the team’s season gone so far?
Good. We got second in our section. We’ll probably get around a four seed in the WPIAL. Hopefully we can finish top three and make it to states.
What are your goals for WPIAL doubles?
We’ll go in with a pretty good seed. The goal is to make top three and go to states.
Why did you decide to attend Allegheny?
There were a couple of colleges interested in me playing. I didn’t know if I wanted to play. Allegheny was one of the top ones academically, and their coaches reached out and I felt it was a good fit for me when I took a visit. I’ll be a history major or foreign affairs.
Are you involved in any other activities at Valley?
I play football. I used to play baseball. I’m in Science Club, Interact club, National Honor Society.
I’ve only been playing tennis for one year.
Is there a pro player you look up to?
I’d say I play closer to (Rafael) Nadal than anyone. | 2022-05-02T21:54:55Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | A-K Valley senior spotlight: Valley’s Dario Wolfe | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/a-k-valley-senior-spotlight-valleys-dario-wolfe/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/a-k-valley-senior-spotlight-valleys-dario-wolfe/ |
Chase Elliott ended a winless streak of 26 races with his win Monday at Dover.
DOVER, Del. — Chase Elliott snapped a 26-race winless streak when the 2020 NASCAR champion pulled away down the stretch to win the Cup Series race Monday at Dover Motor Speedway.
Hendrick swept the top four spots last season, but Monday’s race — with the finish delayed a day because of rain — had four teams in the top four spots. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was second and had his first top-five finish of the season for JTG Daugherty Racing. Ross Chastain, last week’s winner at Talladega, was third for Trackhouse Racing, and Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell finished fourth.
“We were talking about where we were going to go fishing next week,” Chastain cracked. “I’m racing with champions, and I got beat.”
The race was red-flagged Sunday with Hendrick teammates Kyle Larson and Elliott sitting first and second. Elliott controlled the race late, and Hendrick now has had all four drivers win a race this season. Elliott was building toward the win after three straight top-10 finishes at Martinsville, Bristol dirt and Talladega. | 2022-05-02T21:55:07Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Chase Elliott wins at Dover to snap 26-race winless streak | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/chase-elliott-wins-at-dover-to-snap-26-race-winless-streak/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/chase-elliott-wins-at-dover-to-snap-26-race-winless-streak/ |
Hempfield high jumper Noah Ser
Those are just three of the years the Hempfield boys track and field team won the WPIAL title, and in total, the Spartans have claimed it seven times.
So how has the program been able to stay successful for so long?
“The coaches are there for the kids. They’re supportive,” Noah Ser, a senior, said. “They’ve been really successful with it.”
This year, the team got off to a 4-1 start, and Ser thinks the Spartans could perform even better as the season goes on.
“A lot of injuries have been holding us back, but when we’re fully healthy, we will do great,” Ser said.
Ser joined the team last season after one of his friends on the football team, Ben Kissel, suggested he come out.
The results have been nothing short of great.
Ser quickly has picked up several events in the last two years, especially the high jump, where he cleared 10 feet en route to winning the event at the Lady Spartan/Wildcat Invitational on April 8th.
He also placed in the 110 hurdles (eighth) and pole vault (sixth).
Ser is going to attend Pitt-Johnstown and will major in business.
With his senior season in full force, Ser took some time for a Senior Spotlight Q&A:
How would you describe your personal performance so far this season?
I’ve been doing well. I can do better. I have been held back the last two weeks because I got an injury. I pulled a muscle.
Why do you think you continually place well in the high jump?
My coach, (Ron Colland), taught me pretty much everything. Last year, there was one senior who taught me everything I need to know now. I was just working hard over the summer on it and trying to work as hard as I can and pushing myself.
Was there anything from your time in football that helped you with track events?
I definitely think the lifting part of football helped me get stronger.
I love wearing short shorts. | 2022-05-02T21:55:19Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Westmoreland Senior Spotlight: Hempfield’s Noah Ser | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-senior-spotlight-hempfields-noah-ser/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-senior-spotlight-hempfields-noah-ser/ |
Mt. Pleasant’s Sophia Smithnosky pitches against Southmoreland on Monday, May 2, 2022.
Southmoreland’s Amarah McCutcheon slides into third ahead of the tag of Mt. Pleasant’s Gianna Stanek on Monday, Amy 2, 2022.
It took a little while, but the Mt. Pleasant softball team finally appears to be rounding into form. After starting the season at 3-7, the Vikings have rattled off four straight wins, with their most recent triumph being their most impressive.
On Monday afternoon, the Vikings got great pitching, some big hits and were able to play some small ball on their way to a 6-2 win over host Southmoreland in a Section 3-3A showdown between neighboring rivals. The win clinches a playoff spot for Mt. Pleasant (7-7, 5-4). Southmoreland (8-3, 6-3) clinched a spot last week.
Mt. Pleasant pitcher Sophia Smithnosky tossed a four-hitter that included six strikeouts.
“Sophia has really come into her own,” Mt. Pleasant coach Chris Brunson said. “She is competing, and she is ready to go.”
Chris Brunson also pointed to defensive tweaks that have seemed to help the Vikings get back on course.
“Our defense is shored up, and we are executing,” Brunson said. “Today we beat a good team.”
While Chris Brunson was happy with his team’s performance, the same can’t be said for Southmoreland coach Todd Bunner. The Scotties committed three costly errors, and their four hits weren’t nearly enough to rally.
“We didn’t get the big hits when we needed them,” Bunner said. “We weren’t sharp at all. Everybody has to show up and play a good team like that, and not everybody showed up.”
The Vikings grabbed the lead in the first inning and never let go. Abby Swank singled and scored on an RBI single by Ally Jones off Southmoreland starter Maddie Brown.
Then in the third, Mt. Pleasant extended its lead to 3-0 when Smithnosky singled before Jones struck again. This time, Jones belted a two-run homer to deep right-center.
“Ally had a big home run, and it loosened us up playing with a three-run lead,” Brunson said.
But the Scotties didn’t let the Vikings stay too loose for too long. In their half of the third, the Scotties scored twice. Bea Pawlikowsky was hit by a pitch before Amarah McCutcheon singled in the run. McCutcheon later scored on an RBI single by Makayla Etling.
The game stayed a one-run affair until the sixth. That’s when the Vikings broke it open with three more runs. Krista Brunson started the inning with a bunt single before Emma Scanlon beat out an infield hit. Addison Reese and Ella Alakson each reached on infield errors as Mt. Pleasant took a 5-2 lead. Katie Hutter then finished off the inning with an RBI on a fielder’s choice.
Southmoreland was held to one hit in the final four innings, although three runners reached base on walks during that stretch.
“We can learn from it,” Bunner said. “We can’t rest on our laurels from last game (12-0 win over Waynesburg on Friday). “We fell asleep, and I could tell right from the beginning that we weren’t ready. We were lazy when we were warming up. You can’t play a good team like that and be off your game. We deserved to lose.”
Mt. Pleasant will look to make it five in a row when it visits section-leading South Allegheny on Wednesday. Also on Wednesday, Southmoreland will try to get back on track at McGuffey.
Tags: Mt. Pleasant, Southmoreland | 2022-05-03T02:07:30Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Mt. Pleasant softball team defeats Southmoreland for 4th straight win | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/mt-pleasant-softball-team-defeats-southmoreland-for-4th-straight-win/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/mt-pleasant-softball-team-defeats-southmoreland-for-4th-straight-win/ |
Bishop Canevin’s Jaden Gales (left) celebrates with Kevaughn Price after scoring against North Catholic on Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, at Bishop Canevin High School.
Bishop Canevin head coach Gino Palmosina watches from the bench next to Jhamil Fife during the PIAA Class A state championship game against St. John Neumann on March 24, 2022, at Giant Center in Hershey.
Bishop Canevin celebrated the school’s first boys basketball state title this winter and the Crusaders were rewarded for that accomplishment again Tuesday.
Canevin seniors Jaden Gales and Kevaughn Price each earned first-team all-state honors and Gino Palmosina was named the state’s top coach in PIAA Class A.
Price averaged 15 points and Gales averaged around 16 for the Crusaders, who went 25-4, winning both WPIAL and PIAA titles. They defeated St. John Neumann, 64-47, in the state finals in Hershey.
Palmosina, who just finished his fourth season, recently left Canevin to coach next season at Moon. He went 75-24 as the Crusaders’ coach, winning two WPIAL titles and a state championship.
Aquinas Academy junior Vinnie Cugini earned first-team honors after averaging 36 points per game this season. He topped the 2,000-point career milestone in February. Union junior Matt Stanley earned second-team honors after leading the Scotties to the WPIAL finals and the state quarterfinals.
Player of the year honors went to St. John Neumann’s Davion Hill, a junior who averaged 26.1 points, 7.9, rebounds and four steals per game for the state runner-up.
The all-state team was selected by a statewide vote of sportswriters. The teams will be revealed this week, one classification per day.
2022 Class A All-State Boys Basketball
Davion Hill, 6-1, jr., St. John Neumann
Marquis Ratcliff, 6-6, sr., Nativity BVM
Vinnie Cugini, 6-2, jr., Aquinas Academy
Jaden Gales, 6-6, sr., Bishop Canevin
Kevaughn Price, 6-2, sr., Bishop Canevin
Hanief Clay, 5-9, sr., St. John Neumann
Lambert Palmer, 6-1, sr., Williamsburg
Pace Prosser, 6-, so., Berlin Brothersvalley
Alec Srock, 6-2, sr., DuBois Central Catholic
Evan Dumaine, 6-3, jr., Mount Calvary Christian
Matt Stanley, 5-10, jr., Union
Braden Adams, 6-2, sr., Shanksville-Stoneycreek
Grant Landis, 6-1, sr., Lancaster Country Day
Cody Miller, 6-2, sr., Nativity BVM
Xavier Spears, 6-10, so., Notre Dame (East Stroudsburg)
Charlie Breindel, 6-, sr., Elk County Catholic
Avery Kopcha, 5-11, so., Mount Calvary Christian
Lamont Samuels, 5-9, jr., Farrell
Davion Hill, St. John Neumann
Tags: Aquinas Academy, Bishop Canevin, Union
• Nick Dizon steps down as Kiski Area’s girls basketball coach to lead Penn State Greater Allegheny program | 2022-05-03T05:49:15Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Bishop Canevin teammates, coach Gino Palmosina earn Class A boys basketball all-state honors | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/bishop-canevin-teammates-coach-gino-palmosina-earn-class-a-boys-basketball-all-state-honors/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/bishop-canevin-teammates-coach-gino-palmosina-earn-class-a-boys-basketball-all-state-honors/ |
Perennial softball power West Allegheny had hit a wall. After winning five of its first six games and tying for the top spot in Section 4-5A, the Indians dropped two out of three section games and fell into a tie for second place, two games out of first.
“Our biggest concern was our offensive run production,” West Allegheny coach Mindi McFate said of being blanked by Trinity and leaving 13 runners on base in a 8-7 loss to Chartiers Valley. “We had situations with bases loaded and runners on second and third and no outs, and we weren’t able to have productive outs that resulted in runs. We did have some concerns about how our very young team would respond in a high-pressure situation. We talked to our kids about resiliency and mental toughness and we are incredibly pleased with how they responded.”
The answer for the Indians came in the form of three straight section victories.
In back-to-back games against an Upper St. Clair team that appears to be playoff bound, the big hits on offense were plentiful for West A.
“The biggest adjustment that we made against USC is that our kids were patient at the plate,” McFate said. “They worked deep in the count during a lot of our at-bats. They were disciplined and didn’t chase. The USC pitcher has a very good off-speed pitch, and we were really good about laying off it.”
The Indians’ patience at the plate resulted in a lot of run production, including five home runs on Tuesday and having seven players with multiple hits on Wednesday, adding up to wins of 21-0 and 17-2.
“It was a team effort on back-to-back days, with everyone getting involved offensively and two different pitchers splitting the duties on the mound,” McFate said.
With the West A ship steadied by those two lopsided wins, the stage was set for a rematch with first-place Trinity on Friday.
Freshmen Aubrey Police was 2 for 2 with a pair of triples and an RBI while Ava Henke was 3 for 3 with a triple and two RBI as West Allegheny handed Trinity its first section loss with a 6-4 victory.
“I wouldn’t say it was a statement win,” McFate said. “I think it was something that our kids needed to prove to themselves. They needed to believe in themselves and know that we are capable of beating good teams, that we too are a good softball team. For us, this was the confidence boost that our kids needed.”
The victory not only moved West Allegheny a half-game ahead of Chartiers Valley for second place, one game behind Trinity, it also was career win No. 250 for Coach McFate.
Elly Vicari-Baker was the winning pitcher in two of the Indians’ three wins last week while Vicari-Baker and Emily Nolan have supplied the power to the West A offense. The two combined for three homers last week, including a Vicari-Baker grand slam.
The Indians have clinched a playoff spot and have one week left in the regular season to prepare for the perils of the postseason.
“Coming into this week, my biggest concern was confidence and our ability to stay in close games and overcome adversity,” McFate said. “Our win against Trinity really alleviated a lot of those concerns. Our kids played with a lot of confidence and composure. They played seven good innings of softball, made big outs, came up with timely hits and never got down when things didn’t go our way. All of these are things we will need if we want to be successful in the playoffs, so we are hopeful that we are hitting our stride at the right time and playing our best softball down the stretch.”
The young Indians will need to be playing their best softball in what will be a loaded bracket in Class 5A.
“The last time I remember this much competition in a classification would be back to the 2010-2012 seasons,” McFate said. “This was when there were still four classes and 3A was full of talented teams with great pitching and big hitters. Ambridge, Montour and so many other teams made every game close and almost every game was a playoff atmosphere.” | 2022-05-03T05:49:51Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Trib HSSN Softball Team of the Week for May 2, 2022 | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-hssn-softball-team-of-the-week-for-may-2-2022/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-hssn-softball-team-of-the-week-for-may-2-2022/ |
Seattle Kraken center Yanni Gourde skates against the San Jose Sharks during the first period of an April 29 game.
Seattle Kraken center Matty Beniers looks to pass against the San Jose Sharks during the first period of an April 29 game.
The comparisons with the last expansion team, the Golden Knights, were inevitable, and the high bar set by Vegas by winning the Western Conference in its first season almost ensured Seattle’s first outing was going be disappointing at some level.
There were injuries and illness. A concern about covid-19 cases nearly derailed the first game in Vegas. Goalkeeping was poor early, the defense was leaky at times and scoring was up and down. The Kraken were regularly competitive and only rarely overmatched. But it took the better part of three months for Seattle to successfully execute coach Dave Hakstol’s system on a consistent basis.
“Sometimes we look at two periods, and we play unbelievable. We control the game. And then we have a lapse, and everything kind of crumbles a little bit,” goalie Philipp Grubauer said. “So we need to find the structure and the belief in each other and make sure we’re consistent enough next year.”
The biggest breakout came from forward Jared McCann, formerly of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who led Seattle in goals (27), points (50) and was rewarded with a five-year contract extension. Defenseman Vince Dunn had a career-best 28 assists and earned a spot on the power play units. Ryan Donato scored 16 goals and was playing on the top line late in the season. Defensemen Adam Larsson and Carson Soucy each had career bests in goals with eight and 10, respectively.
Seattle could move forward with the pair for next season and hope a year in the system leads to better results. The Kraken also could look to make a move — most likely with Driedger — with promising young goalie Joey Daccord coming off a stellar season for Charlotte in the AHL.
Beniers had a point in nine of the 10 games he played, including three goals. He played on the top line with Donato and Jordan Eberle and looked comfortable on the bigger stage of the NHL.
Seattle will have significant roster stability and salary cap space going into next season. The team has only three unrestricted free agents: Riley Sheahan, Victor Rask and Derrick Pauliot. Another seven are restricted free agents, highlighted by Donato. | 2022-05-03T21:55:59Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Kraken hope to build after disappointing inaugural campaign | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/kraken-hope-to-build-after-disappointing-inaugural-campaign/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/kraken-hope-to-build-after-disappointing-inaugural-campaign/ |
The starting gun is fired at the start of a race during the 47th annual Baldwin Invitational girls track and field event on May 8, 2021, at Baldwin High School.
When Baldwin track and field coach Ed Helbig approached the Baldwin-Whitehall School District administration about the 48th annual Baldwin Track and Field Invitational, they wanted the event to be held over two days because on covid concerns.
But with the covid threat diminishing, Helbig was told recently that the meet could go back to one day.
The annual staple of early May returns Friday with more than 1,000 athletes and 60 schools competing in an event the pits some of the top athletes from Western Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., and Batavia, N.Y.
Action begins at 1 p.m. Friday, and Helbig said after some early preliminaries, the meet will run as normal.
Because the event was originally scheduled for two days, Baldwin did lose some teams that have opted to compete at the Pine-Richland Invitational and Altoona Mt. Lion Classic.
There are 47 schools entered at Altoona. The competition will be split between a Big School Division and a Small School Division.
There are 65 schools from Western Pennsylvania entered at Pine-Richland.
Speaking of Helbig
There is a new man heading the WPIAL’s track and field committee. Ed Helbig replaced longtime chairman Tom Norris. Helbig has been on the committee for years and is the track coach at Baldwin.
Tops in the state
Moon senior Mia Cochran ran a time of 2 minutes, 9 seconds in the 800-meter run at the Morgantown (W.Va.) Invitational over the weekend, which is the fastest time in the state, according to MileSplit rankings.
Paschall doubles up
North Catholic senior Trevor Paschall was the only athlete to win more than one event at the Mars Invitational on April 29.
He won the 200- and 400-meter runs.
There were 34 teams in the event.
LH dominates Fayette meet
Laurel Highlands had four multiple winners at the Fayette County Coaches Association meet on Saturday.
Freshman Matt Schwertfefer won the 1,600 and 3,200, sophomore Hunter Kooser won the 110 hurdles, high jump, long jump and triple jump, senior Sterlene Scott won the 100, 200 and 400, and junior Mia Pierce won the javelin and discus.
Other multiple winners were Brownsville junior Jolena Quarzo, who won the 800, 1,600 and 3,200, and Belle Vernon junior Gianna Anderson, who won the long and triple jumps.
Four double winners at South Fayette
There were four double winners are the South Fayette Invitational.
Penn Hills senior Angelo Allen won the discus (155-3) and shot put (53-5), Upper St. Clair junior Dani Prunzik the 100, 200, Mt. Lebanon sophomore Megan Cain the 100 and 300 hurdles, and South Fayette junior Erica King the javelin and discus.
Team semifinals postponed
Tags: Baldwin, Belle Vernon, Brownsville, Laurel Highlands, Moon, North Catholic, Penn Hills, South Fayette, Upper St. Clair
• WPIAL postpones team track semifinals to Wednesday | 2022-05-03T21:56:18Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | WPIAL track notebook: Baldwin Invitational returns to 1-day format | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/wpial-track-notebook-baldwin-invitational-returns-to-1-day-format/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/wpial-track-notebook-baldwin-invitational-returns-to-1-day-format/ |
Franklin Regional’s Jordan Suvak celebrates his two-run homer during the ninth inning against Kiski on Tuesday.
Franklin Regional’s Jordan Suvak celebrates his two-run homer with teammates during the ninth inning against Kiski on Tuesday at Kiski Area High School.
Franklin Regional pitcher Jordan Suvak delivers against Kiski on Tuesday.
Franklin Regional pitcher Jordan Suvak celebrates after getting out of a jam against Kiski on Tuesday.
Franklin Regional’s Caden Smith celebrates with teammates after scoring against Kiski on Tuesday.
Franklin Regional’s Caden Smith celebrates his RBI double against Kiski on Tuesday.
Franklin Regional’s Jack Bridges steals second base under Kiski’s Nathan Witt during their game on Tuesday.
Franklin Regional’s Jordan Suvak watches his two-run homer during the ninth inning against Kiski on Tuesday.
Franklin Regional’s Jordan Suvak celebrates with Caden Smith next to Daniel Luko after defeating Kiski in nine innings on Tuesday.
Kiski Area was on the brink of a big, Section 1-5A upset Tuesday after scoring four runs in the bottom of the seventh to send the game into extra innings.
The Cavaliers had the bases loaded and none out in the eighth, but Franklin Regional senior Kyle Morgan pitched out of the jam, setting the stage for Jordan Suvak’s two-run homer in the ninth, resulting in a wild 13-11 victory for the Panthers.
Franklin Regional, which already had clinched a playoff berth, improved 6-3 in the section, 9-4 overall.
The teams meet again in a makeup game at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Murrysville’s Haymaker Park. Kiski Area (4-10, 2-7) needs a victory to tie McKeesport and Gateway for fourth place.
If that occurs, all three teams would be tied at 3-7. Since all three teams split the season series against each other, all three would go to the WPIAL playoffs.
“You had two teams that didn’t want to lose and continued to battle throughout the course of the game,” Panthers coach Bob Saddler said. “Down 11-7 entering the bottom of the seventh, Kiski Area did a great job battling back. It would have been very easy for our boys to be deflated after that, but they were resilient and we were able to prevail today.”
The Cavaliers are 0-4 in extra inning games this year.
Franklin Regional looked like it had a solid 11-7 lead after scoring twice in the sixth. But junior Lebryn Smith blasted a three-run homer to bring Kiski Area to within 11-10. After Dom DeNinno reached on an error, Jake Smith was hit in his elbow pad. The home plate umpire called the pitch a ball. Following a conference with the base umpire, Smith was awarded first base. Jacob Bucci then blasted a double to deep right center, scoring DiNinno to tie the score. Kiski Area coach Aaron Albert held Jake Smith up at third.
“I sent him once against Gateway, and he got thrown out,” Albert said. “That flashed through my head.”
The Cavaliers looked poised to win it in the eighth.
Nate Witt led off with a single, and Blake Fritz bunted. Panthers catcher Tom Nicely threw the ball into center field, allowing Witt to take third. Saddler ordered Connor Flemm to be walked, which loaded the bases.
The strategy paid off as Lebryn Smith bounced to Caden Smith, who got the forceout at home. DiNinno popped out to Morgan, who then struck out Mason Ross.
“I just had to have some confidence out there on the mound,” Morgan said. “I was trying to trust all my pitches and get the job done.”
In the ninth, Max Bernadowski singled to deep short, and Suvak, who pitched the first five innings for Franklin Regional, hit a drive to deep left center to give the Panthers their final margin.
“It was a same, normal at-bat,” Suvak said. “I had it once against Penn-Trafford and once against Latrobe. Unfortunately, I wasn’t successful and I was due. I just went up there, saw the ball, took a swing on it and slapped it over the fence.”
Said Albert: “I just have just one senior. The rest are juniors and sophomores. To be down four runs in the seventh and come back, you can’t ask for anything more. Maybe one more hit in the eighth.”
For Franklin, Caden Smith had two triples, a double and two singles. Ryan DalCanton had a double and two singles.
For Kiski Area, Bucci had a home run, double and a single, and Ross had a double and two singles. | 2022-05-04T01:12:30Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Franklin Regional baseball team outlasts Kiski Area in extra innings | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/franklin-regional-baseball-team-outlasts-kiski-area-in-extra-innings/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/franklin-regional-baseball-team-outlasts-kiski-area-in-extra-innings/ |
By: Jonathan Guth
Yough starting pitcher Jason Shoman earned the victory against Southmoreland on Tuesday after not allowing an earned run on four hits in seven innings.
Yough’s Kaden Bizzozero fields a throw at first base to beat Southmoreland’s Ty Keffer to the bag for the out during Tuesday’s game at Southmoreland.
Yough relied on the strong pitching of James Shoman and timely hitting to down Southmoreland, 7-1, on Tuesday to clinch the Section 4-3A championship.
With Monday’s 3-2 walk-off victory, the Cougars (8-5, 7-2) clinched a share of the section crown, but coach Craig Spisak’s team wanted it for themselves.
“I told our kids to not be satisfied,” Spisak said. “We need to play for seeding as well, and we have one more section game and three or four exhibition games remaining. We need to get our game improved as well as we can going into the playoffs.”
Shoman, a junior, allowed one unearned run on four hits in pitching all seven innings. He had seven strikeouts and walked one. Shoman came on in relief to win Monday’s contest.
“James and Allen (Novacek) have been our top two this season, but we have a lot of good arms,” Spisak said. “We have had three or four other guys that pitched in relief and did a great job.”
Like all coaches, Spisak was concerned about how his team would respond after such a dramatic win, and it appeared his worries were warranted as the Scotties (6-6, 5-5) jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first.
Scotties starting pitcher Anthony Govern reached on an error and came around to score when a single to the outfield by Ty Keffer was misplayed and the senior touched home plate for the run.
Shoman walked the next batter but buckled down to record a strikeout and induce a 6-4 force out at second to get out of the jam.
“The first inning wasn’t all his (Shoman) fault, but he settled down nicely after that,” Spisak said. “He hit his spots, changed speeds and did a nice job. I was worried about a letdown. They are high school kids. Anything can happen with high school kids.
“They weathered that storm in the first inning, minimized the damage and answered after that, and that was nice to see. Southmoreland has a very nice team. Coach (Al) Govern and Coach Vaughn (Hempfield) do a nice job. They are a talented team and they play well.”
Yough scored all the runs it needed in the second when Christian Park singled, stole second, Zander Aird walked, and Park came around to score on Dom Maroney’s single to left for a 1-1 game.
The Cougars took a two-run lead with two outs when a ball hit by Kaden Bizzozero was misplayed and Aird and Maroney scored. Maroney added another hit and RBI.
“I liked how we hit the ball with two strikes today,” Spisak said. “I thought we did a nice job with our approach with two strikes. We definitely made good contact and had some nice hits.”
Yough pushed its advantage to 4-1 in the third when Novacek singled, stole second and third and scored on Carson Pasinski’s grounder to short.
The Cougars scored one in the fourth when Aird singled, Korvyn Johnson and Bizzozero walked and Johnson came around to score on Taylor Odelli’s infield single. Odelli added a base hit in the seventh.
Govern came out after the fourth inning. He allowed five runs (three earned) on five hits with three strikeouts and four walks.
Yough added two runs in the fifth for a 7-1 lead.
Southmoreland had an opportunity to get back in the game in the bottom of the frame with runners on second and third after David Billheimer and Govern singled, but Shoman buckled down and recorded two groundouts to end the threat.
“We came out flat and weren’t ready to play,” Southmoreland coach Al Govern said. “I could see it in infield-outfield warmups. It is as simple as that.”
The Cougars’ next scheduled game is Monday against Charleroi in section play, but Spisak is hoping to get some nonsection games in to have his team ready for the playoffs.
“We are going to try to get a game on Thursday, but right now, Monday is the next one on the books,” Spisak said.
The Scotties return to action Monday against Mt. Pleasant in nonsection play. | 2022-05-04T06:42:11Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Yough tops Southmoreland to win section baseball crown outright | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/yough-tops-southmoreland-to-win-section-baseball-crown-outright/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/yough-tops-southmoreland-to-win-section-baseball-crown-outright/ |
Thursday, May 5, 2022 | 12:01 AM
Steel Valley’s Makhai Valentine dunks against Seton LaSalle during a WPIAL Class 3A playoff game on Monday, Feb. 21, 2022, at Fox Chapel High School.
Steel Valley junior Makhai Valentine, who ranked among the WPIAL’s top scorers this winter, earned first-team all-state honors Thursday when the Class 3A awards were announced.
The 30-point scorer was one of four WPIAL players recognized in a statewide vote of sportswriters. Earning third-team honors were South Allegheny’s Bryce Epps, Ellwood City’s Joseph Roth and Aliquippa’s Donovan Walker, who helped the Quips reach the state finals.
Devon Prep, the Philadelphia Catholic League team that defeated Aliquippa in the finals, had three players selected, and coach Jason Fisher was named the classification’s top coach.
Loyalsock Township senior Saraj Ali earned player of the year honors by averaging 21 points, 13 rebounds, 6.5 assists and four steals per game for a team that reached the PIAA second round. His brother, Idris, earned state player of the year in 2021 when Loyalsock won the PIAA title.
Saraj Ali, 6-5, sr., Loyalsock Township
Brendan Boyle, 5-11, sr., Notre Dame Green Pond
IV Pettit, 6-2, sr., Devon Prep
Ty Barrett, 6-0, sr., Troy Area
Patrick Haigh, 6-2, jr., Bishop Guilfoyle
Makhai Valentine, 6-3, jr., Steel Valley
Zion Stanford, 6-5, jr., West Catholic
Easton Fulmer, 6-1, sr., Franklin
Justice Shoats, 6-0, sr., Holy Redeemer
Lucas Orchard, 6-4, jr., Devon Prep
Kobe Magee, 6-5, sr., Executive Education
Khalif Crawley Jr., 6-8, sr., Math Civics & Science
Bryce Epps, 5-11, jr., South Allegheny
Adam Clark, 5-9, jr., West Catholic
Joseph Roth, 6-5, sr., Ellwood City
Donovan Walker, 6-1, jr., Aliquippa
Jacen Holloway, 6-3, jr., Devon Prep
Shemar Wilbanks-Acqui, 6-3, jr., West Catholic
Saraj Ali, Loyalsock Township
Tags: Aliquippa, Ellwood City, South Allegheny, Steel Valley | 2022-05-05T05:52:48Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Steel Valley’s Makhai Valentine among 4 all-state selections from WPIAL Class 3A | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/steel-valleys-makhai-valentine-among-4-all-state-selections-from-wpial-class-3a/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/steel-valleys-makhai-valentine-among-4-all-state-selections-from-wpial-class-3a/ |
Southmoreland shortstop Anthony Govern makes a play against Yough on Monday in Herminie.
Senior shortstop/pitcher Anthony Govern said this season was “playoffs or bust” for Southmoreland.
He didn’t flinch when he said it.
The Scotties have lived up to their long-time-coming goal of reaching the postseason, qualifying for the first time since 2008.
The team was 6-6 overall and 5-5 in Section 4-3A after a pair of losses to Yough.
While coach Al Govern was clearly displeased with his team losing three in a row, he is seeing progress in his program.
“It’s like with football. This is a culture change,” coach Al Govern said. “Five, six years ago, if you had asked someone if Southmoreland baseball would be this close to a section title, they would have laughed. We’re not the laughingstock any more. The kids have bought in.”
The playoff picture is set in Westmoreland County. Qualifiers are Hempfield in Class 6A; Norwin in 5A; Latrobe, Penn-Trafford and Franklin Regional in 4A; Derry, Mt. Pleasant, Yough and Southmoreland in 2A; and Greensburg Central Catholic in A.
Latrobe and Yough are section champions.
Playoff pairings are expected to come out next Friday.
The WPIAL postseason could start May 16 around the district.
Late-game heroics
Franklin Regional flashed some of the late-game form that earned it a WPIAL championship last season when it rallied to edge Kiski Area in a marathon Section 1-5A game Tuesday.
Kiski Area rallied for four runs in the bottom of the seventh to tie it, 11-11, and take the Panthers to extra innings.
Despite the Cavaliers loading the bases with no outs in the bottom of the eighth, pitcher Kyle Morgan and the defense worked out of the jam and Jordan Suvak blasted a two-run homer in the ninth as the Panthers won, 13-11.
“Kiski Area did a great job battling back,” Panthers coach Bobby Saddler said. “It would have been very easy for our boys to be deflated after that, but they were resilient and we were able to prevail.”
Caden Smith had five hits — two doubles, two triples and a single — for Franklin Regional, which ran its winning streak to five.
The possibility existed earlier in the week for all six teams in Section 1-5A to make the playoffs.
Pulling rank
Norwin is back in the TribLive HSSN WPIAL 6A rankings, going from unranked to No. 4 this week.
Latrobe was No. 5 in 5A, while Derry was No. 5 in 3A.
Class 6A does not appear to have an overwhelming favorite to win the WPIAL championship.
Team records speak to the parity. Consider: All 12 teams in the class have at least four losses.
Through Monday’s games, six had winning records, one stood at .500 and five had losing marks.
Norwin was 8-6, Hempfield 6-10.
Seneca Valley had the most wins (11), but the Raiders were 4-4 and tied for fourth in Section 1.
“We’re developing all three phases of the game. We’re playing defense and pitching, and now we’re beginning to get timely hits.” — Penn-Trafford coach Dan Miller on his team playing well at the right time.
Tags: Franklin Regional, Norwin, Penn-Trafford, Southmoreland, Yough | 2022-05-05T15:49:55Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Westmoreland County baseball notebook: Southmoreland takes giant leap into playoffs | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-county-baseball-notebook-southmoreland-takes-giant-leap-into-playoffs/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-county-baseball-notebook-southmoreland-takes-giant-leap-into-playoffs/ |
Burrell starting pitcher Katie Armstrong threw a shutout against Freeport on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at Charles A. Huston Middle School.
Burrell catcher Bella Stewart makes a sliding catch on a ball hit by Freeport’s Natalie King in the seventh inning Thursday, May 5, 2022, at Charles A. Huston Middle School.
Freeport starting pitcher Sydney Selker allowed only one run against Burrell on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at Charles A. Huston Middle School.
The first Section 1-4A meeting between the Freeport and Burrell softball teams last Friday was a pitchers’ duel between Burrell’s Katie Armstrong and Sydney Selker. Each struck out 19 in the 1-0 Bucs victory.
Both pitchers again were solid in Thursday’s rematch at Bon Air Elementary field in Lower Burrell.
A bases-loaded passed ball in the bottom of the fourth was the difference in a 1-0 Burrell win that clinched at least a tie for the section championship.
“I was very excited to get in there and get the only run of the game,” said freshman Bray Jones, who walked with one out and later raced home from third to get Burrell on the board. “We already knew that it was going to be a tight game and that one run might win it.
“We were just very focused the whole game at the plate, on the bases and on defense. This one was like a playoff game, and coach (Rick Nealer) said we need to treat the next one like a playoff game, too.”
That next one is Monday at Greensburg Salem. The Bucs, now 8-1 in the section and 9-1 overall, can win the section title outright with a win over the Golden Lions.
After Jones drew the one-out walk, Alanna Miller singled to put runners on first and second. Cassidy Novak followed with a sharply hit ball to Selker, who decided to go to third.
Third baseman Autumn Powell was playing up to defend a possible bunt, and she was not able to get back to the third-base bag in time to make a force out.
The play loaded the bases and set up the game’s only run.
Selker recorded back-to-back strikeouts to end the inning and prevent any additional Burrell runs. She finished the game with 10 strikeouts and two walks.
“Sydney and Katie are two very solid pitchers who don’t allow too much,” Nealer said. “We knew that the team that made the fewest mistakes would be the one to most likely come out with the win. That’s what happened today.”
Highlands (7-2) kept its hopes alive for a piece of the section crown with Thursday’s 11-7 win over Greensburg-Salem.
The Golden Rams are scheduled to face McKeesport on Friday in their final section game, weather permitting. Highlands needs to take care of business against the Tigers and hope for a Greensburg Salem upset of Burrell to claim a share of the title for the second year in a row.
Freeport (8-5, 6-4) came into Thursday’s game alive for a share of the section title, but the loss to the Bucs eliminated it from contention.
The Yellowjackets will continue playoff preparation with nonsection games against St. Joseph at home on Tuesday and at Hampton on Thursday.
The WPIAL softball playoff pairings for all six classifications are expected to be revealed Thursday.
Burrell, Freeport, Highlands and Knoch will represent Section 1 in the Class 4A tournament.
The one run was more than enough for Armstrong, who surrendered just one hit and struck out 15. A two-out double from Freeport catcher Natalie King in the top of the fourth didn’t bear fruit, as Armstrong struck out cleanup hitter Savannah Urik to end the threat.
Armstrong struck out 34 in the two games against Freeport. She has 149 strikeouts and has yielded just one earned run in Burrell’s 10 games.
Still, the Yellowjackets had a shot in the top of seventh as Selker, King and Urik came up to bat.
But Armstrong induced two pop-ups to freshmen catcher Bella Stewart — the second one forced Stewart to collide with the backstop fence as she made the catch — and freshman second baseman Pyper Ferres ranged into foul territory to haul in the game’s final out.
“I knew I just had to keep the spin on my ball, which I had working throughout the game,” Armstrong said. “I couldn’t miss because they are all really good hitters. I trust my defense to make plays for me. Bella and Pyper came through in a big way in the seventh when we all needed them.”
Burrell had chances to get on the board twice before the fourth.
Ferres led off the second with a double to deep left. But Selker got an infield pop-up off the bat of Jones and back-to-back strikeouts of Miller and Cassidy Novak.
In the third, Caroline Dynka, Burrell’s lone senior, and Armstrong delivered consecutive two-out singles. But Stewart flew out to center to end the threat.
Tags: Burrell, Freeport
• Valley softball enjoying continued renaissance | 2022-05-06T01:21:20Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Burrell’s Armstrong outduels Freeport’s Selker as Bucs softball team earns 1-0 win | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/burrells-armstrong-outduels-freeports-selker-as-bucs-softball-team-earns-1-0-win/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/burrells-armstrong-outduels-freeports-selker-as-bucs-softball-team-earns-1-0-win/ |
Courtesy of Planinsek family
Latrobe twins Lexie (left) and Lizzie Planinsek took part in the Pittsburgh Marathon on May 1, 2022.
Latrobe twins Lexie and Lizzie Planinsek ran their first marathon May 1.
It probably won’t be their last.
The Latrobe seniors decided to skip their track season to prepare for the Pittsburgh Marathon, and they did it in honor of their father, the late (Michael) Nick Planinsek, who died unexpectedly July 31, 2020.
“I saw my dad’s life cut short and wanted to take advantage of all opportunities made available,” Lexie said.
Their father got his kids involved in different sports including running, golfing and skiing.
He would have been proud of how they finished.
Despite heavy rain, which made the hilly streets of Pittsburgh slippery, the twins trucked along at a steady and determined pace. By the time they finished the 26.2-mile course, they were proud of their achievements.
Lexie finished 10th overall and first in the 19-and-younger division, and Lizzie finished 171st overall and third in the 19-and-younger age group. South Fayette grad Nicole Hilton won the marathon in a time of 2 hours, 49 minutes, 49 seconds.
Lexie was hoping to run 3:30 but shocked herself by running 3:11.43. Lizzie was hoping to run 3:45 but settled for a 3:57.14.
Lexie qualified to run in the 2023 Boston Marathon, something she plans to do while going to college at Dayton. The twins ran cross country for Latrobe.
“I definitely shocked myself,” Lexie said. “What helped me throughout the race was all the support I received from my family, school and people I didn’t even know who encouraged me. They helped me push forward.”
Lexie said she and her sister decided to run the marathon to take advantage of God-given abilities and not live to regret.
“Running the marathon was on my bucket list,” Lexie said. “We definitely will run more marathons and maybe an Iron Man competition.”
Lizzie said that while she didn’t achieve the time she was hoping for, she was proud of how she ran.
“I wanted to finish exhausted,” Lizzie said. “I was so happy to finish.”
Lizzie will also attend Dayton.
Wendy Planinsek, the girls’ mother, said they trained on their own.
“They got on the internet and learned how to train properly,” Wendy said. “It was really a great day for both of them. I’m so proud.”
Latrobe cross country coach Todd Simpson said his going to miss the Planinsek twins. Both were part of his team for the past six years.
“Both were captains their season year,” Simpson said. “Both are super nice kids.”
Tags: Latrobe
More Cross Country
• Moon’s Mia Cochran repeats as Pa. Gatorade girls cross country award winner
• Shaler cross country duo to run at Robert Morris
• Alle-Kiski Valley boys and girls cross country honor rolls announced
• Kiski Area runner Miller caps season with All-American honors at Nike meet
• After 3rd-place finish at PIAA meet, Riverview bids farewell to decorated senior runners | 2022-05-07T10:42:31Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Running to honor their father’s memory, Latrobe twins finish among leaders at Pittsburgh Marathon | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/running-to-honor-their-fathers-memory-latrobe-twins-finish-among-leaders-at-pittsburgh-marathon/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/running-to-honor-their-fathers-memory-latrobe-twins-finish-among-leaders-at-pittsburgh-marathon/ |
A-K Valley athletes of the week: Deer Lakes’ Jacob Danka, Apollo-Ridge’s Madison Butler
Submitted by Madison Butler
Apollo-Ridge’s Madison Butler is a member of the 2022 softball team.
Submitted by Jacob Danka
Deer Lakes’ Jacob Danka is a member of the 2022 baseball team.
Jacob Danka
Report card: Senior pitcher, first baseman and outfielder Jacob Danka had a productive week for the Lancers as he went 2 for 3 with a double and four RBIs in a 12-2 win over Valley on Monday. He followed up with a strong outing on the mound, striking out five batters and getting the win against Valley on Tuesday, as Deer Lakes improved to 8-9 overall and 6-4 in Section 3-3A.
What is one thing you do before every game?
I typically just get a good stretch in before I pitch or even just play the field for any game. It’s just to make sure I’m nice and loose when I get out there.
How did the team play against Valley this week?
I thought we played pretty well against Valley. We put up good runs in those games. In the second game, we stopped a little too early. We could have definitely gotten more runs, but we still got the win.
How does it make you feel when you produce as a pitcher and a hitter?
It feels good. Especially when say, we’re not really hitting the ball well or putting the ball in play to just get a couple of RBIs and get the ball out there and just really help the team out.
How did it feel when you hit your first home run earlier this year?
At first, when I hit it, I thought it was just gonna be over the right fielder’s head, maybe even off the fence and then I just kept watching. I noticed how hard the ball was hit and it happened to just go over.
What is your approach for each at-bat?
Typically, I’m a closed-stance type of guy, but I try to either hit it up the middle, or just really anywhere where it’s best, but preferably out the middle and a gap so I can drive in those runs.
What impact have your teammates had on you the past four years at Deer Lakes?
It’s been awesome. I love my teammates. They’re all really good guys, and they all know how to play baseball well and do their job.
Who has pushed you the most during your baseball career?
I would either have to say my high school coach, Josh Tysk, or my father.
What has been your defining moment during your baseball career?
I would have to say a couple of years ago for my travel team, we had a big tournament, and in those games I pitched. I had two shutouts in a row, and it really just helped the team both ways. It felt good.
What role have the coaches played in your past four seasons?
They’ve really helped me out when I was just like learning the game, or just some technical stuff that’s been going on in my game.
What’s next for Deer Lakes baseball?
Last week we finally clinched a playoff spot, so we’re just hoping to play well in the playoffs, be competitive, and try to win a WPIAL championship.
What are your off-field hobbies?
I like to golf and I have a job. I work at Giant Eagle in Gibsonia.
What are your plans for after baseball?
As of now, I’m not going to play baseball. I’m going to Clarion University. And I checked with them. They said their roster was full, but maybe in a year or two, I’ll try to walk on if that’s possible.
What will you be studying?
I will be majoring in business financial.
Madison Butler
Report card: Second baseman Madison Butler hit for the cycle, going 4 for 4 and drove three runs in leading Apollo-Ridge (7-4, 6-4) to a 16-7 victory in a Section 2-2A win over Steel Valley on Tuesday.
How did the team play against Steel Valley?
I thought we played pretty well. It was a good team effort.
What was your approach at the plate when you hit for the cycle?
I was really calm and confident because when I’m like that I do my best at the plate.
Do you have any off-field hobbies?
I like volleyball.
Which sport do you prefer?
Softball is my main priority other than school, so I want to make it in softball.
How did it feel to hit for the cycle?
I didn’t realize it at first because I was just so focused on the game. Once my coach told me, I was happy.
What was the team’s reaction when you hit for the cycle?
They all were happy too, and they were very supportive.
How does it feel to be able to contribute as a freshman?
I’m glad I’m playing, and I’m just trying to help the team out as much as I can.
What can be expected from the team the next couple of weeks?
We made the playoffs, so I hope to go further than that. We’re gonna try to make it as far as we can.
Who has pushed you the most during your softball career?
Either my dad or my brother.
Do you have any athletes you look up?
Jennie Finch. I like her as a pitcher.
What’s next for you for the next three years for softball?
For the next few years, I want to keep playing softball and I want to play softball in college too, so I want to make it.
Tags: Apollo-Ridge, Deer Lakes | 2022-05-07T19:41:32Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | A-K Valley athletes of the week: Deer Lakes’ Jacob Danka, Apollo-Ridge’s Madison Butler | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/a-k-valley-athletes-of-the-week-deer-lakes-jacob-danka-apollo-ridges-madison-butler/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/a-k-valley-athletes-of-the-week-deer-lakes-jacob-danka-apollo-ridges-madison-butler/ |
North Allegheny pitcher Connor Smith delivers against Norwin on April 23, 2021, at Norwin High School.
North Allegheny’s Connor Smith
Connor Smith likes to experiment with his pitch grips, so when his favorite MLB pitcher shared a splitter setup on a podcast, the North Allegheny right-hander had to give it a try.
Smith already throws a splitter, but he wanted one that could fool batters like Kevin Gausman’s does.
“It’s really weird,” Smith said of the grip. “My middle finger is on the two-seam, but my (index) finger is out here (on the side of the baseball), almost like a circle change.”
Smith tried it at practice in early April.
“I threw it a couple of times on flat ground and hit my throwing partner in the kneecap because he didn’t expect it to move that much. I thought, ‘All right, I’ve got to throw this,’” Smith said.
North Allegheny coach Andrew Heck credits Smith’s “fearless” approach to pitching for his emergence this spring as the top starter for a Tigers team that tied for first in Section 1-6A. Heck started Smith against every section opponent, and the 6-foot-2, 212-pounder allowed one run in 271/3 innings with 39 strikeouts and eight walks in those outings. That equates to a 0.26 ERA for seven-inning games.
Heck said he lets Smith be himself — from the way he tinkers with his pitches to his methodical warmup routine before starts — because he’s proven it works.
“He’s always coming up with something new,” Heck said. “It’s a craft of his. He has a fastball, curveball and a pretty good splitter — those are his main pitches. But don’t get me wrong, he’ll mix in something new. He’s always working.”
Smith, a Cal (Pa.) recruit, has a fastball that sits around 87 mph. He admits he likes to tinker and said he could throw six or seven different pitches, though he admits they’re not all sharp.
“I could throw a sinker and cutter and changeup, but it wouldn’t be good,” he said, laughing.
Nonetheless, batters have been stumped by the pitches he does throw regularly. Smith threw five scoreless innings against both Seneca Valley and Allderdice. He went six scoreless against both Butler and Pine-Richland.
Only Central Catholic notched a run against him in section play.
“He’s gone out there and he’s been fearless,” Heck said. “We’ve talked about that with our hitters. Let’s talk to Connor. What fuels him? What motivates him?”
The Tigers have leaned on their pitching staff more than expected this spring. NA’s star shortstop Cole Young is batting better than .400, but the Tigers overall haven’t scored an abundance of runs.
Smith went 2-0 in his five section starts. However, in the three starts where he didn’t record a win, NA lost 1-0 to Seneca Valley, 2-1 to Central Catholic and 1-0 Pine-Richland.
“We haven’t swung the bats the way that we’ve wanted or the way we know that we can,” Heck said. “There’s still more there. … But the one thing that’s been talked about is what Connor Smith has done for us on the pitcher’s mound.”
Smith pitched only nine innings in total last season when North Allegheny won the WPIAL title and finished as the state runner-up behind a collection of senior arms. Smith made five appearances but showed potential with 19 strikeouts.
This spring, he struck out 11 batters in a win over Allderdice and 13 against Butler.
“He’s not going to do anything crazy or overpowering,” Heck said, “but he pitches off his fastball, he throws strikes, he throws multiple pitches for strikes and he’s fearless.”
Smith credits a pregame routine that begins a couple of hours before first pitch.
He uses a foam roller on lower-body muscles, turns to a lacrosse ball for releasing upper-body tension and then completes a full stretching routine for hips, shoulders and ankles. He plans to study exercise science at Cal (Pa.), so this body awareness fits perfectly.
He’ll also spend time visualizing his start, then gets to work in the bullpen with tension bands and weighted balls.
“I get laughed at a lot for some of the stuff I do out there,” Smith said.
His warm-up routine is different from his teammates, but Heck has come to accept it. No, the players can’t just do whatever they want, Heck said, but Smith’s dedication makes him unique.
“I’ll put it this way,” Heck said. “If they follow their routine like Connor Smith follows his, I’m fine with it. He’s a next-level type of thinker.” | 2022-05-07T19:41:38Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | ‘Fearless’ Connor Smith emerges as North Allegheny’s ace | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/fearless-connor-smith-emerges-as-north-alleghenys-ace/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/fearless-connor-smith-emerges-as-north-alleghenys-ace/ |
Fox Chapel athletics
Fox Chapel’s George Tabor competes during the 2022 outdoor season.
Fox Chapel’s Anna Troutman competes during the 2022 outdoor season.
Gordon Snyder Photography
Fox Chapel’s Anna Troutman competes during the 2021-22 indoor track and field season.
As Fox Chapel readies for the WPIAL track and field postseason, a number of athletes came to prominence during the regular season.
One is sophomore Anna Troutman, who is new to the sport. She has wasted little time becoming well-known around the state.
“Anna is having a great season with the high hurdles and the long jump,” Foxes coach Tom Moul said. “She won the high jump at Butler, and we’re going to try her in the triple jump at the Pine-Richland event.”
Troutman earned the gold at the 57th Butler Invitational with a score of 5 feet, 3 inches in the high jump. That’s a bit lower than her season high of 5-6, which is second best in the state this season, according to PA MileSplit.
Another newcomer to the Fox Chapel program is junior George Tabor.
“He’s been excelling in all three jumps,” Moul said. “He’s made a lot of progress and we’re happy to have him on the team.”
Tabor won the triple jump at Butler with a 43-3, second so far this season among WPIAL athletes. Two days later in a tri-meet at North Allegheny, he hit a new personal best in the long jump at 21-25 vs. Shaler.
Tabor was the leading scorer on Fox Chapel’s soccer team last season that made the WPIAL playoffs for the 21st straight season.
Tabor and Troutman performed in track at Dorseyville Middle School but did not come out for the high school team as freshmen.
Fox Chapel’s 3,200 relay team of seniors Jack Lorence and Jordan Gwin, along with junior Damian Blum and sophomore Rowan Gwim finished second at Butler with a time of 8 minutes, 10:95 seconds.
They beat their previous best time by 25 seconds.
“That’s a huge increment,” Moul said. “The 25 seconds is big. They just all went out and ran well. They still need to run a little better to finish in the top four at the WPIALs. That’s their goal.”
The WPIAL meet is scheduled for May 18 at Slippery Rock.
Troutman earned another medal at Butler, finishing fifth in the 100-meter hurdles while Stephen Schrim finished sixth in the 400.
“I ran indoor track in the winter, and it helped me get ready for (spring) track,” Troutman said. “That helped a lot because I got experience at track meets, how they worked and what I had to do to get ready for them.”
“I think I also have a good WPIAL qualifying time in the 200,” Schrim said. “But the 400’s my main event.”
Schrim got his first taste last season as a ninth-grader, performing in the 1,600 relay, along with the 400 toward the end of the season.
Also out for the first time is junior Elsie Smith who has shown improvement in the 300 hurdles.
Moul is also pleased with the accomplishments thus far in throwing events. Senior Caleb Kulikowski was second in the shot put at Butler with a 45-7 and seventh in the javelin at 150-2. Kulikowski qualified for the state meet last season after finishing third in the javelin at the WPIAL meet.
Sophomore Mason Miles won in the shot put and discus at the freshman-sophomore-only meet at Seneca Valley.
Moul praised the efforts of his assistant coaching staff.
Mark Shemanski and Scott Karavlan handle the throwing events while Tim McLister coaches the long and triple jumpers.
Justin Patterson works with the hurdlers and Shawn Mawhinney rounds out the staff.
Matt Senkowski is the middle school head coach. | 2022-05-07T19:41:44Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | First-year athletes finding success for Fox Chapel track and field team | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/first-year-athletes-finding-success-for-fox-chapel-track-and-field-team/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/first-year-athletes-finding-success-for-fox-chapel-track-and-field-team/ |
Norwin grad Kurtis Phipps competed at the 2022 United States Marine Corps/USA Wrestling U.S. Open in Las Vegas.
There is no offseason for the Norwin wrestling program.
A Norwin graduate and a rising standout competed recently in national competitions.
Kurtis Phipps, a sophomore at Bucknell, and Landon Sidun, who is set to make the jump from junior high to varsity wrestling, competed at the United States Marine Corps/USA Wrestling U.S. Open in Las Vegas.
The event is the national championship for freestyle wrestling and serves as a qualified for the World Team Trials.
Phipps took seventh place in the U20 division at 61kg, while Sidun took second in the U15 division at 52kg.
Norwin had never had a wrestler place at the prestigious event.
Phipps was representing Bucknell’s Regional Training Center, Buffalo Valley RTC, Sidun Norwin’s Knights Regional Training Center.
“It is literally one of the toughest wrestling tournaments in the country each year,” Norwin coach Kyle Martin said. “This event features the absolute best wrestlers in the country at every level each year with world medalists, NCAA Champions and All-Americans, and Olympic competitors in the event.
“We are very proud of both athletes and will continue to build our focus on international styles of wrestling as we build this program.”
Another RTC member, Ty Lydic, a Latrobe alum, took fourth in the 63kg division, and qualified for the Senior World Team Trials.
Martin said Phipps is a role model for young wrestlers in the program.
Norwin had a program-record 19 state qualifiers in freestyle and Greco Roman competition.
“We will continue emphasizing the importance of playing multiple sports, but freestyle/Greco Roman wrestling is something that is increasingly important to compete at the highest level of the sport,” Martin said. “And the great news is that with our tremendous staff we offer four evening practices each week so that our athletes can compete in their spring sports while also continuing to be on the mat.”
A large staff at Knights Regional Training Center includes former NCAA champion Jarrod King.
The center is taking large strides into what it hopes is a long, productive future.
“We are slowly building a program here at Norwin and this is just part of the process,” Martin said. “These guys competing in national and soon-to-be international events is so important to reaching the highest levels of the sport.”
Knights run to victory
The Norwin girls made a strong showing at the Westmoreland County Coaches Association Track and Field Championship, winning the team title with 146 points.
Norwin senior Nataiah Robertson-Dutreiulle won the 100-meter dash and long jump, while senior Bernadette Zukina won the 400 and 200.
Zukina was a repeat winner in the 200 and earned the MVP of the track events.
Other winners for the Knights were senior Layla Robertson, who repeated in the 300 hurdles; junior Ashley Laukus, who repeated in the high jump; and freshman Alexis Heller in the javelin.
Also the team of junior Bella Brozeski, senior Alexandra Walton, Robertson and Zukina won the 1,600 relay title.
Offer for Schmook
Norwin senior javelin thrower Aaron Schmook has a Division I scholarship offer to throw at the next level. Kent State offered Schmook, who is expected to compete for a WPIAL and PIAA Class 3A titles later this month.
Schmook’s throw of 198 feet, 3 inches at the Butler Invitational ranked first in Pennsylvania and was ninth nationwide.
Team playoffs
Coming off another section title, the Norwin girls track and field team was primed to host three opponents in the first round of the WPIAL Class 3A team playoffs set to start May 3.
Belle Vernon, Bethel Park and Canon-McMillan were lined up to meet the Norwin girls. The winner at each site advanced to the WPIAL finals May 11 at West Mifflin.
The Norwin boys also drew a home meet, with Baldwin, Canon-McMillan and Connellsville traveling to North Huntingdon.
Matijevic optioned
After a short stay in the majors with the Houston Astros, former Norwin star JJ Matijevic was sent back to Triple-A Sugar Land when Jose Altuve returned from an injury assignment.
Matijevic, played in two games and was 0 for 5 with three strikeouts. He made one start at first base.
Checking in on Norwin alumni competing at the collegiate level:
Saint Vincent: The Bearcats (15-6) reached the PAC Championship match before falling to Grove City, 5-1. It was the team’s first trip to the conference finals.
In a 5-3 semifinal win over Franciscan, senior Mauricio Sanchez and senior Aaron Kuhn (Norwin) won at No. 3 doubles.
Penn State Greater Allegheny: Sophomore Brian Woods, who has been the starting catcher for the Lions for the past two seasons, had two doubles and three RBIs in a 7-5 victory over Penn State Fayette.
Woods hit .420 last season and made the All-PSUAC team. This season, he batted .298 and drove in eight runs, while scoring 10.
Saint Vincent: Sophomore Alex Dillner ripped a walk-off double to propel the Bearcats to a 12-11 win over Thiel in eight innings.
SVC came back from a 6-0 deficit. Dillner went 3 for 5 with a home run and five RBIs.
Westminster: Freshman Sydney Lokay hit her first collegiate home run in a 14-0 victory over Chatham. Lokay had a .321 batting average with eight runs and five RBIs in 17 games.
Saint Vincent: When the Bearcats trounced Franciscan, 25-1, grad student Tyler Condrasky reached a milestone: 100 career goals. Condrasky had three goal and two assists in the win. | 2022-05-07T19:42:08Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Norwin notebook: Former, future Knights wrestlers compete at U.S. Open event | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/norwin-notebook-former-future-knights-wrestlers-compete-at-u-s-open-event/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/norwin-notebook-former-future-knights-wrestlers-compete-at-u-s-open-event/ |
Vince Shook is one of Riverview’s top pitchers and hitters, and he helped the Raiders reach the WPIAL Class A championship game last season.
Riverview and Springdale are rivals in every sport, and baseball this spring is no exception.
So, you can’t blame the Raiders players for being a little excited when they finished off a two-game Section 3-A sweep of the Dynamos last week.
Game 1 went down to the wire, and Game 2 was more comfortable. But both helped Riverview wrap up a spot in the WPIAL Class A playoffs and earn a chance at what they hope is a return trip to the WPIAL championship game at Wild Things Park in Washington.
“I love beating Springdale. I love all the chirping back and forth. I love the rivalry,” said Enzo Lio, who hit a walk-off sacrifice fly to left for a 6-5 Game 1 win over the Dynamos. Lio also picked up the pitching win in Game 2’s 10-1 triumph.
“The first game, we were down, but we stuck together and rallied as a team. (Game 2) was probably the best I felt on the mound since last year against (Greensburg Central Catholic) in the playoff game. It was a total team effort in both games. It’s been that way all season, and it will need to be that way in the playoffs.”
Ben Hower drove in a run in the 6-5 win and pitched into the fourth, allowing no runs on three hits while striking out seven and walking one.
In Game 2, a seven-run second inning for Riverview all but put the game away and was the cushion Lio needed as he surrendered one run on four hits with just one walk and 11 strikeouts.
It was a group effort in the seven-run second as Daniel Roupas, Hower, Luke Migely, Jack Loughran, John Patsey and Taylor Zellefrow all drove in runs.
Vinnie Shook, Tyler Aftanas, Hower, Lio, Zellefrow, Loughran, Eli DeVita and Roupas all recorded hits in the second game of the series.
“We’ve had freshmen through seniors stepping up,” Lio said. “It’s not just been one guy.”
Riverview understands it is a team now that others in Class A want to knock off in the playoffs after victories over GCC and Jefferson Morgan in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively, on consecutive days last year.
The Raiders put up a fight in the finals against Union but were not able to generate the needed offense in the 3-0 loss.
Third place in the section with possible playoff-seeding implications came down to a pair of games against Leechburg on Monday and Tuesday, past the deadline for this week’s edition. Monday’s game with the Blue Devils at 3 p.m. at Riverside Park was scheduled to be senior day.
The series originally was to be April 19 and 20, but rain and poor field conditions wiped out both games.
Riverview and Leechburg went into the section-finale series both at 4-4.
The Raiders made quick work of St. Joseph in two games to kick off section play before falling twice to section leader and undefeated Eden Christian, 7-0 and 4-1.
The Sewickley Academy series came down to a pair of one-run results with the Raiders on the wrong end of both.
In the first game, Riverview led 6-0 after the first inning before the Panthers rallied, finishing off the win with nine runs combined in the fifth and sixth innings.
The second game saw Sewickley Academy lead 6-2 after five innings before the Raiders rallied to take a 7-6 lead in the top of the sixth. But the Panthers scored two in the bottom of the sixth and held Riverview off the scoreboard in the top of the seventh.
“We all thought we had the first game here in the bag, but we kind of let off the gas a little bit,” Lio said.
“That wasn’t the greatest move. The next day, we felt good and were looking good, but a couple errors in the field, and the bats weren’t as hot as they had been, and we just didn’t come out with the win. It was frustrating.”
Riverview caps the regular season at 3 p.m. Friday with a nonsection game against Class 4A playoff qualifier Highlands at Riverside Park. The playoff pairings also are expected to be released Friday.
“The guys are itching to get to the playoffs and see what they can do,” Riverview coach Bill Gras said.
“We still have a little more work to do to be ready. The guys need to know that (playoff opponents) aren’t going to just hand it to us. They have to earn it.
“The last three wins, the one against Apollo-Ridge and the two against Springdale, they really gave the guys confidence. They are getting that swagger back they had last year. But they can’t get overconfident.”
In the win over Apollo-Ridge, the Raiders led 9-2 after two innings and 12-3 after three before the Vikings rallied to make things interesting.
Shook picked up the pitching win, and also went 3 for 5 at the plate.
“We’re playing well right now, and hopefully we can stay in a groove heading into the playoffs,” Shook said.
“We need to all be on the same page, but I think we are ready to make a run like last year.” | 2022-05-07T19:42:26Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Riverview baseball ready for another playoff run | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/riverview-baseball-ready-for-another-playoff-run/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/riverview-baseball-ready-for-another-playoff-run/ |
Shady Side Academy’s David Mnuskin (left) and Sam Bitzer display gold medals for winning the WPIAL Class 3A doubles championship April 27 at North Allegheny.
After missing last season because of elbow surgery and 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, Shady Side Academy junior David Mnuskin wanted to make the most of a rare opportunity.
Mnuskin and doubles partner Sam Bitzer brought home the WPIAL Class 3A doubles title to Shady Side by defeating Franklin Regional’s No. 2-seeded duo of Perit Yadiv and Dhruv Kulkarni, 6-3, 6-3, at windswept North Allegheny High School.
“It’s huge since I didn’t get to play last year,” Mnuskin said of the title victory. “It was especially good to do it this year because Sam is a senior and he won’t have another chance at WPIAL doubles.”
“It’s a good feeling,” Bitzer said. “You work hard at it for a few years and it finally pays off. There’s nothing better.”
Bitzer and Mnuskin were seeded fourth in the tournament. The Bulldogs’ tandem began their climb with a 10-0 victory over No. 13 Jackson Newell and Nate Coleman of Kiski Area, followed by a 10-3 quarterfinal win over Joshua Kim and Brandon McEwen of North Hills.
In the semifinals, Bitzer and Mnuskin faced top-seeded Andrew and Aaron Allen of Franklin Regional and prevailed 7-5, 3-6, 6-3. The Allens were coming off a win over eighth-seeded Cooper Friday and Will Siegel of Fox Chapel.
The finals were played under cold, blustery conditions that threatened to take away focus from the competition itself.
“My opinion is both teams are playing in it, so it’s not an advantage or disadvantage,” according to Bitzer. “You try not to think about it. You adjust your game a little bit and try to get the other person to make mistakes.”
Said Mnuskin: “For myself, I think that weather was brutal, playing outdoors. We definitely had to make some smart adjustments, hitting with more spin. We had to keep it simple. It was hard to run fancy plays while the wind was blowing all over the place.”
Still, the pair was confident after three victories the previous day.
“We felt we had a good shot, we were playing good doubles together as a team,” Bitzer said. “Nobody could point a finger and say they could beat us, and we wanted to go out there and prove it.”
Although Bitzer and Mnuskin had known each other since middle school, this year was the first time they had played doubles together.
Bitzer and Mnuskin are now the 11th doubles champions from Shady Side, all coming since 1996. The Bulldogs’ pair will be back for the PIAA tournament May 27 when they face the No. 3 team from District 1 (Philadelphia suburbs) at 8 a.m. at Hershey Racquet Club.
Bitzer is headed for Bucknell in the fall and hopes to continue his tennis career there.
Mnuskin plans to start looking at potential colleges as his junior year closes. He also hopes to play tennis as a collegian. | 2022-05-07T19:42:32Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Shady Side Academy doubles champs turn attention to PIAA tournament | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/shady-side-academy-doubles-champs-turn-attention-to-piaa-tournament/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/shady-side-academy-doubles-champs-turn-attention-to-piaa-tournament/ |
Courtesy of Abbey Hutter
Mt. Pleasant’s Katie Hutter
Mt. Pleasant softball standout Katie Hutter has changed her college plans.
Initially an Akron commit — a decison she made in the fall of 2020 — Hutter decommitted because of a coaching change.
The senior has opened her recruiting.
Akron offered to pick up one year of her scholarship, likely just for academics, but she still wants to play ball.
“There was talk of them shutting down the program there,” said Hutter, a .593 hitter and shortstop who will likely play outfield in college. “I didn’t just want to go to school there. I wanted to play.”
Bowling Green, George Mason and Cal (Pa.) are now in play as possible suitors.
“It’s stressing me out a little bit, but I play when it’s time to play and worry about it after,” Hutter said.
David to Rollins
Greensburg Central Catholic baseball player Zach David is headed to Rollins College (Fla.) to be a college pitcher. David had been clocked in the upper 80-mph range before elbow surgery last summer during the travel season slowed him down.
He had surgery and is gradually throwing again. He has played first base this season and is hitting over .400 with 17 runs and 17 RBIs for the Centurions.
David also considered Johns Hopkins.
More recruiting
Conlan Greene has two more NCAA Division I football scholarship offers. The Penn-Trafford junior added Central Michigan and Maine to his list. Those schools join St. Francis (Pa.) and Fordham.
Greene (6-4, 250) played tight end and defensive end last season but could end up as a linebacker in college.
It also will be interesting to see where he plays on the field in the fall at Penn-Trafford.
His teammate, junior lineman Joe Enick (6-3, 290), also added another D-1 offer to his growing list. Central Michigan joins Fordham, Youngstown State, Fordham and The Citadel.
Enick is a center and defensive tackle.
• Aaron Schmook can sling a javelin farther than a lot of throwers in the WPIAL. Colleges are beginning to take notice. The Norwin senior was offered a scholarship from Kent State.
• Latrobe junior basketball player Emma Blair has an offer to play at Division II Seton Hill. The 6-foot-1 Blair was the Trib Westmoreland player of the year this past season as she averaged 13.6 points and 12.5 rebounds, while shooting 56% from the field.
• Greensburg Salem senior Angela Kobuck, a three-sport athlete, will continue her tennis career at Pitt-Greensburg. She was the Golden Lions’ homecoming queen in 2021.
Tags: Greensburg Salem, Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. lebanon, Norwin, Penn-Trafford | 2022-05-07T19:42:38Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Westmoreland County high school notebook: Mt. Pleasant’s Hutter reopens recruitment | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-county-high-school-notebook-mt-pleasants-hutter-reopens-recruitment/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-county-high-school-notebook-mt-pleasants-hutter-reopens-recruitment/ |
Plum pitcher Makenzie Lang delivers against Kiski Area on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at Kiski Area High School.
Two WPIAL playoff slots remain open for local teams as the regular season goes into its final three days.
Kiski Area is still alive for one of the Class 5A baseball positions. The Cavaliers (2-7) need to defeat Franklin Regional (3-7) in a game that was postponed at least twice last week.
The Panthers defeated Kiski Area, 13-11, in nine innings last Tuesday.
In softball, Plum (3-7) has two section games remaining, and the Mustangs are a half-game behind Penn Hills (4-7) with two games left in Class 5A. One game is against Penn Hills, the other against Woodland Hills (0-10).
The WPIAL has mandated that all section games need to be completed by Wednesday.
The softball playoff pairings will be released Thursday; baseball on Friday.
Blair commencement speaker
It’s always good to catch up with student-athletes who have moved beyond the high school ranks.
Deer Lakes graduate Katelynn Blair, the 2017 Valley News Dispatch Softball Player of the Year, was the student commencement speaker Saturday at West Liberty (W Va.).
Blair received degrees in accounting and finance. She played four seasons for the Hilltoppers softball team.
At Deer Lakes in 2017, Blair batted .672, had 17 doubles, nine home runs and 38 RBIs in leading the Lancers to the WPIAL Class 4A title game and the PIAA quarterfinals.
Blair will attend law school at the University of Akron this fall.
Her sister, Makayla, who is two years younger, also plays for West Liberty.
Tipinski chooses Toledo
New Kensington native Kyle Tipinski, who helped lead North Catholic to last season’s WPIAL title game, will attend Toledo.
Tipinski was Allegheny 7 Conference Offensive Player of the Year. He lined up in a slot much of the season.
He also played basketball and track before concentrating on football.
He kept in shape by running up and down Drey Street in Arnold during the summer.
Cumberland Valley improvements
Cumberland Valley High School is in the midst of a $2 million renovation of Chapman Field in anticipation of hosting the PIAA football finals over the next three seasons.
The school district will be putting in new SportTurf, getting a new synthetic track and is installing LED lighting.
Cumberland Valley is near Mechanicsburg.
• TribHSSN baseball rankings for May 8, 2022 | 2022-05-08T03:08:33Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | George Guido: Baseball, softball playoff races going down to the wire | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/george-guido-baseball-softball-playoff-races-going-down-to-the-wire/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/george-guido-baseball-softball-playoff-races-going-down-to-the-wire/ |
Derry’s Ethan Frye battles Deer Lakes’ Kyle Penn at the net during their match on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at Derry Area High School.
WPIAL boys volleyball section play concludes Thursday evening, and the playoff brackets and pairings are scheduled to be released Friday.
Several playoff spots, section titles and playoff positioning will be determined over the next four nights.
With that, the Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association released its final spring 2022 Class 3A and 2A rankings Monday morning, and every team — including No. 1 North Allegheny in Class 3A and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (Class 2A) — maintained their spots in the top-10 polls from last week.
North Allegheny (10-0) and No. 2 Seneca Valley (9-1) will meet Tuesday at Seneca Valley to decide the Section 2 title. The Tigers, who have clinched at least a tie for the title, won the first meeting between the teams, 3-0, on April 22.
Shaler, 6-4 (third place) in Section 2, remains at No. 4 in the Class 3A poll.
No. 3 Hempfield and No. 5 Norwin enter the week tied in Section 3 at 9-1.
Hempfield faces Armstrong on Tuesday and Latrobe on Thursday, while Norwin takes on Penn Hills Tuesday and No. 6 Penn-Trafford on Thursday.
Penn-Trafford is third in Section 3 at 7-3, one game in front of No. 10 Latrobe (6-4).
Canon-McMillan, No. 7 in this week’s poll, leads Section 1 at 9-1, a half-game ahead of No. 8 Upper St. Clair (9-2). The Big Macs face Bethel Park on Tuesday and Peters Township on Wednesday, while the Panthers finish section play Thursday at Moon.
Butler, No. 9 in Class 3A, is a playoff qualifier out of Section 2.
Section 1 in Class 2A has dominated the top of the rankings throughout the season.
OLSH, which leads the section at 8-1, wraps up its section slate Tuesday at No. 9 Hopewell (3-6).
Also, on Tuesday, No. 2 North Catholic (7-2), which split with OLSH in their section series, concludes section play Tuesday at No. 3 Montour (5-4). The Trojans edged the Spartans, 3-2, in the first meeting April 19.
Ambridge, 4-5 in Section 1, is No. 5 in this week’s Class 2A poll.
No. 4 Seton LaSalle continues to crash the Section 1 rankings party. The Rebels (9-0) have clinched the Section 3 title, while No. 7 Trinity (6-2) and No. 8 Thomas Jefferson (5-3) battle for second place. The teams meet Tuesday at Thomas Jefferson.
Gateway, No. 6 in the Class 2A rankings, has clinched the Section 2 title. The Gators (7-0) close out section play Tuesday at rival Plum (5-2).
Derry, a playoff qualifier from Section 2, is No. 10 this week.
The top four teams and ties in each Class 3A and Class 2A section qualify for the WPIAL playoffs.
Each week throughout the season, all of the WPIAL coaches had the opportunity to vote for the teams in the top-10 rankings.
The classification players of the week are selected by the coaches association based on coaches nominations.
Western PA Volleyball Coach Association
Top-10 Rankings – Week 7 (Final)
7. Canon-McMillan (7
8. Upper St. Clair (8)
Tyler Hussey, senior, outside hitter, Norwin
Patrick Schall, senior, outside hitter, Penn-Trafford
Owen Kelley, junior, outside hitter, Hempfield
Dante Palombo, sophomore, middle hitter, Shaler
9. Hopewell (9)
10. Derry (10)
Jeremy Ciaramella, senior, setter, OLSH
Micah Guevara, senior, setter/right side, Beaver County Christian
Bryce Lizanich, junior, middle hitter, Montour
Will Stewart, sophomore, outside hitter, Thomas Jefferson
Tags: Ambridge, Beaver County Christian, Butler, Canon-McMillan, Derry Area, Gateway, Hempfield, Hopewell, Latrobe, Montour, North Allegheny, North Catholic, Norwin, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Penn-Trafford, Seneca Valley, Seton La Salle, Shaler, Thomas Jefferson, Trinity, Upper St. Clair | 2022-05-09T19:37:31Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | No changes in final WPIAL Boys Volleyball Coaches Association top-10 polls | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/no-changes-in-final-wpial-boys-volleyball-coaches-association-top-10-polls/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/no-changes-in-final-wpial-boys-volleyball-coaches-association-top-10-polls/ |
Olivia Mastrilli is a senior center fielder for the Norwin softball team.
Norwin’s Olivia Mastrilli has enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and will begin basic training in July.
March 30 to April 27.
That’s how long the Norwin softball team had to wait between playing games on their home field this season.
The Lady Knights have had to reschedule home games a total of nine times this season because of weather issues that led to poor field conditions.
With all that inconsistency, it can be tough to establish a lot of momentum.
“You could tell that there was a different atmosphere from all the away games that we’ve played and all the home games,” senior center fielder Olivia Mastrilli said. “It’s definitely been hard with the weather.”
Last season, Norwin claimed its first outright section title after sharing a championship in 2019.
The Knights sit fifth in their section, but they believe they can fight for the section championship.
“I want us to repeat as the singular section champs,” Mastrilli said. “It’s something that everyone on this team should get to enjoy.”
Mastrilli would know a thing or two about hitting in high-pressure situations.
Down the stretch last season, Norwin coach Brian Mesich pointed to Mastrilli as the type of player who could deliver timely hits that help manufacture needed runs.
Mastrilli has enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and will begin basic training in July.
With her senior season winding down, she took some time for a Senior Spotlight Q&A:
How did you get started with softball?
I started playing softball when I was 4. I have always been involved with sports my entire life. It started with soccer, and then it kind of grew into softball, as well.
How was the experience of winning a section title last year?
It was definitely something crazy, especially after my freshman year where we split the title, and then we didn’t have our sophomore season. Being able to win something like that and then being able to see us come together as more of a team was pretty amazing.
What goes through your mind while hitting in some of those higher-pressure situations?
I’ve always been someone that watches exactly how the pitcher’s pitching. I make sure that I’m watching where she’s throwing and pitch selection. Just trying to keep my head on straight. If it’s super high pressure, I’ll even sometimes sing to myself in the batter’s box. Anything that I can do to calm myself down in situations like that.
I would say my biggest strength in softball would be my confidence within the outfield. Because of how long I’ve been playing, I’ve grown super confident with myself on my range of where I can get to and where I can’t get to. Definitely diving, sliding, it’s just going all out no matter what.
I would definitely say my arm strength, my throwing. Just little things that I can tweak here or there to make myself a better outfielder and a better softball player in general.
I originally didn’t come from Norwin. I moved here in first grade from a little town called Munhall. It’s right outside the city. | 2022-05-09T19:37:37Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Westmoreland Senior Spotlight: Norwin’s Olivia Mastrilli | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-senior-spotlight-norwins-olivia-mastrilli/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-senior-spotlight-norwins-olivia-mastrilli/ |
Franklin Regional coach Bobby Saddler (center) talks with his team during Monday’s 10-3 win over Kiski Area in Murrysville.
Jack Bridges had been out of the Franklin Regional baseball lineup since early April with an elbow injury.
Clearly, the senior was glad to be back Monday.
He and his teammates elbowed Kiski Area from the playoff race.
Bridges and senior teammate Ryan DalCanton both went 3 for 4 with Bridges driving in three runs, and senior Caden Smith pitched a complete game as the Panthers won 10-3 in the Section 1-5A finale at Haymaker Park in Murrysville.
The playoff-bound and defending champion Panthers (10-4, 7-3) have won six straight since being swept by section champion Latrobe on April 12.
“I have been hitting in the cage and off a tee, preparing as much as I could,” said Bridges, who was the designated hitter and batted ninth in the win. “I was hoping it would carry over.”
Kiski Area (4-11, 2-8) was hoping to win to clinch a playoff spot and send all six teams from the section to the postseason. But the Panthers stayed hot and sent the Cavaliers home disappointed.
“I was happy with the way our kids battled, but you’re not going to get any freebies from (Franklin Regional),” Kiski Area coach Aaron Albert said. “There are no easy spots in their lineup. Hats off to them.”
It was a 1-1 game in the third when Franklin Regional stepped in front to stay. The Panthers scored six runs after there were two outs.
Junior first baseman Anthony Alesi, who went 2 for 4, and DalCanton had RBI singles. A bases-loaded walk after a pitching change made it 4-1.
Bridges then ripped a two-run single for a 6-1 advantage.
“Our offense had a nice day and I can’t say enough about Caden and his leadership on the mound,” Panthers coach Bobby Saddler said. “He hadn’t pitched much lately but was really good today.”
Smith, who allowed seven hits, six of which were singles, struck out nine and and walked two.
After senior Owen Werkheiser drove in a run with a single for the Cavaliers in the fourth, the Panthers tacked on two more in the fifth. Bridges delivered a run-scoring single and senior Jordan Suvak added a sacrifice fly for an 8-2 score.
DalCanton doubled and scored in the inning.
“Jack executed extremely well,” Saddler said. “He was swinging well in the cage and it transitioned over.”
DalCanton also continued his solid hitting.
“He has worked extremely hard to get to this position,” Saddler said.
Said Bridges of DalCanton: “He has been on a tear.”
Sophomore Nate Witt had a sacrifice fly for Kiski Area in the sixth, but Alesi and DalCanton added RBIs to make it 10-3 after Franklin Regional opened the inning with two walks.
Junior Jake Bucci hit a solo home run off the scoreboard in the second for Kiski Area.
Both teams have had their share of close games. Three of Franklin Regional’s losses are by one run, while Kiski Area lost four extra-inning games.
Franklin Regional earned a sweep of the Cavaliers but needed a ninth-inning homer from Jordan Suvak to win, 13-11, last Tuesday. Rainy weather and poor field conditions forced the rematch to be postponed multiple times.
“We’re competitive in every game,” Saddler said. “That’s a good thing.”
Kiski Area has dropped nine of 10 and four straight.
“We have two regular seniors, so we’re a young team,” Albert said. “All the kids who have been in all of these extra-inning games will bring that experience back and hopefully it pays off next year.” | 2022-05-10T02:41:37Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Franklin Regional baseball adds to win streak, knocks Kiski Area from playoffs | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/franklin-regional-baseball-adds-to-win-streak-knocks-kiski-area-from-playoffs/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/franklin-regional-baseball-adds-to-win-streak-knocks-kiski-area-from-playoffs/ |
Yough shortstop Adoria Waldier stops a ball against Belle Vernon on Monday, May 9, 2022.
Belle Vernon’s Maren Metikosh is welcomed at home plate after her home run against Yough on Monday, May 9, 2022.
Belle Vernon’s Maren Metikosh rounds third after hitting a home run against Yough on Monday, May 9, 2022.
Trailing by a run with two outs in the top of the seventh inning Monday afternoon, the Yough softball team managed to rally without getting a single hit.
The Cougars were down to their last strike on three occasions against Belle Vernon pitcher Talia Ross, yet they managed to plate three runs en route to a 4-2 come-from-behind victory in Section 2-4A play.
“We went choke and poke, started putting the ball on the ground and good things started happening,” Yough coach Dutch Harvey said. “That’s what happens when you put the ball in play rather than taking that outside pitch and looking at it.”
In the seventh, the Leopards (10-6, 8-4) experienced a few defensive miscues behind Ross, who allowed just one earned run on six hits with 12 strikeouts in the loss.
Ross walked Kaylin Ritenour with two away in the frame before Emma Augustine reached on an error by Lexi Daniels. With Ritenour at third, Adoria Waldier hit a sharp ground ball that was misplayed by shortstop Ashley Joll, allowing the Cougars (12-1, 10-1) to plate the tying run.
A walk to Maddie Horvat loaded the bases, and Katie Proctor followed with a ground ball that bounced off the glove of Daniels, allowing two to score.
Yough pitcher Emma Augustine set BVA down in order in the bottom of the seventh, finishing off the win by inducing a hard-hit flyout to McKenzie Pritts in center field.
“That’s a tough one to lose,” Belle Vernon coach Tom Rodriguez said. “They didn’t even get a hit in that inning, and they still scored three runs. Those three errors just killed us.”
The Leopards failed to convert on a golden opportunity to expand their one-run lead in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Abby Fabin, who went 2 for 2 with a run scored in the defeat, reached on a single before Maren Metikosh was intentionally walked to put two runners on. The bases became loaded on an infield single by Ashley Joll.
The lone senior on Yough’s roster, Augustine managed to get out of the jam as she punched out Mia Zubovic and induced a pair of flyouts to Horvat at second base. Augustine allowed two earned runs on five hits and a walk with eight strikeouts in the win.
“I just knew we had to get putouts there in that sixth inning,” Harvey said. “I knew Em could pitch out of it, we just had to play defense.”
The Leopards tried to play a bit of small ball with the bases full, attempting a couple of bunts down the right-field line in hopes of plating an insurance run. The strategy wasn’t effective, though, as Zubovic and Gracie Sokol struggled to keep their bunt attempts fair.
“If a kid strikes out or makes an error, I’m not going to holler at them, but if you can’t get a bunt down, something needs to happen,” Rodriguez said. “If we get a bunt down, we score. It’s not like we don’t focus on it at practice cause we have to get as many bunts in as swings.”
Yough scored the first run of the contest in the top of the fourth inning after Horvat reached on a one-out single. She later moved to second on a walk to Abbey Zuraw before Sidney Bergman delivered with an RBI single into left-center field.
The Leopards responded in the bottom half of the frame thanks to the power bat of Metikosh.
After Fabin led off the inning with a single, Metikosh drove a 2-1 pitch from Augustine over the fence in right-center field for a two-run homer that gave the Leopards a 2-1 edge. It was Metikosh’s fifth home run of the season. She has 32 RBIs.
Whereas BVA will set its focus on a nonsection clash with Latrobe today, the section title will be up for grabs when the Cougars travel to William Penn Field to finish off a game against Elizabeth Forward.
The game, which started last week before being postponed because of rain, will begin with EF leading 2-0 in the bottom of the third inning. The Warriors will have a runner on second base with nobody out.
“We have to overcome two runs, but I think we’ll have a chance at it,” Harvey said. “Today, we overcame a deficit in one inning. If we can do that, we can do it in four.”
Tags: Belle Vernon, Yough | 2022-05-10T02:41:43Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Yough softball rallies to stay in section title hunt; errors doom Belle Vernon | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/yough-softball-rallies-to-stay-in-section-title-hunt-errors-doom-belle-vernon/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/yough-softball-rallies-to-stay-in-section-title-hunt-errors-doom-belle-vernon/ |
Enzo Rodi is a senior returning starter at outside hitter for the Latrobe boys volleyball team.
More often than not, you can find the neighbors competing on opposite sides in so many other sports, including boys volleyball.
“It the backyard brawl for bragging rights for another year,” Latrobe coach Drew Vosefski said, ignoring Derry’s smaller enrollment numbers and lower PIAA classification.
“It doesn’t matter what our record is during the regular season, our guys will get up to play Derry as if it was the national championship,” he said.
At 4-4, Latrobe, with lots of new faces in different positions, will attempt to move past a 3-0 loss to Norwin last week with a trip to Penn Hills on Thursday in a WPIAL Section 3-3A match.
Maybe the whitewashing from once-beaten Norwin caught Latrobe’s players in a daze after the Wildcats claimed a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Class 2A Derry in their previous match?
“I’ll tell you what that match means to us,” Vosefski said of that ‘backyard brawl.’ “I had a player — a starter — who, at the beginning of the match, told me he wasn’t feeling well. I was ready to adjust the lineup, and he said, ‘No, coach, I have to play this match.’ ”
The player, whose name Vosefski did not reveal, made multiple trips off the court to rest and regroup, the coach said.
“After the second time he left the court, I decided he needed to be done,” Vosefski said. “He said, ‘No, no, please, I’ve got to be there,’ and he finished all four sets.”
Vosefski said the player all night struggled with stomach issues but played as though nothing would stop him. After all, this was the heralded Latrobe-Derry confrontation.
“If you wanted to know what an intense rivalry really is, you should have been there,” Vosefski said.
Latrobe won the first two sets, 25-22 and 25-19, but couldn’t sweep the host Trojans, whose gym is a 7-mile drive from Latrobe’s.
Derry fought back from a deficit in the third set to tie the score 23-23 before the teams worked overtime in Derry’s 28-26 victory.
The night, however, was too much for Derry, as Latrobe coasted in the fourth and deciding set, easily winning 25-13.
“Members of the communities and student bodies know what this rivalry means,” Vosefski said. “We always get good crowds.”
Added Derry coach Shawn Spencer: “The kids have a pretty good understanding of the tradition that volleyball has had here.”
The Class 2A Trojans have won one WPIAL championship (1988) and three PIAA crowns (’95, ’88 and ’86), all before the PIAA divided boys volleyball schools into two classifications.
Latrobe, seeking its first title at any level, returned four starters this season — two seniors (outside hitters 6-foot-1 Enzo Rodi and 6-3 Brennan Ward) and a pair of juniors (5-10 setter Josh Havrilla and 6-2 middle hitter Tyler Nelson). Havrilla was named a player of the week this week by the Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association.
“Those two seniors give us the bulk of our scoring,” Vosefski said. “They have such great athletic ability and a drive to be considered among the best players in the WPIAL.”
With a large junior class on hand, Vosefski is looking for a breakout year next season while continuing to mentor the current group.
Havrilla, who moved from defensive specialist a year ago, offers a look at Latrobe’s versatility. Nelson, another example, made an adjustment this year to an opposite side of the court.
“Unselfishly, he agreed to be on the right side,” Vosefski said. “He’s done very, very well.”
Newcomer Rocco Marino, a Latrobe hockey player with a budding interest in playing volleyball, has been a pleasant surprise to the Wildcats.
The 6-3 junior opposite, “took a shine to volleyball last year,” Vosefski said, partly because Marino’s sister, McKenna Marino, plays for Vosefski’s girls volleyball team at Latrobe.
“Rocco has done very, very well,” Vosefski said.
Then, he said, “You get that person that comes out of nowhere,” referring to 6-0 sophomore Sam Kiesel. “He went from being the best JV outside hitter (as a freshman) to being the starting varsity libero. The kid touches everything.”
Other juniors making an impact, according to Vosefski, are defensive specialists Ruben Rojas and Cameron Baker and 6-4 middle blocker Isiac Waszo.
“You don’t realize the athleticism these guys have,” Vosefski said.
“I will put my guys up against any other sport at any school to show their desire and will. All that tells me is we have committed young men, and the future is bright.” | 2022-05-10T08:39:35Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Latrobe boys volleyball looks to gain momentum after rivalry win | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/latrobe-boys-volleyball-looks-to-gain-momentum-after-rivalry-win/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/latrobe-boys-volleyball-looks-to-gain-momentum-after-rivalry-win/ |
Last year, the Charleroi softball team won its last four regular season games to finish in a tie with Carmichaels for second place in Section 3-2A behind Frazier.
The Cougars were the No. 9 seed in the WPIAL playoff and lost in the first round to Neshannock, 6-4.
Charleroi closes the 2022 section schedule Wednesday at Carmichaels. A win and the Cougars finish strong and earn second place outright. A loss would put them in a tie for second again with the Mighty Mikes and the reality of another spot in the 8-9 first-round game could also repeat itself from last season.
“Wednesday’s Carmichaels game will be a big test at their place for us heading into pairings on Thursday,” Charleroi coach Trey Tilghman said. “I don’t want to share second.”
The Cougars are in a good place not to share thanks to going 4-0 last week.
On Monday and Tuesday, Charleroi poured it on with section victories over California and Washington in which they outscored the teams 23-0.
“We had contributions from top to bottom offensively, especially our first and second batters,” Tilghman said.
Juniors Rece Eddy was 4 for 6 and Leena Henderson 4 for 9, a combined 8-for-15 with eight runs scored. Sophomore pitcher Sofia Celaschi struck out a combined 26 batters in the two shutouts.
On Wednesday, there was no cruise control as Charleroi fell behind early at Bentworth. The Cougars chipped away at the three-run deficit and tied the game in the seventh inning before winning it with two home runs in the ninth.
“After allowing three runs in the bottom of the first, we buckled down pitching and defensively,” Tilghman said. “Emma Stefanick pitched the first three innings, then Sofia shut them down the rest of the game, striking out 11 with no walks. Emma did great, but offensively, we didn’t give her any help. Tying the game in the top of the seventh when freshman Avery Pendo tripled with one out and eventually scored on Maddie Lancy single was big. Stefanick and Lancy both cleared the fence in the ninth inning.”
The first of the two late-season showdowns against Carmichaels took place at home Thursday and the Cougars passed with flying colors, 4-0.
“It was a close, competitive game,” Tilghman said. “We were able to take advantage of their first pitcher having some control issues to score four runs in innings two and three before they switched. Then Sofia took care of the rest with 12 strikeouts.”
Six of the eight Charleroi wins this year have been shutout victories by Celaschi. She is 7-5 with 129 strikeouts.
“Sofia will be our driving force,” Tilghman said. “She’s incredible; the control of all her pitches has been tremendous.”
Besides Celaschi, some of the other standouts for the Cougars this past week were Eddy, Henderson and sophomores McKenna DeUnger, Maddie Lancy, Riley Jones and Stefanick.
This will mark the second straight season Charleroi has qualified for the WPIAL softball playoffs after missing out since 2014.
Tilghman knows the postseason won’t be easy in Class 2A because of one particular aspect.
“Pitching will definitely be on display,” Tilghman said. “There is tons of pitching talent in 2A. Runs will be hard to come by the deeper you go. Who’s getting hot? It’s going to be exciting.”
Tags: Charleroi | 2022-05-10T08:39:36Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Trib HSSN Softball Team of the Week for May 9, 2022 | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-hssn-softball-team-of-the-week-for-may-9-2022/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-hssn-softball-team-of-the-week-for-may-9-2022/ |
Central Catholic pitcher Cade O’Leary reacts to a play against North Allegheny on April 22.
The 2022 WPIAL baseball playoff field is almost set heading into the final days of section play. One more Class 4A team will clinch Tuesday to set the postseason field at 83 teams.
Set with 17 playoff teams. There will be 1 preliminary round game.
11 of 12 teams have clinched a playoff berth
• The winner of the New Castle (3-8) at Blackhawk (4-7) game clinches a playoff berth. If New Castle wins, and even if Ambridge (3-8 vs Quaker Valley) and/or Central Valley (3-8 vs Beaver) win their games, New Castle wins all three-way and four-way tiebreakers.
Set with 16 playoff teams. No first-round byes or preliminary round games. | 2022-05-10T08:40:00Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | WPIAL baseball playoff clinchings through May 9, 2022 | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/wpial-baseball-playoff-clinchings-through-may-9-2022/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/wpial-baseball-playoff-clinchings-through-may-9-2022/ |
Greensburg Central Catholic’s Corinn Brewer pole vaults at the 2021 WCCA Track and Field Championships. She will lead the GCC girls team into the WPIAL team finals Wednesday.
When Mike Brewer took over the Greensburg Central Catholic track and field program 10 years ago, he had a team of 12 — five boys and seven girls.
Now the program has a full roster and Wednesday, the boys and girls teams are hoping to perform at a high level for more than a gold medal. They want rings for winning the Class 2A team titles.
Brewer said he likes his teams’ chances in both championships at 3 p.m. at Peters Township. Greensburg Central Catholic’s boys, making their second consecutive trip to the finals, will be facing strong teams from Shenango, Riverside and South Park. The GCC girls will face solid squads from Quaker Valley, Riverside and Shenango.
The boys finished third in last year’s finals behind Riverside and Shenango.
“We’re at full strength,” Brewer said. “We lost a couple key members from both boys and girls teams, but the returning starters and newcomers have made us stronger.
“The future looks bright. We’ve built a program that a third of the school now comes out for the team. It’s become a family.”
Brewer feels his teams have a good chance at winning.
“I’m an engineer by trade. I have analyzed the meet carefully,” Brewer said. “There are some very strong teams. There are things you know that will happen.
“The key is getting to 76 points. We will win or lose by the number of third-place finishes we get. It’s the little things that have to happen to bring us to victory. The kids have talked all season about winning and getting rings.”
One runner GCC welcomed back from a midseason injury is senior sprinter Joe Blahovec.
Other boys Brewer is counting are Danny Dlugos (javelin and shot put), Cole Spivak (discus and shot put), Jaydin Canady (sprints), Nate Dlugos (jumps), James Brewer (hurdles and pole vault), Amari Mack (hurdles and triple jump), Jake Havrilesko (middle distance), Nick Szekely (distance), Kyler Miller (800), Jackson Vacanti (800) and Charles Slike (800).
“We have a balanced team,” Mike Brewer said. “We don’t have many holes.”
Mike Brewer’s daughter Corinn heads the girls’ team along with Ella Zambruno (sprints), Eva Denis (sprints) and Sara Felder (sprints). Brewer’s daughter is capable of competing in multiple events, so he must decide in which four she will compete.
“I tend to put Corinn up against the other team’s best,” Mike Brewer said.
She is ranked No. 1 in the WPIAL in the pole vault, No. 2 in the 100 hurdles, No. 4 in the high jump and No. 6 in the 300 hurdles. She could possibly compete in other events.
Other girls Mike Brewer is counting on are Sasha Hoffman (hurdles), Isabella Marquez (hurdles and jumps), Sara Blahovec (triple jump and javelin), Avery Davis (1,600), Jonah Althof (3,200), Addi Vacanti (800), Liz Dlugos (throws), Cadie Peters (throws) and Erin Landis (400).
While Riverside and Shenango are the favorites, Mike Brewer is fine with that.
“It’s appropriate that a team in Beaver and Lawrence County would be favored,” he said. “On paper, we have a shot. That’s all I ask for.”
Norwin in 3A final
Norwin track coach Tim Van Horn couldn’t be prouder of his teams for making the WPIAL Class 3A championship at West Mifflin.
There they will face a tough challenge from three other excellent teams. The boys will battle Butler, North Allegheny and Mt. Lebanon while the girls will face Butler, North Allegheny and South Fayette.
“It’s a true testament for the work we’ve done starting back in December,” Van Horn said. “We worked hard every week. We have a nice mesh of athletes. We’ve been working our tails off every week. We’re showing people what we’re made of.”
Van Horn said to win a WPIAL title, everyone has to step up.
“We looked at the ranking of some of the top kids in the WPIAL,” Van Horn said. “We have to be at our best on Wednesday. Who will step up?”
Some of the boys Van Horn is counting on are Trey Huha (long jump, triple jump, sprints and 400 relay) Anthony Petrulo (shot put and discus), Aaron Schmook (javelin), Cody Scherle (discus and javelin), Andres Breauchy (800, 1,600 and 3200), Dom Barca (sprints and long jump) and Anthony Singer (hurdles). Ryan Schiller (hurdles) will miss the meet because of an injury.
The top girls include Nataiah Robertson-Dutrieuille (sprints and jumps), Bernadette Zukina (200 and 400), Layla Robertson (100- and 300 hurdles and relays), Emma Jiancristoforo (800, 1600, 3200), Rosemary Gaydos (distance) Ashley Laukus (high jump), Brandi Brozeski (hurdles, high jump and triple jump), Bella Brozeski (300 hurdles and relays), Alexa Walton (middle distance), Riley Morningstar (shot put and discus) and Trinity Wills (shot put and discus).
“We’re pretty solid in every aspect,” Van Horn said.
Tags: Butler, Greensburg C.C., Mt. lebanon, North Allegheny, Norwin, Quaker Valley, Riverside, Shenango, South Fayette, South Park | 2022-05-10T21:17:24Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Greensburg Central Catholic, Norwin ready for team finals in WPIAL track | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/greensburg-central-catholic-norwin-ready-for-team-finals-in-wpial-track/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/greensburg-central-catholic-norwin-ready-for-team-finals-in-wpial-track/ |
Gateway boys volleyball fends off Plum challenge, finishes undefeated in section
Senior Nick Killinger warms up before facing Gateway on Tuesday, May 10, 2022.
The Plum boys volleyball team hoped to play spoiler and prevent visiting Gateway from finishing its Section 2-2A slate undefeated as the teams met in the section finale Tuesday at Plum.
But the Gators, No. 6 in this week’s Western PA Volleyball Coaches Association Class 2A top 10, had other ideas. They won the first, third and fourth game en route to a 3-1 victory.
Gateway came into the match already having clinched its first section title since 1986. It finished section play at 8-0.
“Plum looked fantastic. Clear growth from the last time we played them,” Gateway coach Phil Randolph said, referring to a 3-1 Gators win over the Mustangs at Gateway on April 19.
“We showed improvement,” Plum coach Fisher Bagiatis said. “It was the first time we played a team of that caliber in a while, so we got to really see how we sized up. Offensively, we matched up great. Defensively, we were a little limited. The first step is to work out some things on defense, and I think we can make a good, realistic run in the playoffs.”
The Class 2A playoff bracket and pairings are expected to be released Friday with first-round matches to begin as early as Monday.
Gateway senior 6-foot-1 hitter Chris Lewis was under the weather and didn’t play in Tuesday’s match.
“Chris has been one of our best players for years, and not having him magnified the role he plays on our team,” Randolph said. “With any sport, it’s next man up, and the guys dug a little deeper and worked a little harder. It was awesome to see all of that come to fruition tonight.”
The Gators rallied in Lewis’ absence and started with a win in Game 1.
Gateway used several strong swings to grab an early 4-1 lead.
The Gators led 8-4 and hoped to expand their advantage, but Plum hung tough. The Mustangs tied the game at 11, 12 and 14 before Gateway scored the next two points to take a 16-14 lead, prompting a Plum timeout.
The Gators expanded their lead to 18-14 and 20-16, but Plum still wouldn’t go away and rallied to take a lead at 22-20.
The game was tied at 23, 24 and 25 before a combo block from Will Kromka and Gabe Sha and a Plum hit that landed wide gave Gateway the win, 27-25.
Gateway led early in Game 2, but Plum scrapped its way back and tied the match at 13 on a combo block from Killinger and Adam Smith and took the lead, 14-13 on a Killinger kill.
But the Gators used a 7-2 run to open a 20-16 lead, and Plum used a timeout to try to stop Gateway’s momentum.
It worked, as Plum fought its way back to take a 24-23 lead on another Killinger kill and finished off the game as the Mustangs block turned away a Sha kill attempt at the net for the 25-23 victory.
Game 3 started in Gateway’s favor as it led 10-6 before Plum rallied to tie the game at 11 and 12 on kills from Killinger and Moss.
But the Gators grabbed control of the game on a combination of Plum miscues and Gateway offense.
Sha put down a kill to make it 24-17 before a Plum hit into the net finished off the 25-17 Gators win.
Gateway led 10-7 in Game 4 after a Sha kill, but the teams found themselves tied at 13.
Swings from Moss, Marzina and Killinger kept Plum in the game, but kills from Kromka, Jace Beam and Noah Passalinqua kept Gateway ahead.
A Plum miss hit at the net and a service ace from Sha extended the Gators’ lead to 22-18.
Points on a pair of kills from Kromka put Gateway a match point, and Passalinqua put down a kill to end the game, 25-20, and finish off the four-game victory.
Tags: Gateway, Plum | 2022-05-11T03:34:49Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Gateway boys volleyball fends off Plum challenge, finishes undefeated in section | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/gateway-boys-volleyball-fends-off-plum-challenge-finishes-undefeated-in-section/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/gateway-boys-volleyball-fends-off-plum-challenge-finishes-undefeated-in-section/ |
Hempfield’s Elizabeth Tapper continues to have a strong track and field season.
A few years ago, the WPIAL eliminated regional qualifiers for its track and field championships.
Instead, qualifiers for the WPIAL Class 3A and 2A finals are based on performance from the season.
The top 24 in each in Class 3A event advance to Slippery Rock on May 18, and the top 16 advance in Class 2A. They will be trying to qualify for the PIAA championships May 27 and 28 at Shippensburg.
The qualifiers have been replaced by what are called “last chance” meets, where individuals get a final chance to make it onto the performance list.
The events were held Tuesday at Norwin, West Mifflin and Pine-Richland.
“We have a lot of teams entered,” Norwin coach Tim Van Horn said. “Athletes get one final chance to qualify for the WPIALs.”
Hempfield girls finish first
The Hempfield girls track and field team finished tied for first at the Altoona Mt. Lion Classic on May 6.
Junior Elizabeth Tapper won the shot put (34 feet. 9 ½ inches) and finished third in the discus (94-1). Junior Cydney Blahovec finished third in the 800 (2 minutes, 22.81 seconds), and senior Lily Murphy finished fourth (2:29.59).
Sophomore Alicia Weimer placed third in the 3,200 (11:49.44), and Noelle Dougherty finished sixth (12:12.14).
Junior Lindsey Simmons placed second in the 100 hurdles (16.42), and junior Giana Torri (17.04) placed fifth.
Simmons placed third in the 300 hurdles (48.35), and sophomore Alexa Gray was sixth (50.04).
Sophomore Grace Iwig finished sixth in the high jump (4-3). Gray placed fourth in the long jump (15-11).
Sophomore Laney Springer was third in the javelin (89-1). Junior Rebekah Ostrosky was sixth in the shot put (29-11 ¼).
The 3,200-meter relay team won with a time of 8:54.83, the 400-meter relay team placed third and the 1,600 relay team was fifth.
The Hempfield boys had three champions.
Sophomore Caleb Prola placed first in the 200 (22.95). He finished second in the 400 (51.09) to Indiana senior Owen Putt’s 50.25.
Sophomore Peyton Murray won the discus with a throw of 156-9. Senior Daniel Sierk placed third with a toss of 138-7. Sierk won the shot put with a throw of 49-1. Murray placed fifth with a heave of 45-9 ¼.
Junior Antonio Tuttoilmondo was fifth in the 800 (2:03.76).
Senior Noah Ser placed fifth in the high jump (5-8).
Derry Area freshman Blake Revoir was fourth in the 110 hurdles (19.11), and freshman Tim Miller was sixth in the 300 hurdles (50.09) at the Altoona Mt. Lion Classic for small schools. The 400-meter relay team was fifth.
Junior Troy Clark was fifth in the triple jump (37-5 ¼).
Freshman Julia Omlor was fourth in the 200 (28.66) and sixth in the 100 (13.70).
Freshman Jane Huss was third in the 800 (2:30.35). Sophomore Charity Peterman was fifth in the 300 hurdles (55.29).
The 1,600 relay team placed second, and the 3,200 relay was fifth.
Junior Sara Bungard was sixth in the shot put (30-11 ½).
Pine-Richland Invites’ best
There were seven athletes who had elite performances at the Pine-Richland Invitational.
Seneca Valley’s Lucas Simpson won the 1,600 in a time of 4:23.04.
The top girls’ performances were by New Castle triple jumper Maria Owens (37-1 ¼) and five 1,600-meter runners: Montour’s Harley Kletz (5:02.76), Pine-Richland’s Meredith Price (5:04.65) and Natalie McLean (5:09.09), Kiski Area’s Eliza Miller (5:12.76) and Greenville’s Karis McElhaney (5:14.27).
Simpson also won the 800 (1:59.02), and Owens won the high jump (5-1) and long jump (16-11 ¾).
Audrey Friedman won the javelin (99-9) and shot put (36-1 ½).
Greensburg Salem senior Dwight Sarver won the discus with a throw of 131-4.
Belle Vernon senior Tyler Mocello won the triple jump with a leap of 39-7 ½.
Higgins, Schelessinger, Cernuto win titles
Ligonier Valley senior Miles Higgins, Southmoreland junior Olivia Cernuto and Penn-Trafford senior Nate Schelessinger won titles at the 48th Annual Baldwin Invitational.
Higgins won the javelin with a throw of 153-10, and Schelessinger won the discus with a toss of 139-8.
Cernuto won the triple jump by leaping 34-2 ½.
South Fayette senior Melana Schumaker was the only double winner. She won the pole vault (11-10) and long jump(17-5).
• Gateway boys volleyball fends off Plum challenge, finishes undefeated in section | 2022-05-11T03:35:01Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | ‘Last chance’ events replace qualifiers for WPIAL track and field championships | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/last-chance-events-replace-qualifiers-for-wpial-track-and-field-championships/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/last-chance-events-replace-qualifiers-for-wpial-track-and-field-championships/ |
Yough third baseman Kaylin Ritenour leaps to the third base bag to force out Elizabeth Forward’s Grace Smith for the final out of the sixth inning Tuesday, May 10, 2022.
Elizabeth Forward pitcher Shelby Telegdy allowed six hits and struck out 12 to get the win as the Warriors clinched the Section 2-4A title with a 5-0 win over Yough on Tuesday, May 11, 2022.
For the third straight season, Elizabeth Forward reigns at the top of Section 2-4A.
It took a week to conclude it, but the Warriors picked up a 5-0 shutout win over visiting Yough to clinch the section title behind great pitching from Shelby Telegedy and clutch hitting from one of its senior stars.
“I couldn’t be more proud of this group. We lost to them our first day back from Florida, and we told them that we were going to expect 11 wins in a row from there,” EF coach Harry Rutherford said. “And here we are, 11 wins later.”
Telegdy was strong in the circle, as the sophomore allowed the powerful Yough lineup only six hits. The Cougars (12-2, 10-2) had their chances but ended up leaving nine runners on base.
“When we had our chances, we just couldn’t execute,” Yough coach Dutch Harvey said. “I think in these last three innings today, we had second and third and couldn’t drive any home. You can’t do that against a team like them.”
The game started May 3 but was suspended in the bottom of the fourth inning due to thunderstorms and a tornado warning.
The Warriors were able to stake themselves to a 2-0 lead behind solo home runs from Telegdy and Bella Gimiliano before the delay.
The game continued with Alivia Grimm on second base and nobody out, and the Warriors took advantage.
The Cougars committed a pair of errors, one by first baseman Abbey Zuraw and another by Emma Augustine, that helped the Warriors (14-2, 12-1) plate three runs right off the bat.
Maddisyn Best bunted the ball to start things off. The ball was fielded by Augustine, but Zuraw pulled her foot from the bag trying to stretch and make the play. Julia Johnson followed with a soft grounder off the bat that Augustine bobbled and couldn’t make the play on, allowing Grimm to score and make it 3-0.
Telegdy was intentionally walked to load the bases and Grace Smith delivered.
The Slippery Rock commit roped a 2-2 pitch from Augustine deep into the right-center field gap to score Best and Kaitlyn Bloomer for the 5-0 lead.
“It helps having those senior girls (Smith and Brooke Markland) behind Telegdy,” Rutherford said. “It took me a few games to make that move, but it’s a testament to the job Carlee (Soukup) has done at the top. She’s really started seeing the ball and getting on base at the top of the order.”
With the big lead, Telegdy was on cruise control. She was able to continuously paint the outside corner and had her drop ball working.
“We planned to stay away and knew they’d be aggressive with the bat, so we threw them a lot of drop balls,” Rutherford said. “Especially today, it was really effective.”
Telegdy allowed the six hits and struck out 12 with three walks.
The Cougars ended up leaving the bases loaded in the top of the fifth, then left runners on second and third in the top of the seventh.
McKenzie Pritts and Madi Horvat finished with doubles for the Cougars.
For the Warriors, Smith finished off a 4 for 4 performance with the double and pair of RBIs. Gimiliano and Telegdy had the other RBIs with their solo home runs.
Augustine took the loss, allowing all 11 hits and striking out seven.
“It kinda stinks when you have to come back and kind of start over, but it’s the rule and you have to deal with it,” Harvey said. “I thought we were in a good spot, then we made a couple of dinky errors and that did us in. I thought Emma did a good job. She’s a senior and we know not much out there is going to bother her.
“I honestly thought we’d be a little more ready to play since we played (Monday), but that wasn’t the case.”
The Warriors will host a couple of scrimmages as they await their playoff seeding, which will be released Thursday.
The Cougars will be back in action to close the regular season at Penn-Trafford on Thursday before the playoffs. | 2022-05-11T09:00:59Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Elizabeth Forward wins section title softball showdown with Yough | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/elizabeth-forward-wins-section-title-softball-showdown-with-yough/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/elizabeth-forward-wins-section-title-softball-showdown-with-yough/ |
Penn-Trafford senior Mia Smith uncorks a pitch at practice March 21.
At first glance, this edition of the Trib HSSN state softball rankings may look like a carbon copy of last week’s presentation.
However, after further review, there are only a couple of tweaks that separate the two as the elite softball teams are putting on their postseason face and tuning up their games with the district playoffs coming up.
Only three teams lost their spot in the Top 5 as Hempfield, Laurel and Clearfield exited while Central York, Reynolds and Shade entered.
There were two replacements at the top of the rankings as Karns City took over for Avonworth in 3A while Frazier is No. 1 in 2A, taking over for Union City.
The other four remain intact with Pennsbury (6A), West Scranton (5A), Beaver (4A) and Tri-Valley (A) still at No. 1.
Here is the latest edition of the HSSN state softball rankings. Teams are listed with overall record, district and last week’s ranking, | 2022-05-11T09:01:23Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Trib HSSN State Softball Rankings for May 10, 2022 | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-hssn-state-softball-rankings-for-may-10-2022/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-hssn-state-softball-rankings-for-may-10-2022/ |
The last of the district boys tennis gold will be handed out Wednesday.
The WPIAL crowned champions in boys singles tennis along with boys doubles. Now it’s time for the team tennis titles to be decided.
Both defending champions from a year ago have reached the finals and are looking to repeat.
In Class 3A, Shady Side Academy once again took care of business against top seed Franklin Regional.
Last year, the Bulldogs beat the Panthers in the finals. This season, SSA knocked out FR in the semifinals, 3-2.
Shady Side Academy will face neighbor Fox Chapel in the finals at 3:30 p.m.
While the Bulldogs will be trying to win an eighth boys team tennis crown, the Foxes are hoping to capture gold for a fifth time after the program won four straight championships between 2016-2019.
In Class 2A, top seed and defending champion Quaker Valley will face North Catholic.
The Quakers beat the Trojans in the 2021 semifinals, 4-1.
QV is trying for a third WPIAL team tennis title while NC has never won team tennis gold.
The 2A finals are set for a 2 p.m. start.
Both championship events will be held at Janet L. Swanson Tennis Center at Washington & Jefferson College.
There will be one consolation match to determine a third qualifier for the PIAA Class 2A boys team tennis playoffs as Mars faces Central Valley at Sewickley Academy.
Late entries?
Less than 24 hours before the WPIAL softball steering committee gathers to put together the playoff brackets, two district teams have a chance to join the upcoming postseason party.
In Class 5A, Mars will qualify if winless Oakland Catholic defeats playoff-bound Hampton.
An Eagles upset of the Talbots would force a tie for fourth place between Hampton and Mars and both teams split their two regular season meetings, thus both teams would qualify.
Also in 5A, Plum clinched a playoff berth with a big victory over Penn Hills on Tuesday. If the Mustangs knock off winless Woodland Hills on Wednesday, they would eliminate rival Penn Hills from the playoff chase.
Desperate lads of lax
Two district boys lacrosse teams have a chance to earn a playoff berth with a win on Wednesday.
However, a loss would make them spectators for the upcoming WPIAL lacrosse playoffs.
In Section 2-3A, Central Catholic visits Seneca Valley.
While the Raiders have already clinched, the Vikings need a win to move them ahead of Fox Chapel and into the sixth and final playoff spot. A loss keeps the Vikings tied with the Foxes and Fox Chapel would win the head-to-head tiebreaker.
Hempfield is in the same situation in Section 1-3A.
The Spartans need to pull off the big upset of section champion Mt. Lebanon in order to finish alone in sixth place.
A loss keeps Hempfield tied for the final playoff spot with Canon-McMillan, and the Spartans lose the head-to-head tiebreaker to the Big Macs.
• Tim McConnell resigns as Chartiers Valley basketball coach to pursue Bishop Canevin job | 2022-05-11T09:01:29Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | What to watch for in WPIAL sports on May 11, 2022: WPIAL team tennis champs look to repeat | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/what-to-watch-for-in-wpial-sports-on-may-11-2022-wpial-team-tennis-champs-look-to-repeat/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/what-to-watch-for-in-wpial-sports-on-may-11-2022-wpial-team-tennis-champs-look-to-repeat/ |
Tribune-Review file photo
Yough softball coach Dutch Harvey yells out instructions to his team during a scrimmage against Latrobe March 22.
The WPIAL is scheduled to release playoff brackets around 4 p.m. Thursday virtually via the TribLive High School Sports Network.
The rundown of local teams in the postseason looks like this: Hempfield (12-2) and Norwin (4-8) in Class 6A; Franklin Regional (13-5), Kiski Area (12-5), Penn-Trafford (13-2) and Latrobe (7-4) in 5A; Yough (12-2), Burrell (10-1) and Belle Vernon (10-7) in 4A; Valley (4-5), Derry (2-9), Southmoreland (10-3) and Mt. Pleasant (8-8) in 3A; Ligonier Valley (13-3) in 2A; and Greensburg Central Catholic (11-4) in A.
Hempfield, Penn-Trafford, Burrell and Ligonier Valley are section champions and are in line to get top-5 seeds. Franklin Regional, Yough and Southmoreland were second-place teams.
Hempfield has not received anything higher than a No. 3 seed since 2013 when it missed the postseason.
Games will be played at neutral sites, and the WPIAL finals will be June 1-2 at Cal U.
Westmoreland County has produced a WPIAL softball champion in six consecutive years (there was no season in 2020).
Tune-up extraordinaire
Hempfield and Penn-Trafford could not have asked for a better postseason tune-up than when the teams played each other on Tuesday at Kalp Field.
Hempfield edged the Warriors, 6-5, in 10 innings, with Sydney Mitchell earning the game-winning RBI with a bases-loaded walk against ace pitcher Mia Smith.
Maggie Howard had three hits, Allie Cervola doubled twice and Olivia Kline drove in three runs for Hempfield, to back the pitching of Riley Miller, who struck out nine.
McKenzie Rapp went 3 for 5 with a home run and two RBIs, Bri Pusateri was 3 for 5, and Mack Keenan also had three hits and two RBIs.
Both pitchers got a workout in complete-game efforts. Smith, who had 13 Ks, threw 190 pitches, Miller 156.
Hempfield and Penn-Trafford both could end up with No. 1 seeds (6A and 5A) in the playoffs.
Mt. Pleasant’s scores this season have looked more like their football team’s: Losses of 14-13, 14-11 (twice), and wins of 16-3 and 24-7.
But the defending WPIAL 3A champion Lady Vikings are taking the results in stride.
After all, they are headed back to the postseason.
As long as they score more than the other team, good things will happen.
“We have been working on some things and moving some pieces around,” coach Chris Brunson said. “We know we have to tighten some things up going into the playoffs, and we’ll do that.”
Belle Vernon pitcher Talia Ross has been putting up some impressive numbers, but has been part of some tough-luck losses.
While she struck out a career-high 17 in a win over Laurel Highlands, 14 in a win over Charleroi, and 13 when the Leopards defeated Uniontown, she took a 4-2 loss to Yough despite 12 Ks.
She also lost a 7-6 decision to Mt. Lebanon and Belle Vernon lost 9-6 to Elizabeth Forward, and 8-7 to Yough.
Yough coach Art “Dutch” Harvey pointed out recently that his team has more home run pop than just about any that came before it in the program.
The Cougars showed their power a few of days later, sending five “dingers” over the fence in a 15-1 win over Uniontown, giving the team 17 homers for the season in 12 games.
Emma Augustine, who had never homered before this season, hit two out in the win, while Adoria Waldier, Kaylin Ritenour and Makayla Spoonhoward cleared the fence one time apiece.
The PIAA brackets are out for the 2022 state playoffs.
The first round will be June 6. The championships will be as follows at Penn State: 6A: 4 p.m. June 16; ; 5A: 4 p.m. June 17; 4A: 1:30 p.m. June 16; 3A: 1:30 p.m. June 17; 2A: 11 a.m. June 16; A: 11 a.m. June 17.
Tags: Belle Vernon, Hempfield, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant, Southmoreland, Yough | 2022-05-11T20:30:19Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Westmoreland County softball notebook: Top-5 seeds at stake when WPIAL brackets are released | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-county-softball-notebook-top-5-seeds-at-stake-when-wpial-brackets-are-released/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/westmoreland-county-softball-notebook-top-5-seeds-at-stake-when-wpial-brackets-are-released/ |
Fox Chapel, Quaker Valley win WPIAL team tennis titles
Antonio Rossetti | Tribune-Review
Quaker Valley defeated North Catholic in the WPIAL Class 2A team tennis finals Wednesday, May 11, 2022.
Fox Chapel freshman Mason Friday said he and sophomore Travis Malone have great chemistry as a doubles team.
“We get loud,” Friday said. “When we are loud, we play our best.”
Friday, Malone and their Fox Chapel teammates made plenty of noise at the WPIAL team tennis championships Wednesday at the Janet L. Swanson Tennis Center at Washington & Jefferson College.
The sixth-seeded Foxes swept No. 4 Shady Side Academy, 5-0, to take the Class 3A title. Quaker Valley edged North Catholic, 3-2, in the Class 2A final.
Fox Chapel started off the 3A matchup with a quick doubles victory. Friday and Malone started the first set slow, but settled in and won the match soundly. Malone knew after they won the first set that they’d be able to hold the momentum.
“We got a bunch of momentum after that first set,” said Malone. “In the second set, we crushed it and won.”
Fox Chapel junior Ananth Kashyap won the next match, defeating sophomore Chase Hartman.
Fox Chapel sophomore Will Siegel clinched the victory after defeating junior David Mnuskin in three sets at No. 1 singles.
“It was a team game. I mean, everyone on our team contributed,” Siegel said. “We can’t do it with one person. It takes all this. We’ve all been working together for it, so it was really good for us.”
Quaker Valley, the No. 1 seed, repeated as Class 2A champs with a 3-2 win.
The Quakers got on the board first when the doubles duo of senior Henry Veeck and senior Justin Hajdukiewicz defeated senior Ken Canavan and sophomore Justin Kontul. Veeck said that communication played a huge role in their victory.
“Justin and I are chattering the whole match. Our coach tells us sometimes that we chatter a little too much,” Veeck said. “We just keep each other going. We keep things a little less tense.”
Veeck and Hajdukiewicz tried to put their North Catholic opponents in positions where they were prone to make mistakes.
“We had a slow start, but we strategize pretty well,” Hajdukiewicz said. “We came up with a good strategy and we won I think nine straight games so it’s felt pretty good.”
Senior Michael Lipton and sophomore Chase Merkel kept the QV momentum going, winning their match against junior Tim Von Preussen and senior Justin Siket. Lipton said that the team started slow and he and Merkel reminded themselves not to rush their strokes.
“We started off a little rough, but we eased into it,” Lipton said. “We just had to take our time and then we were fine.”
Senior Will Sirianni capped off Quaker Valley’s perfect WPIAL playoff run by defeating senior Brody Golla at No. 2 singles.
When Sirianni won the last game, his teammates charged the court in celebration. Sirianni said losing his match last year at the WPIAL finals was what motivated him this year.
“It’s something that drove me. I didn’t want to be at fault again and last year I had a bad match, so this is my first time actually winning in the WPIAL finals,” Sirianni said. “I put in a lot of hard work, dedication and had a lot of willpower. I wasn’t going out there without a fight. I was not going to give it to them and I wanted to make them work for every point. It turned out positive for me.”
Sirianni admitted that the pressure got to him, but once he calmed down, he was able to pull out the victory.
“The pressure was kind of getting to me,” he said. “At the moment, I was thinking beyond it, thinking about the score and not the next ball, so I was just saying to myself, ‘Calm down, reset and watch the ball.’ It’s all I need to do and it paid off.” | 2022-05-12T02:18:07Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Fox Chapel, Quaker Valley win WPIAL team tennis titles | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/fox-chapel-quaker-valley-win-wpial-team-tennis-titles/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/fox-chapel-quaker-valley-win-wpial-team-tennis-titles/ |
Peters Township’s Sam Miller stomps on home plate after hitting a two-run home run against Latrobe in the 2021 WPIAL playoffs.
The 2022 district baseball and softball regular seasons are in the books.
Now as the postseason begins, it’s time to separate those who are legit and those who just couldn’t muster up the power to go for the gold.
There was a lot of shuffling to this edition of the weekly Trib 10 baseball and softball rankings, but in the end, only the Franklin Regional and Laurel softball teams fell from the power rankings.
We saw a sign of things to come in softball as Neshannock beat Armstrong, who beat Hempfield, who beat Penn-Trafford.
Montour’s stay on top of the baseball rankings only last two weeks as Peters Township now wears the crown heading into the postseason. In softball, undefeated Beaver remains No. 1 as it has all season.
4. North Allegheny Tigers (12-5) (10)
9. Mars Fightin’ Planets (14-4) (8)
10. Pine-Richland Rams (10-8) (9)
9. Elizabeth Forward Warriors (14-2) (NR)
10. Shaler Titans (13-3) (NR)
Out: Franklin Regional Panthers, Laurel Spartans | 2022-05-12T02:18:13Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Trib 10: New team takes top spot in baseball power rankings | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-10-new-team-takes-top-spot-in-baseball-power-rankings-2/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/trib-10-new-team-takes-top-spot-in-baseball-power-rankings-2/ |
Bethel Park’s Sandra Soltes celebrates her grand slam as she rounds the bases during the first inning of the 2021 WPIAL Class 6A championship game against Canon-McMillan.
Welcome to springs sports bracketology season.
With five district sports starting their postseasons next week, the various WPIAL steering committees will be busy the next two days, meeting first and then filling out the official brackets after some spirited debate.
On Thursday, Trib HSSN will unveil the 2022 WPIAL softball brackets during the networks Playoff Pairings Show at 4 p.m.
Eighty district softball teams have been invited to this postseason party including all six defending champions: Bethel Park in 6A, North Hills in 5A, Beaver in 4A, Mt. Pleasant in 3A, Laurel in 2A and West Greene in A.
Laurel will be trying to three-peat in 2A while the Pioneers of West Greene hope to make WPIAL history by winning a record sixth consecutive softball championship.
Lax brax
Softball isn’t the only sport that will be set for the postseason on Thursday. The WPIAL will also release the brackets for the 2022 boys and girls lacrosse playoffs.
It was almost a clean sweep of the lacrosse district crowns last spring.
Shady Side Academy won the girls 3A title; however, the Bulldogs boys team reached the finals and lost a nail biter to North Allegheny, 9-8.
The brooms were out in 2A as both the Mars boys and girls celebrated championships.
The Shady Side Academy girls team will be trying to win gold for a third straight season while the Mars boys program is shooting for a sixth consecutive lacrosse title.
The WPIAL will release the baseball and boys volleyball brackets Friday.
You can watch as the brackets are unveiled during the Baseball Playoff Pairings Show on Trib HSSN at 2 p.m. Friday.
Both Class 3A and Class 2A in WPIAL boys volleyball have 13 teams each set to battle in the upcoming postseason.
Class 3A may have a 14th team by the end of Thursday.
On the final night of the regular season, Fox Chapel is an avid spectator.
The Foxes finished their section schedule Tuesday by staying alive with a win over Butler to improve to 5-7.
Now for Fox Chapel to clinch, Butler needs to lose to Seneca Valley.
The Golden Tornado are 5-6 while the Raiders are tied for the section lead with North Allegheny. | 2022-05-12T02:18:19Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | What to watch for in WPIAL sports on May 12, 2022: Softball playoff brackets to be unveiled | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/what-to-watch-for-in-wpial-sports-on-may-12-2022-softball-playoff-brackets-to-be-unveiled/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/what-to-watch-for-in-wpial-sports-on-may-12-2022-softball-playoff-brackets-to-be-unveiled/ |
Seneca Valley’s Aidan Uher sets the ball during a match against North Allegheny on April 22.
The WPIAL boys volleyball regular season is down to its final days.
After taking the top five finishers in each section last spring, the WPIAL has gone back to the standard, which is the top four teams qualifying for the district postseason.
Once again, Trib HSSN will be your home for exclusive coverage of the 2022 WPIAL boys volleyball playoffs.
Here is the latest list of teams that have qualified for the playoffs through Tuesday.
12 of a possible 14 playoff teams have clinched
Moon Tigers
• In Section 1: Bethel Park (6-6) can clinch with a Peters Township (6-5) loss to Canon-McMillan on Wednesday OR a Moon (6-5) loss to Upper St. Clair on Thursday.
• In Section 2: Fox Chapel (5-7) can clinch with a Butler (5-6) loss to Seneca Valley on Thursday.
Ambridge Bridgers | 2022-05-12T02:18:31Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | WPIAL boys volleyball playoff clinchings through May 10, 2022 | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/wpial-boys-volleyball-playoff-clinchings-through-may-10-2022/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/wpial-boys-volleyball-playoff-clinchings-through-may-10-2022/ |
Armstrong’s Jenna Clontz rounds the bases after hitting a two-run homer in April.
Bob Smith | Mon Valley Independent
Yough’s McKenzie Pritts bats against Uniontown in April.
Hempfield pitcher Riley Miller delivers against Ligonier Valley in March.
Deer Lakes pitcher Maddie Kee delivers against Valley in April.
Ligonier Valley senior Maddie Griffin slaps at a pitch March 16.
Springdale pitcher Alexis Hrivnak (32) and her batterymate, catcher Bri Thompson, are greeted by coach Anthony Pototo earlier this season.
Favorite: Perennial power Hempfield has been ranked No. 1 for most of the season not based on reputation but on talent. While the Spartans are young (four seniors) and could be a year or two away from possible WPIAL glory, they have pitching, hitters and defense that can carry them a long way under first-year coach Tina Madison. Two of Section 2 champion Hempfield’s losses are by one run, against Seneca Valley (2-1) and Armstrong (4-3). An 8-3 loss to Latrobe on Wednesday was a late-season speed bump. The seven-time WPIAL champions (they won in 2017, ’18 and ’19) have an all-freshman battery in pitcher Riley Miller and catcher Allison Cervola.
Contenders: Led by Brooke Boehmer and Deidre Flaherty, Mt. Lebanon won Section 1 by a game over Bethel Park, the reigning champion. It won 9 of 10 after a 2-1 loss to West Mifflin. … Pine-Richland was a semifinalist last year and lost to Bethel Park. The Rams have shown offensive punch, scoring double-digit runs in four of their last six games. … Bethel Park has championship experience, having won its first title a year ago. For much of the season, the Black Hawks have either blown teams out or played in one-run games. … Pine-Richland won six straight late in the year, has narrow losses to Hempfield and swept Seneca Valley.
Don’t overlook: Seneca Valley has wins over Hempfield (2-1), Mt. Lebanon (19-9) North Allegheny (12-2), Norwin (2-1) and Franklin Regional (14-2).
Prediction: Hempfield over Mt. Lebanon
Favorite: Armstrong was the runner-up last season to North Hills, and the River Hawks are loaded again. They also finished second in the PIAA. With 11 double-figure-run games, the Section 1 champions have hit 1 through 9. They have eight games of 13 or more runs and an impressive 4-3 win over Hempfield. The question is, will the River Hawks have the pitching and defense to take the next step?
Contenders: Penn-Trafford, which ended the regular season as the Trib’s No. 1 team in 5A, has a pair of one-run losses, 3-2 to Thomas Jefferson and 6-5 to Hempfield (10 innings). Senior pitcher Mia Smith is one of the best arms in the bracket. The Warriors had seven shutouts through 14 games. … Trinity won Section 4 on a run rampage, scoring 10 or more runs 15 times. The Hillers’ losses are to a team from Ohio and West Allegheny. Watch out for Amber Morgan, Alyssa Rager and Ryleigh Hoy. … West Allegheny won five straight after an 8-7 loss to Chartiers Valley. The Indians beat Trinity and Mt. Lebanon.
Don’t overlook: North Hills, led by Kassidy Wittig, is a dark horse. The defending champions own a 3-2 win over big-hitting Franklin Regional, another team you don’t want to undervalue.
Prediction: Penn-Trafford over Armstrong
Favorite: Beaver features arguably the top pitcher in the playoffs in Payton List, a Virginia tech commit. The Bobcats are the defending champions and have the talent to repeat. They also won the PIAA title, finishing 21-0. Beaver won 35 straight games through Tuesday. List and a sound defense have posted eight shutouts.
Contenders: Yough is a perennial playoff team with some young talent. Senior pitcher Emma Augustine has held her own against good hitting teams. … Elizabeth Forward ended Yough’s nine-game winning streak with a 5-0 win Tuesday. The Warriors reached the semifinals last year. … Montour, the runner-up to Beaver in Section 3, scored 15 or more runs in five games. The Spartans have home run power. … Highlands made the WPIAL title game last season.
Don’t overlook: Burrell, which had one loss through Tuesday’s games, was the Section 1 champion.
Prediction: Beaver over Elizabeth Forward
Favorite: Avonworth is hoping to make it back to the WPIAL title game and capture gold again after winning it all in 2019. The Antelopes (14-4) fell to top seed and eventual champion Mt. Pleasant in last year’s WPIAL semifinals. After losses in two of three games in an early season trip to South Carolina, including one to Class 6A power North Penn, Avonworth produced 11 straight wins and finished 10-0 in Section 2. Included in that was a pair of strong victories against section runner-up Ellwood City (10-3). Sophomore Alivia Lantzy again has been a key presence in the pitching circle and at the plate for the Antelopes, and sophomore Leah Kuban also provides power in the lineup.
Contenders: Deer Lakes (11-4) rebounded from three losses during a trip south in late March. The Lancers rattled off 11 straight wins before a loss Wednesday to Class 4A playoff qualifier Knoch. Deer Lakes captured the Section 1 title at 8-0 and added victories against Class 5A contender Armstrong and Class 4A qualifier Highlands. Maddie Kee, a sophomore, has delivered in the pitching circle and also at the plate (23 RBIs). Senior Reese Hasley is hitting a team-best .457 … South Allegheny (12-3, 9-1) held off Southmoreland and Waynesburg to capture the Section 3 title. The Gladiators are seeking their first WPIAL title. South Allegheny edged playoff-bound Mt. Pleasant on Tuesday behind a pair of hits from Madison Pikula, Sydney Gordon and Lily Dranko … Ellwood City, last year’s WPIAL runner-up, finished second to Avonworth in Section 2 at 8-2. The Wolverines are seeking their fourth WPIAL title (2008, ’16, ’17). Kyla Servick (.574), Aliya Garroway (.485) and Julia Nardone (.484) lead the Ellwood City offense … Southmoreland hopes to make a run in the bracket after upsetting No. 2 North Catholic and qualifying for the semifinals last year. The Scotties swept Waynesburg and lost a pair of two-run games to section champ South Allegheny. Sophomore Amarah McCutcheon is one of several talented hitters in the Southmoreland lineup. She delivered a walk-off hit to beat Waynesburg, 4-3, on April 20 and helped the Scotties edge pitching standout Maddie Griffin and Ligonier Valley, 2-1, in the season opener.
Don’t overlook: Mt. Pleasant and Waynesburg were factors in a competitive Section 3. Waynesburg handed South Allegheny its only section loss, 14-9 on April 27, and Mt. Pleasant is 5-1 after a 3-7 start with a 6-2 victory over Southmoreland on May 2 and a close 5-4 setback to South Allegheny on Tuesday.
Prediction: Avonworth over South Allegheny
Favorite: Neshannock (18-0) rolled through the regular season scoring 10 or more runs 13 times and pitching nine shutouts. The Lancers topped Class 5A contender Armstrong (16-3) by a 14-4 score Tuesday, added key victories over section rival and three-time defending Class 2A Laurel (6-1, 8-5) and produced nonsection wins over Ligonier Valley, Union and Ellwood City. Neshannock, which is seeking its first WPIAL softball title since 2014, hopes to follow in the footsteps of the Lancers girls basketball team that won WPIAL and PIAA Class 2A titles in March. Senior Neleh Nogay, freshman Addy Frye and junior Hunter Newman are key members of a dangerous Neshannock lineup, and Frye is one to watch in the pitching circle. Frye collected four hits, including a home run, and nine RBIs against Armstrong, and cleanup hitter Newman had four hits and four RBIs. Frye added two home runs and five RBIs in an 11-1 win over West Allegheny on Wednesday.
Contenders: Ligonier Valley senior pitcher Maddie Griffin, a Youngstown State commit, has thrown several gems this season, including a 21-strikeout perfect game in a 3-0 win over Seton LaSalle on April 25. The Rams went undefeated in Section 2 (12-0) and were 13-3 heading into a nonsection game Thursday against Indiana. Ligonier Valley finished third in Class 2A last year and qualified for the state playoffs … Frazier, like Neshannock, enters the WPIAL playoffs undefeated. The Commodores breezed through Section 3 play at 12-0 with 10 of the 12 wins coming by shutout. Frazier was a WPIAL semifinalist last year and a PIAA qualifier … Laurel has a winning pedigree in the WPIAL playoffs with titles the past three seasons. The Spartans (13-3) are paced by the veteran presence of sophomore outfielder Addie Deal, sophomore pitcher Autumn Boyd and junior infielder Grace Kissick. Laurel finished second to Neshannock in Section 4 at 10-2 … Chartiers-Houston reigned in Section 1 with a 10-0 record. The Bucs, 15-3 overall, head into the playoffs hoping to shake off losses in two of their final three regular-season games. Chartiers-Houston is experienced in the postseason with seven starters in the lineup from last year’s quarterfinals team. The Bucs are led by senior outfielder Bella Hess, senior pitcher Nicolette Kloes and senior infielder Paige McAvoy. Chartiers-Houston is seeking its first WPIAL title since 2012.
Don’t overlook: Charleroi (10-5) has won seven in a row since a 2-0 loss to Frazier on April 28 and a 7-0 loss to Class 4A playoff qualifier Belle Vernon. It has scored 11.6 runs a game during the streak. The Cougars finished second to the Commodores in Section 3 at 10-2.
Prediction: Neshannock over Frazier
Favorite: Only covid has been able to stop West Greene’s recent run of WPIAL championships. The Pioneers won titles from 2016 to 2019 before the 2020 season was canceled. When spring sports came back in 2021, West Greene resumed its WPIAL championship run with a 17-2 victory over Union in last year’s title game at Cal (Pa.) before making it to the PIAA finals. The Pioneers (12-3) are undefeated since three tough losses to start the season at the Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach. They captured the Section 2 title with a 10-0 record. West Greene keeps rolling with junior London Whipkey (.480, 18 RBIs, seven doubles) and senior Katie Lampe (.442, 21 RBIs, 23 runs) leading the way. Eight players own at least 10 RBIs as the team is averaging nearly 12 runs a game.
Contenders: Union hopes to make it back to the title game and forge a different outcome. The Scotties, 17-3 overall, rolled to the Section 1 title at 10-0 while piling up runs and pitching seven shutouts. Their only losses came to Class 3A power Ellwood City, dominant Class 2A contender Neshannock and Class 2A qualifier Serra Catholic. Mia Preuhs, a freshman, and Mallory Gorgacz, a sophomore, lead the way offensively. Preuhs and fellow freshman Piper Jendrysik have shared pitching duties … Greensburg Central Catholic’s only two losses in Section 2 play came at the hands of West Greene, but the Centurions (11-4, 8-2) battled to the limit in a 7-5 loss to the Pioneers last Friday. Their only other losses came against Class 3A powers Avonworth and South Allegheny. Junior Emma Henry leads the team with a .650 batting average and a team-best 21 RBIs. … South Side finished Section 1 action 8-2 with the losses coming at the hands of Union. The Rams scored a quality 2-0 win over Class 2A contender Chartiers-Houston on Monday. It was the Buccaneers’ second loss in 16 games this season. Grace Woodling collected two hits and drove in both South Side runs, and Laney Lewis picked up the pitching win … Springdale (10-1) finished at the top in Section 3 and is in the WPIAL playoffs for the third season in a row. The Dynamos made the WPIAL quarterfinals in 2019 and 2021. Seniors Emily Wilhelm, Bri Thompson and Alexis Hrivnak are veterans at the heart of the Springdale lineup.
Don’t overlook: Leechburg is in the WPIAL postseason for a record 35th straight season. The Blue Devils, with junior Anna Cibik in the pitching circle and senior catcher Bella Vozar both at and behind the plate, hope to make some noise again after finishing third at WPIALs and qualifying for states last year.
Prediction: West Greene over Union | 2022-05-13T00:03:48Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | WPIAL softball playoff bracket breakdown | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/wpial-softball-playoff-preview-capsules-2/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/wpial-softball-playoff-preview-capsules-2/ |
New Hempfield softball coach Tina Madison meets with her players before a recent practice.
If Hempfield first-year coach Tina (Skelly) Madison wanted any tip about what to expect in the WPIAL playoffs, there are numerous coaches in Westmoreland County who have won or coached in PIAA championship games.
But probably her best source is the man she replaced, former coach Bob Kalp.
It’s no secret some of the best softball in the WPIAL comes from the county.
So it’s not surprising the county has numerous teams capable of winning WPIAL and PIAA titles in all six classifications this season.
Hempfield (Class 6A), Penn-Trafford (5A), Yough (4A) and Mt. Pleasant (3A) have PIAA banners hanging at their fields. Latrobe (5A) and Ligonier Valley (2A) have been to title games.
The biggest thing all coaches will be expressing to their teams is there is no tomorrow if you lose in the early rounds.
“Many of these girls play competitive travel ball where if you lose, you have another tournament next week,” Madison said. “You lose in the WPIAL or PIAA playoffs, you have to wait a year to get another shot.
“You have to respect everyone you play and treat every game as your last. I’ve tried to put them in some high-pressure situations. That’s why we played Armstrong and Penn-Trafford. So I try to put them in the toughest situations I can. So we’re preparing for the playoffs.”
Hempfield is seeded No. 1 and will face the winner of Monday’s game between Baldwin and Norwin on May 1 at Penn-Trafford. Norwin and Baldwin play 3 p.m. Monday at West Mifflin.
Madison’s memory of her postseason playing experience was a loss to North Hills.
“You never know what to expect in the playoffs,” Madison said. “You have to been ready for anything.”
Penn-Trafford received the No. 2 seed in Class 5A. Armstrong, which played in the PIAA 5A final, is seeded No. 1. The Warriors play Plum at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Norwin.
Latrobe is seeded No. 12 and will face No. 5 West Allegheny 6 p.m. Tuesday at North Allegheny. No. 9 Kiski Area battles No. 8 Thomas Jefferson at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Plum, and No. 7 Franklin Regional gets No. 10 Shaler at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Fox Chapel.
Latrobe coach Bob Kovalcin said teams prepare all season for this time of year.
“I think you have to stride in the right direction in the middle of the season,” Kovalcin said. “You tone things down. Practices get a little smaller, but they get a little more intense and get stricter.
“We don’t need three-hour practices. You get in, get your work done and move on. I feel we’re in a good spot.”
Latrobe defeated playoff-bound Belle Vernon, 11-0, on Tuesday and then stung Class 6A No. 1 Hempfield, 8-3, on Wednesday.
Yough and Belle Vernon begin the 4A playoffs Wednesday at Plum. No. 4 Yough faces Blackhawk at 3 p.m., and No. 6 Belle Vernon gets No. 11 New Castle at 5 p.m.
No. 1 Beaver, No. 2 Elizabeth Forward and No. 3 Burrell received first-round byes.
Mt. Pleasant coach Chris Brunson is happy to be in the playoffs after a slow start. Now he’d like to see his team make another run.
The Vikings received the No. 8 seed and will face No. 9 North Catholic at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Fox Chapel. The winner faces No. 1 Avonworth on Thursday.
No. 5 Southmoreland will face No. 12 Derry at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Norwin, and No. 7 Valley battles No. 10 Keystone Oaks at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Plum.
“The players won’t be overwhelmed by the moment because many have been there,” Brunson said. “They know what to expect.
“We’ve made some defensive switches, which seemed to help. We’ve always had the hitting, now we’re pitching and playing better defense.”
Brunson switched Kate Hutter to shortstop, his daughter Krista moved to the outfield and Sophia Smithnosky took over in the circle.
“The majority of the roster has been there,” Brunson said. “I believe being there will be a benefit for us.
“We’ve made some defensive changes, and kids bought in. Pitching and defense has been a lot better.”
Ligonier Valley, which played in the Class 2A PIAA championship last year, was seeded No. 3 behind No. 1 Neshannock and No. 2 and unbeaten Frazier.
The Rams, behind the dominating pitching of Maddie Griffin, face No. 14 Bentworth at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Norwin.
In Class A, Greensburg Central Catholic is seeded No. 3 behind No. 1 West Greene and No. 2 Union. The Centurions received a first-round bye and will play the winner of the No. 6 Leechburg-No. 11 Rochester game Thursday. | 2022-05-13T02:28:34Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Hempfield softball coach preps for 1st WPIAL playoff run | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/hempfield-softball-coach-preps-for-1st-wpial-playoff-run/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/hempfield-softball-coach-preps-for-1st-wpial-playoff-run/ |
Jenna Osikowicz scored the game-winning run on a sacrifice fly by Brooklyn Fukushima in the bottom of the 10th inning, and Seton Hill defeated Shippensburg, 3-2, Friday in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional at Shippensburg.
The win advances the Griffins to Saturday’s championship at noon.
Osikowicz, who had three hits including a double, drew a walk off former Hempfield teammate Maddie Uschock to begin the inning. Chloe Elliott drew a walk and Brooke Clelland (Penn-Trafford) singled to load the bases.
Fukushima then hit a 1-2 pitch to left field to score Osikowicz.
Morgan Ryan (Hempfield) worked the first seven innings and allowed two runs and six hits and struck out eight. She also had two hits.
Seton Hill scored an unearned run in the bottom of the seventh inning to send the game into extra innings.
It was the fifth time this season that Seton Hill has beaten Shippensburg.
The Griffins will play the survivor of the 5 p.m. game between Shippensburg and either Bloomsburg or Clafin, S.C.
• College football preview capsule: Seton Hill at Lock Haven | 2022-05-13T21:45:05Z | tribhssn.triblive.com | Seton Hill softball gets past Shippensburg to reach NCAA regional final | Trib HSSN | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/seton-hill-softball-gets-past-shippensburg-to-reach-ncaa-regional-final/ | https://tribhssn.triblive.com/seton-hill-softball-gets-past-shippensburg-to-reach-ncaa-regional-final/ |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.