Author: Bill Beckner Jr.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Coaches want more Class 6A state qualifiers
June 4, 2023
Talk about one and done.
Westmoreland PIAA softball capsules: Games for Monday, June 5, 2023
PIAA softball playoffs
Dan Boring to resign as Southmoreland athletic director
Dan Boring believes the Southmoreland athletic department is in better shape than when he began overseeing Scotties sports in 2020.
Southmoreland softball driven to succeed in state playoffs
June 3, 2023
As the only senior on the Southmoreland softball team, second baseman Brynn Charnesky has a voice on the field, in the dugout and on drab bus rides home from championship game losses.
Latrobe looks to shake off WPIAL finals loss before state playoffs
Latrobe players tried to keep their heads up when the Pirate Parrot handed them their WPIAL Class 4A runner-up trophy last Tuesday at Wild Things Park.
Westmoreland County high school notebook: WCCA awards scholarships
The Westmoreland County Coaches Association gives out several scholarships each year with money raised through different means, including entry fees and 50/50 raffles at its events.
Hannah Shaw ends Norwin track career with state medal
Before a jump, Norwin senior Hannah Shaw tells herself, “You know you can do this.”
Softball team leads Norwin in strong spring sports season
Norwin brought contenders to the WPIAL spring sports season, along with plenty of highlights: home runs, goals, spikes and record times and distances.
Hard-hitting lineup helps Franklin Regional have softball season to remember
The crack of the bat and the swell of crowd noise was a regular thing for the Franklin Regional softball team this season.
WPIAL champ Hempfield softball team rewarded with PIAA home game
June 2, 2023
There was more at stake than a WPIAL championship for the Hempfield softball team.
Jeannette star from 1930s chosen for new National High School Football Hall of Fame
A former Jeannette running back will be part of a new football hall of fame. He will represent the high school on a national level.
Hempfield’s Bandieramonte honors memory of late father with WPIAL title-clinching homer
June 1, 2023
The softball sailed high and true, carrying deep into the night sky until gravity finally took over. It clanked off the left-field bleachers some 240 feet from home plate.
Avonworth beats Southmoreland to repeat as WPIAL 3A softball champs
Southmoreland had a sendoff at school Thursday morning for the WPIAL 3A softball championship. Applause and support from teachers and students followed the team to the bus.
8th-inning homer off Seneca Valley ace lifts Hempfield to WPIAL 6A softball championship
May 31, 2023
Hempfield brought in a pitching machine recently to simulate the speed of Seneca Valley pitcher Lexie Hames.
2023 WPIAL Class 3A softball championship preview: Avonworth vs. Southmoreland
WPIAL Class 3A softball championship
‘Smiling snipers’ from Southmoreland eager to take crack at unseating No. 1 Avonworth
The text messages began shortly after the semifinal results came in.
14th-seeded Hopewell completes Cinderella run to WPIAL Class 4A crown with win over Latrobe
May 30, 2023
Landon Fox was hurting but hunting.
Hempfield softball team looks to win first title since 2019
Despite its championship pedigree and reoccurring reign at the top — seven WPIAL titles, including five in a row from 2015-19 — Hempfield hasn’t won one in a while.
2023 WPIAL Class 5A consolation game preview: Penn-Trafford vs. Plum
WPIAL Class 5A consolation game
2023 WPIAL Class 6A softball championship preview: Hempfield vs. Seneca Valley
WPIAL Class 6A softball championship
2023 WPIAL Class 4A softball championship preview: Montour vs. Belle Vernon
WPIAL Class 4A softball championship
Coach Basciano instills sense of togetherness that helps Latrobe baseball reach WPIAL final
May 29, 2023
Maybe it was his late father Norm’s influence, the way he was raised in the game that made him this way.
Westmoreland WPIAL softball consolation capsule: Game for Tuesday, May 30, 2023
WPIAL Class 2A softball consolation game
2023 WPIAL Class 4A baseball championship preview: Latrobe vs. Hopewell
WPIAL Class 4A baseball championship
Westmoreland H.S. notebook: Streak of teams reaching WPIAL finals continues
May 27, 2023
With the Hempfield, Belle Vernon and Southmoreland softball teams, along with the Latrobe baseball team, reaching the WPIAL finals, a local streak continues.
Westmoreland H.S. athletes of the week: Belle Vernon’s Maren Metikosh, Latrobe’s Logan Bradish
Maren Metikosh
Norwin notebook: Bella Brozeski captures WPIAL hurdles gold
Bella Brozeski overcame hurdles, literally, to capture a WPIAL championship.
Latrobe’s Sofia DeCerb named Kaitlyn ‘Moe’ Rosensteel Scholarship award winner
May 25, 2023
Latrobe senior Sofia DeCerb, one of the WPIAL’s top goalkeepers the past few years, was the recipient of the Kaitlyn “Moe” Rosensteel Scholarship, presented to a WPIAL female soccer player “who will be advancing into college to further her academic excellence while still playing the game she loves.”
Hempfield puts foot down, rallies past Norwin into Class 6A WPIAL finals
May 24, 2023
When Hempfield fell behind by four runs early under the weight of three Norwin home runs, pitcher Riley Miller had a short but succinct talk with her catcher, Ella Berkebile.
Latrobe baseball knocks off No. 1 Montour, advances to WPIAL Class 4A championship
May 23, 2023
Unshakable and driven, Latrobe pushed on in the WPIAL baseball playoffs with another upset.
Westmoreland WPIAL softball playoff capsules: Games for Wednesday, May 24, 2023
WPIAL softball playoffs
Latrobe’s promising playoff run continues with 4A quarterfinal win over Chartiers Valley
May 22, 2023
Dante Basciano was a bat boy on the 2017 Latrobe baseball team that won WPIAL and PIAA Class 5A titles.
Hempfield preps for 3rd clash with Norwin, this time in playoffs
In the first game, Hempfield gambled, and it backfired as Norwin cranked a couple of home runs.
Westmoreland WPIAL softball playoff capsule: Games for Tuesday, May 23, 2023
WPIAL softball playoffs
Westmoreland high school notebook: Big 56 honors baseball, softball players
May 21, 2023
The Big 56 Conference, a website that recognizes accomplishments of teams and athletes in the WPIAL’s largest classification, announced its all-section teams.
Westmoreland County athletes of the week: Southmoreland’s Makayla Etling, Yough’s Gavin Roebuck
May 20, 2023
Makayla Etling
Westmoreland County high school notebook: Memorial basketball tournament returns to Jeannette
The third annual Tre Cunningham Memorial Basketball Tournament will return to Jeannette on June 22-24.
Playoff berth shows Norwin girls lacrosse trending in right direction
The positive comments from opposing coaches lets Norwin girls lacrosse coach Courtney Kloos know she and her team are doing something right.
Norwin girls track carries on proud tradition with strong season
Track and field teams like the Norwin girls do not compete for championships by simply showing up and stretching.
Erica Rodriguez delivers in clutch as GCC softball advances with win over Charleroi
May 18, 2023
Sophomore Erica Rodriguez got credit for an RBI earlier in the game when she was issued a bases-loaded walk.
Southmoreland scores 7 in 7th in wild win over Yough
The stairway to seven began with a glimmer of hope and a confident approach.
Undefeated Shaler dominates short-handed Franklin Regional
May 17, 2023
Strike out 16, club a couple of home runs and sell the underdog role, and watch any team sprint forward in a playoff bracket.
Norwin softball hangs on for nervous win over Canon-McMillan, reaches semifinals
Bailey Snowberger said softball is a game of failure.
Westmoreland WPIAL softball playoff capsules: Games for Thursday, May 18, 2023
WPIAL softball playoffs
Ligonier Valley softball rallies to upset Hopewell
May 16, 2023
For five-plus innings, it was an old-fashioned pitchers’ duel that seemed to set the game back to a time when the circle was 40 feet away from home plate instead of 43.
Burrell softball team handles Mt. Pleasant in first round
With the tight confines of Plum’s softball field, home run hitters often can have a blast sending bombs over the short fence.
Rising Stars Challenge adds underclassmen to Roundball Classic stage
For the first time, players other than seniors will play in the Roundball Classic.
Westmoreland WPIAL softball playoff capsules: Games for Wednesday, May 17, 2023
WPIAL softball playoffs
Vidic’s pitching powers Hampton to 1st-round softball victory over Greensburg Salem
May 15, 2023
When Cassie Vidic is grooving her pitches, you might hear a grunt or two come from the Hampton sophomore right-hander.
Westmoreland WPIAL softball playoff capsules: Games for Tuesday, May 16, 2023
WPIAL softball playoffs
Westmoreland high school notebook: Multi-sport athletes contribute to GCC boys’ track and field title
May 14, 2023
It should not come as a surprise that Greensburg Central Catholic is a WPIAL Class 2A boys track and field champion for the first time.
Westmoreland softball playoff capsules: Games for Monday, May 15, 2023
WPIAL softball playoffs
Westmoreland H.S. athletes of the week: Norwin’s Hannah Shaw, Greensburg CC’s James Brewer
May 13, 2023
Hannah Shaw
Norwin notebook: New football coach fills out staff
New Norwin football coach Mike Brown has filled out his staff for the upcoming season.
Franklin Regional notebook: Spring teams book trips to playoffs
Several Franklin Regional teams earned the right to compete for championships in the WPIAL spring sports postseason.
Westmoreland County high school notebook: Seniors to cap careers at Roundball Classic
Don’t close the book on basketball season just yet. It’s Roundball week.
Westmoreland County well represented in softball playoffs
May 11, 2023
WPIAL softball teams waited with anticipation most of Thursday for the outcome of one last section game so they could see the playoff seedings and brackets.
Latrobe linebacker getting Division I attention
Ron Prady has been saying it since he took over as Latrobe’s football coach.
Madie Kessler’s 2-homer day lifts No. 3 Norwin past No. 4 North Allegheny
May 10, 2023
Playing her last game on her home field, Madie Kessler wanted to leave a lasting impression.
Westmoreland County HS notebook: WPIAL pushes back playoff pairings due to timing of Hempfield-Seneca Valley game
It is rare for a section game, especially one with such potential significance on a tournament bracket, to be played on the same day as the WPIAL playoff pairings meeting.
Scrappy Penn-Trafford holds off Franklin Regional for share of section title
May 9, 2023
After going 3 for 3 with four RBIs, first baseman Chuck Fontana III had one more hit lined up Tuesday.
Penn-Trafford, Franklin Regional lacrosse standouts light up scoreboard, lead teams
When inclement weather hits Western Pennsylvania during spring sports season, baseball, softball and tennis teams often go into hiding under an umbrella of postponements.
No. 2 Hempfield softball outduels No. 3 Norwin
May 8, 2023
Recent matchups between the Norwin and Hempfield softball teams turned into home run derbys.
Westmoreland HS notebook: 5 from county make all-state basketball teams
May 7, 2023
Five players from Westmoreland County were named to the all-state boys basketball teams.
Latrobe’s Emma Blair, Southmoreland’s Olivia Cernuto rebounding from ACL tears
May 6, 2023
They were supposed to be two of the top girls basketball players in the WPIAL last season — locks for top-10 all-star picks and clear-cut player of the year candidates in Westmoreland County.
Westmoreland H.S. notebook: Steve Pons takes over as Jeannette boys soccer coach
Jeannette’s boys soccer team is under new leadership.
Norwin notebook: Knights shine at WCCA championships
Norwin sent a message to the rest of the WPIAL at the 100th Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association track and field championships April 27, at Latrobe.
Sophomore lefty powers streaking Norwin past slumping Hempfield
May 5, 2023
Ethen Culbertson threw Hempfield a curve.
Norwin baseball beats Hempfield on Weaver’s walk-off in 8th
May 4, 2023
Justin Weaver wanted to win for several reasons Thursday.
Latrobe baseball gets refocused for season’s stretch run
Won at a time.
Westmoreland County baseball notebook: Playoff picture coming into focus
With a week to play in the regular season, the Westmoreland County baseball playoff field is just about set.
Westmoreland County softball notebook: Southmoreland captures elusive section title
May 3, 2023
Southmoreland has been a playoff regular in recent seasons, and the Scotties won a WPIAL championship in 2018.
Close games sharpen Greensburg Central Catholic softball for battles ahead
It’s funny how a regular-season schedule can sometimes balance itself out.
Westmoreland high school notebook: GCC’s Gribble lands Navy offer
May 1, 2023
Three NCAA Division I college offers and only one year of high school basketball.
Westmoreland athletes of the week: Jeannette’s Grace Stein, Greensburg Salem’s Aaron Tressler
April 29, 2023
Grace Stein
Westmoreland County high school notebook: Softball field to be named for beloved Jeannette employee
Jeannette athletic director Adrian Batts thought the softball field behind the high school needed more than bleachers and well-manicured grass for an up-and-coming program.
Norwin notebook: Northeastern commit Shaw shines at Butler Invitational
Hannah Shaw collected the only victory for Norwin at the 58th Butler Invitational April 21 at Bernardi Stadium in Butler.
Westmoreland baseball, softball teams crank up use of walk-up music
April 28, 2023
If he strikes out or has a rough inning pitching, Ryan Orosz can reset quickly with the press of a button.
Westmoreland baseball notebook: Yough inches closer to 2nd straight section title
April 27, 2023
Yough secured a WPIAL playoff berth after an 11-1, run-ruled victory over Mt. Pleasant on Tuesday on Cougar Mountain.
Belle Vernon football team honored at state Capitol
A perk of winning a state championship in Pennsylvania is the recognition that comes with it from the state government.
Make no mistake, Franklin Regional softball team shuts down Latrobe
April 26, 2023
Backlit by an error-free performance from her defense, senior pitcher Carli Ramchandran put together one of the better outings of her career against a strong lineup.
Westmoreland County softball notebook: Greensburg Salem battling through injuries
Greensburg Salem had to play two recent softball games with only 11 players because of a rash of injuries.
Franklin Regional freshman Luke Williams commits to play baseball at Virginia
Luke Williams hits the baseball and makes plays in the field with a maturity beyond his years. His coach, Bobby Saddler, called him “the real deal.”
It’s a whole new ballgame when coaches switch from baseball to softball
It was like a strange but lucid dream.
Top-ranked Armstrong routs Latrobe
April 24, 2023
Latrobe softball players stayed as positive as they could, for as long as they could, still believing they could stage a rally as a cold wind whipped across the field.
Norwin junior Pons makes Miami (Ohio) his football choice
April 23, 2023
Norwin’s Jackson Pons will continue his football career at Ben Roethlisberger’s alma mater. Only he will be playing on the defensive side of the ball.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Latrobe’s Havrilla pulls double duty
April 22, 2023
Maybe it has something to do with nets.
Westmoreland athletes of the week: Greensburg Salem’s Gionnah Ruffner, Norwin’s Nolan Ryan
Gionnah Ruffner
Norwin notebook: Track standouts climb medal stand
The Norwin boys track and field team finished second and the girls were third at the Lady Spartan/Wildcat Invitational at Latrobe.
Murrysville Star notebook: Matchups with rival Armstrong highlight Franklin Regional softball schedule
Franklin Regional softball players might not come out and admit it, but they had two section games circled on their calendars since the start of the season.
Ciara Camacho takes a bite out of Kiski Area in Franklin Regional win
April 21, 2023
After the softball game ended, Ciara Camacho scooped up her puppy, “Chubbs,” and cradled him as she headed for the family vehicle.
Grant slam: Greensburg Salem first baseman Smith drives in 7 runs in bounce-back win
April 20, 2023
He wasn’t in a slump by any means, but Greensburg Salem junior first baseman Grant Smith wanted desperately to snap back after a sub-par effort in the first game of a Section 4-3A baseball series against McGuffey.
Armed with a deep pitching staff, Hempfield thrives in 3-game series
Maybe it has something to do with the fact that he used to be a pitcher, or that he enjoys the chess-match nature of the new three-game series in WPIAL Class 6A baseball.
Westmoreland County baseball notebook: Hempfield’s Tim Buzzard hits career milestone
There was some “Buzz” around Hempfield last week.
Hempfield softball team rights ship, beats North Allegheny
April 19, 2023
Hempfield is back on track.
Westmoreland softball notebook: Latrobe’s Kraynick swinging hot bat
Latrobe senior left fielder Hayden Kraynick has found her groove at the plate.
Senior pitcher comes full circle, leads Norwin into 6A contention
Gradually, it all started to come back for Alyssa McCormick.
Norwin softball team holds strong to topple No. 1 Hempfield
April 17, 2023
Norwin took it personally last year when Hempfield issued four intentional walks in a WPIAL Class 6A softball quarterfinal loss.
Westmoreland County campus clippings: Saint Vincent men’s volleyball posts 1st playoff win
New athletic programs usually need an adjustment period — give or take five years — before they start thinking postseason wins.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Mt. Pleasant swim coach honored
April 15, 2023
Sandy Felice will tell you she does not have to do much to get her swimmers ready at Mt. Pleasant.
Norwin notebook: After slow start, baseball team finds footing
After a slow start, the Norwin baseball team is regaining its footing.
After taking lumps last season, Norwin boys lacrosse taking steps forward
Norwin missed out on the WPIAL Class 3A boys lacrosse playoffs last year, but there is optimism around the team that a postseason return could be imminent.
Waldier earns Yough softball team walk-off win over Mt. Pleasant
April 14, 2023
Yough had plans to bring in sophomore Adoria Waldier as a relief pitcher as its Section 3-3A softball game against Mt. Pleasant stretched into the later innings.
Canon-McMillan baseball overpowers Norwin behind Andrew Kocan’s 2 homers
April 13, 2023
Brawny and powerful, Andrew Kocan is an intimidating presence at the plate.
Coaches rave about new 3-game series for WPIAL Class 6A baseball
Let’s play … three?
Westmoreland County baseball notebook: Franklin Regional off to hot start in Section 1
Only one Westmoreland County baseball team is situated among the top teams in the Trib top-5 rankings.
Hempfield rallies for walk-off win over No. 1 Seneca Valley
April 12, 2023
Early miscues, a nagging struggle to bunt runners over and a pile of strikeouts were an unsavory combination for Hempfield.
Westmoreland County softball notebook: Southmoreland riding high after string of shutout wins
Southmoreland picked Easter week to rise into the rankings.
Cheyenne Piper steps seamlessly into ace role for Ligonier Valley
Cheyenne Piper understands the assignment because she has prepared for it. She has longed to fulfill it.
Carson Shuglie’s grand slam powers Hempfield past Baldwin
April 10, 2023
Hempfield did not have classes Monday as Easter break wound to a close, so some baseball players arrived early for their home game against Baldwin.
Westmoreland County athletes of the week: Southmoreland’s Amarah McCutcheon and Hempfield’s Peyton Murray
April 8, 2023
Amarah McCutcheon
Westmoreland County high school notebook: Senior standouts set for Roundball Classic
Of the 200-plus players selected for the annual Roundball Classic senior all-star basketball games, 36 hail from Westmoreland County schools.
Norwin boys volleyball has net-front talent to contend
Norwin is one of the top boys volleyball teams in the WPIAL this season. Just ask the Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association.
Norwin track teams ready to put in work, compete for championships
In the last five years, the Norwin track and field teams have a combined record of 47-3 with nine section titles between them.
Norwin notebook: Softball team plays long ball in season’s opening weeks
The Norwin softball team continued its hot start with a 12-4 victory over Butler.
With new head coach, veteran roster, Yough baseball hitting on all cylinders
April 6, 2023
Dan Palm said he was surprised but supportive when Craig Spisak resigned last year as Yough’s baseball coach to take the same position at Norwin.
Westmoreland baseball notebook: Franklin Regional’s Williams right at home as freshman
Freshman baseball players usually need an adjustment period. Time to get used to older teammates, harsher critiques and varsity pitching.
Southmoreland softball’s Todd Bunner pays tribute to late father, his coaching inspiration
April 5, 2023
Todd Bunner didn’t want to let dad down. Or his team.
With ace Maddie Brown happy, healthy and sharp, Southmoreland blanks Mt. Pleasant
With his team’s fourth straight win freshly in the books — a 2-0 shutout of rival Mt. Pleasant in Section 3-3A —Southmoreland softball coach Todd Bunner gathered with his players in front of their dugout Wednesday and offered praise to his player of the game.
Westmoreland County softball notebook: GCC taking no prisoners
With a number of starters returning in a potent lineup, Greensburg Central Catholic is expected to compete for the WPIAL Class 2A softball title.
With star freshman playing in sister’s memory, Jeannette softball off to brilliant start
Asked what her late sister, Scarlett, would think about the Jeannette softball team winning again, Grace Stein paused and allowed a subtle grin to curl up on her face.
Franklin Regional baseball bounces back to rout Gateway
April 4, 2023
Franklin Regional did not have much time to dwell on its first loss of the WPIAL baseball season.
Rosters revealed for 2023 Roundball Classic
Rosters were revealed this week for the Roundball Classic senior all-star basketball games, set for May 18, 19 and 20 at Geneva College in Beaver Falls.
Southmoreland’s Amarah McCutcheon delivers walk-off homer, spoiling stellar effort by Ligonier Valley ace
Having struck out three times, like a couple of her Southmoreland softball teammates had, Amarah McCutcheon admitted she didn’t have much expectation when she stepped to the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Greensburg Central Catholic’s Miller to play soccer for Robert Morris
April 3, 2023
Greensburg Central Catholic soccer standout Kyler Miller accepted a preferred walk-on offer from Robert Morris, extending his playing career to the Division I level.
Westmoreland County girls basketball all-stars: Mt. Pleasant’s Tiffany Zelmore an elite scorer
April 1, 2023
Tiffany Zelmore
Westmoreland County boys basketball all-stars: Norwin’s Adam Bilinsky flies highest
Adam Bilinsky
Westmoreland athletes of the week: Ligonier Valley’s Haden Sierocky, Franklin Regional’s Toryn Fulton
Haden Sierocky
Westmoreland County high school notebook: Pair of boys volleyball standouts honored
A local pair of boys volleyball players were lauded by the Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association for their recent play.
Norwin notebook: Volleyball team takes tournament title
The Norwin boys volleyball team won its 16-team tournament on March 25, holding back Butler in the final for the title.
Norwin girls take pride in long playoff run, 24-win season
Norwin did not make its way through the PIAA girls basketball playoffs like it was touring a museum, pausing to look at others’ accomplishments with an enjoy-the-ride mentality.
Clutch defense helps Hempfield hold off Latrobe
March 30, 2023
With Latrobe on Hempfield’s bumper late in Thursday’s nonsection baseball game, the host Spartans turned to their defense to bail them out of some tense moments, particularly those attached to two of the final three outs.
Westmoreland baseball notebook: Latrobe keeps tradition going with opening game
The Ohio trip has become a tradition at Latrobe. And if the Wildcats don’t make the trek to Upper Arlington to play the Golden Bears to christen a new baseball season, then the Golden Bears come to them.
Franklin Regional baseball team getting strong hitting, pitching in fast start
Junior Blake Bertucci and his fellow Franklin Regional baseball pitchers are playing with less stress these days.
Latrobe softball has power, ‘talent to win it all’
March 29, 2023
Watching softballs fly over the fence can make some coaches jump around like a child on a trampoline.
Westmoreland softball notebook: Franklin Regional, Plum put up eye-popping numbers
Plum’s softball field is known for its short dimensions. A coach whose team was playing there for the first time called it a litter box.
Greensburg Central Catholic baseball gets offense going in rout of Ligonier Valley
March 28, 2023
After striking out 17 times in the series opener against Ligonier Valley, Greensburg Central Catholic was eager to get the bats around on some pitches in the rematch.
Former Franklin Regional football player Joe Purdue remembered for kindness, positivity
March 26, 2023
About eight months ago, when he was diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer, Joe Purdue said this:
Westmoreland H.S. athletes of the week: Latrobe’s Josie Straigis and Yough’s Jack Sampson
March 25, 2023
Josie Straigis
Armstrong’s Cadin Olsen repeats as Willie Thrower Award winner
The great Willie Thrower was said to have the largest hands in football history. The former Ken High football star’s nickname was “Mitts.”
Westmoreland H.S. notebook: Norwin, GCC girls basketball primed for sustained success
Norwin and Greensburg Central Catholic made thrilling runs to the girls basketball state semifinals, both finishing one win shy of a trip to Hershey for the finals.
Norwin notebook: Fox Chapel ends hockey team’s season
Top-seeded Fox Chapel avenged a loss to Norwin in a semifinal rematch and ended the Knights’ season March 12 with a 7-3 win to advance to the PIHL Class A Penguins Cup final.
With strong returning core, Norwin softball has sights set on playoffs
Six out of nine teams in WPIAL Class 6A will make the playoffs this softball season.
Former Yough coach Spisak set for new challenge leading Norwin baseball team
March 23, 2023
He wears navy blue and gold now instead of orange and green, but Craig Spisak still looks the part as a baseball coach preparing for a new season.
Westmoreland baseball notebook: Several teams head south to tune up for WPIAL season
Fun in the sun sure beats cold temperatures when it comes to playing baseball.
Armstrong’s Olsen, the 2022 winner, leads candidates for Thrower Award
WPIAL passing leader Cadin Olsen led Armstrong football to back-to-back quarterfinal playoff appearances.
Westmoreland softball notebook: Perennial power Hempfield off to strong start
March 22, 2023
Hempfield plans to play deep into the WPIAL and PIAA 6A postseason. Those are the standards set every year by the perennial power.
Franklin Regional softball ready to again light up scoreboards
Franklin Regional took a trip south to open the softball season.
In happy ending to bus saga, Penguins invite Monessen girls basketball team to game
March 21, 2023
While Monessen turned down an offer from the Pittsburgh Penguins to pay for a coach bus for the girls basketball team’s first-round PIAA playoff game, there apparently were no hard feelings from the hockey team.
Greensburg Central Catholic girls lose in PIAA semifinals
March 20, 2023
A simple change can make all the difference in a basketball state playoff game.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Belle Vernon’s Macheska goes for PIHL gold with Ringgold
March 19, 2023
A ring and gold.
GCC football standout Dlugos will tour Italy with American all-star team
Nate Dlugos enjoys Italian food. Pizza is his favorite.
Westmoreland PIAA basketball playoff capsules: Games for Monday, March 20, 2023
PIAA girls basketball playoffs
Westmoreland athletes of the week: Greensburg Central Catholic’s Mya Morgan and Latrobe’s Vinny Kilkeary
March 18, 2023
Mya Morgan
Norwin girls celebrate beating North Allegheny, prep for next game
The bench was warned: Don’t stand and celebrate until the game is over.
Greensburg Central Catholic girls want to make the most of year
Greensburg Central Catholic girls basketball coach Chris Skatell said earlier this season he is looking forward to seeing what his team does as it continues to develop chemistry and experience, especially in the playoffs.
Norwin notebook: Girls bowling team makes run to regional finals
The Norwin girls bowling team surprised two-time defending champion Freeport, then reached the finals of the Western Pennsylvania Regional Tournament earlier this month at AMF Noble Manor Lanes.
Greensburg Central Catholic beats WPIAL champ in PIAA quarterfinals
March 17, 2023
The question was raised in pregame warmups: Could Greensburg Central Catholic compete with WPIAL champion Shenango?
Franklin Regional standout goalkeeper Aris Lamanna to play at Coastal Carolina
March 16, 2023
Aris Lamanna has made her intentions clear: She wants to play high-level soccer for years to come.
Westmoreland high school notes: Norwin, GCC girls basketball teams share connections
Norwin and Greensburg Central Catholic will continue their postseason runs in the PIAA girls basketball tournaments Friday night.
Westmoreland PIAA basketball playoff capsules: Games for Friday, March 17, 2023
PIAA basketball playoffs
Boord’s record 3-pointers help McKeesport girls sink Penn-Trafford
March 15, 2023
As each three-pointer splashed down and each smile curled up larger than the last, Malina Boord closed in on a record she had longed to break.
Westmoreland softball preview: Teams infused with young talent
Decked out in practice uniforms, a new custom put in place by coach Tina Madison and her staff, Hempfield had a structured look during a practice last week as softball players fielded sharp grounders and ran bases in a dimly lit auxiliary gym.
Westmoreland PIHL playoff capsules: Games for March 15, 2023
March 14, 2023
PIHL playoffs
Westmoreland PIAA basketball playoff capsule: Games for March 15, 2023
PIAA basketball playoffs
Hempfield hires Nick Keefer as football coach
March 13, 2023
From the time he was a pint-sized ball boy in baggy orange sweats helping his dad, Tim Keefer, a former coach at Oliver, Nick Keefer knew he wanted to be a football coach.
Westmoreland PIHL playoff capsules: Games for March 14, 2023
PIHL playoffs
Norwin hockey thriving under pressure as Penguins Cup semifinals await
With a flair for the dramatic of late, and an unwavering focus on raising the Penguins Cup again, Norwin is ready for another semifinal matchup with Fox Chapel.
Westmoreland PIAA basketball playoff capsules: Games for March 14, 2023
PIAA basketball playoffs
Latrobe hockey relishes 2nd chance in Penguins Cup playoffs
March 12, 2023
Latrobe is not about to waste a second chance at PIHL glory.
Westmoreland high school notebook: PIHL Class A final could feature 2 local teams
One Westmoreland County team is guaranteed a spot in the PIHL Class A championship. But there could be two.
Yough boys blitzed by Penn Cambria in fourth quarter in PIAA defeat
March 11, 2023
CRESSON — Yough was up by nine points with six minutes to play in its first PIAA boys basketball playoff game since 2005.
Westmoreland County athletes of the week: Norwin’s Josephine Dollman, Southmoreland’s Henry Miller
Josephine Dollman
Norwin notebook: Pair of Knights swimmers make states
A pair of Norwin swimmers earned spots in the PIAA Class 3A championships, scheduled for March 15-18 at Bucknell University.
Greensburg Central Catholic girls shake off slow start, roll past Windber in PIAA 1st round
March 10, 2023
WINDBER — Freshman guard Erica Gribble emerged from the locker room with a small bag of ice pressed between her neck and right shoulder. The plastic was tucked under her shirt and peeking out of the top of her jacket.
Hempfield set to promote assistant to head football coach
Hempfield is expected to promote assistant Nick Keefer to head football coach, according to the board agenda for Monday’s meeting.
Westmoreland PIAA basketball playoff capsules: Games for March 11, 2023
PIAA basketball playoffs
10 athletes among inductees for Ligonier Valley’s 1st Hall of Fame class
Add Ligonier Valley to the short list of local high schools with an athletic hall of fame.
Latrobe headed to PIHL semifinals after Bishop McCort is forced to forfeit quarterfinal win
Ousted in the quarterfinals, Latrobe is suddenly back in the PIHL Penguins Cup playoffs.
Short-handed Monessen girls keep grinding toward PIAA opponent
March 9, 2023
It’s been an exhausting week for Monessen’s girls basketball team, and it still has a game to play.
Westmoreland PIAA basketball playoff capsules: Games for March 10, 2023
PIAA basketball playoffs
After fighting through consolation bracket, Yough boys set for return to PIAA playoffs
March 8, 2023
The lead for Mohawk was 11 points. The task for Yough was fearsome.
Penn-Trafford’s young girls basketball roster arrives in state playoffs ahead of schedule
Two sophomores, one junior, one senior and one freshman.
Colleges lining up to offer Franklin Regional goalkeeper Aris Lamanna
Watch a Franklin Regional girls soccer game the last couple seasons, and you’ll see defense. Lots of defense.
Westmoreland County basketball notebook: Latrobe’s Butler follows brothers into college ball
Landon Butler became the fourth member of his family to commit to a college for basketball.
Greensburg Central Catholic’s Turner keeps driving
March 7, 2023
A newspaper photo is framed and propped up on the aluminum ledge of a dry-erase board in the boys basketball coaches’ office at Greensburg Central Catholic.
February players of the month announced by PIHL
The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League announced its February players of the month.
Greensburg Central Catholic girls prep for 1st state playoff game in 5 years
March 6, 2023
Given its run of 23 straight WPIAL playoff appearances, it is easy to assume Greensburg Central Catholic is a regular in the PIAA girls basketball postseason.
Veteran college coach John Thompson hired to lead Greensburg Central Catholic football team
With more than 20 years of college coaching experience, John “JT” Thompson is bringing a unique perspective to the high school level.
For Norwin girls basketball team, there’s no substitution for depth
March 5, 2023
Norwin likes to manage minutes, using group substitutions to keep the lineup fresh at all times.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Hockey teams ready for next round
The high school hockey playoffs continue this week for eight Westmoreland County teams.
Norwin notebook: Adam Bilinsky bids farewell in boys basketball playoff loss
Basketball season ended in the WPIAL Class 6A quarterfinals for the Norwin boys.
Westmoreland County athletes of the week: Penn-Trafford’s Olivia Pepple, Mt. Pleasant’s Joseph Gardner
Olivia Pepple
Aliquippa rallies past Northgate to win 13th WPIAL basketball championship
March 4, 2023
Minutes after posing for a championship photo, juniors Cam Lindsey and Quentin Good entered the press room wearing sunglasses Saturday afternoon at Petersen Events Center.
Jasmine Timmerson, North Allegheny girls roll past Upper St. Clair in Class 6A finals
March 3, 2023
If the WPIAL Class 6A girls basketball championship needed a title in the history books, “All That Jazz” might be the way to go.
Penn-Trafford girls edge Hampton, earn spot in state tournament
March 2, 2023
Penn-Trafford has a year-end girls basketball banquet coming up, but coaches, players and their families won’t be talking about what might have been.
Norwin girls atone for semifinal loss to North Allegheny, beat Mt. Lebanon for 3rd place
March 1, 2023
Apparently, the difference between third and fourth place for Norwin was getting back into character.
Westmoreland WPIAL basketball playoff capsules: Games for March 2, 2023
WPIAL basketball playoffs
Quentin Goode, Aliquippa overwhelm Greensburg Central Catholic in WPIAL Class 2A semis
February 28, 2023
“Cheese” turned a frown upside down.
Westmoreland WPIAL basketball playoff capsules: Games for March 1, 2023
WPIAL basketball playoffs
Westmoreland County high school basketball notebook: Future bright for Norwin girls
Their loss was less than 20 minutes old and the Norwin girls basketball team was already refocusing on the next game, the next challenge, the next tournament.
North Allegheny girls rally past Norwin to return to WPIAL Class 6A title game
February 27, 2023
Before Jasmine Timmerson left Fox Chapel and headed for the team bus, she had one last thing to do.
Big man Alvarez starting to play big for Greensburg Central Catholic boys
Always the tallest kid on his basketball teams growing up, 6-foot-5 Franco Alvarez has enjoyed the view from above.
Westmoreland WPIAL basketball playoff capsules: Games for Feb. 28, 2023
WPIAL basketball playoffs
Westmoreland H.S. notebook: Hempfield’s Maggie Howard commits to Georgetown for softball
February 26, 2023
Like a hitter looking at the count and situation, Maggie Howard looked at colleges with a similar approach.
Norwin do-it-all basketball standout Kendall Berger ‘never satisfied’
Kendall Berger saw minimal varsity time last season for Norwin.
Westmoreland WPIAL basketball playoff capsules: Games for Feb. 27, 2023
WPIAL basketball playoffs
Westmoreland athletes of the week: Hempfield’s Grace Iwig, Franklin Regional’s Matt Knizner
February 25, 2023
Grace Iwig
Norwin notebook: Track team brings home medals from TSTCA meet
Norwin sent its top athletes to the Tri-State Coaches Association Indoor Championships on Feb. 18 at Edinboro University, and a number of them came home with medals.
Franklin Regional basketball standouts get unexpected all-star invitations
Geographically speaking, Murrysville is practically a part of the Alle-Kiski Valley, so it makes sense for Franklin Regional to be included in that region’s long-running basketball all-star weekend.
Greensburg Central Catholic boys dispatch Eden Christian
February 24, 2023
History did not repeat itself for Greensburg Central Catholic and boys basketball coach Christian Hyland.
Westmoreland WPIAL basketball playoff capsules: Games for Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023
WPIAL basketball playoffs
Norwin girls show no signs of rust in dominant quarterfinal win over Baldwin
February 23, 2023
After a 13-day layoff from game competition, Norwin hoped to be back in rhythm in its WPIAL girls basketball playoff opener.
Westmoreland WPIAL basketball playoff capsules: Games for Friday, Feb. 24, 2023
WPIAL basketball playoffs
Deep 3 helps Burgettstown girls defeat GCC in Class 2A quarterfinals
February 22, 2023
With Greensburg Central Catholic advancing on her team in the fourth quarter and momentum slipping away from Burgettstown, Jillian Frazier decided to take the stress out of the situation.
Westmoreland County high school basketball notebook: Latrobe coach proud of team’s effort in his final game
Call it the last dance.
With boys record broken, Monessen AD quietly holds on to girls WPIAL scoring mark
A basketball used to break the WPIAL girls scoring record sits lonely in a box in Gina Naccarato’s basement.
Westmoreland WPIAL basketball playoff capsules: Games for Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023
Boys
Penn-Trafford scores in final seconds to beat Shaler for 1st playoff win since 2015
February 21, 2023
Penn-Trafford had to work for it, but the feeling was all worthwhile.
Alvarez helps lead Greensburg Central Catholic boys to picture-perfect win over Propel Braddock Hills
Greensburg Central Catholic basketball player Franco Alvarez likes to take photographs. It has become his hobby.
Westmoreland WPIAL basketball playoff capsules: Games for Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023
Girls
Yough boys roll to first-round win over Burrell in Class 3A
February 20, 2023
Yough knew if it was going to capture its first WPIAL boys basketball playoff victory in 18 years, it would have to exhibit self-discipline with the lead, show poise on defense and perhaps, above all, play together.
Westmoreland WPIAL basketball playoff capsules: Games for Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023
WPIAL basketball playoffs
Westmoreland high school notebook: GCC soccer coaches step down
February 19, 2023
Greensburg Central Catholic is looking for head coaches for boys and girls soccer after the coaches from both programs resigned.
Westmoreland WPIAL basketball playoff capsules: Games for Monday, Feb. 20. 2023
BOYS
Westmoreland high school athletes of the week: Week ending Feb. 19, 2023
February 18, 2023
Melina Stratigos
Fast start lifts No. 5 OLSH to 1st-round win over Mt. Pleasant
Falling into an early hole in the WPIAL basketball playoffs is often a bad sign, especially for a lower seed.
Norwin notebook: Alex Thomas sparks streaking hockey team
The playoff-bound Norwin hockey team made it four wins in a row as the Knights batted away Indiana.
Norwin pole vaulter lands with Division I track program at Northeastern
Pole vaulting was, in the beginning, nothing more than a harmless suggestion to Hannah Shaw.
Erica Gribble leads Greensburg CC to dominant win over California in WPIAL 2A 1st round
February 17, 2023
“Just go play.”
Westmoreland basketball playoff preview capsule for games of Feb. 18, 2023
WPIAL basketball playoffs
Ailing Yough girls come up short in preliminary round against Beaver Falls
February 16, 2023
Mikalah Chewning leaned over a trash can behind the Yough bench during the first half as she dealt with flu-like symptoms.
Westmoreland basketball playoff preview capsule for games of Feb. 17, 2023
Boys
Yough boys crank it up, carry 10-game winning streak into WPIAL Class 3A playoffs
Somebody turned up the volume at Yough.
Monessen girls surge into playoffs as section champs, WPIAL contenders
February 15, 2023
Monessen was 2-4 and had just opened Section 2-A play with a loss at West Greene.
Westmoreland basketball playoff preview capsule for games of Feb. 16, 2023
WPIAL basketball playoffs
Norwin girls lead Westmoreland County contingent into playoffs as No. 3 seed
February 13, 2023
For most of December and even late into January, the Norwin girls looked like the favorite to win WPIAL Class 6A.
GCC freshman Samir Crosby grabs Division I football offer
One Division I football scholarship offer often leads to many more for rising prospects.
Breaking down the 2023 WPIAL girls basketball playoff brackets
A closer look at the WPIAL girls basketball playoffs, which begin with preliminary round games Thursday night:
Westmoreland high school notebook: George fills out football staff at Greensburg Salem
February 12, 2023
New Greensburg Salem football coach Ty George has filled out his staff of assistants for his debut season.
Westmoreland athletes of the week: Southmoreland’s Maddie Moore, Norwin’s Adam Bilinsky
February 11, 2023
Maddie Moore
PIHL announces January players of the month
Upper St. Clair played six games in January and senior forward Colin Ruffner scored in every one of them.
Adam Bilinsky reaches milestone as Norwin eliminates Hempfield from playoffs
February 10, 2023
Adam Bilinsky was hoping his 1,000th point would come on a dunk.
Franklin Regional girls basketball impressive in win vs. Belle Vernon
February 9, 2023
Franklin Regional did not qualify for the WPIAL girls basketball playoffs, but you would have thought the team won a championship after the final buzzer sounded Thursday night.
Westmoreland County boys basketball notebook: Teams still fighting for playoff spots
A number of Westmoreland County teams still had a shot at the WPIAL boys basketball playoffs in the final week of the regular season.
Key injuries send Franklin Regional boys to late-season skid
Franklin Regional has been banged up, thrown out of rhythm and backed into a corner.
Westmoreland high school girls basketball notebook: Playoff picture clearing up
February 8, 2023
The WPIAL will announce playoff pairings beginning at 3 p.m. Monday via Trib HSSN, and postseason games could begin as early as next Thursday, according to the league calendar.
Mt. Pleasant scoring phenom Zelmore puts in the work
Practice is over, and her teammates have gone home for the evening.
Road Warriors: Penn-Trafford keeps playoff hopes alive
February 7, 2023
From the bottom of the section to the WPIAL playoffs?
Greensburg CC girls rout Clairton but Bears sophomore Iyanna Wade scores 1,000th point
February 6, 2023
Greensburg Central Catholic rolled out a Spalding TF-1000 Legacy basketball for Monday night’s game against visiting Clairton.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Norwin’s Vogel commits to IUP football
February 5, 2023
Norwin’s Noah Vogel had his top schools all lined up and was about to make a decision on his football future when a new opportunity came in.
Westmoreland athletes of the week: Mt. Pleasant’s Lily King, Hempfield’s Eli Carr
February 4, 2023
Lily King
Norwin notebook: Emergency goalie comes through for hockey team
A bout of adversity didn’t stop the Norwin hockey team from winning, and it didn’t stop an offensive player from suiting up and playing goaltender.
Norwin’s Fleming brothers step into stripes shortly after graduation
It was only last year when Michael Fleming was firing in 3-pointers for Norwin, and two years ago when Nick Fleming was contributing key points and rebounds for the Knights.
Hard-charging Latrobe boys knock off Franklin Regional
February 3, 2023
The playoff race in WPIAL Section 3-5A boys basketball just got a lot more interesting.
Norwin girls on a “role” with sweep of Hempfield
February 2, 2023
Norwin girls basketball players recently filled out and read a Google form report about finding their roles on the team.
Westmoreland County boys basketball notebook: Few teams have playoff sports locked up
With just over a week to go in the WPIAL regular season, the Westmoreland County playoff picture is coming into greater focus.
Belle Vernon boys still looking to find groove in season of constant change
A search for continuity is a seemingly ongoing adventure at Belle Vernon this season as the boys basketball team tries to grow into its expectations.
Yough girls charging toward playoffs during breakthrough season
February 1, 2023
Mike Gerdich, walking gingerly in front of his team’s bench, watches a loose basketball roll out of bounds and into the near corner during a home game against Charleroi.
Westmoreland County girls basketball notebook: 7 teams punch playoff tickets
Seven Westmoreland County teams have secured WPIAL playoffs spots with just more than a week remaining in the regular season.
Freshman sparks Greensburg Central Catholic to season sweep of rival Jeannette
January 31, 2023
Samir Crosby is from Jeannette. He lives there. He has family and friends there.
Yough girls impress with rout of Charleroi
January 30, 2023
Yough is chasing its first WPIAL playoff berth in more than a decade.
Norwin boys use barrage of 3s to rout Latrobe
January 29, 2023
All Norwin needed to see was the first one go in.
Kent State is right fit for Franklin Regional lineman Andrew Nesler
Andrew Nesler, a football lineman who circled back to Franklin Regional after a short spell at a prep school, has mapped out a future at the NCAA Division I level.
High school sports notebook: Ex-Hempfield, Jeannette football assistant heads to Central Catholic
Former Jeannette and Hempfield football assistant Ryan Reitz will be with a new team next season.
Franklin Regional girls run away with win vs. Greensburg Salem
Close losses have plagued Franklin Regional all season long.
Belle Vernon boys respond with victory over Franklin Regional
January 28, 2023
Joe Salvino sent his team an impassioned message after Friday’s win over Southmoreland.
Westmoreland athletes of the week: P-T’s Alyssa Balest, Hempfield’s Dominic Falcon
Alyssa Balest
Franklin Regional notebook: Bowlers claim county titles
Brandon Smith is the captain of the Franklin Regional boys bowling team.
Despite rough going, Belle Vernon boys get past Southmoreland
January 27, 2023
Feeling like his team got away with something in its latest win — the first of three straight games this weekend for Belle Vernon — boys basketball coach Joe Salvino showed more frustration than content as he emerged from the locker room on Friday night and climbed the stairs back to the gym floor.
Norwin girls can’t halt North Allegheny’s home winning streak
January 26, 2023
Even when it is Norwin coming to town, North Allegheny tries to keep things in proper perspective on its home floor, where the girls basketball team has been virtually unstoppable in recent years.
New blood in backcourt makes impact for Jeannette boys
Jeannette knew it would have length and experience with seniors Shane Mickens and Jalen Bass along with sophomore Lonnie Greene returning for basketball season.
Westmoreland County Coaches Association Swimming & Diving Championships preview
Westmoreland County Coaches Association Swimming & Diving Championships
Westmoreland County boys basketball notebook: Injuries could impact Seton Hill showcase
Seton Hill will host seven high school games Saturday and Sunday, four of which will be boys matchups.
Westmoreland County girls basketball notebook: Despite loss, Norwin has strong resume
January 25, 2023
Top-ranked Norwin finally was tripped up by a Class 6A team this week when the Lady Knights lost to No. 2 Upper St. Clair, 56-45, on the road.
Latrobe, Southmoreland, Belle Vernon girls take different paths with star players out
When Latrobe found out standout center Emma Blair was done for the season with a knee injury just three games into the 2022-23 schedule, the first reaction was panic. Cold sweats and worry. Oh no, the sky is falling.
Deer Lakes boys run away with another victory over Derry
January 24, 2023
Deer Lakes is new to the Trib HSSN top-five boys basketball rankings.
Belle Vernon’s Martin playing with elite 7-on-7 football team, will miss some basketball games
January 23, 2023
Quinton Martin might miss a few basketball games this season as he continues his ascent to major college football.
Westmoreland County Junior Spotlight: Jeannette’s Venicia Vignoli
Venicia Vignoli won’t forget the first win of her high school basketball career any time soon.
Westmoreland high school notebook: GCC’s Mack catches Maine’s eye
January 22, 2023
Amari Mack caught the attention of college coaches when he received a scholarship offer to play at Sacred Heart as a sophomore.
Norwin’s Jiancristoforo will run for Robert Morris
With a six-days-a-week running schedule that equates to about 40 miles, Emma Jiancristoforo is always on the move.
Seton Hill to host high school basketball showcase
A 14-team, seven-game basketball showcase event will take place this weekend at Seton Hill in Greensburg.
Westmoreland County athletes of the week: Penn-Trafford’s Joe Enick and Belle Vernon’s Jenna Dawson
January 21, 2023
Joe Enick
Greensburg Central Catholic freshman Erica Gribble stays step ahead of competition
As Erica Gribble was making inroads to high school basketball, she was always a step ahead and a level above her opponents.
Franklin Regional junior enjoying breakthrough season
Point guard Cooper Rankin saw limited varsity time last season as he played primarily on the junior varsity team at Franklin Regional.
Franklin Regional notebook: Pair of Panthers win county wrestling titles
Two Franklin Regional wrestlers captured championships at the Westmoreland County Coaches Association Championships earlier this month at Greensburg Salem.
Serra Catholic boys stage yet another rally, get past Jeannette
January 20, 2023
Apparently, all Serra Catholic needs is a double-digit deficit to stir things up and inspire the team. It’s becoming second nature for the Eagles to rumble to life in the second half.
Kiski School to host weekend prep basketball showcase
The Kiski School will host an impressive lineup of teams and players for a boys prep basketball showcase this weekend.
Woodland Hills takes care of Franklin Regional in section showdown
January 19, 2023
Woodland Hills flinched, but only slightly, when Franklin Regional cut a 16-point Wolverines advantage to five early in the third quarter.
Latrobe’s Robin Reilly selected to U.S. Youth Soccer ODP national team
Robin Reilly is taking her game to a national stage — again.
Westmoreland County boys basketball notebook: Southmoreland’s Ty Keffer hits 1,000-point mark
Ty Keffer became the ninth male basketball player from Southmoreland to reach the 1,000-point mark Wednesday in the Scotties’ 78-55 victory over visiting Indiana.
Hempfield boys feel lucky to have Harry Sowers in lineup
When a sports reporter first dubbed him “Dirty Harry,” Hempfield’s Harrison Sowers had to do some research.
Westmoreland County girls basketball notebook: Yough in playoff hunt
January 18, 2023
Yough? In a section race?
Dynamic young guards have Greensburg Central Catholic girls in contention ahead of schedule
Greensburg Central Catholic is growing up fast.
Norwin boys escape with victory over Hempfield despite free-throw woes
January 17, 2023
Norwin hasn’t qualified for the WPIAL playoffs yet, but the Knights are already in survive-and-advance mode with their top player on the shelf.
Penn-Trafford uses big 3rd quarter to rebound past Latrobe
January 16, 2023
Penn-Trafford still had the unsavory taste of a bad second half against top-ranked McKeesport in its mouth when it traveled to Latrobe on Monday night.
Moon’s Bill Pfeifer named national girls soccer coach of the year
Moon had a girls soccer season to remember in the fall.
Westmoreland high school notes: Ligonier Valley rehires Siko as AD
January 15, 2023
When Ligonier Valley made the giant leap from District 6 to the WPIAL in 2020, Wesley Siko was the Rams’ athletic director and oversaw the move.
Norwin’s Savannah Schneck impresses by returning to court after tearing left ACL twice
January 14, 2023
Savannah Schneck lost her sophomore and junior basketball seasons, and she never will get them back.
Greensburg Salem catcher Gionnah Ruffner to play at Seton Hall
Gionnah Ruffner will take her powerful softball swing to the Big East.
Westmoreland County athletes of the week: Greensburg Central Catholic’s Mya Morgan and Franklin Regional’s Juliano Marion
Mya Morgan
Landon Butler scores 1,000th point to propel Latrobe past Penn-Trafford
Landon Butler admitted he became a little sensitive when the ball went through the net just before halftime Friday night.
3-pointers from McKeesport’s Malina Boord help cool off Penn-Trafford girls
January 13, 2023
Malina Boord wears No. 3.
Expectations keep rising for Highlands girls after win over Greensburg Salem
January 12, 2023
Highlands girls basketball coach Shawn Bennis used the word “discipline” a lot when he addressed his team after Thursday night’s game.
Westmoreland County boys basketball notebook: Terek Crosby at 1,000 points and counting
Terek Crosby wasn’t sure how many career points he had earlier this season during a holiday tournament at Greensburg Salem.
Monessen boys keep underdog mentality despite 10-game winning streak
Monessen is going streaking again.
Belle Vernon’s Quinton Martin named a MaxPreps All-American
January 11, 2023
Belle Vernon fans see Quinton Martin as their Captain America.
Westmoreland County girls basketball notebook: Franklin Regional focuses on closing out games
Franklin Regional has held halftime and second-half leads this season but has come up short at the final buzzer.
South Fayette’s Maddie Webber, Indiana’s Eva Fiala nominated for McDonald’s All-American Game
A pair of WPIAL girls basketball players are nominated for the top all-star game in the nation.
With structure in place, Greensburg Salem girls emerge as Class 4A contenders
Greensburg Salem girls basketball players line up differently at times for the national anthem.
Franklin Regional boys grind out victory over Latrobe
January 10, 2023
To win at Latrobe on Tuesday night, Franklin Regional had to slow down, then grind down the Wildcats.
Belle Vernon, Laurel Highlands set for another anticipated matchup
There will be an abundance of athleticism on the basketball court Tuesday night in Uniontown.
Norwin hires Penn-Trafford grad, former Hempfield coach Mike Brown
January 9, 2023
Mike Brown learned a lot in his two years as football coach at Hempfield.
Top-ranked Norwin takes care of Hempfield girls
Her teammates call her “A,” but Norwin’s Ava Kobus could just as well be called, “Spark.”
Westmoreland high school notebook: PIHL all-stars headed to RMU
January 8, 2023
Robert Morris’ Island Sports Center will be the place for the PIHL All-Star Games on Jan. 29.Ty George expected to be named head football coach at Greensburg Salem
According to the school board agenda for Wednesday night’s meeting, Greensburg Salem will vote to hire Ty George as its football coach.
Westmoreland High School Athletes of the Week: Week ending Jan. 7, 2023
January 7, 2023
Lauren Palangio
Norwin notebook: Ace high jumper makes college choice
Senior Ashley Laukus is one of the top high jumpers at Norwin.
Greensburg Central Catholic boys pull away from Jeannette in chippy game between rivals
January 6, 2023
Tension built, and tempers flared.
Football coach Mike Brown set to leave Hempfield for Norwin
Add another football coaching opening to the list in Westmoreland County.
Latrobe’s Elle Snyder makes team-record 10 3-pointers
Elle Snyder had a career night for Latrobe.
Hot-shooting North Catholic girls hold back Greensburg Salem
January 5, 2023
Greensburg Salem likes to turn out the lights for its player introductions at home games. The full spotlight effect.
Jeannette girls snap 51-game losing streak
Jeannette had been close.
Greensburg Salem rookie coach learns lessons, brings fresh approach to team
Often, as he coaches his first season at Greensburg Salem, Cam Auld finds himself reverting back to the not-too-distant past when he was a high school basketball player.
Westmoreland County boys basketball notebook: Tourette syndrome can’t slow Greensburg Salem leading scorer
At first glance, Ryan Burkart does not look like he would be Greensburg Salem’s leading scorer.
Marko Thomas resigns position as Greensburg Central Catholic football coach
January 4, 2023
With four young sons, including a 1-year-old, and three of them active in multiple sports, Marko Thomas decided it was time to be a dad instead of a coach.
Regardless of rankings, Norwin girls have look of WPIAL title contender
When Brian Brozeski played football at Blairsville in the late 1990s, his team was ranked No. 1 in its classification and was considered one of the top teams in the state.
Westmoreland County girls basketball notebook: Tiffany Zelmore, Mt. Pleasant teammates thriving
WPIAL scoring leader Tiffany Zelmore continues to put up impressive numbers. But don’t label Mt. Pleasant a one-girl team.
Top-ranked Norwin girls shut down North Allegheny in section opener
January 3, 2023
Last January, Norwin stunned then-No. 1 North Allegheny to snap the Tigers’ 33-game section winning streak.
Greensburg Central Catholic softball standout beats odds, makes Division I college choice
Emma Henry said becoming a Division I college softball prospect was mind over matter.
Penn-Trafford’s Olivia Pepple shines in early season games
January 2, 2023
One of the top backcourt players in the area, Penn-Trafford junior Olivia Pepple scored 19 points to help lead the Warriors to a 71-50 win over Albert Gallatin in a Section 3-5A game, then scored 21, including five in overtime, in a 46-38 win over Kiski Area last week.
Norwin’s Anna DeFazio to run at St. Francis (Pa.)
January 1, 2023
What were your goals when you were 8 years old?
Westmoreland County’s top 10 sports stories of 2022
December 31, 2022
There were thrilling wins. There were gut-wrenching losses.
Hempfield girls basketball team gets tourney win vs. Seton LaSalle
December 29, 2022
Halftime adjustments do not have to be complicated. They don’t even have to be schematic.
Westmoreland basketball notebook: Norwin’s Edwards finds range from 3
In a game at Penn-Trafford earlier in the season, Norwin made eight 3-pointers in a quarter.
Early loss jolts Greensburg Central Catholic boys into form
Wake-up calls don’t always happen early enough in the season for a team to react and recover.
Yough boys rally in 4th quarter to defeat Jeannette, end losing skid
December 28, 2022
Collectively, Yough exhaled as a five-game losing streak got smaller in the rearview mirror.
Westmoreland County girls basketball notebook: Former Latrobe standout makes return
Latrobe welcomed Jenny from the block back to town.
Penn-Trafford girls use tough defense, clutch shooting to get off to brilliant start
With nine games in the first 20 days of the season — seven of them on the road — the Penn-Trafford girls basketball team has had little time to reflect.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Franklin Regional’s Chiarizio to play at Duquesne
December 25, 2022
Franklin Regional tight end Nate Chiarizio is a Division I FCS football commit, but he was not a household name around Westmoreland County or Western Pa.
Though not a football fan, Greensburg C.C.’s Franco Alvarez takes pride in name
December 23, 2022
Franco Alvarez isn’t a big football fan. In fact, he admittedly didn’t know much about Franco Harris.
Role player Riley helps GCC boys basketball grind out win over Hempfield
December 22, 2022
Braden Riley is your prototypical role player.
Westmoreland County boys basketball notebook: Cavalry arrives for Belle Vernon
Now that its basketball team is back to full strength, can Belle Vernon make a run at football and basketball titles?
Southmoreland boys finding different ways to win
The Southmoreland boys basketball team put up 83 points in one game and 44 in another and won both games.
‘He was super:’ Franco Harris was 3-sport star in New Jersey before NFL fame
December 21, 2022
Before a legendary NFL career that elevated him to football royalty and before his proud college days at Penn State playing for Joe Paterno, the late Franco Harris was a standout three-sport star at a small high school in New Jersey.
Penn-Trafford trio signs letters of intent, proving program’s power
The WPIAL and PIAA trophies in the display case at Penn-Trafford tell the story of how far the football program has come.
Westmoreland County girls basketball notebook: Norwin tops Class 6A poll
There is a new No. 1 in WPIAL Class 6A girls basketball.
After knee injury, Greensburg Salem’s Kaitlyn Mankins is back and better than ever
Led to believe she could make a full recovery in four months, a goal-oriented and motivated Kaitlyn Mankins aimed for a shorter time to mend.
Westmoreland campus clippings: Another big award for Saint Vincent’s Irefin
December 19, 2022
Another postseason honor rolled in for Saint Vincent’s prolific football return specialist, and it’s a big one.
Belle Vernon football title celebration continues
December 18, 2022
Belle Vernon football fans celebrated with their WPIAL and PIAA champion Leopards in a victory parade.
Westmoreland County athletes of the week: Derry’s Gabe Carbonara and Franklin Regional’s Sarah Penrod
December 17, 2022
Gabe Carbonara
Franklin Regional boys use diligent defense to get off to fast start
Jesse Reed was a prolific scorer in high school and college, so when he started coaching, he figured he would have offensive-minded teams that ran the floor nonstop and finished breaks with layups and highlight dunks.
Norwin swim teams excited to dive back into home pool
With a renovated pool, the water seems to have added sparkle at Norwin.
Norwin notebook: Basketball teams charge out of starting gate
Eight games into the WPIAL season, there were no losses for either Norwin basketball team.
Mt. Pleasant boys basketball team turns to defense to get first victory
December 16, 2022
Mt. Pleasant recently put an extended 2-3 zone defense to use and was starting to see its merits heading into Friday night’s nonsection boys basketball game at rival Southmoreland.
Penn-Trafford linebacker Daniel Tarabrella commits to Duquesne
Home is where the commitment is.
Greensburg Salem girls roll past Derry in section opener
December 15, 2022
Greensburg Salem girls basketball players and coaches turned an old storage closet at their home gymnasium into a makeshift locker room.
Rosters set for Saturday’s WPSCA boys all-star soccer games
The Western Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association All-Star Games are set for Saturday at North Allegheny.
Westmoreland County boys basketball notebook: Scorpion’s road to recovery stops at Franklin Regional
Former Franklin Regional boys basketball coach Steve Scorpion is coming back to coach against his old team.
Westmoreland County boys basketball scorers fill nets from multiple spots in lineup
When Latrobe ran into foul trouble in a game earlier this season, causing a thin front line with no center, boys basketball coach Brad Wetzel did not panic.
Westmoreland County girls basketball notebook: Norwin winning with stingy defense
December 14, 2022
Norwin takes more pride in the other team’s score than its own these days.
With star Emma Blair injured, Latrobe coach’s final season takes new direction
As he sat in a hotel room in Fairfax County, Va., last Saturday morning, Mark Burkhardt had his team’s next move on his mind.
Southmoreland boys change approach, lean on defense to defeat Yough
December 13, 2022
High-scoring Southmoreland let its defense take the wheel in its latest boys basketball victory.
Latrobe standout Emma Blair out for season with knee injury
Latrobe was dealt a devastating blow to its season Tuesday with the news that senior girls basketball standout Emma Blair will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.
Undefeated Norwin girls shut down undermanned Latrobe
December 12, 2022
Norwin played lockdown defense on another opponent, only that opponent looked quite different than the one the Knights expected to see Monday night.
PIHL announces November players of the month
The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League announced its November players of the month.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Penn-Trafford’s Schall, Latrobe’s Fenton honored
December 11, 2022
A pair of local players made the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association All-State teams in the two largest classifications.
Norwin looking for wrestlers to lead program into future
The buzzword around the Norwin wrestling team this preseason was leadership.
Norwin notebook: Girls basketball team starts season on winning note
The Norwin girls basketball team sprinted out of the gates to open the season.
Norwin boys basketball grinds out victory against Yough
December 10, 2022
There weren’t any slam dunks, and fast breaks were at a minimum.
Latrobe boys edge Greensburg Central Catholic
You don’t have to lose to learn.
Westmoreland County athletes of the week: Mt. Pleasant’s Tiffany Zelmore, Southmoreland’s Ty Keffer
Tiffany Zelmore
Franklin Regional basketball starts tourney with win vs. Carlynton
December 9, 2022
After the postgame handshake line dispersed, Cam Rowell grabbed the microphone at the scorer’s table and shouted into it, “Go Panthers!”
Southmoreland basketball coach earns assist for Belle Vernon football’s state playoff run
December 8, 2022
Give Frank Muccino a pass for missing Southmoreland’s basketball game Saturday.
Unsung heroes help Belle Vernon to state championship game
Alonzo Wade always has three words in the back of his mind, whether he is lining up wide for a pass route or posturing to make a play at outside linebacker.
Westmoreland County boys high school basketball notebook: WCCA showcase Saturday
The Westmoreland County Coaches Association will welcome 16 boys basketball teams for its annual showcase Saturday at Hempfield and Jeannette.
Norwin boys sharpen game against wide variety of opponents
Lance Maha wanted to diversify the Norwin boys basketball schedule when he took over the program last year.
Westmoreland County girls basketball notebook: Mt. Pleasant’s Zelmore hits 1,000 the hard way
December 7, 2022
Tiffany Zelmore reached 1,000 career points, and the Mt. Pleasant senior did so in fewer games than most who achieve the milestone.
Hempfield girls get off to quick start with hustle, composure
Two games is a small sample size. But to Hempfield, it can reveal a lot.
Norwin girls top Penn-Trafford to remain undefeated
December 6, 2022
Tori Sydeski is often the last girl out of the gym at Norwin basketball practices.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Mt. Pleasant’s King in top form
December 4, 2022
Mt. Pleasant’s Lily King is one of the best returning swimmers in the WPIAL this season.
Defense fuels Norwin boys past Uniontown in tournament final
December 3, 2022
Norwin is trying to develop a defensive identity early in the season.
Greensburg Central Catholic’s Sara Felder earns Tribune-Review Westmoreland Girls Player of the Year honors
As the offense built from the back, slowly at first and then picking up speed, Sara Felder ran wide like a receiver in football.
Greensburg Central Catholic’s Carlo Denis named 2022 Tribune-Review Westmoreland Boys Soccer Player of the Year
When Greensburg Central Catholic needed a goal over the top, it knew whose number to call.
Moon’s Hailey Longwell headlines Trib HSSN Girls Fab 15 Soccer Team
Hailey Longwell had nothing to lose this season.
Seneca Valley’s Beau Lizewski leads Trib HSSN Boys Fab 15 Soccer Team
When Seneca Valley needed to break down a back line, funnel possession to the midfield or counter an attack, the Raiders knew who get the soccer ball to.
Penn-Trafford’s Joe Enick named 4th annual Bill Fralic Memorial Award winner
The more Joe Enick learned about Bill Fralic, the more he saw himself in the football legend.
Tyree Turner’s 24 points lift GCC past Penn-Trafford in Hempfield tournament
December 2, 2022
Tyree Turner said it took him a while to get back into basketball form after football season.
Starting 5: A primer for high school hoops season in Westmoreland County
December 1, 2022
The WPIAL basketball season opens Friday. Here are some of the top players, teams and storylines to watch this winter in Westmoreland County.
Westmoreland County basketball notes: Coaching reunion at Norwin tournament
Norwin will host a tip-off tournament to open boys basketball season Friday. The two-day event will be more like a reunion for three opposing coaches.
Belle Vernon’s Braden Laux makes impact on both sides of the ball
The more you watch Belle Vernon play, the more logical the question becomes.
Yough girls basketball program continues to gain steam as new section awaits
November 28, 2022
The gymnasium at Yough is squeaking with basketball shoes, and there is energy in the air as girls run laps to open a practice.
With new drop in classification and 4 starters back, Yough boys have look of contender
A drop in classification. A new section. A host of letterwinners returning.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Franklin Regional’s Jake Kimmich to follow brothers to Grove City soccer
November 27, 2022
From the outside, Jake Kimmich’s college decision seemed easy. Maybe even expected.
Belle Vernon’s long-awaited WPIAL football title was product of tireless work
November 26, 2022
A 30-plus-hour work week was worth it for a WPIAL championship.
WPIAL girls soccer players lauded with All-America, all-region, all-state honors
A trio of WPIAL girls soccer standouts guided their teams to long postseason runs and now are reaping individual rewards.
WPIAL boys earn All-America, all-region, all-state soccer accolades
Beau Lizewski helped lead Seneca Valley (22-1-1) to a PIAA Class 4A championship and a runner-up finish in the WPIAL.
Norwin notebook: Graduates making impact on women’s college hardwood
Norwin has produced college-level talent before in women’s basketball, but the Lady Knights’ imprint on the game is large this season.
Franklin Regional notebook: Football standouts earn postseason honors
The Big 5/6 Conference, which acknowledges the accomplishments of teams and athletes in the WPIAL’s two largest classifications, announced its all-section teams for football, soccer and volleyball.
Franklin Regional teams win youth football championships
Franklin Regional Youth football was double trouble for opponents in the Big East this season.
Electrifying Quinton Martin sparks Belle Vernon to WPIAL Class 3A title win over Avonworth
November 25, 2022
Attendance at Acrisure Stadium for the WPIAL Class 3A football championship: Quinton Martin … and everyone else.Norwin girls basketball coach planning to manage team so it peaks at right time
Looking to allow recovery time between the fall season and WPIAL winter season, Norwin’s girls basketball team eased into practice instead of going all out like in previous years.
Norwin boys basketball team prepared to take next step in Maha’s 2nd season as coach
A sleek, refurbished gym floor greeted the basketball teams at Norwin this year.
Belle Vernon secondary prepares to deal with tall Avonworth receivers in WPIAL title game
November 24, 2022
WPIAL Class 3A football championship
Football newcomer develops into one of WPIAL’s finest linemen at Belle Vernon
November 22, 2022
First, there was curiosity. Then came eagerness.
Latrobe boys basketball wants to reap benefits of adversity
November 21, 2022
To experience the pleasure of the WPIAL postseason again, Latrobe had to endure a little pain.
Latrobe girls basketball team maintains work ethic
Despite a two-year run of success that has produced a a pair of section titles, a run to the WPIAL semifinals and its first PIAA playoff berth since 1999, the Latrobe girls basketball team is not expecting any handouts.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Franklin Regional well represented on all-star team
November 20, 2022
The Big 5/6 Conference, which acknowledges the accomplishments of teams and athletes in the WPIAL’s two largest classifications, announced its all-section teams for football, soccer and volleyball.
Jeannette boys basketball looking to measure up to competition
Jeannette has featured strong guard play in recent years, but its strength this boys basketball season looks like the frontcourt.
New coach keeps positive outlook as Jeannette girls basketball eyes rebound
The climb back to respectability is steep for Anna Leonard, the new girls basketball coach at Jeannette. But she is ready to scale the challenge and doesn’t plan to look down.
Moon’s Hailey Longwell wins Moe Rosensteel Award
Her team did not lose a single game and celebrated a pair of championships. But a postseason award really seemed to cap a perfect season for Hailey Longwell.
Norwin notebook: Group of standout seniors make college commitments
Norwin athletes put pen to paper on college signing day Nov. 9.
Hempfield girls look to keep offseason momentum rolling
November 19, 2022
Some offseason success and a taste of victory has the Hempfield girls basketball team beaming with confidence and believing it can win more games than it loses.
With young roster, Hempfield boys embark on rebuilding year
It is a harsh reality in sports. Teams rebuild.
Rosters set for inaugural WCCA all-star volleyball match
November 18, 2022
A new event has joined the Westmoreland County Coaches Association sports rotation.
Guard play could provide spark for Greensburg Central Catholic girls basketball team
November 17, 2022
A move to a new section is just logistics to Greensburg Central Catholic.
Greensburg Central Catholic boys basketball returns plenty
Greensburg Central Catholic will open boys basketball practice Friday with no starters.
Shaye Bailey’s hat trick torches Greensburg CC, sends Freedom to Class A state title game
November 16, 2022
Looking more like she was ready for the homecoming court than someone who had just played a soccer game, Shaye Bailey cradled a bouquet of roses as she talked to reporters on a bitter cold Wednesday night in Monroeville.
Get to know the new site of the PIAA soccer championships
The PIAA soccer championships will move to a new venue this year with eight title games set for Friday and Saturday at Eagle View Middle School’s Bobby Rahal Toyota Field on the campus of Cumberland Valley High School in Mechanicsburg.
Seasoned roster has Franklin Regional girls in position to succeed
The girls basketball roster at Franklin Regional last year had a mix of guards and forwards, varying heights and positions.
Franklin Regional boys look to build on flashes of excellence
Franklin Regional is looking for more consistency, start to finish, end to end.
PIHL selects October players of the month
November 15, 2022
With the season more than a month old already, the PIHL announced its first batch of players of the month.
PIAA postpones soccer, field hockey semifinals to Wednesday
The PIAA didn’t want teams to deal with the cold temperatures, snow and wintry mix that hit the state Tuesday.
Mt. Pleasant girls soccer team makes good on vow to do something ‘special’
November 14, 2022
At the start of the playoffs, coach Rich Garland posed a question to his girls soccer players at Mt. Pleasant.
Westmoreland soccer playoff preview capsules for games of Nov. 16, 2022
Today’s games
WPIAL’s top linemen named finalists for 4th annual Bill Fralic Memorial Award
As expected, six finalists were announced for the fourth Bill Fralic Memorial Award, which honors the top senior football interior lineman in the WPIAL.
High school notebook: Greensburg Central Catholic places 3 on All-WPIAL roster
November 13, 2022
Boys soccer season ended early with no local teams advancing past the WPIAL quarterfinals.
Return of Alex Thomas gives boost to Norwin hockey team
Norwin hockey coach Mike Robinson sometimes finds himself watching Alex Thomas instead of coaching him.
Derry golfer Hunter Jurica commits to Saint Francis
Hunter Jurica can hit long drives.
Greensburg Central Catholic girls have shot at playoff revenge
Another day, another rematch for Greensburg Central Catholic in the state soccer playoffs.
Sites set for PIAA soccer semifinals; 7 WPIAL teams still in hunt for state title
Seven teams from the WPIAL remain in the hunt for state soccer titles.
Westmoreland High School Athletes of the Week: Week ending Nov. 13, 2022
November 12, 2022
Morgan Gesinski
Ligonier Valley has long, strange trip to WPIAL football quarterfinals
Ligonier Valley football players sat quietly in the pitch black of a locker room with no power Friday night at Reeves Field on the campus of Geneva College.
Greensburg Central Catholic girls top Springdale, reach PIAA semis for 4th straight year
An early deficit might dampen a team’s spirits in the state soccer playoffs. It incentivized Greensburg Central Catholic on Saturday against rival Springdale.
Franklin Regional notebook: Ex-Panthers make mark in college soccer
Colleges have a soccer pipeline going to Franklin Regional, and the recruits are producing at the next level.
Norwin notebook: Defender makes all-WPIAL list
Girls soccer talent is bubbling over in Westmoreland County, as evidenced by postseason playoff runs, career scoring milestones and Division I commitments.
Beaver Falls shuts out Ligonier Valley in WPIAL quarters
November 11, 2022
Tasked with running a hurry-up offense, the likes of which they had never seen before, Ligonier Valley and Beaver Falls had to pack up and move their WPIAL Class 2A football game to another site Friday night shortly after warm-ups when a blown transformer caused a power outage at Geneva College’s Reeves Field.
Beaver Falls-Ligonier Valley game delayed by power outage, moved to Blackhawk
The WPIAL Class 2A quarterfinal football playoff game between Ligonier Valley and Beaver Falls has been moved from Geneva College to Blackhawk High School.
Westmoreland PIAA girls soccer playoff capsules: Games for Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022
Today’s games
Alle-Kiski Valley soccer playoff preview: Game of Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022
Today’s game
Boys All-WPIAL soccer teams, players, coaches of year announced
The Western Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association announced its All-WPIAL lists for each classification.
Veteran trio corrals talented young Mt. Pleasant team
November 10, 2022
With only two seniors in the starting 11, one might think Mt. Pleasant lacks veteran leadership. That this team is just a bunch of whiz kids running around aimlessly.
Greensburg C.C. girls soccer gets rival Springdale at Norwin stadium, where Centurions are 9-0 since 2014
As if playing Springdale for a third time this season wasn’t enough to pique their interest, the site for Saturday’s PIAA Class A girls soccer quarterfinal has Greensburg Central Catholic and coach Kara Batey beaming.
Fralic Award finalists to be announced Monday
Finalists for the fourth Bill Fralic Award will be announced Monday at a special press conference.
Westmoreland County high school football notebook: Sophomore QB sparks Latrobe
When Ron Prady took over the Latrobe football program, he already knew many of the players because he teaches in the district.
Latrobe lineman Calabrace wins ‘NFL Way to Play Award’ for excellent technique
November 9, 2022
Latrobe senior lineman Daniel Calabrace was the NFL Way to Play Award recipient for Week 8.
After making statement with playoff win, Ligonier Valley runs into powerful Beaver Falls
Ligonier Valley celebrated its first WPIAL playoff win last Friday night — on the bus ride home.
Mt. Pleasant girls soccer tops Bedford to earn 1st PIAA win in school history
November 8, 2022
JOHNSTOWN — Maddie Barrick could see the ball come to her.
Westmoreland PIAA soccer preview capsules: Games on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022
November 7, 2022
Class 3A
PIAA announces state soccer playoff pairings
November 6, 2022
The PIAA announced opening-round pairings, times and sites for the state soccer playoffs, which are set to begin Tuesday.
Mt. Pleasant, Latrobe girls soccer enter territory very familiar to Greensburg CC: PIAAs
For one local girls soccer team, the PIAA playoffs are old hat.
Norwin softball standout Snowberger commits to Holy Cross
Bailey Snowberger likes to work in silence.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Girls soccer talent abounds in area
Girls soccer talent is bubbling over in Westmoreland County, as evidenced by postseason playoff runs, career scoring milestones and Division I commitments.
Norwin focuses on youth football players to build program’s foundation
On a cold February night, the high school cafeteria at Norwin buzzed with voices of youngsters who represented the future of varsity football at the school.
Norwin notebook: Youth football teams play in championship games
Norwin had two teams playing for titles at the Western Pennsylvania Youth Football League championships Oct. 30 at Norwin Knights Stadium.
Westmoreland high school athletes of the week for the week ending Nov. 6, 2022
November 5, 2022
Ava Hershberger
Latrobe, Ligonier Valley celebrate long-awaited WPIAL playoff victories
As he walked off the practice field one day last week, Latrobe football coach Ron Prady was asked if he thought his team had a chance against higher-seeded Highlands in the first round of the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs.
Fiona Mahan’s 2 goals help Avonworth defend WPIAL Class 2A girls soccer title
For Mt. Pleasant girls soccer, the thrill of the hunt was invigorating.
Ligonier Valley beats Western Beaver for 1st WPIAL playoff win in school history
November 4, 2022
Ligonier Valley drove two-and-a-half hours to its playoff game last year.
WPIAL athletes Kreis, Smith earn HS Heisman scholarships
A pair of of WPIAL student-athletes are striking the Heisman pose today.
WPIAL Class 2A girls soccer championship breakdown: Avonworth vs. Mt. Pleasant
WPIAL girls soccer preview
Defense to provide backbone for high-scoring Mt. Pleasant in WPIAL girls soccer finals vs. Avonworth
November 3, 2022
To some people, a scoreless soccer game that goes into overtime might be a yawner.
Longtime equipment manager is heart and soul of Latrobe football program
Search the downtown streets or the outskirts of the Chestnut Ridge. Check the terminal of Arnold Palmer Regional Airport or the campus of Saint Vincent College.
Westmoreland County high school football notebook: Playoff berth not enough for Ligonier Valley
Inclusion is no longer a goal for Ligonier Valley, which has warmed up to the WPIAL after rejoining District 7 in 2020.
Westmoreland County don’t miss high school football matchups for 2022 Week 10
November 2, 2022
Class 5A
2022 All-WPIAL girls soccer list announced
With WPIAL soccer finals weekend approaching, league coaches came up with this year’s All-WPIAL girls soccer list.
3 finalists announced for Moe Rosensteel Award
The winner of the fourth Moe Rosensteel Player of the Year Award for the WPIAL’s top girls soccer player will be announced following the PIAA championships.
No. 2 Moon blanks No. 3 Plum in Class 3A girls soccer semifinals
November 1, 2022
Moon scored so fast, some late-entering fans had not even found a seat.
Mars scores plenty in WPIAL semifinal win vs. Latrobe
Strobe lights flash at Gateway when teams score goals.
Westmoreland WPIAL soccer playoff capsule: Game for Nov. 2, 2022
WPIAL girls soccer playoffs
Dave Brozeski steps down as Norwin football coach
After nine seasons as Norwin’s head football coach, Dave Brozeski is stepping down from the position.
Mars pair picked for HS All-American soccer game
Three players from Western Pennsylvania were selected to play in the High School All-American soccer games set for Dec. 10 in Panama City, Fla.
Freedom girls defeat Greensburg Central Catholic in 2OT in wild WPIAL Class A semifinal
October 31, 2022
If any team has been a thorn in Freedom’s side in recent years, it’s Greensburg Central Catholic.
Westmoreland soccer notebook: Third county team gets crack at Mars girls
Two Westmoreland girls soccer teams have attempted to knock three-time defending WPIAL and PIAA champion Mars from these playoffs, but Penn-Trafford and Franklin Regional have come up short despite Herculean efforts.
Westmoreland WPIAL soccer playoff preview capsules: Games for Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022
WPIAL soccer playoffs preview
14 boys soccer players from WPIAL garner all-state honors
October 30, 2022
The Western Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association announced its all-state team Sunday night.
Westmoreland soccer playoff preview capsule for games of Oct. 31, 2022
WPIAL soccer playoffs preview
Westmoreland high school notebook: Penn-Trafford girls soccer motivated for ’23 after playoff effort
Rarely does a loss generate this much attention.
Mt. Pleasant girls blank Freeport, advance to WPIAL Class 2A semifinals
October 29, 2022
Marissa Garn wears No. 99.
Westmoreland high school athletes of the week for the week ending Oct. 30, 2022
Robin Reilly
Westmoreland County high school football notebook: Short-handed GCC happy with win
All things considered, Greensburg Central Catholic coach Marko Thomas was thrilled with his team’s result Friday night — a 48-21 win over Leechburg that clinched the Eastern Conference title.
Norwin notebook: Late season surge leads to strong seed for boys soccer team
The Norwin boys soccer team played some of its best soccer late in the season and it led to a quality seeding in the WPIAL playoffs.
Franklin Regional notebook: Soccer teams split playoff openers
Soccer season continued for one Franklin Regional soccer team, while another saw its season end abruptly.
Greensburg Central Catholic routs Leechburg, clinches Eastern Conference title
October 28, 2022
Greensburg Central Catholic was not in a sharing mood Friday night.
Westmoreland soccer playoff preview capsules for games of Oct. 29, 2022
WPIAL soccer playoffs preview
Mars girls solve Franklin Regional defense in OT, run unbeaten streak to 79
October 27, 2022
Try as they might, teams just can’t stop the streak.
Westmoreland County H.S. football notebook: Playoff berth means progress for Latrobe
Latrobe quickly put a loss to No. 2 McKeesport in the past and clung to perspective with a trip to the WPIAL playoffs clinched.
Westmoreland County don’t miss high school football matchups for 2022 Week 9
October 26, 2022
Class 5A Big East
Westmoreland WPIAL soccer playoff capsules: Games for Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022
WPIAL soccer playoffs preview
Freshman Morgan Gesinski scores 7 goals in Mt. Pleasant’s rout of West Mifflin in Class 2A
October 25, 2022
When teams open the WPIAL soccer playoffs, they immediately look to take the pressure off.
Westmoreland WPIAL soccer playoff capsules: Games for Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022
Girls
Latrobe tops Ringgold to pick up school’s 1st girls soccer playoff win ‘in style’
October 24, 2022
From the inaugural Wildcat growl that greeted players and fans over the loudspeaker to open the game, to the final horn that ended it, Latrobe was focused on one goal: Make some noise in the WPIAL playoffs.
Westmoreland WPIAL soccer playoff capsules: Games for Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022
Tuesdays’ games
Westmoreland soccer playoff preview capsules for games of Oct. 24, 2022
October 23, 2022
WPIAL soccer playoffs preview
Westmoreland HS notebook: Latrobe’s Sydney DeGram headed to St. Bonaventure
Latrobe senior softball player Sydney DeGram will play NCAA Division I college softball in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
No. 13 Montour upsets No. 4 Franklin Regional in 1st round
October 22, 2022
As patient and prodding as it was, Montour’s gameplan also was simplistic.
Westmoreland H.S. athletes of the week: Yough’s McKenzie Pritts, Franklin Regional’s Sam Dawson
McKenzie Pritts
Westmoreland County high school football notebook: Norwin star makes move to QB
Essentially a fourth-string quarterback if he was ever a quarterback at all, Jackson Pons was the “break glass in case of emergency” guy at Norwin.
Norwin notebook: Runners set pace at county cross country meet
Get used to seeing the Norwin girls cross country team out in front of the pack.
McKeesport rolls over Latrobe, but Wildcats clinch playoffs
October 21, 2022
There was good news and bad news for Latrobe’s football team Friday night.
Westmoreland County soccer playoff preview capsules for games of Oct. 22, 2022
Saturday’s games
Westmoreland County high school football notebook: Breaking down the WPIAL playoff format
October 20, 2022
The WPIAL football playoffs are less than two weeks away.
2-sport athletes key to success of Westmoreland County boys soccer playoff teams
Robbie Labuda threw his gym bag in the car, and off he went. An hour drive to McGuffey for a soccer game awaited.
Mt. Pleasant girls, GCC boys among top Westmoreland County seeds vying for WPIAL gold
October 19, 2022
Mt. Pleasant never has won a WPIAL girls soccer title.
Breaking down the 2022 WPIAL boys soccer playoffs
Here’s a look at the 2022 WPIAL boys soccer playoffs:
Breaking down the 2022 WPIAL girls soccer playoffs
Here’s a look at the 2022 WPIAL girls soccer playoffs:
Sisters bring chemistry lesson to girls soccer playoff teams in Westmoreland County
October 18, 2022
Regan and Robin Reilly have a secret. A secret, just between sisters.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Norwin softball standout commits to St. Francis (Pa.)
October 16, 2022
Power-hitting catcher Madie Kessler is a Division I commit.
Westmoreland H.S. athletes of the week: Greensburg Central Catholic’s Sara Felder, Greensburg Central Catholic’s Carlo Denis
October 15, 2022
Sara Felder
Westmoreland football notebook: Belle Vernon star Quinton Martin to narrow college choices
Belle Vernon star junior Quinton Martin plans to narrow his list of college scholarship offers to a top 10 soon.
Norwin uses ‘pack mentality’ to rack up cross country success
From the youth level to varsity, the Norwin cross country teams are outpacing the field with regularity.
Ex-Jayhawk leads Greensburg Central Catholic past Jeannette
October 14, 2022
Jaydin Canady likes to play against his former team.
North Catholic standout Alayna Rocco commits to Harvard
October 13, 2022
Tribune-Review Terrific 10 basketball player Alayna Rocco of North Catholic is taking her talents to the Ivy League.
Westmoreland County high school football notebook: Keefer-to-Keffer connection sparks Southmoreland
Keefer to Keffer.
Mt. Pleasant girls soccer stays unbeaten, tops Southmoreland
October 12, 2022
Usually this late in the girls soccer regular season, section games are precious and carry heavy meaning in the standings.
Westmoreland County boys soccer notebook: Teams punch tickets to WPIAL playoffs
The WPIAL playoffs are just around the corner, with tournament play slated to start late next week.
Section champion Belle Vernon boys soccer team finds many pathways to victory
In many years of following and coaching soccer, Al Yeschenko had never seen a “buzzer-beater” on the pitch.
24 teams set to compete for WPIAL golf championships
WPIAL team golf championships
Westmoreland County don’t miss high school football matchups for 2022 Week 7
Class 5A Big East
Norwin boys soccer team beats Mt. Lebanon on penalty kick
October 11, 2022
Shutouts are nice. But Norwin will take wins any way it can get them.
Hempfield girls soccer team determined to turn program around
Tears begin to well up in Aryn Askin’s eyes and roll down her cheek as she talks about her soccer players.
Westmoreland high school girls soccer notebook: Franklin Regional hangs hat on defense
Junior goalkeeper Aris Lamanna and a tight-laced defense are not giving up the combination to the vault any time soon at Franklin Regional.
Latrobe girls soccer team gets better of Franklin Regional
October 10, 2022
Faster and more physical in the second half, Latrobe seemed to find another gear when it needed to and earned a Section 3-3A girls soccer sweep of visiting Franklin Regional on Monday night with a 2-0 victory before 360-plus fans at Rossi Field.Westmoreland high school notebook: Jurica, Derry set for WPIAL team golf semifinals
October 9, 2022
Call it a point of validation.
Westmoreland H.S. football notebook: Belle Vernon’s Quinton Martin brushes off pressure
October 8, 2022
Quinton Martin ran left, shedding and side-stepping defenders on the way to a 32-yard touchdown run that was worthy of any highlight show.
Westmoreland H.S. athletes of the week: Belle Vernon’s Tessa Rodriguez, Latrobe’s Peyton Myers
Tessa Rodriguez
Norwin hockey team gets back to work after unforgettable championship season
Win or lose, stand or fall this hockey season, Norwin will always have 2021.
3rd-ranked Belle Vernon too much for Greensburg Salem
October 7, 2022
Jake Gedekoh is old school.
Westmoreland County high school football notebook: Penn-Trafford ready for resurgent Gateway
October 6, 2022
Gateway made the loudest statement in the WPIAL last Friday night when it dismantled upstart Hempfield, 60-7, reminding everyone that it is still very much a part of the conversation in the Class 5A Big East Conference.
Westmoreland County boys soccer notebook: Scoring duos filling the nets
October 5, 2022
Carlo Denis and Kyler Miller have formed a formidable one-two scoring punch at Greensburg Central Catholic.
Penn-Trafford boys soccer fights through injuries, stays in playoff chase
Staggered by injuries, Penn-Trafford has managed to stay in the WPIAL boys soccer playoff chase in its first year in Class 3A.
Derry’s Hunter Jurica adds WPIAL golf title to list of accomplishments
October 4, 2022
The kid with the bucket hat keeps crossing things off his bucket list.
Despite tiny roster, Yough girls soccer team making plays by the dozen
With substitutions in short supply, Yough tries to conserve and persevere.
Westmoreland County girls soccer notebook: Latrobe senior set for international play
Latrobe senior Chloe Boyette plays defender on the Wildcats’ back line, but, come December, she will be lining up as a goalkeeper on a national stage.
WPIAL Class 3A boys golf championship preview
WPIAL Class 3A boys golf championship final round
Southmoreland, Yough girls soccer teams battle to draw
October 3, 2022
With such a light bench, Yough is often content playing more defense than offense.
Westmoreland County high school notebook: Franklin Regional’s Bunker commits to Villanova
October 2, 2022
At first, Aiden Bunker exchanged emails with Villanova to gauge the school’s interest in his swimming talents.
WPIAL girls golf championship preview
WPIAL Class 3A girls golf championship, final round
WPIAL Class 2A boys golf championship preview
WPIAL Class 2A boys golf championship, final round
Westmoreland high school athletes of the week: Week ending Oct. 2, 2022
October 1, 2022
Lily Fenton
WCCA will hold inaugural all-star volleyball event in November
The Westmoreland County Coaches Association is adding an event to its fall/winter schedule.
Westmoreland high school football notebook: GCC works RPO to perfection
The run-pass option can be effective, but it relies on timing between the quarterback and his running backs and receivers and blocking schemes that clear space to allow for a clean exchange or throw.
Hempfield softball standout Heisler gives verbal commitment to Penn
Hempfield junior softball player Peyton Heisler will continue her playing career in the Ivy League.
Norwin notebook: Boys soccer team speeds up after slow start
The Norwin boys soccer team is all about streaks this season.
Murrysville notebook: Franklin Regional boys soccer rounding into form
Lukas Petersen said he needed time to get to know his team, his players and his opponents.
GCC uses big plays to upset Clairton, get 1st win over Bears since 2001
September 30, 2022
No Greensburg Central Catholic team had beaten Clairton since 2001.
Franklin Regional boys soccer earns tough victory over Penn-Trafford
September 29, 2022
Coming off such a thrilling — and emotionally draining — upset victory against No. 1 Plum, Franklin Regional was hoping Penn-Trafford would not be a “trap game” Thursday night.
Westmoreland County high school football notebook: GCC looks to knock off king Clairton
Pieces of paper with “1998” written on them were plastered all over the Greensburg Central Catholic locker room this week.
Springdale girls soccer team trips Greensburg CC after going a player down in final minute
September 28, 2022
Playing 10-on-11 didn’t sit well with Springdale.
Norwin boys soccer getting its swagger back, getting into thick of Class 4A picture
Call it conditioned experience.
Westmoreland boys soccer notes: GCC not letting up on offense
Greensburg Central Catholic boys soccer coach Rob Fabean said before the season he was going to let his players score as many goals as they wanted.
Franklin Regional boys soccer team knocks off top-ranked Plum
September 27, 2022
The Franklin Regional boys are playing their best soccer of the season. Just ask Plum.
Westmoreland girls soccer notebook: Norwin looks for turnaround to keep playoff streak alive
Diane Metzger played for Norwin, so the second-year coach knows about the school’s rich tradition in girls soccer.
Undefeated Mt. Pleasant girls soccer team in rare form
A 3-5-2 formation is somewhat rare in high school girls soccer.
Westmoreland campus clippings: Jeannette grad Marcus Barnes making impact at William & Mary
September 26, 2022
Coming out of Jeannette, Marcus Barnes was known for his glue-like hands and football instincts.
Belle Vernon softball pitcher Kolowitz makes verbal commitment to St. Francis (Pa.)
September 25, 2022
Belle Vernon senior Olivia Kolowitz became more familiar with the recruiting game last fall when she joined the Ohio Outlaws travel softball team.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Golfers set for new WPIAL format
WPIAL golfers this week will be part of a significant format change to the individual postseason.
Add volleyball coach to list of duties for busy Southmoreland AD Boring
Dan Boring’s life is anything but, well, boring.
Westmoreland HS football notebook: Hempfield win among program’s best
September 24, 2022
With 5,000-plus sardined into Spartan Stadium, Hempfield pulled off one of its biggest football wins in at least four decades Friday night with a 28-17 victory over defending WPIAL and PIAA Class 5A champion Penn-Trafford, which had just moved into the No. 1 spot in the TribLive HSSN rankings.
Westmoreland high school athletes of the week: Week ending Sept. 25, 2022
Rylin Bugosh
Rodney Gallagher uses smarts to lead Laurel Highlands past Latrobe
September 23, 2022
Rodney Gallagher: 4-star prospect, West Virginia commit, clock manager extraordinaire.
Greensburg Salem boys soccer team trounces Jeannette
September 22, 2022
Maybe it was the energy from Senior Night or the realization this year is far from over, but Greensburg Salem decided to play its best soccer game of the season.
As buzz builds, undefeated Hempfield football team stays grounded
The first 4-0 start in 51 years has made Hempfield football the talk of tailgates and round tables.
Westmoreland County high school football notebook: First-year QBs finding rhythm
First-year quarterbacks have embraced their role behind center and, as a result, some teams have not missed a beat offensively through a few weeks of the WPIAL season.
Gesinski sisters connect to lead Mt. Pleasant girls soccer past Southmoreland
September 21, 2022
Sisters Riley and Morgan Gesinski couldn’t wait to play varsity soccer together so they could make an impact for fast-rising Mt. Pleasant.
‘Essential’ midfielders drive Mt. Pleasant boys soccer team
Opponents sometimes get lost in the triangle. The Mt. Pleasant boys soccer triangle.
Mt. Pleasant swim star Lily King to attend national select camp
Fast-rising Mt. Pleasant sophomore swimmer Lily King will train with other future Olympic hopefuls next month and learn more about how to manage her budding career.
Westmoreland County boys soccer notebook: Returning players boost Jeannette
Jeannette welcomed junior Austin Emery and senior Deyton Conrad back this week.
Westmoreland County girls soccer notebook: Southmoreland’s Olivia Cernuto out for season
September 20, 2022
Southmoreland senior standout Olivia Cernuto is done for the season with a right knee injury.
Section-opening loss drives Latrobe girls to find higher gear
When Latrobe was tripped up by top-ranked Plum, 4-2, in its Section 3-3A girls soccer opener, the sky was falling, but only briefly.
Mt. Pleasant girls blank Yough to stay unbeaten
September 19, 2022
One-goal games are usually a good bet when Yough and Mt. Pleasant meet in girls soccer.
Hempfield coach Katie Miller Gee advances to U.S. Mid-Am match play
September 18, 2022
Katie Miller Gee is taking a break from coaching the Hempfield girls golf team to play in the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Mt. Pleasant’s Eutsey shocked by hole-in-one
Emily Eutsey was having an ordinary round of golf, during a routine high school match, when the extraordinary happened.
Westmoreland athletes of the week: Greensburg Central Catholic’s Izzy Aigner, Hempfield’s Owen Dzurko
September 17, 2022
Izzy Aigner
Westmoreland high school football notebook: Franklin Regional gets physical
Lance Getsy channeled his inner Greg Botta on Friday night.
Norwin girls volleyball to rely on deep senior class entering Section 3-4A play
Norwin girls volleyball returns most of its rotation from last season’s WPIAL Class 4A playoff team.
Franklin Regional notebook: Girls golf team celebrates WCCA championship
With four top-10 finishers and a little determination to repeat as champion, the Franklin Regional girls golf team defended its Westmoreland County Coaches Association Championship on Sept. 9 at Champion Lakes Golf Course in Bolivar.
Franklin Regional controls ground game, stuns top-ranked Gateway
September 16, 2022
Franklin Regional already had momentum from a strong start. But when the Panthers added a purpose — to play for an injured teammate — nobody was stopping them.
Belle Vernon boys soccer has a blast, beats Mt. Pleasant to move into 1st-place tie
September 15, 2022
Belle Vernon opened with a quirky kickoff formation with just about every player lined up to one side at the 50-yard line, with a deep kick.
Westmoreland County high school football notebook: Penn-Trafford’s Conlan Greene settles in under center
Conlan Greene was a backup quarterback last year at Penn-Trafford but didn’t truly embrace the position because he was more valuable as a tight end and defensive end.
Latrobe girls upset No. 5 Franklin Regional in Section 3-3A soccer match
September 14, 2022
You would have thought Latrobe had just won a championship as the girls soccer team’s bus pulled out of Franklin Regional on Wednesday night.
Westmoreland County boys soccer notebook: Mt. Pleasant thriving with young roster
Mt. Pleasant might have a bright future in boys soccer. The proof lies in the team’s present lineup.
New alignment gets mostly positive reviews from Westmoreland County boys soccer coaches
WPIAL realignment caused a shake-up in classifications and sections, and boys soccer saw quite a bit of movement in Westmoreland County.
New coach, 24, looks to bring bolt of energy to Greensburg Salem boys basketball
When he played high school basketball at Norwin, Cam Auld was a shooting guard who fired up 3-pointers.
Westmoreland girls soccer notebook: Franklin Regional joins top 5
September 13, 2022
Franklin Regional (5-1) is the newest local team to find a spot in the TribLive HSSN rankings.
Mt. Pleasant, Southmoreland, Yough slug it out in intense girls soccer section
One goal is impressive.
Injury to Cernuto mars Southmoreland’s 2-1 win over Yough
September 12, 2022
Moments after a loud, happy celebration — screams and claps to applaud two goals in a row — a subdued hush fell over the crowd at Russ Grimm Field.
Westmoreland HS notebook: Girls tennis individual postseason set to begin
September 11, 2022
The girls tennis postseason takes center stage this week on the WPIAL calendar with section singles tournaments across District 7.
Westmoreland high school athletes of the week: Olivia Cernuto and Luke Rivardo
September 10, 2022
Olivia Cernuto
Westmoreland high school football notebook: Rare home loss for Ligonier Valley
Ligonier Valley does not lose at Weller Field, its home football venue, very often.
Franklin Regional girls volleyball leaning on senior-heavy rotation
Rachel Carter’s first season as coach of the Franklin Regional girls volleyball team was a getting-to-know-you time for the team’s new leader and its players.
Penn-Trafford gets clean victory against Woodland Hills
September 9, 2022
Looking to right a wrong — the Warriors lost at home last week for just the third time since 2013 — Penn-Trafford returned to form at Warrior Stadium.
Greensburg Central Catholic’s Aigner captures WCCA girls golf title
She played her drive down the left-center of the fairway of the 428-yard 15th hole and had a clear look at the reachable par-5.
Latrobe’s Lily Fenton accepts preferred walk-on offer to play volleyball at Notre Dame
September 8, 2022
When it comes to her college plans, Lily Fenton is all “set.”
Westmoreland County high school football notebook: Haden Sierocky doing it all for Ligonier Valley
Haden Sierocky went from a quarterback candidate to a versatile weapon and catalyst for Ligonier Valley.
Plum races past Latrobe in matchup of top girls soccer teams in Class 3A
September 7, 2022
Plum came out like a sprinter in the fastest heat.
Jeannette boys soccer looking to build on, not relive, last season’s success
“Move on” is a two-word mantra around the Jeannette boys soccer team these days.
Westmoreland County boys soccer notebook: GCC’s Carlo Denis hits major milestone
Greensburg Central Catholic senior Carlo Denis reached a career milestone Sept. 1 when the second-ranked Centurions visited No. 5 Bentworth in a Section 2-A game.
GCC girls soccer not hitting panic button, remain No. 1 in Class A
September 6, 2022
Few coaches will argue it is better to lose the first game of the season than the last one.
Westmoreland County girls soccer notebook: Community rallies around Rosensteel Classic
More than 600 fans came through the turnstiles at Norwin on Saturday for the inaugural Moe Rosensteel Memorial Kickoff Classic.
Westmoreland high school notebook: WCCA girls golf championship tees off Friday
September 5, 2022
The Westmoreland County Coaches Association will host its girls golf championship Friday at Champion Lakes Golf Course in Bolivar.
Latrobe, Norwin battle to draw at Moe Rosensteel memorial tourney
September 3, 2022
Exhausted after 100 minutes of soccer that resulted in a grueling 2-2 tie in hot and humid conditions, Latrobe and Norwin girls soccer players reflected on the state of their game and the cause.
Westmoreland H.S. football notebook: Hempfield putting up points in a hurry
Look down, and you might miss a play. Go to the concession stand, and you might miss a whole drive — maybe two.
Strength and conditioning coaches, trainers bolster Westmoreland County football programs
High school football teams used to use an honor system in the summer months for offseason training.
With defense leading way, Franklin Regional girls soccer expects strong season
After a 14-win season and a run to the WPIAL Class 3A quarterfinals, the Franklin Regional girls soccer team is primed to go farther.
Opportunity knocks for young Norwin boys soccer roster
Don’t count Norwin out of the WPIAL playoff chase just yet.
McKeesport gets impressive victory vs. Penn-Trafford
September 2, 2022
It might have been youth night at Warrior Stadium, but this was big boy football.
Penn State’s James Franklin to arrive via helicopter to watch Quinton Martin, Belle Vernon play Laurel Highlands
James Franklin will make quite an entrance tonight at Belle Vernon.
Plum blanks Franklin Regional in ‘brawl’ between Class 3A contenders
September 1, 2022
A matchup of the Tribune-Review’s top two teams in the WPIAL Class 3A rankings wasn’t exactly the Backyard Brawl of boys soccer, but it was close.
Westmoreland football notebook: Hempfield senior perseveres after 3 ACL tears
Arthritis at age 25? A knee replacement at 35?
Franklin Regional buckles down, makes early goal stand up in win over Penn-Trafford
August 31, 2022
Get a goal on the board early, possess the ball and make defensive stops.
Westmoreland County boys soccer notebook: New coach putting stamp on Franklin Regional program
Hired very late in the process, Lukas Petersen is still getting to know his players, implement the basics of his system and make the Franklin Regional boys soccer program his own.
With shackles off, expect big goal totals from Greensburg Central Catholic boys soccer
One of the first directives Rob Fabean put into place when he took over the Greensburg Central Catholic boys soccer team last season was his three-goal rule.
Westmoreland County don’t miss high school football matchups for 2022 Week 1
Nonconference
Norwin girls soccer players seek healthier trip through section schedule
August 30, 2022
Injuries took a toll on Norwin last year to the point where the girls soccer team rarely had the same set lineup on the field.
Westmoreland soccer notebook: Norwin set to host Moe Rosensteel Kickoff Classic
Norwin will host the inaugural Moe Rosensteel Memorial Kickoff Classic on Saturday at Knights Stadium.
Greensburg Central Catholic girls aim to continue golf dynasty under new coach
In what has been an astounding run of success in WPIAL girls golf, Greensburg Central Catholic has won seven consecutive championships since its program began in 2015.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Flickinger stepping down as Derry baseball coach
August 28, 2022
Derry baseball coach John Flickinger is stepping down after 11 years at the position.
Westmoreland football notebook: Secret is out on Latrobe’s Fulton
August 27, 2022
Latrobe first-year football coach Ron Prady joked Friday night that the “secret’s out” on Robby Fulton IV, his senior running back and linebacker.
Norwin notebook: Soccer standouts set to begin college careers
A bout of injuries plagued Norwin at the wrong times last girls soccer season, leaving the team and fans wondering what could have been.
Franklin Regional’s Morrison plots future with Sprint football
Maddox Morrison is taking a unique path to college football.
Latrobe dominates Derry in football opener
August 26, 2022
Neighboring rivals Latrobe and Derry had a lot in common heading into their season-opening matchup.Westmoreland high school football notebook: ‘Huddie’ Kaufman to be honored
The press box at Offutt Field was one of his favorite spots to watch a football game. It was part office, part sanctuary.Westmoreland County boys soccer preview: New challenges for Jeannette, Franklin Regional
August 25, 2022
Jeannette is not necessarily running from anyone by playing up in classification in boys soccer. The way the Jayhawks see it, the move is about perspective and proper placement.Westmoreland County boys soccer preview: New challenges for Jeannette, Franklin Regional
Jeannette is not necessarily running from anyone by playing up in classification in boys soccer. The way the Jayhawks see it, the move is about perspective and proper placement.Westmoreland County girls soccer preview: Class 3A field loaded with contenders
WPIAL Class 3A girls soccer just got a lot stronger.Yough has ‘extension of a coach’ in WR Roebuck
When he found out he was moving from quarterback to receiver late last season, Yough’s Gavin Roebuck had mixed emotions.Yough has ‘extension of a coach’ in WR Roebuck
When he found out he was moving from quarterback to receiver late last season, Yough’s Gavin Roebuck had mixed emotions.Westmoreland high school football notebook: ‘Huddie’ Kaufman to be honored
The press box at Offutt Field was one of his favorite spots to watch a football game. It was part office, part sanctuary.Westmoreland high school football notebook: ‘Huddie’ Kaufman to be honored
The press box at Offutt Field was one of his favorite spots to watch a football game. It was part office, part sanctuary.Yough has ‘extension of a coach’ in WR Roebuck
When he found out he was moving from quarterback to receiver late last season, Yough’s Gavin Roebuck had mixed emotions.Westmoreland County girls soccer preview: Class 3A field loaded with contenders
WPIAL Class 3A girls soccer just got a lot stronger.Westmoreland County boys soccer preview: New challenges for Jeannette, Franklin Regional
Jeannette is not necessarily running from anyone by playing up in classification in boys soccer. The way the Jayhawks see it, the move is about perspective and proper placement.Westmoreland high school football notebook: ‘Huddie’ Kaufman to be honored
The press box at Offutt Field was one of his favorite spots to watch a football game. It was part office, part sanctuary.Westmoreland County girls soccer preview: Class 3A field loaded with contenders
WPIAL Class 3A girls soccer just got a lot stronger.Westmoreland County boys soccer preview: New challenges for Jeannette, Franklin Regional
Jeannette is not necessarily running from anyone by playing up in classification in boys soccer. The way the Jayhawks see it, the move is about perspective and proper placement.
Yough has ‘extension of a coach’ in WR Roebuck
When he found out he was moving from quarterback to receiver late last season, Yough’s Gavin Roebuck had mixed emotions.
Westmoreland high school football notebook: ‘Huddie’ Kaufman to be honored
The press box at Offutt Field was one of his favorite spots to watch a football game. It was part office, part sanctuary.
Westmoreland County girls soccer preview: Class 3A field loaded with contenders
WPIAL Class 3A girls soccer just got a lot stronger.
Westmoreland County boys soccer preview: New challenges for Jeannette, Franklin Regional
Jeannette is not necessarily running from anyone by playing up in classification in boys soccer. The way the Jayhawks see it, the move is about perspective and proper placement.Westmoreland County girls soccer preview: Class 3A field loaded with contenders
WPIAL Class 3A girls soccer just got a lot stronger.Westmoreland County girls soccer preview: Class 3A field loaded with contenders
WPIAL Class 3A girls soccer just got a lot stronger.
Westmoreland County don’t miss high school football matchups for 2022 Week Zero
August 24, 2022
Nonconference
Junior receiver could be Southmoreland’s secret weapon this season
The “X” receiver could be Southmoreland’s X-factor this football season.
No-nonsense senior leads Norwin into Class 5A competition
August 22, 2022
While he appreciates the benefits and value of social media, Noah Vogel doesn’t rely on the look-at-me platforms to forward his football career.
2022 WPIAL girls soccer preview: Rankings, contenders, players to watch
WPIAL girls soccer preview
2022 WPIAL boys soccer preview: Rankings, contenders, players to watch
WPIAL boys soccer preview
After rare down season, Jeannette ready to rebuild under new coach Tom Paulone
It’s a mid-July evening and Jeannette is returning home from a 7-on-7 workout as the sky begins to dim toward nightfall.
After trying season, Greensburg C.C. presses forward with talented roster, high hopes
Nothing could have prepared Greensburg Central Catholic’s Marko Thomas for what he and his team faced in his first year as head coach of the Centurions.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Derry golfers off to fast start with narrow wins
August 20, 2022
It’s still early in an early starting high school golf season, but Derry is in mid-season form.
WPIAL Class A football breakdown: Defending champion Bishop Canevin the team to beat
Bishop Canevin does not have a lot of players who might be considered NCAA Division I prospects — at least not according to the feedback from college coaches.
2022 Moe Rosensteel Award watch list for top girls soccer player announced
August 19, 2022
It is becoming a tradition, just like the committee had hoped.
Behind alum Ben Hoffer, Yough aims to turn program around
Watching the Yough football program fall into disrepair was a cringe-worthy endeavor for proud alum Ben Hoffer, who used to shed tacklers and score touchdowns with ease when he played on Cougar Mountain.Two-way lineman a blue ribbon prospect for Latrobe football team
August 18, 2022
He will show lionhead rabbits and work a bottle-rocket contest at the Westmoreland Fair later in the summer.
New roles at Southmoreland but familiarity remains
Familiarity is a buzz word around Southmoreland camp.
From soccer goalkeeper to 2-way football player, Jeannette senior does it all in the fall
August 17, 2022
Making up for lost time he can’t get back, Mitchell Steele III plans to give everything he has to his senior football season at Jeannette.
Gino Caesar, fellow running backs ready to guide Hempfield to success
August 16, 2022
Gino Caesar still has the game ball from the night nobody could stop him.
Norwin baseball job lures Craig Spisak away from Yough
August 15, 2022
Craig Spisak is a Pennsylvania State Police trooper.
Latrobe works toward more victories after move to Class 4A
It is better to be the shark than the minnow, and Latrobe might be ready to raise its fin in a new classification.
Gritty Kimmel happy to be at Greensburg Central Catholic
August 14, 2022
You can keep your entitlement. If you want something, you earn it.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Lukas Petersen takes over Franklin Regional boys soccer
Perennial power Franklin Regional has a new boys soccer coach on the eve of a new season.
Ligonier Valley accepting nominations for inaugural athletic hall of fame class
Ligonier Valley will soon join a short but growing list of local high schools with an athletic hall of fame.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Norwin senior headed to UMBC
August 13, 2022
While she had other interest from NCAA Division I soccer programs, Norwin’s Reagan Casper went with the school that felt right.
Added depth, drop to Class 5A fuel optimism at Hempfield
August 11, 2022
Dropping to Class 5A means little to Hempfield, at least on paper.
Norwin has postseason aspirations amidst field of new 5A opponents
Dave Brozeski stops short of using air quotes when he talks about Norwin “dropping down” to Class 5A this football season.
New coach brings passion for basketball to struggling Jeannette girls program
August 8, 2022
Adopted at age 11 and growing up in a family of eight siblings, Anna Leonard learned to make her own way through life.
Latrobe basketball standout Emma Blair verbally commits to S.C. Upstate
August 7, 2022
Emma Blair wanted to make her college commitment before the start of her senior year.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Football season kicks off with ‘heat week’
August 6, 2022
High school football season is a hot topic again.
Recently graduated Franklin Regional football player battling brain cancer
August 2, 2022
Pain is temporary.
Mt. Pleasant softball standout Katie Hutter’s long recruiting journey ends happily at Bowling Green
August 1, 2022
A teeth-gritting, 315-pound dead-lift had some angst behind it. Some pent-up irritation even.
Latrobe girls soccer standout Regan Reilly commits to Bowling Green
July 30, 2022
Latrobe girls soccer is primed to make a splash as it drops to WPIAL Class 3A this season.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Basketball standout Rocco continues to get offers
Alayna Rocco is on the path to Division I college basketball. But where will she play?
Norwin announces 2022 sports hall of fame class
July 26, 2022
From its all-time leading scorer in girls basketball, to a pair of three-sport standouts, to two WPIAL championship teams of 2016, the Norwin Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2022 covers a lot of ground.
High school notebook: Norwin wrestling coach leads U16 team to national duals title
July 25, 2022
Called the “toughest wrestling tournament in the country,” the USA Wrestling National Championships represent a true test of talent for coaches and competitors.
Latrobe ringing in season with new coach, different outlook
July 24, 2022
Ron Prady has not shown his players the bling.
Norwin notebook: Hockey team collects championship rings
July 23, 2022
The Norwin hockey team reassembled as PIHL champions recently and collected their spoils: championship rings.
Norwin’s Kyle Martin leads national team to duals title in Fargo
Called the “toughest wrestling tournament in the country,” the USA Wrestling National Championships represent a true test of talent for coaches and competitors.
Reitz father-son combo reunited as coordinators on Hempfield coaching staff
July 22, 2022
One is old school, committed to stopping the run and appreciative of a good hit over the middle.
Latrobe football team earns long-awaited 7-on-7 win on its home field
July 21, 2022
As Penn-Trafford’s final deep pass attempt sailed out of the end zone and fell incomplete, players from Latrobe jumped into each other’s arms and bounced around in a sudden swell of excitement.
Norwin grad jumps feet first into GCC girls soccer coaching job
July 20, 2022
Taking over a perennial power three weeks before official practice begins might seem daunting to most first-year soccer coaches.
Southmoreland senior honors coach’s memory with youth camp
July 19, 2022
Kaleb Tkacs was 5-foot-10 and weighed 160 pounds when he joined the Southmoreland football team as a freshman.
Old-school game taking Latrobe’s Emma Blair places
July 18, 2022
Latrobe’s Emma Blair makes old-school post players proud every time she touches the basketball.
Hempfield girls basketball heats up during summer months
July 17, 2022
Success in the summer months doesn’t quite compare to success during the winter high school basketball season, but Hempfield can attest there still is plenty of value to it.
Westmoreland notebook: WCCA 7-on-7 tournament returns
July 16, 2022
The “skill” guys — the quarterbacks, running backs, receivers and defensive backs — will be on display Thursday at the Westmoreland County Coaches Association Larry Sellitto Memorial 7-on-7 Football Championship, a sure sign high school football is fast approaching.
Greensburg Salem’s Zahorchak resigns as boys basketball coach
Greensburg Salem will fall into line with similar-sized schools in boys basketball again next winter but the team will play in Class 4A without Mark Zahorchak.
Franklin Regional teams gearing up for new-look conference alignments
Fall sports will introduce WPIAL teams to a new two-year cycle, which means classifications and sections have been realigned.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Transfer to prep school a tough decision for Franklin Regional lineman
July 15, 2022
Andrew Nesler is on the move.
Franklin Regional’s Anthony DiFalco nominated for USA Today’s national soccer player of the year
July 14, 2022
One of the best boys soccer players to come out of the WPIAL in recent years also is being mentioned with the top talent in the country.
New Yough football coach set on bringing winning mentality to program
Working at Lucky Lottery in Trafford has given Ben Hoffer a greater appreciation for the game of chance. There, anyone can scratch off a winner or prosper with a random combination of numbers.
Tim Bukowski soldiers on in friend’s stead as Southmoreland football coach
July 12, 2022
Tasked with taking over a program that initially was going to be in his friend and fellow assistant’s hands, Tim Bukowski is adjusting to his new role as head football coach at Southmoreland as a new season draws near.
Westmoreland County high school notebook: Norwin senior wowed by Donald at workout
July 9, 2022
Noah Vogel went to Pitt for what initially looked like an unremarkable football workout. Another day in the blazing summer heat.
2022 Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team: Belle Vernon’s Quinton Martin
July 6, 2022
Editor’s note: The Tribune-Review and the TribLive High School Sports Network are profiling each member of the 25-player Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star team. The players will be recognized July 15 during HSSN Media Day at Kennywood Park.
Franklin Regional announces 1st Athletic Hall of Fame class
A venture that athletic director Zach Kessler said was long overdue, Franklin Regional finally has an athletics hall of fame in place to honor the legacy of its finest athletes.
Next Jeannette Jayhawk Athletic Hall of Fame class a family affair
July 5, 2022
This year’s Jeannette Jayhawk Athletic Hall of Fame class will be a family affair.
Norwin notebook: Former volleyball coach honored for remarkable record
July 3, 2022
Last spring, MaxPreps scoured the country looking for the best female high school coaches of all time in every state.
3-sport star Caden Smith of Franklin Regional named Tribune-Review Westmoreland Boys Athlete of the Year
July 2, 2022
Franklin Regional started an athletics hall of fame this year.
Westmoreland notebook: Belle Vernon slugger Maren Metikosh class of 4A softball
Maren Metikosh has a name that rolls off the tongue. It is pure alliteration for broadcasters and announcers at Belle Vernon softball games.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Latrobe’s Blair gets D-I offer
June 27, 2022
Emma Blair has her first NCAA Division I scholarship offer.
Westmoreland H.S. notebook: Belle Vernon’s Quinton Martin visits Florida State
June 26, 2022
Five-star recruit Quinton Martin is beginning to make his rounds as he starts to think about narrowing his expanding list of college choices.
2022 Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team: Penn-Trafford’s Joe Enick
Editor’s note: The Tribune-Review and the TribLive High School Sports Network are profiling each member of the 25-player Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star team. The players will be recognized July 15 during HSSN Media Day at Kennywood Park.
Murrysville Star notebook: Palmer Jackson earns All-American honors
Some might say Palmer Jackson’s golf game is a 9 out of 10.
Penn-Trafford’s Mia Smith takes 2022 Tribune-Review Westmoreland Softball Player of the Year honors
June 25, 2022
The evolution of Mia Smith’s high school softball career began in 2019 when she was a freshman.
Penn-Trafford’s Conlan Greene commits to Temple
June 24, 2022
Football prospects are often enthused by college visits and feel an instant connection to certain schools.
Belle Vernon’s Viva Kreis playing high-level international handball with U.S. national team
June 22, 2022
Viva Kreis has been on a global barnstorming tour training with the U.S. junior and senior handball teams.
Westmoreland H.S. notebook: Penn-Trafford, Greensburg Salem among biggest moves in basketball realignment
June 20, 2022
Summer is just starting, but the WPIAL has its new basketball sections in place for the next winter season.
WPIAL recognizes Norwin grad Sydney Willig for courage in cystic fibrosis fight
June 18, 2022
It takes courage to do what Sydney Willig does every day.
Norwin notebook: Lacrosse player honored as positive athlete
Norwin senior Nickolas Harris was one of 32 winners at this year’s Western Pennsylvania Positive Athlete Awards presentation, done virtually via social media.
Spring-Ford quiets Seneca Valley bats in PIAA Class 6A title game
June 17, 2022
UNIVERSITY PARK — Jules Scogna said she was having some back issues coming into Friday’s Class 6A state softball final at Penn State.
No extra time needed: Latrobe soccer standout Bulava commits to Maryland
June 16, 2022
The final pieces of her college decision came together rather quickly. Maybe quicker than a penalty kick.
Norwin grad excited to don orange, green as new Yough athletic director
June 14, 2022
In his stops along a North Carolina-to-Pennsylvania path through high school sports, Bill Flow has worn a number of hats.
Armstrong wins rematch with Penn-Trafford to return to state championship game
June 13, 2022
Just think, these teams will be in the same section next year.
Penn-Trafford softball notebook: Warriors have shot at redemption
June 12, 2022
The beauty of the state softball playoffs for many WPIAL teams lies in the chance for redemption.
PIAA Class 5A softball semifinals capsule: Penn-Trafford vs. Armstrong
Monday’s game
Westmoreland HS notebook: Special honor for Norwin’s Rosado Guindin
June 11, 2022
Norwin senior Sebastian Rosado Guindin knew he was in the running for a unique award, but he was a little taken aback when his name was called.
Penn-Trafford softball uses fluid lineup to great playoff success
Unsatisfied by his team’s offensive output in the first round of the PIAA playoffs, Penn-Trafford softball coach Denny Little decided to tweak his batting order for the quarterfinals.
Norwin notebook: Paralympian chosen to promote sport of goalball
A dynamic goal scorer and Paralympian, Calahan Young has made his mark in the sport of goalball.
Norwin senior honored as Pittsburgh area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce MVP
Norwin senior Sebastian Rosado Guindin knew he was in the running for a unique award but was a little taken aback when his name was called.
Basketball tournament honoring Tre Cunningham’s memory continues to thrive in Jeannette
June 10, 2022
Steve and Tracy Bone Cunningham again were showered with warm memories of their son as the three-day Tre Cunningham Memorial Basketball Tournament reached its midpoint Friday night at Jeannette High School.
Small ball, miscues propel Penn-Trafford into PIAA Class 5A semifinals
June 9, 2022
FAYETTEVILLE — Fundamentals, no matter what time of the season they are or are not executed, carry immense meaning for softball teams.
Sophomore slugger makes name for herself in middle of Penn-Trafford lineup
June 8, 2022
Mackenzie Keenan has a number of nicknames.
Westmoreland County PIAA softball playoff capsule for June 9, 2022
Class 5A
Penn-Trafford lineman Joe Enick verbally commits to Central Michigan
June 7, 2022
A steady stream of scholarship offers have followed Joe Enick since late March. More were likely to come this summer.
GCC softball team comes up 1 hit short in PIAA 1st round
June 6, 2022
DUBOIS — Greensburg Central Catholic’s defense was sharp behind junior pitcher Emma Henry all afternoon in the PIAA Class A softball playoff opener.
Westmoreland PIAA softball playoff capsules: Games for Monday, June 6, 2022
June 5, 2022
Class 5A
Dual-powered approach working for Southmoreland softball team
Using two pitchers wasn’t always in the cards for Southmoreland softball, especially come playoff time.
Penn-Trafford not shaken after WPIAL title-game loss, refocuses on PIAA playoffs
June 4, 2022
A mixture of stunned numbness and grace-in-defeat omitting from their faces, Penn-Trafford players and coaches posed for their runner-up photo but didn’t have to force smiles.
Westmoreland notebook: GCC, Penn-Trafford, Southmoreland in PIAA softball playoffs
The PIAA softball playoff field is set and three local teams will begin play Monday.
Greensburg Central Catholic’s Marquez plays for late father
A silver, heart-shaped locket dangles from a necklace Isabela Marquez is wearing.
Norwin notebook: Baseball, softball standouts earn all-section honors
Norwin athletes once again made their mark in the WPIAL’s two largest classifications this spring.
Jenna Clontz belts WPIAL-winning walk-off homer as Armstrong tops Penn-Trafford
June 3, 2022
Moments after the game ended, Armstrong fans lugged a giant boom-box radio onto Lilley Field and turned up the music, bobbing their heads to the thumping beat.
Expect offensive outburst when Armstrong, Penn-Trafford clash for WPIAL 5A title
June 1, 2022
Offense could be on full blast when Penn-Trafford and Armstrong meet Friday ( game was postponed Thursday due to weather) in the WPIAL Class 5A softball championship.
Seneca Valley blasts past North Allegheny to win 1st WPIAL softball title since ’99
Seneca Valley started partying like it was 1999 — and 1992, for that matter.
WPIAL Class 5A softball championship capsule: Penn-Trafford vs. Armstrong
2-Penn-Trafford (18-2) vs. 1-Armstrong (19-4)
Peters Township’s CeCe Scott wins Rosensteel scholarship
May 31, 2022
All-state midfielder CeCe Scott of Peters Township won the second Kaitlyn “Moe” Rosensteel Scholarship.
Southmoreland hangs on to beat South Allegheny, earns state playoff berth
They say it is hard to beat a team three times in a season.
Rapp twins overcome spinal fusion surgeries to help Penn-Trafford softball to WPIAL final
Maddy Rapp thought she might cause a scene when she walked through the metal detectors at Heinz Field in November when she watched her hometown Penn-Trafford Warriors play for a WPIAL football championship.
Westmoreland WPIAL softball playoff capsule preview for May 31, 2022
May 30, 2022
Today’s game
Westmoreland notebook: Big 5/6 Conference announces baseball, softball all-stars
Westmoreland County athletes once again made their mark in the WPIAL’s two largest classifications this spring.
Westmoreland H.S. athletes of the week: GCC’s Emma Henry, Hempfield’s Peyton Murray
May 28, 2022
Emma Henry
Westmoreland H.S. notebook: Local players shine at Roundball Classic games
Westmoreland County was well-represented at last weekend’s Roundball Classic senior all-star games, an event that wraps a bow around another high school basketball season in Western Pa.
Competition with teammate leads to WPIAL javelin gold for Norwin’s Cody Scherle
Norwin senior Cody Scherle had been nipping at teammate Aaron Schmook’s heels all season.
Norwin notebook: Strong volleyball season ends in WPIAL quarterfinals
Norwin had a strong regular season but bowed out early in the WPIAL Class 3A boys volleyball playoffs.
Franklin Regional track teams build foundation for future
Franklin Regional track and field coach Bob Ralston has been dealing with a sprained ankle, but it didn’t stop him from leading the Panthers at the WPIAL Class 3A Championship meet at Slippery Rock.
Greensburg Central Catholic fends off Springdale rally to earn spot in state playoffs
May 26, 2022
She cranked a shot into the left-field corner and never saw the outfielder bobble the softball.
With 233 wins, WPIAL title to his credit, Norwin baseball coach Mike Liebdzinski steps down
As sure as he looked at his watch, Mike Liebdzinski knew when he walked off the field Monday at Plum that it was time.
‘Underdog’ Seneca Valley rolls past Hempfield into Class 6A WPIAL finals
May 25, 2022
As Hempfield was making lineup changes late in the game, Seneca Valley players passed the time with a quick round of Rock-Paper-Scissors. The game went around the horn.
WPIAL softball playoff preview capsule for Thursday, May 26, 2022
WPIAL softball playoffs
Penn-Trafford rallies to semifinal win over Chartiers Valley
May 24, 2022
This wasn’t calculated. Nothing about it was based on analytics. And it had nothing to do with what was written on a wrist band.
Westmoreland WPIAL playoff softball capsule: Games for Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Class 6A
Norwin’s Aaron Schmook commits to Kent State
Aaron Schmook did not set out to commit the week of the PIAA track and field championships.
Kelly sparks 5-run inning that carries Central Catholic over Norwin, into Class 6A semis
May 23, 2022
Central Catholic sophomore Gavin Kelly is glad there is a quick turnaround from the WPIAL Class 6A baseball quarterfinals to the semifinals.
Westmoreland softball playoff capsules: Games of Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Class 5A semifinals
Penn-Trafford’s Piconi gets her mojo back at plate in time for WPIAL softball playoffs
There is a marked difference in Kylee Piconi’s confidence — and her batting average — lately.
Westmoreland softball playoff capsules: Games of Monday, May 23, 2022
May 22, 2022
Class 4A quarterfinals
Westmoreland baseball playoff capsule: Central Catholic vs. Norwin, Monday, May 23, 2022
Class 6A quarterfinals
Westmoreland notebook: Jeannette continues to honor the late Tre Cunningham
May 21, 2022
Tre Cunningham’s name and legacy carries on at Jeannette.
Westmoreland athletes of the week: GCC’s Corinn Brewer, Penn-Trafford’s Andrew Kessler
Corinn Brewer
Norwin notebook: Baseball team finishes strong to earn playoff berth
The Norwin baseball team rallied to earn a WPIAL Class 6A playoff spot and a decent seed in the bracket.
Hempfield softball loses ace freshman pitcher for season
May 20, 2022
If Hempfield makes a run to its eighth WPIAL softball title, it will finish it without freshman pitcher Riley Miller.
Smith’s pitching, pair of homers lead Penn-Trafford softball past Shaler
May 19, 2022
Mia Smith was concerned she might not pitch well Thursday because she had a shaky warmup session on an adjacent field at Plum.
Gambles pay off for Hempfield softball in walk-off win over rival Norwin
May 18, 2022
Top-seeded Hempfield played the percentages and, as a result, gets to play in the semifinals.
Westmoreland County WPIAL softball playoff preview capsules for May 19, 2022
WPIAL softball playoffs
Westmoreland County WPIAL baseball playoff preview capsules for May 19, 2022
Class 5A
Etling delivers winning hit for Southmoreland in Class 3A softball win over Derry
May 17, 2022
Southmoreland softball players jumped up and stood on the team bench during Tuesday’s playoff opener at Norwin.
Westmoreland WPIAL baseball playoff capsule: Game of Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Class 6A
Westmoreland WPIAL softball playoff capsules: Games for Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Class 6A
Norwin softball team, ‘coming in hot,’ beats Baldwin in playoff opener
May 16, 2022
Norwin softball had its team banquet the night before the playoff opener.
Westmoreland County WPIAL softball playoff preview capsules for May 17, 2022
WPIAL softball playoffs
Westmoreland County WPIAL baseball playoff preview capsules for May 17, 2022
WPIAL baseball playoffs
Franklin Regional lineman Nesler takes up cause of disabled veterans
May 15, 2022
Inspired by what he heard and saw, Andrew Nesler set out to help — a good soldier wanting to pay back an army of them for their service.
Softball playoff capsule: Baldwin vs. Norwin, Monday, May 16, 2022
WPIAL softball playoffs
Westmoreland H.S. athletes of the week: Norwin’s Bailey Snowberger, Hempfield’s Chaz Ewer
May 14, 2022
Bailey Snowberger
Ligonier Valley ace Maddie Griffin dealing with hand injury, could miss time in playoffs
Ligonier Valley ace softball pitcher Maddie Griffin could miss Wednesday’s WPIAL playoff opener, and possibly be out longer, because of an injury to her throwing hand.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Area players to take part in upcoming Roundball games
Basketball season ended months ago, but the Roundball Classic will bring together some of the top talent from the WPIAL this week.
Penn-Trafford football pipeline to Division I just getting started
Winning can do a lot for a high school football program, not the least of which boost college recruiting and a school’s reputation within that realm.
Norwin notebook: Track teams surge into WPIAL finals
The Norwin track and field teams advanced to the WPIAL Class 3A championship.
WPIAL baseball seedings set up Westmoreland County clash in 1st round
May 13, 2022
When two second-place section teams received better seeds than his section-winning one, Yough baseball coach Craig Spisak didn’t kick up dust.
Westmoreland baseball notebook: Franklin Regional playing well at right time
May 12, 2022
Franklin Regional won’t get the No. 1 seed like it did last year, but the Panthers have something most of the other teams in the WPIAL Class 5A playoff field don’t have: championship experience.
WPIAL softball playoff bracket breakdown
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 to 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 6A in 2017, ’18 and ’19) have an all-freshman battery in pitcher Riley Miller and catcher Allison Cervola.
Versatility helps Greensburg Central Catholic overcome injuries to make Class A baseball playoffs
Zach David and Max Kallock appeared to be the ideal one-two pitching punch for Greensburg Central Catholic.
Westmoreland County softball notebook: Top-5 seeds at stake when WPIAL brackets are released
May 11, 2022
The WPIAL is scheduled to release playoff brackets at 4 p.m. Thursday virtually via the TribLive High School Sports Network.
Hitting from left side has turned out all right for Mt. Pleasant leadoff hitter Katie Hutter
When Katie Hutter was small, she picked up a softball bat for the first time and immediately squared up like a left-handed hitter.
Norwin shuts out North Allegheny to earn spot in WPIAL softball playoffs
May 10, 2022
There was a WPIAL “last chance” track and field meet going on Tuesday at Norwin.
Franklin Regional baseball adds to win streak, knocks Kiski Area from playoffs
May 9, 2022
Jack Bridges had been out of the Franklin Regional baseball lineup since early April with an elbow injury.
Coach says Franklin Regional’s Caden Smith ‘will open some eyes’ as Pitt walk-on
May 8, 2022
Caden Smith didn’t choose football. Football chose him.
Westmoreland High School Athletes of the Week: Hempfield’s Liz Tapper, Yough’s James Shoman
May 7, 2022
Liz Tapper
Norwin notebook: Former, future Knights wrestlers compete at U.S. Open event
There is no offseason for the Norwin wrestling program.
Westmoreland County high school notebook: Mt. Pleasant’s Hutter reopens recruitment
Mt. Pleasant softball standout Katie Hutter has changed her college plans.
Ligonier Valley ace Maddie Griffin to throw out 1st pitch at Pirates game
Ligonier Valley senior softball pitcher Maddie Griffin will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Pittsburgh Pirates play the St. Louis Cardinals on May 22 at PNC Park.
East Allegheny tunes up for baseball playoffs with nonsection win over Greensburg CC
May 5, 2022
Fresh off its first section title since 1999, upstart East Allegheny used Thursday’s nonsection baseball game at Greensburg Central Catholic for extra reps.
Westmoreland County baseball notebook: Southmoreland takes giant leap into playoffs
Senior shortstop/pitcher Anthony Govern said this season was “playoffs or bust” for Southmoreland.
Stecko taps power potential for Norwin baseball team
Ty Stecko remembers when his baseball bat seemed to weigh more than he did.
Power surge on Cougar Mountain boosts Yough softball team
May 4, 2022
Yough plays its home games on Cougar Mountain in Sewickley Township.
Westmoreland County softball notebook: Ligonier Valley’s Griffin gets aggressive
The owner of a 21-strikeout perfect game and three no-hitters this season, Ligonier Valley senior pitcher Maddie Griffin has all the physical tools to dominate in the circle.
Penn-Trafford uses disciplined attack to back pitcher Grabowski in win over Latrobe
May 3, 2022
Penn-Trafford baseball coaches and players talked about the importance of hitting and throwing first-pitch strikes against section champion Latrobe.
Novacek’s career game helps Yough rally past Southmoreland, win share of Section 4-3A title
May 2, 2022
Despite pitching one of the best games of his baseball career, Allen Novacek did not earn a decision Monday afternoon.
Westmoreland High School Athletes of the Week: Ligonier Valley’s Maddie Griffin, Penn-Trafford’s Dylan Grabowski
April 30, 2022
Maddie Griffin
Westmoreland HS notebook: Steelers draft goes from Ricketts to Pickett
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.
Franklin Regional track teams claim section titles with undefeated records
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.
Norwin track teams celebrate 4th straight outright section titles
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.
Norwin notebook: Norwin wrestlers shine at freestyle tournament
Several Norwin wrestlers took part in the Ultimate Club Duals freestyle tournaments April 24 in State College.
Penn-Trafford softball team makes most out of few hits in odd mercy-rule win over TJ
April 29, 2022
Literally, Penn-Trafford walked away with a first-place softball showdown against Thomas Jefferson.
Penn-Trafford linemen get college attention
A pair of Penn-Trafford football linemen are beginning to gain traction in the recruiting game.
Hempfield softball stays unbeaten in victory over North Allegheny
April 28, 2022
A day after moving into the state softball rankings, Hempfield was out to show it belonged there again.
It’s a wide world of sports for busy Greensburg Salem senior Jake Smith
When Jake Smith isn’t throwing strikes, he’s rolling them.
Westmoreland County baseball notebook: Teams playing 1-run thrillers
Westmoreland County games have not lacked late-inning drama lately.
Westmoreland County softball notebook: Ligonier Valley specializes in perfection
April 27, 2022
Ligonier Valley has only been in the WPIAL since 2020, but the softball program’s stay has been, in some ways, perfect.
Mental toughness, blazing fastball make Penn-Trafford pitcher Mia Smith hard to hit
There is a lot going on behind the intense eyes and stoic game face of Mia Smith.
Norwin beats Upper St. Clair, makes up ground in section
April 26, 2022
Here comes Norwin.
Better than perfect: Ligonier Valley’s Maddie Griffin strikes out all 21 hitters she faces vs. Seton LaSalle
April 25, 2022
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.
Westmoreland High School Athletes of the Week: Southmoreland’s Amarah McCutcheon and Hempfield’s Brandon Coughlin
April 23, 2022
Amarah McCutcheon
Murrysville Star notebook: DiFalco picks up WPIAL scholar-athlete honor
Anthony DiFalco’s goals aren’t just limited to the soccer field.
Westmoreland County high school notebook: Offers piling up for Belle Vernon’s Quinton Martin
Add two more Power 5 scholarship offers for Belle Vernon sophomore Quinton Martin.
No 1. West Greene softball team routs No. 3 Greensburg Central Catholic
April 22, 2022
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.
Latrobe softball wins big section showdown with Thomas Jefferson
April 21, 2022
Latrobe earned a section softball split with first-place Thomas Jefferson on the strength of three factors: 1. Sound pitching, 2. Crisp defense and 3. Power hitting.
Westmoreland County baseball notebook: 3-game series on horizon for Hempfield, Norwin
Teams are still adjusting to playing two-game series on back-to-back days, but the WPIAL is switching to a new format next season.
Senior’s return gives energy boost to Hempfield baseball
Joe Fiedor missed most of the basketball season for Hempfield with a mysterious injury he sustained in a home game against Penn-Trafford.
No. 1 Armstrong puts on a show in statement win over Franklin Regional
April 20, 2022
With nicknames like “Camo,” “Smoke” and “Mack Attack,” players on the Armstrong softball team appreciate a good time.
Westmoreland County softball notebook: Realignment to shake up sections
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.
Norwin softball looking to overcome soggy, slow start to season
Frustrated and chasing consistency, Norwin softball coaches and players have felt like pulling the lever on the escape hatch lately.
High school notebook: Norwin wrestler Passarelli headed to Davidson
April 17, 2022
Luke Passarelli is taking his wrestling talent to the highest level of the NCAA.
Belle Vernon sophomore Quinton Martin pulls in football offer from Ohio State
April 16, 2022
When Quinton Martin was discussing his college football scholarship offers last month, he said it “would be cool” to get one from Ohio State.
Westmoreland H.S. athletes of the week: Ligonier Valley’s Cheyenne Piper, Greensburg Salem’s Donavin Waller
Cheyenne Piper
Norwin high school sports notebook: Knights named county award finalists
A pair of Norwin student-athletes are finalists for the 66th annual Westmoreland County Scholar-Athlete awards. The banquet is set for May 3 at Ferrante’s Lakeview.
Franklin Regional notebook: Aidan Fisch named Gold Standard Teammate at Pitt
Pitt doesn’t just like Fisch on Fridays.
New coach Palaschak hopes to keep Norwin boys volleyball team among WPIAL’s best
Norwin first-year boys volleyball coach Mike Palaschak pays attention to rankings because, well, he kind of has to.
Westmoreland County high school notebook: Norwin receiver gets Division I attention
Jackson Pons has two years of high school football left at Norwin, the same number of Division I football scholarship offers he has.
Westmoreland H.S. baseball notebook: Derry not getting comfortable
April 14, 2022
His team bouncing into the TribLive HSSN rankings for the first time this season, Derry baseball coach John Flickinger is excited but far from content.
Fun-loving Latrobe baseball team fills up toy box, win column
Simplistic and fun, some trinkets around the clubhouse represent Latrobe baseball’s approach to the game.
Westmoreland high school softball notebook: Trio stays perfect
April 13, 2022
Three Westmoreland teams remained among the undefeated in the WPIAL through Tuesday’s action.
Unbeaten, top-ranked Hempfield overpowers Norwin in slugfest
Hempfield softball players kept barking like dogs from the dugout, a unique rallying cry implemented by first-year coach Tina Madison.
Freshmen chip in all over Westmoreland softball scene
There is a youth movement in local softball this spring.
Latrobe earns doubleheader sweep of Franklin Regional with pair of 1-run wins
April 12, 2022
Latrobe had every reason to say “Cheese.”
Westmoreland County high school notebook: Schools working to replace ADs
April 11, 2022
A pair of Westmoreland schools are working to replace athletic directors.
Westmoreland high school athletes of the week: Toryn Fulton, Andrew Allen
April 9, 2022
Toryn Fulton
Greensburg CC lineman develops colt following on horse show circuit
Born on a 98-acre horse ranch in Scottdale, Tyler Shafer grew up around colts and fillies.
Westmoreland County high school notebook: Derry volleyball coach reflects after 200th win
Shawn Spencer sees his coaching milestone as one part longevity, two parts personnel.
After school record toss, Norwin’s Schmook targets WPIAL, PIAA success in javelin
Aaron Schmook took up throwing an 8-foot toothpick about four years ago.
Norwin notebook: Knights take part in PIHL all-star game
Five Norwin hockey players suited up for the PIHL Class A All-Star Game on April 3 at Alpha Ice Complex in Pittsburgh.
Piper provides perfect pitching performance for Ligonier Valley softball
April 7, 2022
Cheyenne Piper arrived at the ballpark Wednesday ready to play. She didn’t know, however, she would be pitching.
Westmoreland baseball notebook: 2-game series well liked
Coaches and players seem to like the WPIAL’s home-and-home, two-game series that occur on back-to-back days.
Franklin Regional baseball revamps rotation in repeat bid
By and large, Franklin Regional had gaps to fill on its WPIAL Class 5A championship baseball team.
Westmoreland softball notebook: Double-digit run totals becomes more common
April 6, 2022
Yes, scoring is up in Westmoreland County softball.
Mt. Pleasant softball team still working to build chemistry after turnover of championship roster
Mt. Pleasant wants reps. It needs reps. Lots of reps.
Alumnus Hoffer hired as coach to revive Yough football program
April 5, 2022
It can be done: Yough can win again.
Franklin Regional baseball team avenges Monday’s loss to Penn-Trafford
Defending WPIAL baseball champion Franklin Regional was a little miffed after losing its Section 1-5A opener. It showed in the rematch with previously unbeaten Penn-Trafford.
Penn-Trafford drops Franklin Regional in section opener
April 4, 2022
Nolan Marasti told his coach after a recent practice that he planned to pitch seven innings in the section opener.
Belle Vernon’s Quinton Martin named Tribune-Review Westmoreland Boys Basketball Player of the Year
April 2, 2022
Quinton Martin
Latrobe’s Emma Blair named Tribune-Review Westmoreland Girls Basketball Player of the Year
Emma Blair
Westmoreland H.S. notebook: Local players dot rosters for Roundball Classic
The Roundball Classic basketball games return this year, and a number of local players made the all-star rosters.
Norwin sports notebook: Mumpower makes volleyball list
Norwin senior Luke Mumpower was one of three WPIAL players selected as the Class 3A player of the week by the Western PA Volleyball Coaches Association.
Norwin hockey celebrates ‘huge accomplishment’ of Penguins Cup
In an unforgettable run of validation, Norwin showed championship confidence early in the season and put it on display late, capturing the first PIHL Penguins Cup title in program history.
New coaches at Jeannette, Hempfield plan to continue their programs’ traditions of winning
April 1, 2022
Tom Paulone watches his players condition in the weight room at Jeannette’s McKee Stadium on a bitter-cold March afternoon.
Westmoreland H.S. baseball notebook: Latrobe enjoys out-of-state opener
March 31, 2022
Latrobe continued a tradition by playing a baseball game against Upper Arlington High School in Ohio.
Boys rosters set for May’s Roundball Classic all-star basketball games
March 30, 2022
The Roundball Classic senior all-star basketball games will return May 19-21 at Geneva College in Beaver Falls.
Westmoreland softball notebook: Franklin Regional plays power ball
Franklin Regional did more than hit the beach in Florida.
Girls Roundball Classic all-star basketball rosters announced
March 29, 2022
The Roundball Classic senior all-star basketball games will return May 19-21 at Geneva College in Beaver Falls.
Belle Vernon’s Kreis makes USA junior handball team
March 28, 2022
What started as a curious activity in gym class turned into a chance for Viva Kreis to represent her country.
Recruiting hype doesn’t seem to affect Belle Vernon’s Quinton Martin
March 27, 2022
Even at a young age, Quinton Martin is existing nicely with the recruiting process.
Norwin notebook: Girls bowling team reaches playoff round at states
The Norwin girls bowling team reached the playoff round of the state championships March 19 in Lancaster.
Westmoreland County high school notebook: Franklin Regional establishes sports hall of fame
March 26, 2022
From now until April 29, Franklin Regional is taking nominations for its inaugural hall of fame class.
Penn-Trafford baseball wins opener against rival Norwin
March 25, 2022
Jake Otto batted in the lower third of the Penn-Trafford lineup last season as an unassuming sophomore. But he knew his role likely would increase this season.
Westmoreland PIHL playoff preview capsule: Pennsylvania Cup championship game
Saturday’s game
Greensburg Central Catholic’s Felder will play for Youngstown State
In less than a month’s time, Sara Felder was recruited by a school, visited its campus and made a commitment.
Westmoreland baseball opening day primer: Teams, players, games to watch
March 24, 2022
Friday is opening day for high school baseball in the WPIAL.
Westmoreland softball opening day primer: Teams, players, games to watch
Friday is opening day for high school softball in the WPIAL. Here are some particulars to get you started on a new season.
Senior leadership, sophomore talent helps Norwin reach Pennsylvania Cup final
While the roster lists them by their sweater number and class, Norwin hockey players say they identify as one.
Expectations remain high for Southmoreland softball team
March 23, 2022
Southmoreland softball had some fun with its first week of practices, introducing themes.
‘Playoffs or nothing’ for refocused Southmoreland baseball team
With rain in the forecast earlier in the week, Southmoreland baseball players rolled out a brand new tarp to cover their home infield.
Norwin hockey rolls into state final against West Chester East
March 22, 2022
Norwin hockey players held up a poster board with two words written on it Monday night after their first championship victory.
Norwin blanks McDowell to claim 1st Penguins Cup championship
March 21, 2022
Norwin likes to give out a banana to its top player after each hockey win, the recipient being the choice of senior defenseman Will Dillner.
Peters Township uses 3rd-period surge to capture Class 3A Penguins Cup title
All of their players adorned with blond hair, the Peters Township hockey team captured PIHL gold.
Expectations are high for Norwin softball team
Satisfied is not a word you want to associate with the Norwin softball team heading into the 2022 season.
Westmoreland PIHL playoff capsule: Penguins Cup championship, March 22, 2022
Today’s game
‘Expectations never change’ for talent-rich Norwin baseball team
Norwin is trying to put last baseball season in the rearview mirror, although the Knights still wonder what might have been.
North Allegheny, Seton LaSalle top preseason boys volleyball polls
It should come as no surprise that defending WPIAL and PIAA Class 3A champion North Allegheny, and WPIAL 2A winner Seton LaSalle top the Western PA Volleyball Coaches Association preseason polls.
History on the table as Norwin hockey seeks 1st PIHL Penguins Cup title
Dinner tasted particularly good that night.
Westmoreland notebook: Norwin’s Young added to East-West All-Star Game
March 19, 2022
Better late than not at all.
Norwin notebook: Young to play in East-West All-Star Game
Norwin senior football player Jacob Young was added to the West roster for the big-school East-West All-Star Game, set for May 29 at Bishop McDevitt in Harrisburg.
Freedom stuns WPIAL champion North Catholic to earn trip to PIAA basketball finals
March 18, 2022
As Freedom girls basketball coach John Kaercher would have it, “These dogs had their day.”
PIAA boys basketball preview capsule: Fox Chapel vs. Archbishop Wood, Saturday, March 19, 2022
Class 6A
Latrobe softball hopes old-school approach leads to playoff push
March 17, 2022
Bob Kovalcin is a throwback. He is as old-school as they come and darn proud of it.
Latrobe baseball team hopes pitching catches up to offense
Vinny Amatucci’s nickname is “Ammo.”
Chunko resigns as Yough football coach
Yough football will drop to Class 2A next season, but it will do so without Chris Chunko.
Norwin hockey team edges Fox Chapel for PIHL playoff win
March 16, 2022
Mario Cavallaro skated wide as two defenders closed in on his puck-handling teammate, Alex Thomas.
Westmoreland PIHL playoff preview capsules: Games of March 15, 2022
March 14, 2022
Tuesday’s games
Fusetti fuels Blackhawk’s offense in PIAA 2nd-round win against Southmoreland
March 12, 2022
Alena Fusetti knows she doesn’t have to be the main scorer on a team with so much depth and balance.
Defending baseball champ Franklin Regional returns plenty
Franklin Regional is not ready to loosen its grip on the WPIAL championship trophy just yet.
Westmoreland high school notebook: Greensburg Salem honors coach Snider
Maybe the “Snider Mile” will become a thing in the future.
Franklin Regional softball anticipates making run at section title with talented lineup
His softball team actually outdoors for a practice on the fourth day of preseason workouts, a day before a winter storm watch in the region, Jim Armstrong did a panorama of the mud-caked field at Franklin Regional.
Norwin notebook: Wrestler brings home junior high state title
The Norwin wrestling program showcased some potential future standouts at the Pennsylvania Junior High Wrestling State Championships earlier this month at the Cambria County War Memorial in Johnstown.
1st-year coaches take lessons from Franklin Regional basketball season
While their teams fell short of the WPIAL postseason, first-year basketball coaches Jesse Reed and Bernie Pucka saw new systems begin to take root and programs take on new personalities this winter.
Miles Higgins of Ligonier Valley commits to UNC-Wilmington
March 11, 2022
Ligonier Valley senior Miles Higgins will aim for a WPIAL repeat this spring, but he’ll do so with his college plans firmly in place.
Gardinier’s career game helps Quaker Valley get by Belle Vernon, into PIAA quarterfinals
Belle Vernon didn’t know Jack.
Westmoreland PIAA basketball playoff capsules for March 12, 2022
Boys
Greensburg Central Catholic boys vow to ‘Compete!’ in PIAA 2nd-round matchup with Ridgway
Christian Hyland had three things written on the locker room dry-erase board Wednesday night at Conemaugh Township. Three things he figured a state playoff win might boil down to.
Southmoreland girls seeking 1st trip to PIAA quarterfinals
For the better part of three seasons, the Southmoreland girls rarely have been viewed as an underdog.
PIHL announces 2022 all-star rosters
The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League announced rosters for its annual all-star games.
Bukowski hired as Southmoreland football coach, steps in for late friend Frederick
March 10, 2022
Tim Bukowski had planned to be Ron Frederick’s right-hand man on the Southmoreland football coaching staff.
Westmoreland PIAA playoff capsule: Belle Vernon vs. Quaker Valley, Friday, March 11, 2022
Friday’s game
Westmoreland high school notebook: Belle Vernon’s Martin gets 5-star rating
Belle Vernon sophomore Quinton Martin is now a five-star recruit, at least according to one reputable recruiting website.
Belle Vernon to face monumental challenge in Quaker Valley in PIAA 2nd round
Belle Vernon knows it could be in for its toughest challenge of the season.
Greensburg Central Catholic boys advance on Turner’s buzzer-beating layup
March 9, 2022
DAVIDSVILLE — Greensburg Central Catholic was hooting on the way to hollering with a 19-point lead early in the fourth quarter.
Westmoreland PIHL playoff capsule: Westmont Hilltop vs. Norwin, Thursday, March 10, 2022
Class A
Norwin carries momentum into Penguins Cup playoffs
The word “monumental” was used to describe this hockey win.
Short-handed Belle Vernon advances, gets coach Salvino his 700th career win
March 8, 2022
After doing postgame interviews, Joe Salvino was sprayed with water as soon as he opened the door to the Belle Vernon locker room. His players surprised him with an onslaught of hydration.
Westmoreland PIAA basketball playoff capsules: Games for Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Boys
Westmoreland PIAA basketball playoff preview: Games of Tuesday, March 8, 2022
March 7, 2022
Tuesday’s game
PIHL Penguins Cup playoff previews: Games of Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Tuesday’s games
Westmoreland boys, girls basketball teams ready for PIAA playoffs
March 6, 2022
Some say luck is when preparation crosses paths with opportunity.
PIHL Penguins Cup playoff preview: Hempfield vs. Thomas Jefferson, Monday, March 7, 2022
Class 2A
Norwin notebook: Loss to Butler ends solid season for boys basketball team
Norwin’s boys basketball team couldn’t hold off Butler for a second time this season and fell 81-73 in a rematch with the Golden Tornado in the WPIAL Class 6A first round, bringing the Knights’ season to a close.
Norwin girls basketball looks to future after abrupt playoff exit
Norwin had momentum, a nine-point halftime lead and its sights on a return to the WPIAL Class 6A girls basketball semifinals.
Westmoreland H.S. notebook: Belle Vernon resident Eli Teslovich helps Shady Side Academy to WPIAL title
March 5, 2022
Westmoreland County did not produce a WPIAL champion in basketball this season.