Author: Michael Love
Eliza Miller leads Kiski Area girls cross country team back to section top spot
October 5, 2022
For the first time since 2015, the Kiski Area girls cross country team is section champion.
A-K Valley football players to watch in 2022 Week 6
Nick Odom
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for 2022 Week 6
Class 5A Northeast
A-K Valley girls soccer notebook: Springdale maintains section lead despite tough loss
October 4, 2022
The Springdale girls soccer team still is in the driver’s seat in Section 1-A with a full-game lead, but the Dynamos’ grip was loosened Monday with a 5-1 loss at Seton LaSalle.
Deer Lakes volleyball finding success and stability under 1st-year coach Nypaver
October 3, 2022
Four seasons, five coaches. The seniors on the Deer Lakes girls volleyball team have been through it all the past couple of years.
Hampton takes over as Class 3A No. 1 in latest volleyball coaches association WPIAL rankings
There is a new No. 1 in Class 3A this week as the Western PA Volleyball Coaches Association released its latest WPIAL girls volleyball top-10 rankings.
Several teams score doubleheader sweeps as slow-pitch softball league pushes toward playoffs
West Allegheny, Penn-Trafford, Montour, Mt. Lebanon, Baldwin and North Allegheny all recorded doubleheader sweeps in game play from last Thursday to Sunday as the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball League continues its stretch run to the playoff tournament.
Gateway runner Kefimba Cisse gains confidence ahead of postseason races
October 2, 2022
Kefimba Cisse made his Gateway cross country debut last year after playing soccer as a freshman in the fall of 2020.
Deep lineup returns for Gateway JV hockey team
Gateway junior varsity ice hockey coach Shawn Jesih sounded the bell of optimism when talking about a team filled with experience and hungry to make its mark in the PIHL’s JV Tier 3 this season.
Kiski Area’s Flemm overcomes injuries, mother’s bout with cancer to become stalwart for football team
October 1, 2022
Connor Flemm rarely leaves the field for the Kiski Area football team.
Plum building toward run at WPIAL playoffs
It’s three down and two to go for the Plum football team in Big East Conference play in its quest to qualify for the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs.
Deer Lakes holds off Knoch’s furious rally
September 30, 2022
The Deer Lakes and Knoch football teams put the pedal to the metal in the fourth quarter of their Allegheny 6 Conference opener Friday at Deer Lakes’ Lancers Stadium.
Burrell girls soccer in top form heading into tough stretch of games
September 29, 2022
The Burrell girls soccer team suffered a 2-0 setback at Section 2-2A rival Knoch on Sept. 9.
Freeport tops rival Deer Lakes to complete girls soccer section sweep
In the first meeting between the Deer Lakes and Freeport girls soccer teams at Freeport on Sept. 1, the Lancers led by two goals before the Yellowjackets rallied with three scores to win the game.
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for 2022 Week 5
Class 5A Big East
New cast of characters has Leechburg volleyball again competing for section title
September 26, 2022
The Leechburg girls volleyball team entered the season a younger group than the one that tied for last year’s Section 4-A title with Greensburg Central Catholic and made it all the way to the WPIAL semifinals.
Top WPIAL teams hold on to spots in Volleyball Coaches Association rankings
The WPIAL girls volleyball section schedule has reached the midway point, and races in all four classifications are heating up.
Shaler leads way as Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball League enters stretch run
Shaler leads the pack of 14 varsity teams as the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball League enters the stretch run to the league playoffs.
Key early-season wins have Plum boys soccer off to another strong start to season
September 25, 2022
The Plum boys soccer team is right where it hoped it would to be as it laid out its goals and expectations before the season.
Excitement building for 1st Plum girls wrestling season
No workouts are yet official, but a number of girls at Plum are meeting in the high school wrestling room twice a week for sessions as excitement continues to build for the first Mustangs girls wrestling season in November.
Gateway boys soccer team confident entering season’s 2nd half
Gateway boys soccer coach Bernie Stiles has a feeling of confidence as his team enters the stretch run to what he hopes is a WPIAL playoff spot.
A-K Valley high school football notes: Several teams bounce back with wins
September 24, 2022
It was bounce-back Friday for a number of Alle-Kiski Valley teams.
Gateway holds off Plum’s big rally
September 23, 2022
Gateway appeared to have a comfortable halftime lead Friday in a Big East Conference clash with Plum at Gateway’s Antimarino Stadium.
Highlands continues unexpected search for girls basketball coach
September 22, 2022
The hiring process to find a new girls basketball coach at Highlands is in its second week after Jason Kerr suddenly stepped down from the position after one year.
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for 2022 Week 4
Class 5A Big East Conference
Freeport girls soccer team uses grit to chase section title
September 20, 2022
In the first game of the year on the first day of this month, the Freeport girls soccer team faced a sizeable deficit to rival Deer Lakes.
Plum girls soccer team gets tough win against Franklin Regional
September 19, 2022
The Plum and Franklin Regional girls soccer teams met Monday for the first time since 2018 as they battled for a first-place spot atop Section 3-3A.
4 top teams hold spots in latest WPIAL girls volleyball rankings
All four teams atop their respective rankings — North Allegheny (Class 4A), Moon (Class 3A), Freeport (Class 2A), and Bishop Canevin (Class A) — held on to their spots in the new Western PA Coaches Association WPIAL girls volleyball top-10 polls released Monday.
Apollo-Ridge’s Jake Mull puts best foot forward in multiple sports
September 18, 2022
Throughout the WPIAL, there are athletes who play a sport in every season.
Athleticism, instinctiveness help Dallas Harper make impact for Gateway defense
Gateway needed a play early in the fourth quarter at North Hills on Sept. 9.
Plum girls volleyball aims to ‘seize the opportunity’ again
The Plum girls volleyball team faced a measure of déjà vu this past offseason as it looked to transition after losing seven seniors from the 2021 season.
A-K Valley athletes of the week: Kiski Area’s Eliza Miller, Anders Bordoy
September 17, 2022
Eliza Miller
Lovelace helps Leechburg sprint past Springdale
September 16, 2022
With a big Eastern Conference clash looming next Friday at Clairton, Leechburg coach Randy Walters hoped his players would remain focused and take care of business Friday against Springdale in the conference opener for both teams.
Kiski Area’s Miller, Fox Chapel’s Gwin capture Kiski Invitational titles
After going through massive changes to format two years ago because of the covid pandemic and not being able to run last year, organizers of the fifth Gingerbread Man Kiski Invitational cross country meet at Allegheny Township’s Northmoreland Park were hoping for the best as more than 20 area high school gathered again Friday for one of the region’s top high school events.
Alle-Kiski Valley girls soccer notebook: Section 2-2A looking fierce
September 15, 2022
Deer Lakes, Burrell and Freeport have waged some fierce girls soccer battles for several years in Section 2-2A.
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for 2022 Week 3
Class 5A Big East
Joyce sisters enjoying time together with Kiski Area volleyball
September 12, 2022
Maddie Joyce started playing organized volleyball in sixth grade, and at the time, she was hitting the ball around with older sister Sydney and mom, Robin, who enjoyed a standout career at Duquesne in the 1990s.
Moon jumps to No. 1 in the Western PA Volleyball Coaches Association rankings
The Moon girls volleyball team opened Section 2-3A play with convincing victories over South Fayette, 3-1, and Oakland Catholic, 3-0, before going 10-0 and winning its own tournament on Saturday.
New website displays history of Gateway Sports Hall of Fame
September 11, 2022
The journey to the formation and implementation of the new Gateway Sports Hall of Fame website — gshof.com — had its genesis more than two decade ago when the first class of Gators greats — the 1969 championship football team, the late Curtis Bray, Michelle Chow, Richard Adipotti, Mel Nash, Cliff Parsons, Henry J. Furrie and Walter “Pete” Antimarino — was inducted.
Riverview boys cross country begins quest to defend WPIAL title
Amberson Bauer and Christopher Barnes finished near the top — third and fourth, respectively — at the traditional season-opening Gateway Invitational cross country meet Sept. 3 at Boyce Park in Plum.
Plum runners off to strong start after performance at Gateway Invitational
Plum’s Connor Pivirotto and Riverview’s Christopher Barnes were next to each other down the final straightaway to the finish line in the boys varsity race at the Gateway Invitational cross country meet Sept. 3 at Boyce Park.
Kefimba Cisse claims title at host Gateway Invitational
Kefimba Cisse finished second to the now-graduate Brady Sundin in Gateway cross country races last year.
A-K Valley high school football notebook: Wetzel nearly sets Freeport field goal mark
September 10, 2022
Early in the second quarter of Friday’s 61-7 victory over Quaker Valley, the Freeport offense faced a fourth-and-6 from the Quakers 40.
Freeport cruises past Quaker Valley, 61-7
September 9, 2022
Freeport wasted no time taking control of its nonconference game against Quaker Valley on Friday at Freeport Area Athletic Stadium.
New coach Albie Fletcher plans ‘business as usual’ for Deer Lakes boys basketball program
September 8, 2022
Albie Fletcher joined the Deer Lakes varsity coaching staff under Terance Parham for the 2018-19 season.
Freeport girls soccer snaps winless streak against rival Burrell
September 7, 2022
Close and intense soccer is expected when the Freeport and Burrell girls teams meet.
A-K Valley football players to watch in 2022 Week 2
Devin Beattie
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for 2022 Week 2
Nonconference
North Catholic tops Class 3A in latest WPIAL girls volleyball coaches rankings
September 6, 2022
WPIAL section play begins for girls volleyball Tuesday evening, and leading into the numerous matchups on the docket, the Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association released its Week 2 top-10 rankings.
Freeport volleyball sets sights on 18th straight section title
September 5, 2022
The Franklin Regional girls volleyball tournament has established itself as one of the premier events in the early fall season, and Freeport, a regular participant, knew it again would be tested against some of the top teams in the WPIAL.
Plum again takes aim at trip to WPIAL girls soccer finals
September 4, 2022
The WPIAL girls soccer championship games will be back at Highmark Stadium for the second year in a row, and Plum hopes to again reserve a spot in the Class 3A game in early November.
Gateway volleyball makes smooth transition to new head coach
There weren’t many introductions needed when Nicole Riley met her Gateway girls volleyball players on the first day of preseason camp Aug. 15.
Riverview girls look to build on trip to WPIAL playoffs
For the Riverview girls varsity soccer team, 2021 certainly was a year of growth.
A-K Valley H.S. football notebook: Apollo-Ridge weathers storm in emotional victory
September 3, 2022
Apollo-Ridge coach John Skiba was overcome with emotion, tears flowing down his face, after speaking with his team following a highly emotional 34-19 home victory over Valley on Friday.
Nick Curci runs for 249 yards to lift Apollo-Ridge past Valley
September 2, 2022
Facing a halftime deficit and another one in the fourth quarter and also facing adversity with several key injuries, Apollo-Ridge dug deep for a 34-19 victory over Valley in a nonsection contest Friday at Owens Field in Apollo.
Freeport senior Reiser vows to help team after injury
September 1, 2022
Jacksen Reiser was hoping to have a big senior season with the Freeport football team.
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for 2022 Week 1
August 31, 2022
Nonconference
A-K Valley football players to watch in 2022 Week 1
Luke Bombalski
Volleyball coaches association releases 2022 Week 1 WPIAL girls rankings
August 29, 2022
The Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association released its inaugural WPIAL top-10 poll for the 2022 girls volleyball season Monday morning, and North Allegheny (Class 4A), Thomas Jefferson (Class 3A), Freeport (Class 2A) and Bishop Canevin (Class A) are at the top of their specific rankings.
Kiski Area, Norwin volleyball teams ready to play outdoors again
August 28, 2022
The Kiski Area and Norwin girls volleyball teams kick off their seasons Monday evening, and for the second year in a row, the rivals will take their nonsection matchup outside.
Gateway girls soccer under new leadership
The Gateway girls soccer program experienced transition in the offseason as Kelly Bender stepped down as varsity head coach after six seasons to concentrate on family and professional work changes.
High-scoring Strawser leads Gateway boys soccer into 2022 campaign
Gateway boys soccer coach Bernie Stiles said championship victories at a pair of winter indoor tournaments — futsal events at Deer Lakes and Penn Hills — were sparks that fueled the team in its offseason preparation for the 2022 season.
Experienced Riverview boys soccer team hopes to continue turnaround
The Riverview boys soccer team went winless in 2021.
Plum boys soccer team motivated to reach WPIAL championship game
The Plum boys soccer team has had some heart-wrenching playoff results the past three seasons.
AK Valley football notebook: Running game powers Burrell to opening win
August 27, 2022
Physical play on both sides of the ball is the calling card for Shawn Liotta-coached teams, and he said he was pleased with what he saw on film from Burrell’s 31-10 victory at Jeannette on Friday.
Apollo-Ridge fends off rival Leechburg in opener
August 26, 2022
After a two-year hiatus, the Leechburg and Apollo-Ridge football teams renewed their neighboring rivalry Friday night for a Week Zero clash at Owens Field.
A-K Valley girls soccer preview: Plum driven to add to impressive resume
The WPIAL girls soccer championship games will be back at Highmark Stadium for the second year in a row, and Plum hopes to again reserve a spot in the Class 3A game in early November.A-K Valley girls soccer preview: Plum driven to add to impressive resume
August 25, 2022
The WPIAL girls soccer championship games will be back at Highmark Stadium for the second year in a row, and Plum hopes to again reserve a spot in the Class 3A game in early November.
A-K Valley’s don’t miss high school football matchups for 2022 Week Zero
Nonconference
Springdale sophomore tight end poised for breakout season
Garrett Myers attended Redeemer Lutheran school in Penn Hills through eighth grade.
Highlands’ Jimmy Kunst commits to play baseball at Eastern Michigan
Jimmy Kunst took an unofficial visit to the campus of Eastern Michigan a couple of months ago, and several aspects of the trip, including a tour of the Eagles baseball facilities, drew him closer to making his recent verbal commitment.
Senior Kevin Tomlinson driven to restore Riverview pride
August 23, 2022
Riverview senior Kevin Tomlinson has grown 5 inches in height since his freshman football season.
No time to waste as senior quarterback takes reins of Kiski Area offense
August 22, 2022
Playing three sports at Kiski Area, Lebryn Smith doesn’t have much down time.
New coach brings wide-ranging changes to Springdale program
It was a busy senior night last fall for the Springdale football team.
Riverview rebuilding project could pay off this season
Riverview has struggled in and out of Eastern Conference play with just seven victories over the past five seasons.
WPIAL Class 4A football breakdown: Aliquippa ready for another heavyweight fight
August 20, 2022
In winter 2020, Aliquippa challenged the PIAA assertion, under the competitive-balance rule, that it should move up from Class 3A to Class 4A.
Devil in the details: Pitt-bound Braylan Lovelace leading Leechburg to success on the field and off
Braylan Lovelace earned 13 Division I football offers throughout the college recruiting process, and three of them came from the Ivy League.
Burrell ready to take on new challenges in Class 2A
August 19, 2022
After several years in Class 3A, Burrell made the move down a classification in the new two-year cycle.
Veteran linebacking corps lights fuse for Freeport Area defense
August 17, 2022
The Freeport Area defense created havoc for opposing offenses throughout the 2021 season.
Deer Lakes in position to return to playoffs
Deer Lakes came as close as a team can to making the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs last year.
Freeport could have plenty to celebrate in program’s 100th season
The Freeport football program celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2022, and this year’s coaches and players hope to make it one for the record books.
A-K Valley football teams eager to get to work as official practices open
August 15, 2022
Ryan Tempalski experienced numerous first official football practice days as an assistant coach at schools throughout the region.
Deer Lakes father, son unsatisfied with missing playoffs
Derek Burk didn’t wait long to try and make improvements after last year’s close home loss to Burrell.
Burrell to lean on pair of senior linemen
August 14, 2022
Ian Quinn started organized tackle football in third grade in the Lower Burrell Flyers youth football organization.
Kiski Area brings new-look roster into Class 4A competition
When Kiski Area moved down from Class 5A to Class 4A and into the Greater Allegheny Conference, coach Sam Albert knew one of the league matchups would carry extra meaning.
Familiar face set to lead Gateway girls volleyball program
There is a reunion of sorts taking place within the Gateway varsity girls volleyball program.
Highlands grad Alan Crise aims to help local student-athletes navigate recruiting path
August 8, 2022
Alan Crise went through the college recruiting process during his senior year at Highlands in 2011-12, and the football, basketball and track and field participant remembers having a lot of questions throughout the journey that ultimately led to a track and field scholarship at Division II West Virginia Wesleyan.
Plum sophomore’s game grows heading into high school golf season
August 7, 2022
Wes Lorish said he didn’t play his best golf last week at the 46th Junior PGA Championship at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club in Palos Park, Ill., but the Plum sophomore and returning WPIAL individual semifinalist said he was grateful for the opportunity to test his mettle with some of the top junior golfers in the United States and internationally.
Positive resolution sought in volleyball theft at Vandergrift court dedicated to late coach
August 3, 2022
Tim Toy beams when he talks about the return of the Pack the Park high school girls volleyball game between Norwin and Kiski Area set for Aug. 29 at Ellen Toy Grass Court in Vandergrift’s Kennedy Park.
Plum’s Susko recovering from injury but ready for another multi-sport school year
July 31, 2022
Dannika Susko has taken a detour this summer in her preparation for her senior season with the Plum girls volleyball team.
Citing schedule concerns, Kiski Area baseball coach steps down after 4 seasons
July 27, 2022
Citing growth in his real estate career, particularly as it pertains to increased responsibilities in the spring housing market, Aaron Albert resigned Wednesday as Kiski Area head baseball coach after four seasons with the program.
Burrell wrestling staff honored as top assistant coaches in state
July 25, 2022
The Burrell wrestling team continued its high level of success this past season with a 19th consecutive section championship, another appearance in the WPIAL Class 2A title match, a trip to the PIAA tournament and several individual standout performances at the section, WPIAL, regional and state levels.
Springdale boys soccer team has smooth transition to new coach Palo
July 20, 2022
Paul Palo didn’t need to have the Springdale boys soccer players fill out name-tag stickers when he took over as the Dynamos coach earlier this year.
Blackhawk grad Michael Turconi selected by Toronto Blue Jays in 15th round
July 19, 2022
Michael Turconi is among the latest Western Pennsylvania products to be selected in the 2022 MLB Draft.
New coach Skoda eager to help Highlands girls soccer team get back on track
July 17, 2022
Preseason practices for the girls soccer season at Highlands begin in less than a month, and Matt Skoda said there is much work to be done before that first official workout.
Excitement builds as Plum joins growing girls wrestling movement
When it became official last month that Plum will sanction a girls wrestling program, Saphia Davis was excited, but she was not 100% sure of the validity of the news.
Gateway lineman Matt Brooks finds perfect fit with Duquesne
Matt Brooks struck up a strong connection while talking with new Duquesne defensive line coach Reggie Wells Jr.
New AD charting course for future of Springdale athletic programs
July 14, 2022
Amanda Noel is three months into her new role as Springdale athletic director, and she said she is equally as excited with what has been accomplished so far and with what is yet to come as the fall sports season begins in less than a month.
2022 Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team: Central Catholic’s Anthony Speca
July 12, 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.
2022 Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team: Armstrong’s Cadin Olsen
July 9, 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.
Deer Lakes’ Justin Brannagan named 2022 Valley News Dispatch Baseball Player of the Year
June 25, 2022
2022 Valley News Dispatch Baseball All-Stars
Burrell’s Katie Armstrong earns 2022 Valley News Dispatch Softball Player of the Year honors
2022 Valley News Dispatch Softball All-Stars
Burrell’s Jarrett relishes being part of 1st PIHL girls hockey season
June 24, 2022
Ellie Jarrett was smiling ear to ear after the PIHL girls hockey championship game June 11 at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry Township.
Coach who built Deer Lakes boys basketball into perennial playoff team steps down
June 23, 2022
Terence Parham called it one of the hardest decisions he’s ever had to make.
2022 Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team: Gateway’s Brad Birch
June 20, 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.
Gateway’s Zeisloft adds Positive Athlete Award to resume
June 19, 2022
Dietrich Zeisloft was a leader on the field for several seasons for the Gateway boys soccer team with his ability to put the ball in the back of the net, help control possession and facilitate his teammates on the attack from his midfield position.
Local basketball coach Mark Marino set to lead U.S. team in Greece
June 18, 2022
Mark Marino is no stranger to coaching basketball teams from the United States in overseas competition.
Apollo-Ridge brings back familiar face to coach girls soccer
June 15, 2022
Sarah Bonelli Christopher graduated from Apollo-Ridge in 2013 and went on the play four years as a midfielder at Lock Haven.
WPIAL athletes across all sports honored for positive impact on community
June 14, 2022
Kiski Area athletic director John Peterman knows his school’s student-athletes are energetic competitors on the field and make a difference off the field, both in the classroom and the community.
Valley school board removes interim tag, names Kim Johnson full-time AD
June 13, 2022
For two months this spring, Kim Johnson balanced her duties as a ninth-grade honors biology and AP biology teacher at Valley High School with newly gained responsibilities as the interim athletic director after the resignation of Muzzy Colosimo in March.
Deer Lakes softball reflects on impressive season
June 12, 2022
Deer Lakes softball coach Rick Cerra saw the pieces for a strong season and postseason run come together back in September, six months before preseason practices began.
Gateway softball hopes to build from progress made this spring
When one looks just at the scores of a majority of the games for the Gateway softball team this spring, thoughts might develop of a team that went nowhere in developing on the field.
Future looks bright for Burrell softball
June 11, 2022
A youthful lineup this spring didn’t stop the Burrell softball team from reaching the playoffs for the 17th season in a row, and when the Bucs arrived in the postseason, they made the most of their opportunity.
Deer Lakes softball team bows out of state playoffs
June 9, 2022
Deer Lakes entered Thursday’s PIAA Class 3A quarterfinal matchup with Bald Eagle hoping to punch its ticket to the state semifinals for the first time since 2015.
Deer Lakes wants to continue PIAA postseason journey
June 8, 2022
A quartet from the Deer Lakes softball team — Jenna Bisegna, Reese Hasley, Keeghan Cook and Lydia Guthrie — took one of the biggest walks of their lives and graduated Wednesday evening.
A-K Valley PIAA softball playoff capsules for June 9, 2022
Today’s games
Burrell softball team faces juggernaut Beaver in PIAAs
June 7, 2022
The Beaver softball team currently owns one of the longest winning streaks in WPIAL history.
Burrell rides early offense, Armstrong’s arm into PIAA softball quarterfinals
June 6, 2022
ERIE — It was déjà vu for the Burrell softball team Monday afternoon in its PIAA Class 4A first-round game against District 10 champion Villa Maria Academy at Penn State Behrend.
Deer Lakes softball faces tough road in PIAA tournament
June 5, 2022
District champions, when they enter the PIAA playoffs, always are afforded the opportunity to play their first game in their home district.
A-K Valley PIAA softball playoff capsules: Games for Monday, June 6, 2022
Class 4A
Riverview runners cap special season at PIAA meet
Riverview’s boys 3,200-meter relay runners stood on the medals stand at last year’s PIAA Class 2A championships having just completed a strong performance on the track at Shippensburg University.
After quarterfinal loss, Riverview baseball looks forward to next season
Riverview baseball players had winning playoff experiences under their belts as they began this year’s WPIAL Class A tournament with a first-round matchup against Bishop Canevin.
Gateway’s Robinson caps high school career at PIAA track championships
Amaya Robinson graduated from Gateway on Wednesday.
Times Express campus clippings: Gateway grad honored for strong softball season at Waynesburg
Gateway graduate Kayla Gratton, a sophomore on the Waynesburg University softball team, enjoyed a strong season at shortstop, and she was rewarded for her efforts with selection to the Presidents Athletic Conference all-star team as an honorable-mention pick.
Burrell softball team eyes 1st PIAA win in decade
June 4, 2022
With its season on the line and a trip to the PIAA playoffs at stake, the Burrell softball team came up big Tuesday against Montour at Mars.
Burrell coach Shawn Liotta, brother Jeremy key cogs of innovative Fan Controlled Football League
June 3, 2022
Shawn Liotta’s passion for coaching football and striving for success has no downtime.
Deer Lakes softball players turn attention to states after WPIAL title game loss
June 2, 2022
Jenna Bisegna was at the meeting point between disappointment over Deer Lakes’ 8-1 loss to Avonworth on Wednesday in the WPIAL Class 3A softball title game and getting energized for Monday’s PIAA first-round game as the Lancers met for practice Thursday afternoon.
Avonworth tops Deer Lakes to claim WPIAL Class 3A softball crown
June 1, 2022
Avonworth softball is back on top of the WPIAL Class 3A mountain.
Katie Armstrong leads Burrell into PIAA softball playoffs for 1st time in 11 years
May 31, 2022
For the first time in 11 years, the Burrell softball team will be a part of the PIAA playoffs.
Deer Lakes softball players hope to add another title to program’s legacy
Anna Bokulich remembers Deer Lakes’ 2015 WPIAL softball championship well.
Fresh faces have Burrell softball team 1 win from PIAA playoffs
May 30, 2022
Bella Stewart said it all was a bit nerve-wracking at first when she jumped in head first as the Burrell softball team began the season.
Gateway boys volleyball coach reflects after special season
May 29, 2022
The Gateway boys volleyball team was on the doorstep of a big victory in a WPIAL Class 2A quarterfinal match against Ambridge on May 19 at North Allegheny.
Gateway Sports Hall of Fame plans to honor Class of 2022
Plans are in motion for the Gateway Sports Hall of Fame to resume honoring athletic greats this year.
Missed opportunities prove costly for Plum baseball team
May 28, 2022
The Plum baseball team was no stranger to a close game even before it played its WPIAL Class 5A first-round playoff game against No. 6 Shaler on May 17 at North Allegheny.
Strong finish helped Plum cap season in WPIAL playoffs
The Penn-Trafford softball team will play for a WPIAL Class 5A title against Armstrong on Thursday at Cal (Pa.).
Elizabeth Forward puts end to Burrell’s softball title hopes
May 25, 2022
While the Burrell softball team failed to reach one of its goals Wednesday, another one remains very much in play.
Alle-Kiski sends plenty of track athletes to PIAAs
Deer Lakes senior Carson McCoy doesn’t have to wait long to run at the PIAA track and field championships at Shippensburg University.
Deer Lakes softball holds off South Allegheny, reaches WPIAL Class 3A final
May 24, 2022
The Deer Lakes softball team is back where it has been several times over the past decade.
A-K Valley WPIAL playoff softball capsule: Game for Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Class 4A
Burrell’s lone senior, Caroline Dynka helps lead Bucs to playoff win
Caroline Dynka didn’t want her varsity career to end Monday on the turf at Norwin High School.
Burrell softball advances with grueling 11-inning win vs. Belle Vernon
May 23, 2022
The Burrell and Belle Vernon softball teams went well beyond regulation to decide their WPIAL Class 4A quarterfinal game Monday at Norwin.
Alle-Kiski Valley softball playoff capsules: Games of Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Class A semifinals
A-K Valley softball playoff capsules: Games of Monday, May 23, 2022
May 22, 2022
Class 4A quarterfinals
Riverview runners take aim at state medals
Riverview junior Amberson Bauer and senior teammates Ty Laughlin and Parker Steele were a part of last year’s boys 3,200-meter relay which set a school record and brought home WPIAL gold.
Plum’s Brooks, Domke earn WPIAL track and field medals
The Plum boys and girls track and field teams were well represented at the WPIAL Class 3A track and field championships last week at Slippery Rock University.
Gateway’s Robinson sprints to berth at PIAA championship meet
Next spring, Amaya Robinson hopes to make an impact on the track at Slippery Rock University as a member of The Rock women’s track and field team.
A-K Valley Hall of Fame honors 10 inductees
May 21, 2022
Bob White was a three-year football standout at Freeport who went on to star at Penn State and captain the 1986 Nittany Lions to the national championship.
Southmoreland surges past Ellwood City into WPIAL Class 3A semifinals
May 19, 2022
Facing an early deficit against Ellwood City in a WPIAL Class 3A quarterfinal Thursday at North Allegheny, the Southmoreland softball team responded in a big way.
Greensburg CC gets past Leechburg to make 1st semifinal trip in a decade
The Greensburg Central Catholic softball team will play in a WPIAL semifinal game for the first time in 10 years.
Deer Lakes’ Carson McCoy adds WPIAL gold to his medal collection
May 18, 2022
Carson McCoy won state gold last year in the 1,600-meter run, and now he can display that hardware with a pair of WPIAL individual gold medals.
After another long layoff, Springdale softball ‘all about keeping the momentum going’
The Springdale softball team’s 3-1 victory over rival Leechburg on May 11 gave it an outright section title for the first time since the 1998 team went 14-0 in section play and made the semifinals of the WPIAL Class AA playoffs.
Greensburg Central Catholic beats Leechburg for elusive 1st-round win
May 17, 2022
Last year, the Greensburg Central Catholic baseball team earned the No. 2 seed for the WPIAL Class A playoffs and secured a first-round bye.
A-K Valley WPIAL playoff baseball/softball capsules: Games for Wednesday, May 18, 2022
BASEBALL
Former Highlands QB hired to coach Golden Rams football team
May 16, 2022
Matt Bonislawski is a Golden Ram once again.
A-K Valley WPIAL baseball and softball playoff preview capsules for May 17, 2022
Baseball
Alle-Kiski Valley well represented at WPIAL track and field championships
Greg Klingensmith owns the Apollo-Ridge boys school record in the discus at 156 feet 9 inches recorded in placing third at last year’s WPIAL Class 2A track and field championships at Slippery Rock University.
Optimistic Plum girls lacrosse team seeks 1st playoff victory
May 15, 2022
Heading into this season, the Plum girls lacrosse team already had experienced the WPIAL playoffs three times in its young history.
Riverview’s Bauer hopes to build on school-record time in 800 at WPIAL meet
Amberson Bauer qualified, along with several of his Riverview track and field teammates, for the WPIAL Class 2A championships at Slippery Rock University.
Plum notebook: Softball team grabs final berth, earns trip to Class 5A playoffs
It has been an up and down season for the Plum softball team, but last Tuesday against Penn Hills, the Mustangs were able to enjoy a victory which clinched a spot in the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs.
Gateway savors elusive section volleyball title
The 36-year wait to put another number on the boys volleyball section-title banner in the gym at the Gateway Furrie Sports Complex has ended. Head coach Phil Randolph and his players couldn’t be more excited.
Deer Lakes, Plum expect tough matches in 1st round of WPIAL boys volleyball playoffs
May 13, 2022
Last year, the Plum boys volleyball team was the No. 9 seed for the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs, and it defeated No. 8 Trinity in the first round before a matchup with eventual champion Seton LaSalle in the quarterfinals.
Seneca Valley, North Allegheny take top 2 seeds in Class 3A WPIAL volleyball bracket
Seneca Valley and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart are the No. 1 seeds in Class 3A and 2A for the WPIAL playoffs as both brackets were revealed Friday afternoon.
Alle-Kiski Valley trio rewarded with WPIAL playoff byes
May 12, 2022
Three Alle-Kiski Valley softball teams — Burrell, Deer Lakes and Springdale — earned byes into the quarterfinals as the WPIAL playoff brackets and pairings were released Thursday at Triblive HSSN.
Apollo-Ridge overcomes obstacles, eager for WPIAL Class 2A playoffs
May 11, 2022
Eric Kowalczyk saw promise in his young Apollo-Ridge softball team when the season started in late March.
Gateway boys volleyball fends off Plum challenge, finishes undefeated in section
May 10, 2022
The Plum boys volleyball team hoped to play spoiler and prevent visiting Gateway from finishing its Section 2-2A slate undefeated as the teams met in the section finale Tuesday at Plum.
Deer Lakes’ McCoy riding high after Baldwin win
May 9, 2022
Carson McCoy just missed out on gold in the 800-meter run at last year’s Baldwin Invitational.
No changes in final WPIAL Boys Volleyball Coaches Association top-10 polls
WPIAL boys volleyball section play concludes Thursday evening, and the playoff brackets and pairings are scheduled to be released Friday.
Ford City grad Lizzie Suwala-Sheaffer ‘honored’ to take spot in A-K Valley HOF
May 7, 2022
Lizzie Suwala-Sheaffer could hit a shot from anywhere on the basketball court.
Riverview baseball ready for another playoff run
Riverview and Springdale are rivals in every sport, and baseball this spring is no exception.
Burrell’s Armstrong outduels Freeport’s Selker as Bucs softball team earns 1-0 win
May 5, 2022
Second verse, same as the first.
Valley softball enjoying continued renaissance
May 4, 2022
Morgan Dunkel was ready to take the ball, toe the rubber in the pitching circle and have a breakout freshman season for the Valley softball team.
Highlands knocks off Burrell, heating up race for section softball title
May 2, 2022
The Burrell softball team had an outright Section 1-4A championship in its sights as it hosted Highlands on senior night Monday evening at Bon Air Field in Lower Burrell.
OLSH returns to top of Class 2A in latest boys volleyball coaches’ rankings
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart is back on top of the Class 2A rankings as the Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association released its Week 6 WPIAL boys top-10 polls Monday morning.
Plum softball team making final playoff push
May 1, 2022
Despite a sometimes-rocky trip through the Section 1-5A schedule this spring, the Plum softball team still was alive for a WPIAL playoff spot as it entered its home stretch of games.
Kiski Area, Valley, Highlands gear up for WPIAL team tennis tournament
April 29, 2022
The Kiski Area boys tennis team opens the WPIAL Class 3A team tournament Tuesday as the No. 9 seed, and the Cavaliers, the runner-up to Franklin Regional in Section 1, will take on No. 8 Central Catholic at 3 p.m. at Norwin.
Pitcher plays key role as Deer Lakes tops Valley, clinches share of section title
April 28, 2022
Maddie Kee was key for the Deer Lakes softball team in its Section 1-3A clash at rival Valley on Thursday afternoon.
Kiski Area defeats Plum, clinches WPIAL playoff berth
April 27, 2022
The Kiski Area softball team missed the WPIAL playoffs in 2019 and ‘21 after a run to the quarterfinals in ‘18.
Springdale softball takes advantage of Leechburg miscues, holds off late rally
April 25, 2022
The Leechburg and Springdale softball teams ended long weather-related layoffs Monday with the resumption of a Section 3-A rivalry that has produced its fair share of close and competitive outcomes.
North Allegheny, North Catholic hold on to top rankings in boys volleyball coaches’ poll
North Allegheny and North Catholic kept their places at the top in the Class 3A and Class 2A boys volleyball rankings, respectively, as the Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association released its Week 5 top-10 polls Monday morning.
Gateway athletes battle adversity in quest for WPIAL qualifying marks
April 24, 2022
When breaking down early-season progress of his boys and girls track and field teams, veteran Gateway coach Tom LaBuff said that his athletes have worked hard to cut through adversities such as less-than-stellar weather and the fight to stay healthy in the quest to meet their goals and expectations.
A-K Valley Hall of Fame nominee Phelps continues to have impact, success with Burrell
April 23, 2022
Ray Sharick was just beginning his Burrell varsity track and field career as a freshman when he met Frank Phelps.
Plum baseball rebounds after dropping series to Mars
The Plum and Mars baseball teams set the standard for close and competitive games the past two seasons.
Highlands softball shakes off rust, builds momentum with win over Freeport
April 22, 2022
The Highlands softball team returned to game action Friday after a nine-day, weather-related layoff, and it put a second win on the board against Section 1-4A rival Freeport.
Back from broken wrist, sophomore Selker fuels strong start for Freeport softball
April 20, 2022
Sydney Selker made the most of her first varsity season with the Freeport softball team.
Nick Dizon steps down as Kiski Area’s girls basketball coach to lead Penn State Greater Allegheny program
April 19, 2022
Nick Dizon called it a very tough decision, but after four years as coach of the Kiski Area girls basketball team, he is stepping away to lead the women’s program at Penn State Greater Allegheny.
North Catholic regains top spot in volleyball coaches association’s Class 2A rankings
April 18, 2022
A section clash last week between WPIAL heavyweights produced a change at the top of the latest Western Pa. Volleyball Coaches Association Class 2A rankings released Monday morning.
Plum’s Kaitlyn Killinger commits to Pitt women’s soccer
Pitt is it for another Plum girls soccer standout.
Plum girls lacrosse in hunt for Section 2 championship
April 17, 2022
The Plum girls lacrosse team reached the midpoint of its Section 1-2A slate in contention for the section title.
Gateway sprinter Amaya Robinson to continue career on a familiar track
Amaya Robinson is building on the past and making the most of the present while lending an eye to the future.
Gateway baseball team earns split with Penn-Trafford
The Gateway baseball team split last year’s Section 1-5A series with Penn-Trafford on the way to a 6-4 record and a trip to the WPIAL playoffs.
Riverview runners working toward more WPIAL success
April 16, 2022
Parker Steele has high hopes the Riverview boys 3,200-meter relay can defend its WPIAL Class 2A title from a year ago.
Plum girls lacrosse in hunt for Section 2 championship
The Plum girls lacrosse team reached the midpoint of its Section 1-2A slate in contention for the section title.
Stallsmith’s 6-RBI game helps Knoch beat Burrell in Section 1-4A
April 15, 2022
Burrell took Game 1, but the Knoch baseball team returned the favor in a big way Friday afternoon in a Section 1-4A rematch at sun-splashed No Offseason in Russellton.
Deer Lakes softball team off to good start in pursuit of section title
April 13, 2022
Early last season, Deer Lakes suffered a 6-3 loss to Valley, and that ended up playing a big part in costing the Lancers a share of the Section 1-3A championship.
North Allegheny, OLSH maintain top spots in WPIAL Volleyball Coaches Association rankings
April 11, 2022
North Allegheny (Class 3A) and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (Class 2A) held on to their respective No. 1 spots in the Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association’s Week 3 WPIAL boys top 10 polls released Monday morning.
Gateway boys volleyball ready to make its mark in Class 2A
April 10, 2022
The Gateway boys volleyball team got a chance to show its potential at the early-season Seneca Valley tournament on April 2.
Gateway baseball team off to strong start after extra-inning victory
With five seniors and several other returning underclassmen to fuel the machine, the Gateway baseball team’s optimism for the 2022 season grew in the weeks leading up to the season opener at Pine-Richland on March 29.
A-K Valley HOF inductee Haney was coach of year in 2006
April 9, 2022
When Dianne Haney stepped down as Kiski Area softball coach in 2014, she had completed 22 years at the helm of the Cavaliers and helped the program to 248 victories, 12 section championships, 15 playoff appearances, four undefeated regular seasons and a 1995 WPIAL runner-up finish.
Plum boys volleyball hunting for Section 2 championship
The Plum boys volleyball team has goals and aspirations of claiming the Section 2-2A championship.
Promising performances highlight start of season for Plum track and field
Plum boys and girls track and field coach Stephanie Kennedy witnessed a plethora of promising performances from the more than two dozen athletes who competed at the early-season Altoona Igloo Invitational on April 2 at Altoona’s Mansion Park.
Armstrong’s Olsen winner of 2nd Willie Thrower Award as top QB in Southwestern Pennsylvania
Cadin Olsen stood tall, literally and figuratively, among a wide-ranging crop of talented quarterbacks in the WPIAL and City League.
Golden Gloves Western Pa. finals set for Saturday in Monroeville
April 8, 2022
The Western Pennsylvania Golden Gloves winter and spring 2022 schedule comes down to Saturday evening and a card full of championship bouts at Pro Sports in Monroeville.
Burrell’s Armstrong guides young, determined squad
April 6, 2022
Katie Armstrong’s freshman softball season was over before it got a chance to get going.
Highlands softball team pounds 5 HRs among its 20 hits in win over Freeport
April 4, 2022
After scoring single runs in losses to Shaler and Laurel to open its season, the Highlands softball team broke out in a big way Monday in the Section 1-4A opener against Freeport at Freeport Community Park.
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart is Class 2A’s new No. 1 in coaches association volleyball rankings
There’s a change at the top of the Western PA Volleyball Coaches Association’s WPIAL Class 2A rankings released Monday morning.
Gateway swimmers send off coach at PIAA championships
April 3, 2022
The 2021-22 season is the last for Sherry Sonetti as head coach of the Gateway swim teams, and she also is retiring from the Gateway School District at the end of the academic year in June.
West girls edge East in double OT in record-setting Cager Classic
April 2, 2022
At the midway point of the first overtime of Saturday’s 25th Cager Classic girls all-star game at Highlands, a loose ball off a missed shot caused a mad scramble involving a couple of players from both the East and West squads.
Knoch’s Maddie Boyer named Valley News Dispatch Girls Basketball Player of the Year
Maddie Boyer
Fox Chapel’s Eli Yofan takes Valley News Dispatch Boys Basketball Player of the Year honors
Eli Yofan
Highlands’ Foster sprinted to Alle-Kiski Valley Sports Hall of Fame
When Robert Foster began running track and field at Highlands, he wasn’t sure where the sport would take him.
After strong season, future bright for Plum wrestling program
Seven Plum wrestlers took part in the WPIAL/Southwest Regional Class 3A tournament March 4 and 5 at Canon-McMillan High School.
Plum swimmers cap special season at PIAA championships
Sam Schohn was one of the top performers in the Class 2A boys 100-yard breaststroke all season.
Penn Hills stands by decision for teams to not play Kiski Area this spring over racism accusations
April 1, 2022
The Penn Hills School Board on Wednesday reaffirmed the district’s stance that its high school sports teams will not play Kiski Area opponents this spring after allegations that Kiski Area fans subjected Penn Hills players to racist taunts at a March 2 middle school volleyball game.
Highlands searches for new football coach after Girardi steps down
March 31, 2022
Dom Girardi stepped down as Highlands football coach Thursday, ending a five-season tenure with the Golden Rams.
New coach to Springdale football team: ‘Show me what ya got’
March 29, 2022
Ryan Tempalski is ready to generate a spark for the Springdale football program.
Volleyball coaches association releases first WPIAL boys regular-season rankings
March 28, 2022
Five dual matches Friday and a trio of tournaments Saturday kicked off the 2022 WPIAL boys volleyball season.
WPIAL swimmers claim 6 more titles at PIAA Class 2A championships
March 19, 2022
LEWISBURG — WPIAL swimmers continued to roll Saturday evening on the second day of the PIAA Class 2A championships at Bucknell.
Schohn, Schrecongost cap careers with medal-winning performances at PIAA swimming
Seniors Sam Schohn from Plum and Lexi Schrecongost from Freeport capped their high school swimming careers Saturday with medal-winning performances at the PIAA Class 2A championships at Bucknell.
Mt. Pleasant girls place 2nd at PIAA swimming championships
It was quite the two days for the Mt. Pleasant girls swim team at the PIAA Class 2A championships at Bucknell.
North Catholic’s Maggie Foley takes 2nd at PIAA diving championships
LEWISBURG — North Catholic junior Maggie Foley placed second to Marple Newtown senior Alexandra Pastris at last year’s PIAA Class 2A diving championships at Cumberland Valley High School.
WPIAL swimmers chasing more gold in championship heats at PIAA swim meet Day 2
LEWISBURG — After winning seven state titles on Day 1 of the PIAA Class 2A swimming championships at Bucknell, WPIAL swimmers are after more gold Saturday evening.
WPIAL swimmers claim 7 state titles on 1st day of PIAA Class 2A championships
March 18, 2022
LEWISBURG — Friday was a banner day for WPIAL boys and girls swimmers at the PIAA Class 2A championships at Bucknell.
Mt. Pleasant’s King is queen of the PIAA 50 freestyle, with a record time
LEWISBURG - Mt. Pleasant freshman Lily King familiarized herself with the top of a swimming medals podium at the WPIAL Class 2A championships earlier this month.
8 is enough for Freeport freshman Kira Schrecongost at PIAA championships
LEWISBURG - Freeport freshman Kira Schrecongost swam four times on the first day of the WPIAL Class 2A championships March 3 at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Ligonier Valley’s Nick Roddy takes silver at PIAA diving championships
LEWISBURG — Ligonier Valley senior Nick Roddy missed out on a chance to dive at the Class 2A state championships as a sophomore in 2020 as the PIAA canceled the entire Class 2A meet at the onset of the covid-19 pandemic.
WPIAL swimmers secure top seeds for PIAA Class 2A championship heats
LEWISBURG — After taking the baton from Class 3A, the WPIAL swimmers from Class 2A were off and running Friday morning at the PIAA championships at Bucknell.
Seneca Valley boys capture Class 3A team title at PIAA swimming and diving championships
March 17, 2022
LEWISBURG — The PIAA Class 3A boys swimming and diving team title is back with the WPIAL.
Strong showing from Franklin Regional, Hempfield boys teams at PIAA championships
LEWISBURG — The Franklin Regional boys 400-yard freestyle relay team had its sights set on capping the PIAA Class 3A swimming championships Thursday evening at Bucknell with a swim in the finals heat.
Kiski Area’s Miller ‘in awe’ of 4th-place finish at PIAA Class 3A swimming championships
Eliza Miller made the most of her first finals swim at the PIAA Class 3A championships.
North Allegheny’s Christina Shi captures 2nd straight PIAA diving championship
LEWISBURG — The PIAA Class 3A girls diving championship meet went down to the wire Thursday afternoon, and the pressure was on Christina Shi as she attempted to win her second straight state title.
WPIAL swimmers advance to PIAA championship finals on Day 2
LEWISBURG — The WPIAL will have several swimmers and relays battling for state medals and championship gold Thursday evening on Day 2 of the PIAA Class 3A championships at Bucknell.
Seneca Valley’s Daniel Simoes captures PIAA gold in 200 IM
March 16, 2022
Daniel Simoes placed second in the 200-yard individual medley at last year’s PIAA Class 3A championships at Cumberland Valley High School.
Fox Chapel’s Sophie Shao takes silver in butterfly at PIAA meet
Fox Chapel’s Sophie Shao stood on the bulkhead next to the starting block for nearly 10 minutes as PIAA officials worked out a problem with the timing system.
Franklin Regional boys swim relay takes 5th at states
The Franklin Regional boys 200 medley relay fashioned the best swim in program history at the WPIAL Class 3A championships March 3 at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Seneca Valley divers compete at PIAA championships
LEWISBURG — Seneca Valley was well represented at the PIAA Class 3A boys diving championships Wednesday at Bucknell.
WPIAL swimmers to race in championship heats on Day 1 of PIAA Class 3A meet
LEWISBURG — The consolation and championship finals for the first day of the WPIAL Class 3A swimming championships are set.
After season to remember, Highlands softball team excited for encore
The Highlands softball team now is the hunted.
Strong returning core has Highlands baseball team thinking of longer playoff run
Last season, the Highlands baseball team came into the WPIAL quarterfinals on a six-game winning streak but left with a third loss of the season to Blackhawk.
WPIAL Class 3A swimmers, divers hope to make their marks as PIAA championships begin at Bucknell
After a one-year hiatus, the PIAA Class 3A and 2A swimming and diving championships are back at Bucknell University.
A-K Valley, Westmoreland County swimmers thrilled to return to state meet at Bucknell
March 15, 2022
A sense of normalcy is back at the PIAA swimming and diving championships, and for the numerous qualifiers from the Alle-Kiski Valley and Westmoreland County schools, it only adds to the anticipation.
Plum’s Kaley Simqu commits to play soccer at Pitt
March 13, 2022
Kaley Simqu helps form the defensive nucleus for the Plum girls soccer team and has been a part of a strong run of success the past three seasons.
Plum swimmers look forward to PIAA championship meet
Sam Schohn knows all about swimming at the PIAA Class 2A championships.
Gateway wrestlers cap season at WPIAL championships
Arontay Heningcamp’s debut match at the WPIAL/Southwest Regional Class 3A wrestling tournament didn’t exactly go the way he had hoped.
Gateway’s Hunter Raymer swims to WPIAL gold medal, eyes success at PIAA meet
Hunter Raymer was no stranger to big swim meets before the WPIAL Class 3A championships March 3 and 4 at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Como earns spot in AK Valley Hall of Fame after helping to build Burrell’s wrestling success
March 12, 2022
Chris Como lives and breathes Burrell wrestling.
Alle-Kiski Valley PIAA playoff capsule: Highlands vs. Laurel Highlands, Friday, March 11, 2022
March 10, 2022
Friday’s game
Knoch girls win 1st PIAA playoff game in program history
March 9, 2022
Three was the magic number for the Knoch girls basketball team in its PIAA Class 4A first-round home game Wednesday evening against District 9 champion St. Marys.
Mt. Pleasant enters PIAA swimming event on a roll
The Mt. Pleasant girls swim team captured five WPIAL championships and had numerous other medal-winning and point-producing performances last Thursday and Friday at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Highlands opens PIAA playoffs with rout of Brashear
March 8, 2022
Brashear scored the first two points of Tuesday night’s PIAA Class 5A first-round game at Highlands.
A-K Valley PIAA basketball playoff capsules: Games for Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Boys
Alle-Kiski Valley PIAA basketball playoff preview: Games of Tuesday, March 8, 2022
March 7, 2022
Tuesday’s games
Apollo-Ridge’s Bartha to step down as athletic director, stay on as girls basketball coach
As Ray Bartha prepares his Apollo-Ridge girls basketball team for Tuesday’s PIAA Class 2A first-round playoff game at District 10 champion West Middlesex, he also is moving forward with his plans to transition away from the school’s athletic director position after 14 years.
Fox Chapel girls soak in silver-medal performance at WPIAL championships
March 4, 2022
The Fox Chapel girls 400-yard freestyle relay finished Friday what the Foxes’ 200 medley relay started Thursday.
Mt. Pleasant girls capture 1st WPIAL swimming championship
The Mt. Pleasant girls swimming and diving team took home a runner-up trophy from the 2020 WPIAL Class 2A championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Fox Chapel’s Sophie Shao breaks 38-year-old record, wins 100 fly title at WPIALs
March 3, 2022
A 38-year WPIAL record is no more.
Franklin Regional, Hempfield, Mt. Pleasant swimmers shine during Day 1 of WPIAL championships
It was the best of feelings and the worst of feelings for the Franklin Regional boys relays Thursday on Day 1 of the WPIAL Class 3A championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Valley freshman Sidnie Shirey won’t let disability keep her from swimming, inspiring others
Sidnie Shirey stands on the pool deck beside the starting block.
WPIAL’s swimming best ready to do battle in return to Pitt’s Trees Pool
March 2, 2022
Levi Hansen won three medals in four individual races at WPIALs over the past two seasons.
Knoch girls hold off Southmoreland, reach WPIAL title game for 1st time
March 1, 2022
The Knoch girls basketball team reached the WPIAL semifinals last year for the first time in program history, but it fell one win short of its goal of reaching the championship game and an opportunity to play for the gold.
Freeport’s Schrecongost, Fox Chapel’s Shao lead strong A-K Valley contingent into WPIAL swimming championships
Lexi Schrecongost’s swimming future is at Toledo.
Kiski Area swim coach Lisa Pepka resigns days before WPIAL meet
Kiski Area boys and girls swimming coach Lisa Pepka resigned from the position Monday, just three days before the WPIAL championships.
Aquinas Academy fends off upset-minded St. Joseph, rolls into Class A title game
February 28, 2022
The St. Joseph girls basketball team held a great deal of momentum entering Monday’s WPIAL Class A semifinal against Section 3 rival Aquinas Academy at North Hills High School.
AK Valley WPIAL basketball playoff preview capsules: Games for Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Boys
Alle-Kiski Valley WPIAL basketball playoff capsule for Feb. 28, 2022
February 27, 2022
Monday’s game
St. Joseph girls relish another shot at Aquinas after upset
The St. Joseph girls basketball team will get another crack at Aquinas Academy as the Section 3-1A rivals do battle at 6 p.m. Monday at North Hills in the WPIAL semifinals with a trip to Petersen Events Center on the line.
Gateway swimmers chasing medals at WPIAL championships
Before competing in college at Youngstown State, Summer Raymer has one final chance to make her mark on the biggest high school stages in Pennsylvania.
Young Gateway lineup ‘trending in right direction’
The Gateway junior varsity hockey team finished its regular season Feb. 14 with a tough 3-2 loss to Mt. Lebanon.
Plum’s Kvortek celebrates PA Classic all-around title
Sarah Kvortek returned to the top of the podium in the Intermediate I (Gold) division at the WPIAL gymnastics championships Feb. 12 at Moon High School.
PIAA-playoff bound Knoch beats Montour in WPIAL Class 4A semifinals
February 25, 2022
The Knoch girls basketball team will play in the WPIAL Class 4A semifinals for the second straight season.
Fox Chapel freshman has eyes on PIAA diving qualification
Jackson Hagler quickly established himself as a qualifier for the WPIAL Class AAA diving championships.
Gateway’s Passalinqua aims for success at WPIAL diving championships
Noah Passalinqua established himself as a major player in Class 3A boys diving throughout the season, and now he hopes to make his mark on a championship stage.
A-K Valley WPIAL basketball playoff preview capsules: Games of Friday, Feb. 25, 2022
February 24, 2022
BOYS
Montour shakes off rust, pulls away from Burrell in Class 4A quarterfinals
February 23, 2022
The Montour boys basketball team is moving on.
A-K Valley WPIAL basketball playoff preview capsules: Games of Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022
BOYS
Alle-Kiski Valley WPIAL basketball playoff capsules for Feb. 23, 2022
February 22, 2022
Wednesday’s games
St. Joseph girls halt playoff losing streak
February 21, 2022
The St. Joseph girls basketball team is back in the WPIAL postseason win column.
Alle-Kiski Valley WPIAL basketball playoff capsules for Feb. 22, 2022
Boys
A-K Valley WPIAL basketball playoff capsules for Feb. 21, 2022
February 20, 2022
Monday’s games
First trip to PIAA meet memorable for Plum competitive spirit squad
The Plum competitive spirit team made a long journey this season from a spring and summer of training all the way through to its first appearance on biggest high school stage for the sport in Pennsylvania.
Plum trio blazing trail for girls wrestling in district
High school girls wrestling in Pennsylvania is gaining momentum on a weekly basis.
Gateway girls hope strong finish provides momentum for next season
Despite not having the entire season it wanted, the Gateway girls basketball team finished on a positive note with three wins over its final four games.
Excitement growing for WPIAL swimming’s return to Pitt
February 19, 2022
When Penn-Trafford swim coach Dave Babik took over as the WPIAL swimming and diving chairman at the start of this school year, he knew he would have a lot on his plate.
Deer Lakes boys get playoff win in final seconds
February 18, 2022
Justin Brannagan’s final field-goal attempt in the final home game of his varsity career ended up being a shot he will remember for the rest of his life.
Knoch girls basketball seniors gear up for final ride
February 16, 2022
Maddie Boyer, Mackenzie McGraw and Lily Hawk have been friends and basketball teammates since fourth grade.
Brian Miller named athletic director at Plum
Just a couple weeks after Josh Shoop stepped down as Plum’s athletic director, the school district’s board of directors on Tuesday hired his replacement who will guide the Mustangs teams through the remainder of the winter season, into the spring season and beyond.
Fox Chapel boys, Knoch girls refocus after getting look at WPIAL playoff pairings
February 14, 2022
The WPIAL boys and girls basketball playoff brackets were released Monday, and the Fox Chapel boys and Knoch girls, as predicted, earned byes into the quarterfinals.
Gateway’s Holmes siblings look forward to WPIAL championships
February 13, 2022
Andrew Holmes has his sights set on more WPIAL gold at Pitt’s Trees Pool in a couple weeks as he hopes to add to last year’s WPIAL title in the 200-yard freestyle.
Plum athletes off to strong start during indoor track season
February 12, 2022
Plum cross country and track and field coach Stephanie Kennedy is optimistic as she looks ahead to the outdoor track season.
Kiski Area girls avenge loss against Plum
February 11, 2022
When the Plum and Kiski Area girls basketball teams met Jan. 26 at Plum, the Mustangs came away with a victory.
Before heading to Providence, Plum’s Glasspool has sights set on WPIAL success
February 9, 2022
Elizabeth Glasspool hopes to make a big splash in the smallest state in the country.
Deer Lakes girls basketball gets in playoff mode early
Nikki Fleming said she and her Deer Lakes girls basketball teammates didn’t know what to expect at the start of the season with a new coach and a new system in place.
Highlands girls basketball team erupts for win vs. Freeport
February 7, 2022
The Highlands girls basketball team entered Monday’s Section 1-4A matchup with Freeport averaging 54.5 points, and its previous season high of 76 points came last week in a 22-point nonsection win over Keystone Oaks.
Gateway’s Engleka to join Division III powerhouse
February 6, 2022
The University of Mt. Union has been the standard for football success in NCAA Division III for the past three decades.
Central Catholic’s Brown to join longtime friend at Mt. Union
Monroeville resident Jaden Brown reached out to longtime friend Jaired Lehman, a Gateway graduate, as he went through his college baseball recruiting process.
Long time coming: Knoch wins win 1st section title in 50 years
February 5, 2022
A 50-year section-championship drought came to an end Saturday afternoon as the Knoch girls basketball team held off a furious fight from Highlands to capture the Section 1-4A crown with a 56-48 victory in front of a large and spirited home crowd.
Before heading to Providence, Plum’s Glasspool has sights set on WPIAL success
Elizabeth Glasspool hopes to make a big splash in the smallest state in the country.
Plum football standouts look forward to playing at next level
After four years of contributions to the Plum football team on offense, defense and special teams, Logan Brooks is taking his talents north to Erie.
Plum seeking new athletic director after Josh Shoop resigns
February 4, 2022
The Plum School District is moving forward with plans to hire a new athletic director.
Burrell wrestling teams moves 1 step closer to 16th consecutive WPIAL Class 2A title
February 2, 2022
No. 1 remains alive for No. 16.
High stakes as Knoch, Highlands girls set for showdown Saturday
The Knoch girls basketball team stands on the cusp of securing the Section 1-4A championship.
Fox Chapel swim teams speeding toward section titles
January 31, 2022
Payton O’Toole made a splash two years ago as a freshman at Burrell with a fifth-place finish in the 200-yard freestyle at the WPIAL Class 2A championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool. She also was sixth in the 500 free.
A-K Valley senior spotlight: Plum’s Vince Citrano
Whether it’s been by decision, major decision, fall or technical fall, Plum senior Vince Citrano has been on point with his goals for his final high school wrestling season.
Gateway freshman Raymer hunting gold at WPIAL championship meet
January 30, 2022
There were high expectations for Hunter Raymer as he entered his freshman swim season at Gateway a couple of months ago.
Plum’s Kvortek ready to score high at WPIAL gymnastics championships
January 29, 2022
Sarah Kvortek realized the fulfillment of a goal last season as she stood at the top of the podium at the WPIAL individual gymnastics championships at Moon High School.
Kiski Area boys make late run to get past Gateway in Section 3-5A
January 28, 2022
With four minutes left in Friday’s Section 3-5A boys basketball matchup between Gateway and Kiski Area, the visiting Gators held a one-point advantage and hoped to make a run to put the game on ice.
Kiski Area swimmers Hansen, Sterlitz have sights set on top spots at WCCA meet
As freshmen in 2020, Levi Hansen and Parker Sterlitz made a run at the boys 500-yard freestyle title at the Westmoreland County Coaches Association championships at Derry High School.
Kiski Area wrestlers top Franklin Regional, repeat as section champs
January 26, 2022
For the 26th time in program history, the Kiski Area wrestling team is section champion.
St. Joseph girls basketball team develops chemistry
The St. Joseph girls basketball team entered the fourth quarter of Tuesday’s nonsection game against Class 3A Shady Side Academy trailing by three points.
WPIAL releases latest swimming and diving performance lists
January 25, 2022
Fox Chapel junior Sophie Shao, the defending WPIAL and PIAA Class 3A champion in the 100-yard butterfly, looks at her time in the event on the swimming performance list on the WPIAL website and sees who also is recording top times and making a charge up the rankings.
Deer Lakes’ Hasley hits 1,000 points on game-winning shot vs. Freeport
January 24, 2022
Reese Hasley’s 1,000th career point Monday night against rival Freeport was quite dramatic.
After strong finish at Allegheny County tournament, Plum looks forward to postseason
January 23, 2022
Few teams at the Allegheny County tournament Jan. 14 and 15 at Fox Chapel High School had the overall performance the Plum wrestling team produced.
Plum, Riverview fall sports teams look forward to new, current rivalries
Whether they’re joined in the same conference or separated in the same or a different classification, the Plum and Franklin Regional football teams usually find themselves on the same field each season.
Captains McKenna, Heningcamp help spark growth for Gateway wrestling
Floyd McKenna entered his junior season hoping to make his mark on the mat for the Gateway wrestling team.
After year absence, Gateway alumni reunite for annual Black/White hockey game
Stefan Biancaniello surveyed the landscape at Palmer Imaging Ice Arena in Delmont on Dec. 26, and his heart was warmed.
Deer Lakes boys rebound for victory against Knoch
January 21, 2022
The Deer Lakes boys basketball team was looking for a bounce back from Tuesday’s loss to Section 1-4A leader North Catholic as it hosted section rival Knoch on Friday.
Apollo-Ridge girls team playing beyond its years
January 19, 2022
With no seniors on its roster, the youthful Apollo-Ridge girls basketball team took a wait-and-see attitude into the season with hopes of making an impact in and out of Section 4-2A.
Knoch girls top Freeport, stay unbeaten in section
January 18, 2022
The Knoch girls basketball team keeps rolling along in Section 1-4A.
Burrell wrestling program mourns loss of Shawn, Edward DesLauriers
January 16, 2022
Dakota DesLauriers was on hand Friday at Burrell High School to watch the current crop of Bucs wrestlers take on Kiski Area in the annual nonsection matchup of neighboring rivals.
Gateway girls return from covid shutdown, earn 1st victory
The Gateway girls basketball team tasted victory for the first time this season Jan. 11 with a 49-39 victory over Section 4-5A rival Penn Hills in the friendly confines of Gateway’s Furrie Sports Complex.
Gateway bowlers chasing postseason berth
The Gateway varsity boys bowling team entered a rebuilding mode at the start of the season after all five starters from last year’s WPIBL playoff squad graduated.
After tough stretch, Plum hockey rebounds to get back in playoff chase
Plum ice hockey players knew what it felt like to be in a close game as they skated against Chartiers Valley on Jan. 10 at Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center.
Kiski Area wrestling continues dominance, tops Burrell
January 14, 2022
Covid wreaked havoc with last year’s winter sports season, and the annual wrestling clash between Alle-Kiski Valley rivals Burrell and Kiski Area was one of the big events which fell victim to cancellation.
WPIAL standouts get all-star football treatment in Dallas
January 13, 2022
Brock White Jr. knows what it is like to suit up for a football game at Dallas’ AT&T Stadium, nicknamed “Jerry World” after Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
Knoch’s Nina Shaw shows off scoring touch, all-around game
January 12, 2022
Nina Shaw went off for a career-high 26 points in Knoch’s 50-33 victory over Section 1-4A rival Highlands on Monday.
Knoch girls basketball team wins section showdown with Highlands
January 10, 2022
The lead in Section 1-4A was on the line Monday as 3-0 Knoch and 3-0 Highlands did battle at Highlands High School.
A-K Valley senior spotlight: Deer Lakes’ Reese Hasley
Reese Hasley Deer Lakes basketball
Gateway swimmers earn early WPIAL qualifying times
January 9, 2022
The Gateway boys and girls swimming and diving teams have entered the Section 3-3A portion of their schedules, and coach Sherry Sonetti hopes that a strong series of practices over the holiday break will pay dividends.
Various Alle-Kiski Valley schools change classifications
January 8, 2022
After many years of high-level contests in WPIAL Class 2A, including five seasons that resulted in WPIAL championships, the Freeport girls volleyball team made a move to Class 3A two years ago.
Patience, hard work paying off for Plum girls basketball
Early last month, as the Plum girls basketball team was going through its final paces in practices and scrimmages to get ready for the 2021-22 season, first-year coach Rich Mull said patience and hard work would be key components in the improvement of a young group with just one senior and a lot of younger talent looking to make an impact.
Riverview’s Fichte finds success with new bowling program
Gwyn Fichte has had quite the year so far in terms of sports success.
Junior guard steps into go-to role for Freeport girls basketball team
January 5, 2022
With two regular starters out of the lineup Monday for a Section 1-4A matchup against Burrell, Ava Soilis set out to lift up her youthful Freeport teammates.
Burrell girls get 1st victory of season, beat Freeport
January 3, 2022
The Burrell girls basketball team was not able to taste the thrill of victory over its first eight games.
Top 10 A-K Valley sports stories of 2021
December 30, 2021
As 2021 opened, high school sports in the Alle-Kiski Valley and throughout the region and state were on hold because of ongoing covid-19 uncertainties.
Knoch girls basketball team again leans on defense in win over Kiski Area
December 29, 2021
Nina Shaw loves to put the ball in the hoop.
Fox Chapel girls grab momentum with tournament win over Deer Lakes
In a game featuring several scoring runs, the Fox Chapel girls basketball team had the biggest one at a crucial point to take control of its Peter Sauer Memorial Tournament matchup with Deer Lakes on Wednesday afternoon at Shady Side Academy.
Mars girls basketball gives Highlands its 1st loss
December 28, 2021
The Highlands girls basketball team came into their holiday tournament game against Mars on Tuesday afternoon undefeated through six games.
Burrell senior coming to grips with ‘heartbreaking’ knee injury
December 27, 2021
Allison Fisher’s senior season was full of promise.
Valley News Dispatch Defensive Player of the Year: Kiski Area’s Brayden Dunmire
Alle-Kiski Valley Defensive Player of the Year
Alle-Kiski Valley boys and girls cross country honor rolls announced
December 22, 2021
The Alle-Kiski Valley Cross Country Honor Roll for the 2021 season was released Wednesday.
Freeport girls basketball fends off Deer Lakes rally in section opener
December 20, 2021
The Deer Lakes girls basketball team made a furious fourth-quarter comeback at Freeport on Monday in the Section 1-4A opener for both teams.
Citrano, Plum wrestling team motivated to reach goals
December 18, 2021
Vinnie Citrano has great expectations for his final varsity wrestling season.
Schohn, Plum swim teams pushing pace
After making his mark at WPIALs last year and competing at the PIAA championships, Plum senior Sam Schohn’s goals are clear for the 2021-22 swim season.
Highlands continues hot start, defeats rival Burrell
December 16, 2021
The Highlands girls basketball team got off to a winning start in Section 1-4A play Thursday as three players scored in double figures and a fourth came close during a 59-37 victory over Burrell.
Top A-K Valley swimmers already off to strong starts
December 15, 2021
Sophie Shao was the hunted last season after bursting onto the high school scene as a freshman and winning WPIAL and PIAA Class AAA gold in the 100-yard butterfly.
Gateway’s Patrick Body looks forward to joining College Football Playoff qualifier Cincinnati
Patrick Body is confident.
A-K Valley football players finalize Division I commitments
Brandon Lawhorn Moore made a verbal commitment to Miami (Ohio) last month, and Wednesday morning, “Beef” made it official with the Redhawks.
Highlands girls stay busy during undefeated start to season
December 14, 2021
The Highlands girls basketball team took advantage of the opportunity to get on the court in game action starting last Friday against Fox Chapel at the Freeport Tip-Off Tournament through Tuesday evening’s game against neighboring St. Joseph.
Marston, Susko pace Plum girls basketball past Freeport in season opener
December 11, 2021
Sophomore guard Megan Marston scored 17 of her game-high 21 points in the second half, and junior forward Dannika Susko added 12 points and nine rebounds as the Plum girls basketball team topped Freeport 43-33 in the second game of the Freeport Tip-Off Tournament on Friday at Freeport Middle School.
Highlands girls pull away from Fox Chapel in Freeport Tip-Off Tournament
December 10, 2021
The Highlands girls basketball team trailed Fox Chapel for most of the first half of Friday’s season opener at the Freeport Tip-Off Tournament.
Starting 5: A-K Valley basketball teams, players and storylines to watch in 2021-22
December 9, 2021
Starting 5s
Dozen new A-K Valley high school basketball coaches set for season to tip off
Rich Mull certainly wasn’t alone when he officially took over the head coaching duties of the Plum girls basketball team in August.
Plum’s Kaitlyn Killinger chosen as Valley News Dispatch Girls Soccer Player of the Year
December 4, 2021
Plum’s Luke Kolankowski selected as Valley News Dispatch Boys Soccer Player of the Year
Luke Kolankowski has always seen himself as a facilitator in the offense for the Plum boys soccer team.
Gateway boys aim to challenge for Section 3-5A title
Gateway boys basketball coach Alvis Rogers said he has a lot to be excited about with his team as it is on the cusp of a new season in Monroeville.
With new coach, experienced backcourt, Riverview boys look to climb section ladder
December 3, 2021
When Phil McGivney took the reins of the Riverview boys basketball program over the summer, he saw strong potential in a group of players hungry for a turnaround.
Nothing but positive vibes emanate from Riverview girls basketball teams
Maddie Deem is on an island, so to speak.
New-look Plum boys basketball team taking shape
December 2, 2021
When the final buzzer sounded to conclude Plum’s WPIAL Class 5A first-round loss to New Castle last March, Plum coach Mark Marino was able to take stock of what his veteran team was able to accomplish during a season filled with so many covid-related uncertainties
Plum girls look to build off historic trip to postseason
When Rich Mull took over the reigns of the Plum girls basketball program in August, he was anxious to get going full speed ahead with a youthful group of players he knew had the potential to do great things.
Knoch girls basketball team motivated by unfinished business
November 30, 2021
Madilyn Boyer wants to help put a “2022” on a girls basketball section-championship banner in the gym at Knoch High School.
Knoch boys basketball excited about improved depth alongside top scorer Ryan Lang
When asked what the biggest takeaway was from his team’s offseason of work, second-year Knoch boys basketball coach Alan Bauman pointed to the development of strong depth in the varsity rotation.
New-look Plum boys basketball team taking shape
November 28, 2021
When the final buzzer sounded to conclude Plum’s WPIAL Class 5A first-round loss to New Castle in March, Plum boys basketball coach Mark Marino could take stock of what his veteran team was able to accomplish during a season filled with covid-related uncertainties.
Gateway girls basketball players adjusting to new roles
The Gateway girls basketball team didn’t start out the way it had hoped last year amidst the atmosphere of overall uncertainty in the wake of the covid pandemic.
With roster reshaped by graduation, Fox Chapel girls look forward to season of growth
November 26, 2021
Elsie Smith is ready for the bright lights in a central role for the Fox Chapel girls basketball team.
Loaded lineup has Fox Chapel boys basketball team focused on big season ahead
The Fox Chapel boys basketball team T-shirt for this season bears just one word: focus.
Burrell girls basketball program rolls with changes
November 23, 2021
When Shaun Reddick took over as coach of the Burrell girls basketball team in June, it marked his return to that capacity for the first time since one season at the helm of the Bucs two decades ago.
Burrell boys basketball team confident in ability, experience
Two years ago, the Burrell boys basketball team won just one game.
Lots of opportunities await for Apollo-Ridge boys basketball team
November 22, 2021
The Apollo-Ridge boys basketball team was hit hard by graduation, as much of its starting lineup, including four players who played all 16 games and accounted for 819 of the 915 points the team scored last season, moved on.
Inexperienced Apollo-Ridge girls basketball team eager to ‘prove themselves’
Veteran Apollo-Ridge girls basketball coach Ray Bartha said he is cautiously optimistic about what direction his Vikings team can take this winter.
After 3rd-place finish at PIAA meet, Riverview bids farewell to decorated senior runners
November 21, 2021
The Riverview boys cross country team was situated high in the PIAA Class A state rankings through the entirety of the fall season.
After trip to PIAA semifinals, future looks promising for Plum girls soccer
The Plum girls soccer team accomplished many things in 2021 and finished with 21 victories through the regular season, WPIAL playoffs and PIAA tournament.
Quaker Valley wins 9th state championship in PK shootout
November 19, 2021
As sophomore Nick Allen stepped to the ball as Quaker Valley’s fifth shooter in a tiebreaking penalty kick shootout Friday afternoon, he found himself in the middle of a moment he had pictured for years.
Late rally lifts Allentown Central Catholic past Avonworth in PIAA Class 2A girls soccer final
HERSHEY — The Avonworth girls soccer team was three minutes away from finishing off its first PIAA championship victory in its first appearance in Hershey.
Student-athletes learn to ‘respect the game’ at WPIAL Sportsmanship Summit
November 17, 2021
More than 400 student-athletes from schools throughout Western Pennsylvania gathered Wednesday morning to discuss their roles in creating a stronger leadership environment through sportsmanship both on and off the field.
Mars girls soccer headed back to Hershey after another win over Plum
November 16, 2021
The Mars girls soccer team is headed back to Hershey for a shot at its third straight PIAA championship.
Knoch makes football coaching change
Brandon Mowry will not be back as Knoch’s football coach.
Dotchin, Kerr hired as Highlands basketball coaches
Highlands has its basketball coaches.
Plum girls soccer gets another crack at nemesis Mars, this time in state semifinals
November 15, 2021
The Plum girls soccer team had to endure a pair of 170-mile round trips — two excursions to Hollidaysburg’s Tiger Stadium, near Altoona — for the first two rounds of the PIAA Class 3A playoffs.
PIAA girls soccer preview capsule: Plum vs. Mars, Tuesday, Nov. 16
Class 3A
A-K Valley senior spotlight: Plum’s Marissa Liberto
Marissa Liberto
Injuries allow young players to gain experience for Riverview
November 14, 2021
The Riverview football team took its lumps on the scoreboard throughout the 2021 season, but coach Trevor George said the mix of veterans and young talent never wavered in their attitude and dedication to pushing past any adversities they faced.
Heart, grit help carry Plum to WPIAL football playoffs
The Plum football team lost to Hampton by 28 points in the regular season.
Gateway’s Sundin caps high school cross country career at PIAA championships
Brady Sundin capped his high school cross country career on the state’s biggest stage.
Gateway hockey team snaps early skid
The Gateway junior varsity ice hockey team continues to navigate through the fall portion of its 2021-22 season, and the Gators added a point to its place in the standings with a 2-2 tie against North Hills on Nov. 8.
Plum girls soccer team tops Mechanicsburg in PIAA quarters
November 13, 2021
The record-setting season for the Plum girls soccer team continues.
Rochester football team pulls away for win over Springdale
November 12, 2021
Rochester and Springdale were knotted at seven at halftime of Friday’s WPIAL Class A quarterfinal at Freedom’s Jimbo Covert Field.
Plum girls soccer not satisfied as they head into state quarterfinals
The Plum girls soccer team is in uncharted territory, but at the same time, it has set its course for a familiar destination.
A-K Valley PIAA soccer quarterfinal capsule for Nov. 13, 2021
PIAA
Springdale aims for revenge against No. 5 Rochester in WPIAL quarterfinals
November 10, 2021
Springdale and Rochester are no strangers to each other, even though the Dynamos and Rams have played only four times in their respective histories.
A-K Valley football players to watch for 2021 Week 11
Legend Ausk
Plum beats District 6 champ Hollidaysburg for program’s 1st PIAA playoff victory
November 9, 2021
HOLLIDAYSBURG — The Plum girls soccer team threw everything but the kitchen sink at the Hollidaysburg net, and Tigers freshman keeper Natalie Foster in the first half during a PIAA Class AAA first-round game Tuesday at Hollidaysburg.
Plum girls soccer team gets shot at redemption in PIAA 1st round
Kaley Simqu was a starter at Cedar Crest High School two years ago for Plum’s PIAA Class 3A girls soccer first-round game against District 3 champion Manheim Central.
A-K Valley PIAA girls soccer playoff capsules for Nov. 9, 2021
November 8, 2021
Class 3A
Freeport, Plum finally cross paths in PIAA first-round volleyball match
The Plum and Freeport girls volleyball teams shared a gym four times this season but never played an official match against each other.Persia leads Plum runners at WPIAL championship meet
November 7, 2021
Ashley Persia ran her final high school cross country race Oct. 28 at the WPIAL championships, and the Plum senior made her move throughout the race and finished 48th in Class 3A at Cal (Pa).
Plum girls volleyball turns attention to PIAA playoffs
The Plum girls volleyball team had its sights set on the WPIAL Class 3A championship game as it faced Hampton in the semifinals Nov. 2 at Gateway.
Gateway’s Madi Jesih commits to play soccer at Robert Morris
In less than two years, Gateway junior Madi Jesih will trade Gators black and gold for Robert Morris red, white and blue.
Behind young roster, Gateway boys soccer looks forward to promising future
It wasn’t the way the Gateway boys soccer team wanted to close out its 2021 season.
Second-half surge lifts Freeport over Ambridge, into WPIAL Class 3A quarterfinals
November 5, 2021
It took Freeport a quarter to get its offense going Friday night in a WPIAL Class 3A first-round game against Ambridge at Freeport Area Athletic Stadium.
Freeport, Hampton meet for third time, this time with WPIAL title on the line
November 4, 2021
The first two matchups between the Freeport and Hampton girls volleyball teams were five-game slugfests that decided the Section 5 championship.
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for 2021 Week 10
Class 5A
Freeport fends off Armstrong in Class 3A volleyball thriller
November 2, 2021
The Freeport girls volleyball team is back in the WPIAL championship game.
Hampton girls volleyball uses big rally to defeat Plum
In a Section 5 match with Armstrong late in the regular season, the Hampton girls volleyball team found itself down 2-0.
Alle-Kiski Valley WPIAL soccer playoff capsules for Nov. 3, 2021
Boys
Kelsey Salopek’s 50th goal sends Steel Valley past Springdale into 1st WPIAL finals
November 1, 2021
The Steel Valley girls soccer team is headed to Highmark Stadium.
Alle-Kiski Valley WPIAL soccer playoff capsules for Nov. 2, 2021
Tuesday’s WPIAL soccer playoff games
Valley’s Muzzy Colosimo gets emotional as he retires from coaching
The past couple of days have been pretty emotional for Muzzy Colosimo since he announced his retirement from coaching football and was on the sidelines guiding his Valley football team one last time Friday evening.
A-K Valley senior spotlight: Riverview’s Parker Steele
Parker Steele
Fox Chapel girls soccer riding momentum as they prep for WPIAL semis vs. Seneca Valley
October 31, 2021
Molly McNaughton ranged to her left, got a hand on the ball and pushed it away from the goal.
Resilient Springdale girls soccer team eager for WPIAL Class A semifinal vs. Steel Valley
Grace Gent led Springdale in scoring during the regular season with 23 goals.
Gateway girls soccer team reflects on trip to postseason
The Gateway girls soccer team hoped for a longer stay in the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs, but coach Kelly Bender said she was happy with her team’s effort in the 3-0 first-round loss to South Fayette on Oct. 25.
Strong finish carries Plum to slow-pitch softball finals
The Plum slow-pitch softball team entered the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball League single-elimination playoffs Oct. 23 hoping to make a run to the title game.
Burrell wins, gets help, qualifies for playoffs for first time since 2012
October 29, 2021
Burrell entered Friday’s Allegheny Seven Conference finale with Valley at Buccaneer Stadium needing a win and a Deer Lakes loss to make the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs.
Knoch girls cross country team ‘ready to run’ at WPIAL championship meet
October 27, 2021
The WPIAL cross country championships return to Cal (Pa.) on Thursday after a one-year covid hiatus, and the Knoch girls team hopes to be a major factor in the team and individual standings.
A-K Valley WPIAL soccer playoff capsules for Oct. 28, 2021
Today’s games
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for 2021 Week 9
Class 5A Northeast Conference
A-K Valley football players to watch for 2021 Week 9
Devin Beattie
Freeport girls volleyball in good position for playoffs
October 26, 2021
The Freeport girls volleyball team feels right at home in the WPIAL playoffs.
Volleyball coaches association releases final WPIAL girls rankings, players of the week
The WPIAL playoff brackets are set and the postseason matches begin this week.
East Allegheny boys soccer team dethrones defending 2A champ Deer Lakes
October 25, 2021
There will be a new WPIAL champion in boys Class 2A.
Gateway’s Raymer commits to swim at Youngstown State
October 24, 2021
Summer Raymer is busy in the water getting ready for competitions with her Racer-X club team and also for her final season with the Gateway swim team.
Gateway hockey celebrating 50th anniversary season
The Gateway ice hockey program is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and alumni president Stefan Biancaniello said there are a lot of positive vibes surrounding what will be a year-long celebration.
Young lineup off to strong start for Plum hockey
October 23, 2021
The Plum varsity hockey team won just one game last year in a 2020-21 season that was unlike any other in the history of the PIHL with delays, restrictions and numerous changes overall because of the covid pandemic.
Alle-Kiski Valley high school football notebook: Leechburg snaps drought
Leechburg traveled Route 66 on Friday to face Imani Christian and wrapped up its first trip to the WPIAL playoffs since 1988.
Pine-Richland comes through for victory over Kiski Area
October 22, 2021
The Kiski Area football team needed a win Friday at Pine-Richland to keep its WPIAL playoff hopes alive in the Northeast Conference.
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for 2021 Week 8
October 20, 2021
Class 5A Northeast
A-K Valley football players to watch in 2021 Week 8
Garrett King
Springdale, Plum land No. 2 seeds for WPIAL girls soccer playoffs
The Springdale and Plum girls soccer teams each captured section championships in the regular season, and both the Dynamos and Mustangs lead the Alle-Kiski Valley with No. 2 seeds for the upcoming WPIAL playoffs.
Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball League playoff tournament matchups set
October 19, 2021
The Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball League playoff tournament will be Saturday and Sunday, and all 12 teams will take part.
Freeport girls soccer team edges Valley to take sole possession of 4th in Section 2-2A
October 18, 2021
The Valley girls soccer team came into Monday’s Section 2-2A finale against Freeport at Valley High Memorial Stadium needing to defeat the Yellowjackets to clinch a WPIAL playoff spot for the first time since 2016.
Shaler, Thomas Jefferson, North Catholic, Bishop Canevin hold top spots in latest WPIAL girls volleyball rankings
After a two-week hiatus from the top spot, Thomas Jefferson again was the No. 1 team in Class 3A when the Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association’s Week 7 WPIAL girls rankings were released Monday morning.
Riverview boys, girls soccer teams show improvement in 2nd half
October 17, 2021
The Riverview girls soccer team lost its first three games of the season and was outscored 30-7.
Plum girls soccer team ramping up for playoff run
When the final horn sounded on Plum’s 10-0 rout of Section 3-3A rival and WPIAL playoff contender Penn Hills on Oct. 12, the Mustangs had clinched their third consecutive section championship.
After slow start, North Allegheny field hockey finds its rhythm
October 16, 2021
The North Allegheny field hockey team is a youthful bunch with many new starters after 10 seniors graduated from last year.
Dugger brothers lead Penn Hills past Fox Chapel in key Northeast Conference game
October 15, 2021
Penn Hills recorded three touchdowns in the second half of Friday’s Class 5A Northeast Conference game at Fox Chapel.
Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball League regular season concludes Sunday with 4 doubleheaders
The Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball League playoffs are just around the corner as the regular season concludes Sunday with four doubleheaders.
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for 2021 Week 7
October 13, 2021
Class 5A Northeast
A-K Valley football players to watch in 2021 Week 7
Angelo Cicco
Highlands boys basketball coach Stoczynski resigns after 9 seasons
Tyler Stoczynski won 131 games in nine seasons, including 108 over the past six years, as the Highlands boys basketball coach.
Plum girls soccer team gears up with playoffs right around corner
October 12, 2021
The Plum girls soccer team has displayed its usual dominance through the regular season, and the two-time WPIAL Class 3A finalists have their sights set on another strong postseason run.
Top teams hold pat in latest coaches association WPIAL girls volleyball rankings
October 11, 2021
The top teams in each classification — Shaler (Class 4A), Hampton (Class 3A), North Catholic (Class 2A) and Bishop Canevin (Class A) — held strong this past week as the Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association released its Week 6 WPIAL girls rankings Monday morning.
Riverview boys cross country team celebrates 4th straight section title
October 10, 2021
The Riverview boys cross country team has set several top goals for itself this season, and the deep group of runners checked one of the boxes last week by capturing a fourth consecutive section championship.Plum runners prepare for postseason meets
The Plum boys and girls cross country teams have their eyes focused on preparation for the WPIAL Class AAA championships in a couple of weeks at Cal (Pa.).
Rocco, Serra Catholic have high expectations amidst unbeaten run
As a quarterback, Max Rocco appreciates the work of the center along the offensive line.
Sandor, Sundin, Cisse lead Gateway runners at Section 4 championship meet
The Gateway boys and girls cross country teams have their eyes focused on preparation for the WPIAL Class AAA championships in a couple of weeks at Cal (Pa.).
Knoch twins, Latrobe duo collect WPIAL doubles gold
October 7, 2021
For the second year in a row, sisters from Knoch rule the roost in WPIAL Class 2A doubles.
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for 2021 Week 6
October 6, 2021
Class 5A Northeast
A-K Valley football players to watch in 2021 Week 6
Dom Beyer
Deer Lakes girls soccer to keep pedal down during stretch run
October 5, 2021
The Deer Lakes girls soccer team is on the cusp of clinching its fifth straight trip to the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs, but coach Frank Accetta doesn’t want his players to slow down as they enter the stretch run in the regular season.
Sisterly bond helps Knoch girls tennis grow into WPIAL powerhouse
October 4, 2021
When Katie and Nance Conlon, coaches of the Highlands and Knoch girls tennis teams, respectively, met for their teams’ Section 3-AA match last week, daughter and mother had another chance to reconnect their love of the game and reminisce about how it has played such a strong part in their lives.
Hampton new Class AAA No. 1 as Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association releases latest WPIAL girls rankings
The Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association released its latest WPIAL girls top-10 polls Monday morning, and there is a new No. 1 team in Class AAA.
Plum volleyball caps 1st half of section play with key win over Franklin Regional
October 3, 2021
The Plum girls volleyball team ended the first half of Section 1-3A play in a three-way tie for the section lead with Franklin Regional and Indiana.
Shutout victory helps Plum football get back on track
For the first time this season, Matt Morgan was able to deliver a victory speech.
Gateway notebook: Gators girls soccer in hunt for section title
The Gateway girls soccer team earned an important point in the chase for the top spot in Section 1-3A with a 1-1 tie against Hampton on Sept. 28.
Gateway hockey team continues to build toward success
Shawn Jesih has high hopes this season for the Gateway junior varsity ice hockey team, the organization’s highest-level squad in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League.
A-K Valley H.S. football notebook: Freshman kickers delivers for Plum
October 2, 2021
Plum coaches put their faith in freshman Angelo Baleno on Friday at Highlands, and Baleno rewarded them.
Deer Lakes football team keeps rolling, building confidence
Deer Lakes is on a roll in the Allegheny Seven Conference.
Late defensive stand, long scoring drive help North Hills edge Kiski Area
October 1, 2021
North Hills was in a precarious position late in the fourth quarter of its Northeast Conference opener with Kiski Area on Friday.
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for 2021 Week 5
September 29, 2021
Class 5A Northeast
A-K Valley football players to watch for 2021 Week 5
Nick Curci
Knoch’s Bauer aims to rebound at PIAA singles tournament
Ally Bauer won a WPIAL Class 2A doubles championship last year with sister Brooke.
Opportunity knocks for Kiski Area girls soccer in 2nd half of season
September 28, 2021
The Kiski Area girls soccer team finds itself in the middle of a playoff chase in Section 1-3A.
Shady Side Academy girls soccer makes goal count in shutout win over Burrell
September 27, 2021
The defending Section 2-2A champion Shady Side Academy girls soccer team scored just one time in Monday’s Section 2-2A contest on the turf at Burrell’s Buccaneer Stadium.
Shaler, Thomas Jefferson take over top spots in Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association rankings
The Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association released its Week 4 top-10 rankings Monday, and there are changes at the top in both Class 4A and Class 3A.
Gateway boys soccer rolls into 2nd half of Section 4-3A play at 5-1
September 26, 2021
The Gateway boys soccer team finds itself right in the mix for a playoff spot in Section 4-3A as it gets into the second half of section play this week.
After strong start, Gateway’s Brady Sundin builds confidence for invitational, championship meets
Brady Sundin didn’t have the 2020 cross country season he had hoped.
Quarterback Burke helps make Leechburg’s high-scoring offense go
September 25, 2021
Thomas Burke is in a lead role for one of the higher-octane offenses in the WPIAL.
Early challenges help Plum boys soccer maintain high expectations
The Plum boys soccer team is off to a strong start as it has plans to contend for the Section 4-3A championship and make some noise in the WPIAL playoffs.
Leechburg strikes early, often to beat Eastern Conference rival Springdale
September 24, 2021
Leechburg didn’t waste any time getting on the scoreboard against visiting Springdale in an Eastern Conference matchup Friday at Veterans Memorial Field.
Bethel Park’s Gorman defends WPIAL singles title; Sewickley Academy’s Close wins in Class 2A
Once was nice for Bethel Park’s Mia Gorman.
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for 2021 Week 4
September 22, 2021
Class 4A Greater Allegheny Conference
A-K Valley football players to watch for 2021 Week 4
Thomas Burke
Burrell girls soccer team picks up where it left off
September 21, 2021
A youthful Burrell girls soccer team navigated through all of the covid-related changes last fall, won eight out of 12 games and finished 7-2 in Section 2-AA play.
Volleyball coaches association releases Week 3 WPIAL girls rankings
September 20, 2021
The Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association released its WPIAL girls top-10 poll for Week 3 on Monday, and there is a change at the top in Class 3A.
Gateway girls soccer shows improvement during 3-game winning streak
September 19, 2021
The Gateway girls soccer team came out on the short end of a 5-1 result against Plum, the WPIAL Class 3A runner-up the past two seasons, in the season opener Sept. 4.
Gateway sophomore running back Jaquon Reynolds breaks out against Penn Hills
Jaquon Reynolds waited his turn.
Riverview girls volleyball riding high after defeating No. 8 Apollo-Ridge
The Riverview girls volleyball team is not the biggest in terms of roster numbers with just 14 from freshmen to seniors, but the Raiders are playing big so far in the 2021 season.
Plum girls soccer again off to strong start
The Plum girls soccer team entered the season with high hopes to maintain a standard set the past several years that included consecutive trips to the WPIAL Class 3A title game.
Tough challenges await unbeaten Kiski Area, Highlands
September 18, 2021
The last time the Kiski Area football team was 4-0, the current players weren’t born.
Bishop Canevin edges Springdale in defensive struggle
September 17, 2021
The Bishop Canevin and Springdale football teams came into Friday’s Eastern Conference opening clash averaging about 33 points a game each.
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for 2021 Week 3
Class 4A Greater Allegheny Conference
Freeport/Apollo-Ridge football game canceled because of covid, quarantines
The Freeport and Apollo-Ridge football teams will not play their Week 3 nonconference varsity game Friday at Owens Field in Apollo or Saturday’s junior varsity game at Freeport.
Springdale girls soccer makes statement with strong start
September 14, 2021
The Springdale girls soccer team opened some eyes Sept. 4 when it toppled perennial Class 2A playoff contender Deer Lakes by a 7-3 score at Lancers Stadium.
Norwin, Kiski Area girls volleyball teams gather outdoors for unique matchup
September 13, 2021
Picture-perfect weather conditions greeted a large crowd, as well as both the Kiski Area and Norwin girls volleyball teams, for a special outdoor match at Kennedy Park in Vandergrift on Monday evening.
Perennially powerful Freeport girls volleyball program off to another good start
The Freeport girls volleyball team has big expectations this season.
Volleyball coaches association releases Week 2 WPIAL girls rankings
The Western PA Volleyball Coaches Association’s WPIAL girls volleyball top-10 rankings for Week 2 were released Monday morning after the opening week of section competition, additional nonsection matches and a quartet of tournaments Saturday.
Kiski Area, Norwin volleyball teams ‘fired up’ to play in special outdoor event
September 12, 2021
The Kiski Area and Norwin girls volleyball teams are set to meet Monday, but not in the usual gymnasium setting.
Gateway runners kick off season at host invitational
The Gateway cross country teams have a lot on their plate in the early portion of the season, and coach Tom LaBuff said workouts and challenging competition are helping the boys and girls runners gauge where they are in their progression and also set goals for the end of the season.
Moon’s Cochran a champion again at Red, White & Blue Classic
September 11, 2021
Moon senior Mia Cochran truly has the hang of the White Oak Park cross country course.
Riverview boys cross country eyes return to PIAA meet
The Riverview boys cross country team finished second to Winchester Thurston at last year’s WPIAL Class A championships at White Oak Park.
Plum runners start strong at Gateway Invitational
The Plum cross country teams are regular attendees of the season-opening Gateway Invitational at Boyce Park.
Fox Chapel pulls away from Plum, picks up 1st win of season
September 10, 2021
Something had to give Friday as the Plum and Fox Chapel football teams both hoped to get into the win column after coming up empty over the first two weeks.
Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball League set for Week 2 of game action
The Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball League began its varsity season last Sunday with a pair of doubleheaders, and game action involving the 12 teams continues Sunday at six fields around the Pittsburgh region.
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for 2021 Week 2
Nonconference
Leechburg boys soccer, girls volleyball teams postpone games through weekend
The Leechburg boys soccer and girls volleyball teams postponed games through this weekend.
Riverview soccer teams eager to be back on field
September 7, 2021
It has been nearly two years since the Riverview boys and girls varsity soccer teams played games that counted in the WPIAL.
Freeport football to honor veterans Friday
The Freeport football team takes on Avonworth at home Friday, and the Yellowjackets will honor local veterans and celebrate RED Friday.
Volleyball coaches association releases Week 1 rankings as WPIAL kicks off regular season
September 6, 2021
It was a busy opening weekend to the 2021 season for many WPIAL girls volleyball teams with dual-match and tournament action.
Deep senior class returns to lead Gateway girls volleyball
September 5, 2021
When Kayla Taylor arrived in Monroeville in July as the new head coach of the Gateway girls volleyball team, she wasn’t familiar with much in the program, including its players.
Gateway girls tennis showing improvement with returning lineup
Kenny Nieser heads to the tennis courts at Gateway High School each time hoping to see improvement from his youthful girls team.
Riverview soccer teams eager to be back on field
It’s been nearly two years since the Riverview boys and girls varsity soccer teams played games that counted in the WPIAL.
Plum girls volleyball aims to defend section championship
With the loss of eight seniors, including six who played major roles, from last year’s Section 1-3A championship team, Plum girls volleyball coach Kelsey Bonk knew coming into this season there would be a lot of competition for starting spots in the rotation.
Freeport builds big lead, holds off rival Knoch
September 3, 2021
Last year’s Freeport and Knoch football game was canceled amid the plethora of schedule changes because of the covid pandemic.
A-K Valley girls volleyball preview: Freeport seeks 17th straight section title
September 2, 2021
In the Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association’s preseason poll for Class AAA, four of the top six girls teams in the rankings are the ones who finished in a four-way tie for last year’s Section 5-AAA title.
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for 2021 Week 1
Nonconference
Covid cancels Riverview, Butler football games
August 31, 2021
The Riverview football team will not play its nonsection game at Chartiers-Houston on Friday.
Fox Chapel girls soccer out to defend section title
For the 18th time in program history, the Fox Chapel girls soccer team brought home a section championship in 2020, edging WPIAL power Norwin by two points for the Section 3-4A crown.
Deer Lakes runner McCoy gears preparation toward contending at WPIAL cross country championships
August 30, 2021
Carson McCoy is a state champion in track and field, as he won the PIAA Class AA title in the 1,600-meter run in May at Shippensburg after placing second at WPIALs at week earlier.
Volleyball coaches association releases preseason WPIAL girls rankings
Girls volleyball teams in the WPIAL officially begin their seasons Friday and Saturday with matches and tournaments all throughout the region.
Plum girls soccer aims to maintain contender status
August 29, 2021
With back-to-back runs to the WPIAL Class 3A championship game, the Plum girls soccer team has established itself as a team to beat.
Plum boys soccer players motivated by early playoff exit
The Plum boys soccer team didn’t expect last season to end suddenly.
Optimism abounds for experienced Gateway girls soccer team
The 2020 season for the Gateway girls soccer team was anything but normal as covid uncertainties and a two-week stoppage in the middle of the regular season were just some of the obstacles which challenged the Gators players and coaches.
Gateway boys soccer embarks on ‘new beginning’
On the main page of the Gateway boys soccer website are the words “New beginnings” along with “Pride, passion and perseverance.”
A-K Valley girls soccer preview: Plum eyes another trip to WPIAL final
August 28, 2021
The Plum girls soccer team hopes three is the magic number this fall.
Alle-Kiski Valley high school football notebook: Springdale, Deer Lakes renew rivalry
A number of high school football rivalries were put on hold last year as the covid pandemic delayed, shortened and toyed with players, coaches and fans from August to early December.
Smith shines as Franklin Regional beats rival Plum
August 27, 2021
Things couldn’t have started any better for Franklin Regional and new coach Lance Getsy on Friday against Plum at Franklin Regional Stadium in Murrysville.
Versatile senior brings big-play threat to Springdale offense
August 25, 2021
Last year, Logan Dexter and Dmitri Fritch led the Springdale receiving corps with a combined 53 catches for 841 yards and 10 touchdowns.
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for Week Zero 2021
Nonconference
A-K Valley football players to watch for Week Zero 2021
Derek Burk
Springdale hoping to build on back-to-back winning seasons
Springdale is coming off its second straight winning season after just two victories in 2018.
Riverview ready to rebound after winless campaign
The Riverview football team took its lumps last season as it navigated its way through a WPIAL-wide truncated season with restrictions and schedule changes brought on by the covid pandemic.
Blue-collar linebacker leads charge for Riverview
August 24, 2021
Anthony Mazur came into Riverview’s preseason football camp in 2018 as a fullback on offense as he hoped to make an impact in his first varsity season.
2021 WPIAL Class 4A football breakdown: Contenders line up to knock TJ from throne
Thomas Jefferson reigned again in Class 4A last season, winning its 10th WPIAL championship followed by its fifth PIAA title.
Young Gateway golfers look to make impact this season
August 22, 2021
Paul Doonan sees a youth movement with his Gateway boys golf team.
Apollo-Ridge excited to build on strong season
Apollo-Ridge was an experienced team in 2020. That experience helped the Vikings navigate the covid landscape and truncated season to a 6-1 overall record and a rout of perennial Class 2A contender Washington in the WPIAL playoffs.
WPIAL girls tennis preview: Knoch, Latrobe loaded to defend titles
August 21, 2021
Knoch girls tennis players pulled off a rare WPIAL trifecta last year.
Multi-talented Fraser hopes to have healthy season, be key player for Knoch
Keegan Fraser is on multiple missions entering football season.
New generation of versatile, athletic linemen paves way for A-K Valley offenses
Brandon Lawhorn Moore doesn’t mind that his Kiski Area teammates and coaches call him “Beef.”
Senior linebacker making name for himself at Kiski Area
August 20, 2021
Anyone who plays football at Kiski Area is bound to receive a nickname from head coach Sam Albert and his coaching staff.
Knoch determined to get back to winning ways
There is optimism in Saxonburg.
Highlands looks to leave playoff drought in past
Chandler Thimons enters his third year as the Highlands starting quarterback hoping to help snap the Golden Rams’ five-year playoff drought.
Highlands’ new-look offensive line showing potential
August 19, 2021
Last year, a Highlands offensive line that included four seniors opened holes for the run game and protected the passer who averaged 300 yards a game as the Golden Rams finished 4-3 in the Greater Allegheny Conference and challenged for a WPIAL playoff spot through the final week of the regular season.
With more preparation, Kiski Area expects strong start to season
Matt Hilty is hoping this season at Kiski Area can start and remain normal after a 2020 fall that was anything but.
Freeport sophomore Colton Otterman set to take off after breakout freshman season
August 18, 2021
Colton Otterman is not the biggest dog in the fight. But the Freeport sophomore wide receiver and outside linebacker wants to make sure opponents experience his bite.
As football practice kicks off across A-K Valley, Leechburg begins quest to end playoff drought
August 16, 2021
Leechburg head coach Randy Walters woke up early Monday morning, got his coffee and was at the practice field by 7:30 to make sure everything was ready for the first workout session of preseason camp at 9.
New girls volleyball coach eager to get started at Gateway
August 15, 2021
Kayla Taylor’s excitement for Gateway’s upcoming girls volleyball season has been building since she was hired as head coach last month.
Experienced core has Freeport thinking big
The Freeport football coaching staff met a number of times over several days toward the end of last year and took a close look at the personnel it would have at its disposal for the 2021 season.
Klingensmith, Schrock anchor stout Apollo-Ridge offensive line
August 14, 2021
Greg Klingensmith and Bradey Schrock have come a long way since their first start for Apollo-Ridge as freshmen linemen against Leechburg in the 2018 opener.
A-K Valley football coaches eager to get back to normal when camp starts Monday
At this time last August, high school football teams throughout the Alle-Kiski Valley were wading through a pool of uncertainty as the covid pandemic threatened to eliminate the season.
Caraher will draw on experience as Division I player, club coach as she takes over Deer Lakes girls volleyball
August 12, 2021
Laurie Caraher is pumped for Monday’s start of preseason practices as the new coach of the Deer Lakes girls volleyball team.
Freeport cancer survivor Garrett King repays football teammates for support with Make-A-Wish surprise
August 10, 2021
When Garrett King received a testicular cancer diagnosis this time a year ago, his Freeport football teammates and coaches and the community were quick to rally around him.
A-K Valley notebook: Highlands’ Nulph to join national power baseball program
August 8, 2021
Highlands rising senior Tanner Nulph watched closely Seton Hill baseball’s run to the NCAA Division II Baseball Championship tournament this past spring.
Plum wrestlers excel during summer tournaments
Plum’s varsity wrestling team was young in the 2020-21 season as all but one member was an underclassman.
Created out of pandemic necessity, league plays ball for a 2nd summer
August 4, 2021
The Western Pennsylvania Summer Baseball League’s second season didn’t have the same number of teams as the inaugural version last summer in the midst of the covid pandemic, but for programs such as Highlands, Fox Chapel and Kiski Area, the on-field experience held just as much weight.
Deer Lakes soccer standout ready to kick off college career at St. Francis
August 2, 2021
The countdown has reached zeroes for Deer Lakes graduate Abigail Boulos as she embarks on a Division I soccer tenure at St. Francis (Pa.).
Pittsburgh Hotspurs players reflect on trip to U.S. Youth Soccer nationals
August 1, 2021
The Pittsburgh Hotspurs U16 (2005) Blue girls soccer team put it all together this spring and summer for a run to the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships in Sarasota, Fla.
Springdale’s Logan Dexter puts latest injury behind him, eyes big senior year
July 29, 2021
During a seven-on-seven scrimmage with his Urban Impact club team in March, Logan Dexter went up to catch a pass and came down hard on his left wrist.
Riverview boys, girls soccer teams back on track
July 27, 2021
Low numbers and covid concerns conspired to put a halt to the Riverview varsity boys and girls soccer seasons last fall.
WPIAL products help Team Pennsylvania top Maryland in Big 26 Baseball Classic series
July 26, 2021
With four catchers on the Team Pennsylvania roster for its Big 26 Classic series with Maryland last Friday and Saturday, each one knew that playing time was a valuable commodity.
Highlands turns to familiar face to lead girls soccer program
July 23, 2021
Paul Matisz was hired last week as coach of the girls soccer program at Highlands. There was no need for an introduction to the Golden Rams players.
Knoch’s Sutton part of Team Pennsylvania in upcoming Big 26 Classic
July 22, 2021
Eli Sutton has one year of high school baseball remaining.
Plum teen enjoying winning summer on links
July 21, 2021
Wes Lorish kicked off his summer of golf in winning fashion.
Highlands playmaker Brock White on road to recovery from knee injury
Brock White might have to wait a few games to start his 2021 football season.
Fifth field added for Freeport International Baseball Invitational, which expects 20 teams
July 20, 2021
Excitement continues to build for next week’s Freeport International Baseball Invitational, with 20 teams, five area fields and close to 60 games scheduled over five days.
Trib HSSN Preseason WPIAL Football All-Star team: Deontae Williams, Woodland Hills
July 19, 2021
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 Thursday during HSSN Media Day at Kennywood Park.
Plum soccer players head to national tournament with Pittsburgh Hotspurs
July 16, 2021
Plum rising junior Cami Collins said the Pittsburgh Hotspurs 05 Blue girls soccer season has been one to remember, and the goal is to bring home the gold from next week’s U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships in Bradenton and Sarasota, Fla.
New Deer Lakes soccer coach Aaron Smith steps in to ‘higher-end program’
July 15, 2021
Aaron Smith spent the past 11 years on the sidelines for the Valley girls soccer team.
Trib HSSN Preseason WPIAL Football All-Star team: Jacob Porter, North Allegheny
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 22 during HSSN Media Day at Kennywood Park.
Shaun Reddick returns to lead Burrell girls basketball program
July 14, 2021
Shaun Reddick is no stranger to coaching basketball at Burrell in his nearly 25 years on the bench overall.
Trib HSSN Preseason WPIAL Football All-Star team: Cadin Olsen, Armstrong
July 13, 2021
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 22 during HSSN Media Day at Kennywood Park.
A-K Valley football teams set for annual Freeport 7-on-7
July 12, 2021
With the start of preseason high school football campst five weeks away, Freeport coach John Gaillot hopes Wednesday’s locally infused Freeport seven-on-seven event will help serve as a springboard to the final series of summer workouts and also generate excitement for the start of the 2021 season.
Valley News Dispatch Girls Athlete of the Year: Kennedie Montue, Plum
July 10, 2021
Consistency was the calling card for recent Plum graduate and basketball standout Kennedie Montue.
Valley News Dispatch Boys Athlete of the Year: Eli Yofan, Fox Chapel
Eli Yofan made the most of his athletic opportunities during the 2020-21 school year.TribHSSN Preseason WPIAL Football All-Star team: Brandon Lawhorn Moore, Kiski Area
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 22 during HSSN Media Day at Kennywood Park.
New coach brings European flavor to Highlands boys soccer program
July 9, 2021
As director of coaching for the Highlands Area Soccer Club, Jakub Kasprzyk is heavily involved with the area youth soccer scene.
Girls basketball coach Sam Salih makes move to Deer Lakes from Greensburg CC
July 7, 2021
When Sam Salih resigned as girls varsity head coach at Greensburg Central Catholic in April after three seasons, he said it was time for a change, and he left the Centurions program on good terms.
Highlands’ Jaycee Haidze named Valley News Dispatch Softball Player of the Year
June 26, 2021
2021 Valley News Dispatch Softball All-Stars
Gateway Sports Hall of Fame making plans for next induction
June 20, 2021
When the Gateway Sports Hall of Fame enshrined its 2019 class in October of that year, the committee members already were looking forward to the next biennial induction ceremony in 2021.
Plum baseball team eager to tackle summer tournament schedule
June 19, 2021
The Plum Bulldogs baseball team members are no strangers to each other.
After strong spring seasons, Fox Chapel athletes pick up all-section honors
The Fox Chapel baseball team made a run at the Section 2-5A title this spring, challenging Plum for the championship into the final week of the regular season.
North Allegheny grad Rick Mihm reaches finals in 200 IM at U.S. Olympic trials
June 17, 2021
The U.S. Olympic Swim Trials continued Thursday morning and local products Zoe Skirboll, Bailey Bonnett and Rick Mihm took to the pool in preliminary events in Omaha.
Highlands softball savors triumphs during historic season
June 16, 2021
A weird feeling came over Jen Koprivnikar on Tuesday.
Alle-Kiski Valley Sports Hall of Fame finds home in Tarentum
June 15, 2021
The Alle-Kiski Valley Sports Hall of Fame has enshrined and celebrated area athletic greats for 50 years, and now the signature plaques and photographs of past inductees have a permanent display in Tarentum.
Smerick, River Hawks topple North Hills, advance to PIAA championship game
June 14, 2021
For Emma Smerick, the softball field at Mars is out of this world.
List dominates as Beaver bests Highlands in PIAA Class 4A semifinal
Runs and hits were at a premium when Highlands and Beaver met for the WPIAL Class 4A softball championship June 2.
Hard-hitting Highlands gets rematch with WPIAL champ Beaver in PIAA Class 4A semifinals
June 13, 2021
Jess Cekada was mobbed by her Highlands teammates as the junior shortstop crossed home plate after hitting a two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth inning of Thursday’s PIAA Class 4A quarterfinal game against Bishop McDevitt under the lights at Central Cambria High School.
A-K Valley PIAA playoff preview capsules for June 14, 2021
Class 4A
After persevering through suspended game, Ligonier Valley softball team focused on PIAA semis
June 12, 2021
After a delay of 1 hour, 45 minutes, the Ligonier Valley softball team began Thursday’s PIAA Class 2A quarterfinal against District 5 champion Chestnut Ridge at Mt. Aloysius College.
Fox Chapel softball exceeds expectations with deep playoff run
After losing 2020 to the covid pandemic, the Fox Chapel softball team entered this spring with optimism that it could get to the Class 5A playoffs and make a run.
Plum spring athletes earn postseason honors
Rayla Smith was an offensive force for the Plum girls lacrosse team this spring.
Nearly 6 hours of down time ‘worth the wait’ for Highlands softball players
June 11, 2021
Cloudy skies and rain greeted the Highlands softball team Friday afternoon as they gathered for practice in preparation for Monday’s PIAA Class 4A semifinal against Beaver.
Highlands softball beats Bishop McDevitt, earns rematch with Beaver in state semifinals
June 10, 2021
EBENSBURG — The Highlands softball team had to wait through a four-hour delay from the original 4 p.m. start of its PIAA Class 4A quarterfinal game Thursday against Bishop McDevitt.
Ligonier Valley moves into PIAA semifinals with rain-shortened win over Chestnut Ridge
CRESSON — The record will show Ligonier Valley secured a 1-0 victory over Chestnut Ridge in the PIAA Class 2A softball quarterfinals Thursday.
Defense proves invaluable to Highlands softball team
June 9, 2021
The Highlands softball bats and the players swinging them have proven themselves all season with high hit and run totals.
A-K Valley PIAA playoff preview capsule for June 10, 2021
Softball
WPIAL products fare well at U.S. Olympic Swim Trials
North Allegheny graduate Jack Wright said he was taken aback when he entered the CHI Health Center in Omaha for the Wave I U.S. Olympic Swim Trials last week.
North Allegheny rowers fare well at national championship regatta
June 8, 2021
Several members of the North Allegheny rowing team competed at the Scholastic Rowing Association of America national championship regatta over Memorial Day weekend on the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia.
Furious rally falls short as Leechburg softball falls to DuBois Central Catholic
June 7, 2021
Things didn’t start out well for the Leechburg softball team in Monday’s PIAA Class A first-round game against DuBois Central Catholic at Heindl Field in DuBois.
Highlands keeps making history, wins 1st PIAA playoff game
Already in uncharted territory, the Highlands softball team added to its historic season Monday against Clearfield in the first round of the PIAA Class 4A playoffs.
Leechburg softball team ready for 2019 PIAA rematch
June 6, 2021
For the second time in as many seasons, the Leechburg softball team survived a pressure situation in the WPIAL consolation final to earn a trip the PIAA playoffs.
Gateway seniors cap high school career at East-West all-star game
Gateway football seniors Jacques Taylor and Chamor Price teamed up one final time May 30 to cap their high school careers in the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association East-West Football Classic at Landis Field in Harrisburg.
Highlands softball team hopes to continue brilliant season in PIAA playoffs
June 5, 2021
This been a season of firsts for the Highlands softball team.
Beaver Area shakes off Highlands rally, walks off with WPIAL softball crown
June 2, 2021
The first three WPIAL softball championship games played at Cal (Pa.) on Wednesday ended by way of the mercy rule, with the winning teams scoring 17, 15 and 12 runs.
WPIAL Class 4A softball championship preview: Highlands vs. Beaver
June 1, 2021
2-Beaver (16-0) vs. 5-Highlands (16-4-1)
WPIAL Class 5A softball championship preview: North Hills vs. Armstrong
Softball
Gateway boys volleyball looks toward future with talented returning lineup
May 30, 2021
The Gateway boys volleyball team was the underdog as the No. 14 seed when it traveled to Ambridge on May 18 to take on the No. 3 Bridgers, WPIAL champions in 2018 and ’19, in the first round of this year’s Class AA tournament.
Highlands softball team enjoys rest after beating No. 1 seed
May 29, 2021
Maera Williams arrived to school Thursday and soon was greeted with a plethora of well-wishes and congratulations for her and her Highlands softball teammates.
Successful season ends early for Plum baseball
The Plum baseball team had different designs on the 2021 WPIAL postseason than what played out May 19 against Latrobe in a WPIAL first-round game at Norwin.
A-K Valley contingent takes medal aspirations into Class AAA state meet
May 27, 2021
The Kiski Area girls 3,200-meter relay knocked nearly 15 seconds off its seed time at last week’s WPIAL Class AAA track and field championships at Slippery Rock.
North Allegheny fends off Seneca Valley challenge, wins 4th straight WPIAL boys volleyball crown
May 26, 2021
The North Allegheny boys volleyball team defeated section rival Seneca Valley twice in the regular season, and it sought to add a third victory as the Tigers and Raiders met Wednesday evening to decide the WPIAL Class AAA title at Fox Chapel.
Seton LaSalle captures program’s 1st WPIAL boys volleyball championship
A first-time WPIAL champion was crowned as North Catholic and Seton LaSalle met Wednesday to decide the Class AA boys volleyball title at Fox Chapel.
Deer Lakes’ Carson McCoy among A-K Valley athletes ready for state track meet
Deer Lakes’ Carson McCoy knows the feeling of running at the PIAA Class AA track and field championships.
A-K Valley softball playoff capsules: Games for May 27, 2021
Thursday’s games
Union takes down Leechburg, advances to WPIAL Class A title game
May 25, 2021
The Union softball team has another crack at unseating West Greene from its WPIAL Class A throne.
Walk-off win propels Armstrong softball to Class 5A title game
The Armstrong softball team hit eight home runs and scored 27 runs over its first two WPIAL Class 5A playoff victories.
Elizabeth Forward hits 3 home runs, rallies past Knoch in Class 4A quarterfinal
May 24, 2021
Elizabeth Forward, the top seed in the WPIAL Class 4A softball playoffs, hit 15 home runs in 17 regular season games.
West Mifflin rallies past Burrell in Class 4A softball
The West Mifflin softball team’s return to Plum was a successful one.
A-K Valley softball playoff capsules: Games for Tuesday, May 25, 2021
Class A
Alle-Kiski Valley WPIAL softball playoff capsules for May 24, 2021
May 23, 2021
Class 4A quarterfinals
Gateway’s Jenkins, Robinson claim medals at WPIAL championships
Clear, sunny skies and temperatures in the low to mid 80s greeted Gateway track and field athletes as they competed at last week’s WPIAL Class AAA championships at Slippery Rock.
Gateway caps roller coaster season with playoff loss to Mars
As the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds in the first round of the WPIAL Class 5A baseball playoffs, Mars and Gateway were expected to play a close and competitive game.
Riverview’s distance relay looks forward to PIAA meet
May 22, 2021
Mason Ochs knew he had another long race ahead of him — the individual 3,200-meter run — at Wednesday’s WPIAL Class AA championships when he anchored the 3,200 relay in the morning’s heated temperatures under sunny skies.
After upset loss, Plum softball turns attention to promising future
The Plum softball team hoped for a long stay in the playoffs as it kicked off the WPIAL Class 5A tournament against Fox Chapel in the first round May 18 at Gateway.
3-run, walk-off homer propels 14th-seeded Fox Chapel softball past Franklin Regional
May 20, 2021
Fox Chapel’s Brynn Palmer came up in the bottom of the seventh of Thursday’s WPIAL Class 5A quarterfinal against Franklin Regional with the game on the line.
Riverview relay team, Apollo-Ridge’s Weightman claim WPIAL gold
May 19, 2021
Mason Ochs knew he had another long race ahead of him - the individual 3,200-meter run - at Wednesday’s WPIAL Class AA championships when he anchored the 3,200 relay in the morning’s heated temperatures under sunny skies.
North Catholic’s Trevor Paschall wins 4 gold medals at WPIAL Class AA track and field championships
Temperatures under sunny skies climbed throughout the morning Wednesday as the top athletes competed at the WPIAL Class AA track and field championships at Slippery Rock University.
Alle-Kiski Valley WPIAL softball playoff capsules for May 20, 2021
Today’s games
Penn-Trafford softball stomps Hampton in 1st round
May 18, 2021
The Penn-Trafford softball team scored four runs in the bottom of the first during Tuesday’s WPIAL Class 5A first-round playoff game against Hampton at Gateway.
Fox Chapel stuns Plum in first-round pitchers’ duel
The Plum and Fox Chapel softball teams met in late March to open the 2021 season.
Alle-Kiski Valley WPIAL softball playoff capsules for May 19, 2021
Wednesday’s games
Burrell relay team, other Class AA medal hopefuls gear up for WPIAL meet
May 17, 2021
As sophomores in 2019, Burrell’s Brayden Callahan, Jake Guerrini and Ryan Wurzer, along with the now-graduated Kaleb Seibert, finished 12th in the 1,600-meter relay at the WPIAL Class AA championships at Slippery Rock.
Alle-Kiski Valley WPIAL softball playoff capsules for May 18, 2021
Tuesday’s games
North Allegheny, Seton LaSalle earn top seeds for WPIAL boys volleyball playoffs
North Allegheny and Seton LaSalle are the top seeds in their respective boys volleyball playoff brackets as the WPIAL released the Class AAA and AA pairings Monday afternoon.
Coaches association releases final WPIAL boys volleyball rankings
The WPIAL Class AAA and Class AA playoff brackets will be revealed Monday at noon on Trib HSSN.
Gateway athletes set for WPIAL championship meet
May 16, 2021
The Gateway track and field spring season was one of growth and discovery for a number of athletes breaking into varsity competition for the first time.
Tough schedule prepares Gateway for WPIAL baseball playoffs
The Gateway baseball team went through a lot during the regular season with a roller coaster of game results while overcoming a midseason covid pause.
Distance runners Carter, Miller ready for 1st crack at WPIAL girls championships
May 15, 2021
Fox Chapel’s Laura Carter and Kiski Area’s Eliza Miller first meet in competition in fall 2018 as seventh-grade cross country runners.
Plum softball, baseball teams turn attention to WPIAL playoffs
The Plum softball team hadn’t played a game in nearly two weeks when it came back May 10 from a covid pause to face Section 1-5A foe Armstrong in a game crucial to each team’s goal of a section title.
Record 12 A-K valley schools qualify for WPIAL softball playoffs
May 13, 2021
A record 12 Alle-Kiski Valley softball teams now know their WPIAL playoff fates as the tournament brackets were released Thursday afternoon.
A-K valley softball notebook: Leechburg not the only team with a long playoff streak
May 12, 2021
Leechburg owns the record for consecutive seasons making the WPIAL playoffs, but several teams also are building sizeable streaks of their own.
Knoch softball team hoping for a deep playoff run like 2019 squad
Olivia Vissari, Marissa Melius, Brynnae Coe, Quinn Hughes, Sophie Brandon and Bailey Rickenbrode remember the 2019 postseason well. They were members of the Knoch softball team that advanced to the WPIAL semifinals and qualified for the state playoffs.
Plum blanks Armstrong in return from covid pause
May 10, 2021
The Plum softball team hadn’t played a game in two weeks before Monday’s crucial Section 1-5A matchup at Armstrong.
WPIAL boys volleyball teams make push for playoffs; final week begins with coaches rankings
With one final week remaining in the regular season, boys volleyball teams in both WPIAL Class AAA and Class AA are making final cases for section titles and playoff berths.
Apollo-Ridge senior Weightman excels doing double duty
May 9, 2021
Casey Weightman is no stranger to success at the WPIAL-championship level.
Gateway hurdlers to be well represented at WPIAL meet
Jayson Jenkins is known in athletic circles at Gateway as a talented place kicker who will head to Robert Morris in August and join the Colonials football team.
Valley tennis program braces for WPIAL team postseason
May 6, 2021
The Valley and North Catholic boys tennis teams both were undefeated at 7-0 when they met April 23 to decide the Section 3-AA team title.
Plum backstop Ethan Kircher comes through in the clutch
The Plum baseball team has fashioned a strong record this spring, overall and in Section 2-5A, and senior catcher Ethan Kircher has been at the center of the action.
Alle-Kiski Valley softball notebook: Plum hopes to continue streak after covid pause
May 5, 2021
Plum has been off the field for more than a week, but the Mustangs wrap up a covid pause with a return to practice Friday.
Highlands softball stalking long-awaited playoff win
The last time a Highlands softball team won a WPIAL playoff game, most of the current team members were just learning to walk and talk.
Burrell sprinter Rusiewicz has sights on continuing Bucs’ tradition of strong sprinters
May 3, 2021
While moving through junior high, Ava Rusiewicz made sure to watch the Burrell girls sprinters closely, including the groupings on the annually successful 400-meter relay.
Few changes this week with WPIAL boys volleyball coaches rankings
There was slight movement but no big changes in the WPIAL Class AAA and Class AA top 10 boys volleyball lists released Monday morning by the Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association.
Fox Chapel tennis team confident, motivated heading into WPIALs
May 2, 2021
Will Ernharth likes where the Fox Chapel boys tennis team is positioned heading into Monday’s WPIAL Class AAA first-round matchup with Sewickley Academy at the Fox Chapel High School courts.
After limited early schedule, Gateway volleyball expects busy stretch to end season
The Gateway boys volleyball team has been looking for consistency to its 2021 spring season, but with covid stoppages and postponed games, it has been a challenge.
Strong start has Fox Chapel girls lacrosse in WPIAL playoff contention
May 1, 2021
An experienced Fox Chapel girls lacrosse team hoped to do big things last year, but the PIAA’s concerns over the growing covid pandemic cut short plans for the Foxes to defend their 2019 section title, win their fourth section title overall and challenge for a WPIAL championship in Class AAA.
Plum baseball looks to finish strong
The Plum varsity baseball team fashioned an unblemished Section 2-5A record through a pair of victories over Penn Hills on April 26 and 27.
Riverview’s Patsey excels in baseball, track during sophomore season
Before his freshman year at Riverview, John Patsey assured himself and his teammates and coaches that he wanted to pursue both baseball and track and field at the varsity level during the spring competition season.
Fox Chapel softball gives up big lead before winning in 7th inning
April 30, 2021
After three innings of Friday’s Section 3-5A matchup with Mars, the Fox Chapel softball team held a six-run lead and hoped to add on.
A-K Valley softball notebook: Highlands set for showdown with Burrell
April 28, 2021
When the Highlands softball team suffered a 14-4 loss to Freeport in its Section 1-4A opener at home April 9, the Golden Rams could have looked ahead to the next matchup with the Yellowjackets.
Hard-hitting Apollo-Ridge softball in WPIAL playoff mix
The Apollo-Ridge softball team was on the wrong side of a perfect game Monday against Ligonier Valley junior standout Maddie Griffin.
Griffin tosses perfect game as Ligonier Valley blanks Apollo-Ridge
April 26, 2021
The Apollo-Ridge softball team scored at least nine runs in all six of their wins this season, including 11 each in convincing Section 2-2A victories last week over Serra Catholic and Seton LaSalle.
Seton LaSalle takes over top spot in WPIAL Class AA volleyball coaches rankings
The Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association released its Week 5 rankings Monday morning, and there is a change at the head of the Class AA Top 10.
WPIAL’s top tennis doubles teams set for gold rush
April 25, 2021
The WPIAL’s top Class AAA and Class AA boys doubles teams will go for gold Tuesday and Wednesday and also challenge for berths to the PIAA tournaments, slated for May 28 and 29 in Hershey.
Gateway’s Shegog looks forward to prestigious Roundball Classic
Gateway senior forward Dynasty Shegog went toe-to-toe with Penn Hills’ Amoni Blackwell, Jasmyn Golden and Jayla Golden; McKeesport’s Haley Hertzer; and Woodland Hills’ Peyton Pinkney in Section 4-5A during the truncated 2020-21 season.
Gateway’s Robinson finding her place among WPIAL’s top sprinters
Amaya Robinson felt at home at the South Hills Classic on April 10. Baldwin hosted, but Gateway’s Antimarino Stadium provided the setting for the events.
Plum track and field athletes shine at Lady Spartan/Wildcat Invitational
April 24, 2021
After competing in a trio of Section 5-AAA meets in the early part of the season, Plum boys and girls track and field team members stepped out and tested their mettle at their first invitational of the spring April 16.
Plum girls lacrosse off to strong start, aims to win 1st playoff game in program history
The Plum varsity girls lacrosse team hopes to make history this year with its first WPIAL playoff victory in its fifth year as a full member of the WPIAL.
Deer Lakes softball streaks past Derry to cap off big week
April 23, 2021
Some early two-out lightning put the Deer Lakes softball team on the right track to an 8-2 Section 1-3A victory over Derry on Friday.
A-K Valley softball notebook: Dramatic win was worth wait for Deer Lakes
April 21, 2021
Things didn’t go as planned for the Deer Lakes softball team in a 6-3 section loss at Valley in Section 1-3A on April 9.
Plum softball starting to hit stride in search of elusive playoff victory
When the Plum softball team suffered a 5-0 loss to Section 1-5A rival Franklin Regional on April 7, team members were itching to get back on the field and bounce back from the uncharacteristic shutout.
North Allegheny, Ambridge hold their top spots in boys volleyball coaches rankings
April 19, 2021
The Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association released its WPIAL Week 4 boys rankings Monday morning, and North Allegheny (Class AAA) and Ambridge (Class AA) maintained their No. 1 positions in their respective polls.
Knoch thrower Josh Rohland hoping for big numbers as postseason approaches
April 18, 2021
Knoch’s Josh Rohland got his first taste of WPIAL track and field championship competition as a sophomore at the 2019 Class AAA meet at Slippery Rock.
Gateway soccer standout seizes opportunity with Cal (Pa.)
In December, Gateway senior Jayson Jenkins set in stone his decision to kick in college for the Robert Morris football team.
Gateway baseball determined to join playoff race in second half of season
As the Gateway baseball team continues to find its way in what is turning out to be a competitive Section 1 in Class 5A, coach Mark Wardzinski likes the resolute attitude of his players. They’re determined to keep building on the positives and working to smooth any bumps in the road along the way.
Riverview, Plum athletes look forward to final high school basketball game
April 17, 2021
Gideon Deasy’s final high school basketball season didn’t start off as he had hoped as he continued to recover from an ankle injury that had plagued him since the fall.
Plum baseball ‘resilient and tough’ in early-season stretch
When Plum baseball coach Carl Vollmer looked back at the Section 2-5A series against Mars from April 12 and 13, he didn’t see perfection.
A-K Valley softball notebook: Plum breaks out bats in return to action
April 14, 2021
Plum players had to wait a week to get the bad taste of a 5-0 loss to Section 1-5A rival Franklin Regional out of their mouths.
Fox Chapel strikeouts specialist Borkovich exceeding expectations
Mackenzie Borkovich logged most of the pitching innings as a freshman for Fox Chapel in 2019.
WPIAL tennis season heats up for A-K Valley trio, Section 3-AA teams
April 12, 2021
The Alle-Kiski Valley will be well-represented Tuesday at the WPIAL Class AA singles championships as Highlands senior Gabe Norris and Valley sophomore Nicholas Bussard and senior Thomas Albert will take to the court at Shady Side Academy.
Ambridge takes over as Class AA No. 1 in latest WPIAL volleyball coaches rankings
The Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association released its Week 3 boys volleyball rankings Monday morning, and for the second week in a row, there is a new team at the top of Class AA.
Clark brothers bolster lineup for Gateway tennis
April 11, 2021
David Clark loves the competition on the tennis court with twin brother, Nathan.
Gateway boys lacrosse developing young roster
With 19 seniors and a high level of experience up and down the lineup, the 2019 Gateway boys lacrosse team made history.
Pine-Richland’s Spencer wins 1st Willie Thrower Memorial Award
April 10, 2021
Chuck Curtis played football for the New York Giants in 1957 before beginning a football coaching career that lasted for 30 years.
Plum boys volleyball aims for success under new leadership
The Plum boys volleyball team is hopeful for a run at a berth in the WPIAL playoffs this spring, and the Mustangs will go after it in a new classification with a new coach at the helm.
Little things add up for Freeport softball in win over Highlands
April 9, 2021
Freeport third baseman Autumn Powell grounded out to second base for the first out of the second inning of Friday’s Section 1-4A opener at Highlands.
Alle-Kiski high school softball notebook: Fox Chapel-Burrell provides pitchers’ duel
April 7, 2021
Spectators at the March 29 nonsection game between Fox Chapel and Burrell were treated to a double pitching gem.
Freeport’s Borghol overcomes back issues to make triumphant softball return
Maya Borghol hit a home run in a March 23 scrimmage against Kiski Area.
Kiski Area blanks Greensburg Salem on opening night of PIHL playoffs
April 5, 2021
The Kiski Area hockey team is headed back to the PIHL Penguins Cup Class A semifinals.
North Catholic takes over Class AA top spot in latest WPIAL coaches boys volleyball rankings
The Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association released its Week 2 boys volleyball rankings Monday morning, and there is a change at the top in Class AA.
Renewed hope takes over for Gateway track and field athletes
April 4, 2021
Gateway track and field head coach Tom LaBuff is used to spending the spring coaching Gators athletes to top finishes at meets and invitationals.
Valley News Dispatch Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Plum’s Kennedie Montue
April 3, 2021
Valley News Dispatch Girls Basketball Player of the Year
Riverview track and field athletes aim to maintain section success
After being denied an opportunity to compete and defend section championships last spring, members of the Riverview boys and girls track and field teams got back to competition March 27 at the Altoona Igloo Invitational.
Infusion of young talent boosts Valley softball
April 2, 2021
While there are many things Valley softball coach Carrol Perroz is concentrating on this season, planning a senior-day ceremony isn’t one of them.
Valley baseball builds momentum with experienced lineup
When looking for silver linings in what was an otherwise frustrating turn of events with the sudden cancellation of high school sports last spring, Valley baseball coach Jim Basilone knew that he would have nine players returning with varsity experience gained in either 2018 or ’19.
PIHL sets brackets for Penguins Cup playoffs
After a most unprecedented regular season with more changes and ups and downs than one can count, the PIHL has reached the Penguins Cup varsity playoffs.
Senior duo excited to lead young St. Joseph softball squad into battle
April 1, 2021
Seniors Kelsey DuVall and Kassandra O’Hara own varsity starting experience, and that experience, along with their leadership, is being called upon to help guide a group of eight freshman on a roster of 11 for the St. Joseph softball team this spring.
St. Joseph baseball ready to cut loose after canceled season
Only one senior was lost from the 2019 St. Joseph baseball team that finished 8-8 overall and suffered a heartbreaking 7-6 loss to Union in the quarterfinals of the WPIAL Class A playoffs.
Springdale baseball eager to ‘meet any challenge’
March 31, 2021
After winning just two games in 2019, the Springdale baseball team had high hopes to move up the ladder last year with an experienced group.
Springdale softball looks to build on success of breakthrough season
There was a great deal of excitement surrounding the Springdale softball team after a rather youthful group posted 13 wins in 17 games and made the quarterfinals of the WPIAL Class A playoffs in 2019.
Volleyball coaches association releases WPIAL Week 1 poll
March 29, 2021
Several WPIAL boys volleyball teams kicked off the 2021 spring season with matches Friday and Saturday.
Gateway swimmer claims medals, finds motivation at state meet
March 28, 2021
In a high school swim season full of ups and down, with changes and uncertainty around every corner, Andrew Holmes still planned to meet all of his goals and expectations.
Leechburg baseball team’s expectations remain high with new coach
March 27, 2021
Bill Stoops knows what it’s like to help lead a high school baseball team to the WPIAL playoffs and pick up postseason victories.
Leechburg softball puts playoff streak on line
No softball team in the WPIAL has built a streak quite like Leechburg’s.
Plum swimmers perform well at PIAA meet
One moved up, and one moved down.
Gateway bowlers cap season at regional tournament
March 21, 2021
While covid protocols and safety precautions made the 2020-21 Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League season like no other, an experienced Gateway boys varsity team worked through all of the obstacles to finish with successful results.
Gateway baseball players looking to build on past success with holdovers from ’19
Luke Jackson played 14 games and collected 33 at-bats as a sophomore in 2019 as Gateway finished 13-7 and qualified for the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs.
Upper St. Clair’s Josh Matheny betters his national record in winning PIAA breaststroke title
March 20, 2021
As a sophomore, Josh Matheny wowed the crowd at Bucknell’s Kinney Natatorium and many others watching on television with a time of 52.52 seconds in the 100-yard breaststroke.
Penn-Trafford, Franklin Regional, Hempfield relays earn PIAA medals
The Penn-Trafford boys 200-yard freestyle relay entered Saturday’s PIAA Class AAA swimming championships at Cumberland Valley High School tied for the 10th seed.
Fox Chapel’s Sophie Shao defends PIAA title in 100 butterfly
After defending her WPIAL title in the 100-yard butterfly two weeks ago, Fox Chapel sophomore Sophie Shao went looking for a similar repeat performance Saturday at the PIAA Class AAA championships at Cumberland Valley.
North Allegheny girls capture 1st PIAA swimming championship since ’97
The last time a North Allegheny girls swimming and diving team won a PIAA state championship, the TV show “Friends” was all the rage on NBC and the Green Bay Packers reigned as Super Bowl Champions.
Young, talented Riverview baseball team ready to compete in Class A
Bill Gras has high hopes this spring for his Riverview baseball team, a group he said which is high on both youthfulness and talent.
Plum baseball looks to find success in move to Class 5A
Two years ago, the Plum baseball team missed the WPIAL playoffs for the first time since 2005.
Neshannock’s McBeth, Belle Vernon’s Shahan spark WPIAL gold rush at state swim meet
March 19, 2021
Neshannock’s Conner McBeth and Belle Vernon’s Ian Shahan picked up where they left off from WPIALs in the 50-yard freestyle as the seniors did battle for state gold at the PIAA Class AA boys swim championships Friday at Cumberland Valley High School.
Belle Vernon’s Ian Shahan shatters state record in final high school meet
In his final high school meet, Ian Shahan put his stamp on the PIAA state record book.
State medal remains elusive for Freeport swimmer
Alexis Schrecongost wanted more.
Apollo-Ridge seniors relish chance to continue postseason streak
John Kinnamon is cautiously optimistic his Apollo-Ridge softball team can add to recent successes which include three straight WPIAL playoff appearances.
Mapletown’s Menear claims gold medal at PIAA swimming championships
It took Ella Menear a little longer than she had hoped to make her PIAA Class AA swimming debut.
Ellwood City’s Roth brothers among WPIAL swimmers set to challenge for state gold
March 18, 2021
A long and winding road finally leads to Cumberland Valley High School for the start of the PIAA swimming championships Friday morning.
Fox Chapel’s Shao ready to defend 100 fly title at state meet
March 17, 2021
One title defense down, one to go.
Southmoreland’s Miller eager for crack at state swimming gold
Henry Miller and his father were about 10 minutes away from Bucknell University’s Kinney Natatorium last year when they got the call that the PIAA, out of growing concern with what would become the covid pandemic, canceled the two-day Class AA swimming and diving championships.
After claiming WPIAL gold, Gateway’s Holmes turns attention to PIAA meet
March 15, 2021
Andrew Holmes had WPIAL gold on his mind March 7 at the Class AAA championships at Upper St. Clair High School.
With young, talented roster set to return, Gateway boys turn focus to future
All Will Kromka could do was watch.
Plum swimmers earn 1st trip to PIAA championship meet
After Plum seniors Logan Minick and Sam Schohn secured top-eight medals in the 500-yard freestyle and 100 breaststroke, respectively, at the WPIAL Class AA championships March 6 at Upper St. Clair, the waiting game began.
Plum senior soccer players to continue careers at next level
Plum girls soccer coach Jamie Stewart knew that at the end of the 2020 season he would be losing another strong senior class that had accomplished a great deal on and off the field.
H.S. boys tennis preview: Teams ‘amped up’ to start season
March 14, 2021
Last spring was one of loss for high school teams across the state as the covid pandemic caused the PIAA to suspend and ultimately cancel the spring sports season.
Fox Chapel’s Manelis, North Allegheny’s Shi clean up at PIAA Class AAA diving meet
March 13, 2021
The fourth time was the charm for Fox Chapel senior David Manelis.
WPIAL diving champs ready to take on state’s best
March 12, 2021
The “fab four” of WPIAL diving champions will attempt to claim more gold Saturday at the PIAA Class AAA and Class AA competitions at Cumberland Valley High School.
Hempfield takes 3rd in state rifle championships
March 10, 2021
WPIAL team rifle champion Hempfield placed third overall at Wednesday’s Pennsylvania State Scholastic Smallbore Rifle Championships.
Beaver shuts down Knoch, earns spot in Class 4A girls title game
March 9, 2021
The Beaver girls basketball team is back in familiar territory.
Western Pa. individual swimmers, relays discover fates for PIAA championships
Swimmers from Alle-Kiski Valley and Westmoreland County schools brought home eight WPIAL Class AAA and Class AA titles from this past weekend’s swimming championships at Upper St. Clair High School.
Fox Chapel’s Sophie Shao defends WPIAL title in 100 butterfly
March 7, 2021
A change of location didn’t deter Sophie Shao’s goal of defending her WPIAL Class AAA girls 100-yard butterfly championship.
Gateway boys build confidence after WPIAL playoff victory
Gateway boys basketball coach Alvis Rogers appreciated the spirited atmosphere that an increased number of fans, including student sections, brought to the Gators’ WPIAL Class 5A first-round game against Albert Gallatin last Wednesday at the Furrie Sports Complex.
Up-and-down season provides ‘learning experiences’ for Gateway girls
The Gateway girls basketball team hoped for good things from their WPIAL Class 5A preliminary-round game March 1 at Mars.
Fox Chapel freshman makes mark at WPIAL championships
Whether it was a sprint or a more measured pace, Zachary Zornan-Ferguson was able to shine in his WPIAL swimming championship debut Sunday at Upper St. Clair High School.
Belle Vernon’s Shahan claims 2 more WPIAL individual championships
March 6, 2021
Ian Shahan found himself in seventh heaven at Saturday’s WPIAL Class AA swimming championships at Upper St. Clair High School.
Freeport’s Schrecongost sets school record at WPIAL championships
Alexis Schrecongost finished third in the WPIAL Class AA 100-yard breaststroke as a freshman and placed fourth last season.
Plum basketball teams enjoy playoff success before bowing out
For the Plum girls basketball team, joy at winning the program’s first playoff game since 2002 on March 1 turned to disappointment the next day as covid issues forced the Mustangs to bow out of the WPIAL Class 5A tournament ahead of a first-round matchup against No. 2 Chartiers Valley.
Experience helps Plum’s Kvortek capture WPIAL gymnastics gold medal in bars event
When Sarah Kvortek placed fifth on bars at last year’s WPIAL individual gymnastics championships at Moon High School, her sights quickly were set on soon rising to the top of the medals podium.
WPIAL’s top swimmers gear up for this weekend’s championship meets
March 5, 2021
Josh Matheny never thought he would be in position to win a WPIAL swimming championship in his home pool.
Fox Chapel holds off Penn Hills in WPIAL Class 5A clash
Fox Chapel walked the line in the fourth quarter of Thursday’s WPIAL Class 5A first-round girls basketball game against Penn Hills.
Shady Side Academy betters Apollo-Ridge for 3rd time this season
March 4, 2021
After a pair of regular-season losses to Section 3-3A rival Shady Side Academy, the Apollo-Ridge boys basketball team hoped the third meeting would be the charm Thursday in a WPIAL first-round game at Fox Chapel.
Fox Chapel swimmers lead A-K Valley contingent into WPIAL championship meet
Fox Chapel’s Talia Bugel made the most of her freshman swimming season.
A-K Valley basketball playoff capsules: Games for Friday, March 5, 2021
Here’s a look at Friday’s WPIAL basketball playoff games involving A-K Valley teams:
A-K Valley basketball playoff capsules: Games for Thursday, March 4, 2021
March 3, 2021
Here’s a look at Thursday’s WPIAL basketball playoff games involving A-K Valley teams:
Sophomore scorer sparks Mt. Pleasant girls in overtime win over Freeport
March 2, 2021
Survive and advance.
Plum girls pull away from Lincoln Park, earn program’s 2nd playoff win
March 1, 2021
For just the second time in program history, the Plum girls basketball team owns a WPIAL playoff victory.
After battling cancer, Freeport’s Garrett King eager to get back on field
February 28, 2021
In one week, the Freeport boys lacrosse team begins practice, and junior Garrett King with be there ready to work.
Gateway swimmers take aim at WPIAL success
Gateway boys and girls swimmers are making final preparations for Sunday’s WPIAL Class AAA championships at Upper St. Clair.
Gateway’s Holl looks forward to coaching in East-West all-star game
For the first time in the nearly two decades of the Pennsylvania State Football Coaches Association’s East-West Classic, there will be two games celebrating many of the state’s top players.
WPIAL’s Finest distance relay takes 2nd at national indoor track championships
WPIAL’s Finest almost was the finest in the nation.
Plum swimmers seeking success at WPIAL championship meet
February 27, 2021
The Plum boys and girls swim teams are making final preparations for this weekend’s WPIAL Class AAA and AA championships at Upper St. Clair High School.
Inaugural Willie Thrower Award to honor football pioneer, recognize top WPIAL QB
February 26, 2021
Willie Thrower established himself as a top-level quarterback at New Kensington High School in the 1940s before making his mark in college at Michigan State and making history as the first Black quarterback in the NFL.
Thomas Jefferson junior wins WPIBL boys singles title by 4 pins
February 24, 2021
Thomas Jefferson’s Nick Johnson edged Freeport’s Mark Livingston by four pins to capture the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League boys singles championship Wednesday at AMF Mt. Lebanon Lanes.
Sisters team up — or in one case, square off — on A-K Valley hardwood
When Kalleigh Nerone took the court for her second varsity game Jan. 11, the freshman guard at Highlands found herself going up against a unique opponent.
Alle-Kiski Valley girls basketball notebook: Deer Lakes ready for Southmoreland
Deer Lakes last played a game Feb. 9 at North Hills.
WPIAL releases entry lists for swimming championships
The WPIAL swimming psych sheets for the Class AA and Class AAA championship meets March 6-7 at Upper St. Clair High School have been released on WPIAL.org.
Apollo-Ridge girls race past nonsection rival St. Joseph
February 22, 2021
Despite not residing in the same section, the St. Joseph and Apollo-Ridge girls basketball teams have played every year since the 2009-10 season.
WPIAL posts final swimming and diving performance lists
The WPIAL released its final swimming and diving performance lists Sunday evening, and individual swimmers and relays continued to produce new WPIAL-best performances during the final week of the regular season.
Busy month ahead for undefeated Freeport hockey team
February 21, 2021
In a normal high school hockey season in Western Pennsylvania, the regular season would be all but finished by now and teams would be looking to start a possible run in the playoffs.
Gateway’s Morgan Holmes aims for faster times in 2nd trip to WPIAL meet
Morgan Holmes’ introduction to swimming at WPIALs as a freshman last year came in the 200- and 50-yard freestyle events and as a member of the Gateway 200 and 400 free relays.
Gateway basketball teams prepare for WPIAL postseason
The Gateway boys and girls basketball teams have reached the end of the regular season.
Riverview basketball teams look forward to open playoffs
February 20, 2021
When the WPIAL announced in December that it would stage open playoff tournaments for basketball, fearing unbalanced section standings would create issues in determining playoff qualifiers, the Riverview girls basketball team knew it would be one of the participants.
Plum’s Logan Parker improves on indoor shot put record
At the third Youngstown State open high school meet of the indoor season Feb. 13, Plum senior Logan Parker threw further than anyone else in the shot put.
Plum’s Proviano to play soccer at Division I Long Island University
February 19, 2021
Plum senior Gina Proviano scored 70 goals and had 33 assists over four years as one of the WPIAL’s top girls soccer players.
Valley, Leechburg opt out of WPIAL girls basketball playoffs
February 18, 2021
Earlier this week, Valley girls basketball coach Ernie Sipolino said he was optimistic his team, despite only having five players able to take the court, would enter the open WPIAL Class 4A playoffs.
Greensburg Salem girls repeat as WPIBL champions
For the second year in a row, the Greensburg Salem girls bowling team is the WPIBL champion.
Burrell girls basketball team gets revenge with win over Highlands
February 17, 2021
Highlands won the first meeting Jan. 30.
A-K Valley girls basketball notebook: Plum, Fox Chapel part of exciting section race
With just a week left in the truncated WPIAL girls basketball regular season, Section 2-5A is in position to have every team complete its section slate.
All A-K Valley girls basketball teams intend to compete in playoffs
The WPIAL Board of Directors in December, fearing covid cancellations and other interruptions to team schedules would create unbalanced section standings, voted to have the basketball playoffs decided with open-tournament formats.
WPIAL distance running all-star team clocks nation’s best time
February 15, 2021
When Knoch senior Mike Formica and Deer Lakes junior Carson McCoy, two of the top distance runners in the WPIAL, got to talking at the Spire Ohio Championship Preview Meet in Geneva, Ohio, on Jan. 30, they discussed plans to break away from the usual individual races they had run for several weeks this winter and see what an all-star relay could accomplish.
WPIAL postpones team rifle championships
The WPIAL, citing weather concerns, has postponed the team rifle championships from Tuesday to Wednesday.
Several new top marks highlight latest WPIAL swimming and diving performance lists
The WPIAL released its latest swimming and diving performance lists Monday, and individual swimmers, relays and divers continue to produce new WPIAL-best performances.
WPIBL concludes regular season, looks ahead to team and singles championships
A regular season far from normal has concluded for the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League, and top teams and individuals now are looking forward to the team and singles championships set for this week and next.
Kiski Area swimmers focused on top performances as WPIALs looms
February 14, 2021
Last year as a freshman, Parker Sterlitz had a goal of joining classmate Levi Hansen on the medals podium for the Class AAA boys 500-yard freestyle at the WPIAL championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Gateway’s Andrew Holmes posts top WPIAL time in 200 IM
Gateway junior Andrew Holmes earned a WPIAL swimming championship automatic qualifying time in the 200-yard individual medley with a personal-best of 1 minute, 52.04 seconds against North Hills on Feb. 9.
Plum’s Montue grateful to reach top of program’s career scoring list
February 13, 2021
Kennedie Montue had scored 30 or more points three times this season and added a fourth game with 29, so 28 points — what was left for the Plum senior forward to secure the program’s all-time career scoring record — was attainable Friday as the Mustangs battled Section 2-5A rival Fox Chapel.
Plum wrestlers ready for individual tournaments
The Plum wrestling team turns its focus this week from team competition to individual accomplishments with subsection and section tournaments taking center stage throughout the WPIAL.
Riverview’s Shoop chasing WPIAL swimming success in 500 freestyle
Riverview senior Beth Shoop swam the 500-yard freestyle in a time of 5 minutes, 31.36 seconds during Fox Chapel’s Jan. 14 meet with Woodland Hills.
Alle-Kiski Valley girls basketball notebook: Fox Chapel-Plum rematch looms
February 10, 2021
The Fox Chapel girls basketball team hopes to get back on the winning track, while Plum hopes to keep a winning streak alive.
Apollo-Ridge girls display grit in rebound section win
With a mix of experienced seniors and younger players still testing their abilities at the high school level, the Apollo-Ridge girls basketball team remains a work in progress, veteran coach Ray Bartha said.
Apollo-Ridge girls edge Greensburg Central Catholic for key section victory
February 8, 2021
In crunch time, the Apollo-Ridge girls basketball team stood tall.
WPIAL releases latest swimming and diving performance lists
The WPIAL released its latest swimming and diving performance lists Monday, and there are changes at the top in four individual events and a relay from meets this past week.
Burrell bowlers turn attention to postseason after strong regular season
February 7, 2021
The top boys and girls bowlers in the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League compete at Wildlife Lanes in Lower Burrell.
Gateway seniors sign on for future in college football
It has become tradition with the Gateway football team that the first Wednesday in February is a day to celebrate the achievements of its senior players and also look ahead to what they hope are bright futures in college.
Gateway boys continue to build identity in advance of WPIAL playoffs
When the Gateway boys basketball team’s Section 3-5A game with Woodland Hills was postponed from Feb. 2, Gators coaches and school officials looked for another opportunity to play.
Fox Chapel girls top Hampton, complete section series sweep
February 5, 2021
The Fox Chapel girls basketball team came into Friday’s Section 2-5A matchup with Hampton winners of three straight.
All-Kiski Valley girls basketball notebook: Fox Chapel to face Hampton again
February 3, 2021
Fox Chapel is the only team in Section 2-5A to topple Hampton (8-2, 4-1) this season.
Dates for WPIAL swimming championships finalized
The WPIAL swimming steering committee met Wednesday afternoon and made some highly anticipated decisions regarding the Class AA and Class AAA championship meets.
With senior Soilis leading the way, ‘things are starting to click’ for Freeport girls
As the lone senior on the Freeport girls basketball team, Grace Soilis had concerns about the status of her final high school season and what might happen in the face of covid postponements and cancellations.
In-pool profile: Thomas Jefferson’s Findlan ready to defend WPIAL 100 free title
Hallie Findlan was a woman of steel against Steel Valley on Jan. 25 as she swam the top WPIAL Class AA girls 100-yard freestyle time this season.
In-pool profile: Butler’s Bocci has sights set on WPIAL swimming gold
February 2, 2021
David Bocci played second fiddle in the 100-yard butterfly and 500 freestyle at last year’s WPIAL Class AAA championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Kiski Area hockey program moving in right direction, hungry for more
February 1, 2021
Optimism surrounded the Kiski Area hockey team as it entered the 2020-21 season.
Western Regional bowling tournaments split into 2 weekends
In response to covid-19 guidelines and protocols for gathering numbers, the Western Regional high school bowling championships this year will be split up over two weekends, the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League announced Monday.
WPIAL posts latest swimming and diving performance lists
The WPIAL on Monday morning released its latest swimming and diving performance lists.
Meeting could steer WPIAL swimmers in right direction
January 31, 2021
The WPIAL swimming steering committee is scheduled to meet Wednesday, and the group could finalize a plan for the championships and provide answers amid the uncertainty with covid-19 gathering restrictions.
Gateway girls gaining experience against top competition
The Gateway girls basketball team started its season with losses in its first six games, including its first four in Section 2-5A play.
Fox Chapel’s Sophie Shao off to fast start in quest to defend WPIAL, PIAA championships
January 30, 2021
Two years ago, then-eighth grader Sophie Shao witnessed Fox Chapel freshman Zoe Skirbol make history with a WPIAL swimming championship in the 100-yard breaststroke and a state title in the 200 individual medley.
Fox Chapel rallies past Plum, grinds out Section 2-5A victory
January 28, 2021
The Plum girls basketball team couldn’t have asked for a better start to its Section 2-5A home matchup against Fox Chapel at Plum High School.
Winning, not points or records, motivates Plum girls basketball standout Montue
January 27, 2021
Kennedie Montue averaged 22.1 points a game last year and helped the Plum girls basketball team to a 14-7 record and to within a game of the program’s first section championship.
AK Valley girls basketball notebook: Every second counts for Kiski Area
In Saturday’s 33-31 buzzer-beating win over Greensburg Salem, Kiski Area’s players saw first-hand how much every second counts in close games.
No. 2 Knoch girls roll past Burrell in Class 4A game
January 25, 2021
The Knoch girls basketball team hadn’t played in a week before hosting Section 1-4A rival Burrell on Monday.
Senior Mark Livingston helps Freeport bowlers strike first, strike hard
Last season, Mark Livingston punched his ticket to the state bowling championships with an 11th-place finish in the qualifying round at the Western Regional singles event.
WPIAL releases latest swimming and diving performance lists
Both battle-tested veterans and newcomers ready to burst onto the scene highlight the latest WPIAL Class AAA and AA swimming and diving performance lists released Monday.
Gateway’s Holmes motivated by medal-winning performance
January 24, 2021
Andrew Holmes was among the top swimmers in the 200- and 500-yard freestyle events at last year’s WPIAL Class 3A championship meet at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
High school rifle season looks different this year
January 23, 2021
Over the past three winters, Madison Herrick enjoyed traveling to different schools for rifle matches with her Plum teammates.
Plum girls basketball back in rhythm early-season shutdown
Plum girls basketball coach Steve Elsier said his team has played well as it gets into the meat of its truncated season but knows there are a lot of challenging matchups ahead as the Mustangs hope to claim their first section championship and set themselves up for a WPIAL playoff run.
Gideon Deasy makes quick impact in return to Riverview lineup
Gideon Deasy experienced pain in his left ankle through much of his fall cross country season.
A-K Valley girls basketball notes: Burrell’s Watts on road to recovery from ACL tear
January 20, 2021
Olivia Watts is back on the road to recovery after a second ACL tear in her left knee put her on the sidelines for her entire junior season.
Knoch girls eager to continue strong section start
It’s been nearly 50 years since a Knoch girls basketball team has won a section championship.
Knoch girls start fast, roll past rival Freeport
January 18, 2021
The Knoch girls basketball team scored the first eight points in Monday’s Section 1-4A contest with rival Freeport at Freeport Middle School.
Gateway’s Rogers eager to return to basketball court after recovery from heart bypass surgery
January 17, 2021
Being away from the basketball court for any length of time normally is a foreign concept for Alvis Rogers.
Gateway wrestlers making up for lost time
Gateway wrestlers and their coaches were looking forward to the start of official practices Nov. 20 when the school district closed its buildings and moved to online learning for a couple of weeks to handle covid concerns and issues.
Gateway boys bowlers leaning on experience
Experience is the calling card for the Gateway boys bowling team.
St. Joseph swimmer Wygonik completes long road back from elbow surgery
January 16, 2021
Sam Wygonik hoped for the best when he stepped up to the block for the boys 200-yard freestyle Thursday during a dual meet between Fox Chapel and Woodland Hills at Fox Chapel High School.
Despite shorthanded roster, Riverview wrestlers getting up to speed
Riverview has fewer wrestlers on its roster than normal, but coach Joe Murphy said excitement is high for those ready to test their mettle on the mat.
Plum’s Kvortek sets sights on success at WPIAL gymnastics meet
Sarah Kvortek made her WPIAL gymnastics championship debut as a freshman last year, and the Plum athlete showed she had arrived with a fifth-place finish on bars in the Gold Intermediate I Division.
Freeport girls basketball defeats section foe Highlands
January 14, 2021
It wasn’t the cleanest of games in the eyes of Freeport girls basketball coach Fred Soilis, but his team did what it needed to do Thursday evening to claim victory in its season opener.
A-K Valley girls basketball notebook: Plum flashes potential with win over Mars
January 13, 2021
A mix of experience and youthful talent has the Plum girls basketball team hoping to finish at the top of Section 2-5A and break a long playoff win drought.
Deer Lakes’ Hasley strives to lead improving team
In a high school basketball season like no other, leaders are needed to help guide teams through the uncertainties that remain as schedules continue to evolve.
Finally back in action, Knoch girls basketball takes down Highlands
January 11, 2021
Knoch sophomore Hattie McGraw sank her team’s first points of the season Monday with a 3-pointer just 22 seconds into a Section 1-4A home matchup against Highlands.
Freeport girls swim team grateful to be back in pool
January 10, 2021
Alexis Schrecongost was grateful to dive into the pool and compete Friday as she and her Freeport teammates kicked off their season at Kiski Area.
Plum wrestlers look forward to competition in Section 1B
After more starts and stops to the season than he cares to remember, Plum wrestling coach Mike Supak said he’s anxious to see his team begin competition this week.
Plum bowlers happy to be back in action after layoff
The Plum varsity bowling teams didn’t have a lot of time between the return to practice Jan. 4 from the three-week state-government imposed shutdown of high school activities and Monday’s scheduled start of the season.
Kiski Area girls rally past Burrell to go 1-0
January 8, 2021
A 12-point third-quarter advantage helped the Kiski Area girls basketball team turn a slim halftime deficit into a season-opening 39-26 victory Friday at Burrell.
Schedule change pits mother against son as Deer Lakes girls basketball meets Mars
Mother and son are set to go head-to-head again.
Plum wrestler Vinny Citrano eager to take first steps on road to Hershey
January 6, 2021
For Vinny Citrano, the return to the Plum wrestling room this week was a welcome change.
From the piano to the paint, Ellie Schwartzman plays key role for Fox Chapel
Ellie Schwartzman is proficient at playing the piano, having studied and practiced the craft for more than a decade.
WPIAL swimming committee lowers qualifying times for championship meets
January 5, 2021
The WPIAL swimming committee met Tuesday afternoon, and the group agreed to establish faster automatic qualifying standards for the WPIAL championship meets.
In the pool profile: Seneca Valley’s Edie Sawyer hoping for senior success before heading to Ohio University
January 3, 2021
Edie Sawyer made the most of her one December swim meet.
In the pool profile: Indiana’s Thome hoping to add more WPIAL gold to an already full resume
Kyle Thome earned WPIAL-championship gold last year as the best in the Class AA 200-yard freestyle.
PIHL ready to get back to action
The PIHL, along with the WPIAL and other sports organizations, is returning to team activities Monday after a shutdown issued by Gov. Tom Wolf on Dec. 10 as part of overall efforts to slow the spread of covid-19.
Chartiers Valley’s Perri Page commits to Division I Columbia
January 1, 2021
Chartiers Valley’s Perri Page is in a New York City state of mind.
Top 10 stories in A-K Valley sports in 2020
December 30, 2020
The year 2020 was one nobody soon will forget.
Gateway’s Jayson Jenkins to kick for Robert Morris
A dream now is a reality for Gateway’s Jayson Jenkins.
Freeport hockey hopes to continue winning ways after shutdown
December 25, 2020
Excitement remains high for the Freeport hockey team despite having to work through a couple of stops and starts over the first two months of the 2020-21 PIHL regular season.
Unbeaten Hempfield, rest of PIHL eager for return
Hempfield is one of three hockey teams without a loss in PIHL Class AA in a season heavily impacted by covid issues.
High school basketball teams appreciate, take lessons from pre-shutdown games
December 17, 2020
Last Friday, 71 WPIAL and City League boys and girls basketball teams kicked off their 2020-21 seasons in the shadow of a looming shutdown that will extend through the first couple of days of the New Year.
Seniors who drove Plum football to new heights make college choices on signing day
December 16, 2020
Evan Azzara anchored the Plum offensive line with power for several years.
Burrell grad Scherer honored with education scholarship
December 15, 2020
Burrell graduate Nikki Scherer, a senior member of the Pitt women’s track and field team, is a recipient of $2,500 in tuition from the Go Teach Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway, a partnership of the Atlantic Coast Conference and the College Football Playoff Foundation, the conference announced Tuesday.
WPIAL contenders wonder how sports shutdown will impact swimming season
December 14, 2020
Ian Shahan hopes for big things in his senior swimming season.
Gateway’s Summer Raymer has sights set on school swimming records
December 13, 2020
Summer Raymer’s name already is on the swimming record boards in the natatorium at Gateway High School.
Gateway athletes pick up postseason honors after challenging fall
The Gateway boys and girls soccer teams and the Gators football team each earned WPIAL playoff berths in a fall season dominated each week by covid concerns, cancellations and delays.
Valley News Dispatch Offensive Player of the Year: Apollo-Ridge’s Logan Harmon
December 12, 2020
Alle-Kiski Valley Offensive Player of the Year
Oakland Catholic girls hold off spirited Fox Chapel rally
December 11, 2020
The Fox Chapel girls basketball team gave host Oakland Catholic all it could handle in a nonsection game Friday night.
St. Joseph girls ‘all-in’ on playing opener, lose to Neshannock
St. Joseph girls basketball coach Dennis Jones said there was no question his team wanted to take the court Friday to open its season less than 24 hours after Gov. Tom Wolf announced high school sports would shut down for four weeks as part of covid-19 mitigation efforts.
A-K Valley teams disappointed, not shocked by high school sports shutdown
December 10, 2020
Over the past few weeks, coaches, athletes and administrators from around the Alle-Kiski Valley have been battling the unknown.
WPIAL standouts earn spots on all-state girls volleyball lists
December 7, 2020
More than three dozen from the WPIAL have earned all-state girls volleyball recognition by the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association.
Boys basketball preview: Valley wants redemption after missing playoffs
After three straight trips to the WPIAL playoffs, the Valley boys basketball team was not as fortunate last season as it skidded to a 4-17 overall record and a 3-9 mark in Section 3-3A.
Girls basketball preview: Valley seeks 1st winning season in 17 years
Jada Norman is ready to take that next step, both in her personal game and for the team overall.
Girls basketball preview: Numbers shouldn’t be a problem for St. Joseph this season
December 6, 2020
The St. Joseph girls basketball team won just three games a year ago, but an opportunity to take part in the WPIAL Class A playoffs was a positive end to a season of growth for a team that lost just two to graduation.
St. Joseph boys basketball eyes return to postseason after down year
Andrew Sullivan remembers the feeling two years ago when the St. Joseph boys basketball team won 18 games and advanced to the quarterfinals of the WPIAL Class 1A playoffs.
Gateway swimmers have medal ambitions, wait patiently to dive into competition
The last time Gateway swimmers competed in a high school meet, coronavirus impacted the proceedings.
Gateway boys look to build off WPIAL playoff berth
The Gateway boys basketball team made strides last season, going from just three wins in section and five victories overall the year before to 10 wins and a return berth in the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs.
Girls basketball preview: Gateway has firepower to contend in loaded section
December 4, 2020
The Gateway girls basketball team opened its season with a practice Nov. 20, the first day winter sports teams were permitted to do so in the WPIAL and throughout Pennsylvania.
Riverview boys basketball expects to contend when team gets to full strength
The Riverview boys basketball team missed the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs last season, but it was within a few points of forging a different outcome.
Riverview girls basketball team hopes to build off memorable season
Last season was one to remember for the Riverview girls basketball team.
Boys basketball preview: Kiski Area hopes preseason competition leads to in-season success
November 30, 2020
Opportunity was a main theme as the Kiski Area boys basketball team began preseason practices Nov. 23.
Girls basketball preview: Kiski Area forced to adapt after injury sidelines top sophomore
Lexi Colaianni made the most of her freshman season with the Kiski Area varsity girls basketball team.
Highlands’ Slepak gives baseball verbal commitment to Division I Mount St. Mary’s
November 29, 2020
The day after Thanksgiving, Highlands junior Jett Slepak gave thanks for the opportunity to make a verbal commitment to the baseball program at Division I Mount St. Mary’s.
Plum swim teams ready to navigate season
Anticipation for the Plum boys and girls swim teams always is at a high level this time of the year.
Springdale AD Davis retiring after 21 years leading Dynamos athletics
November 28, 2020
The Springdale football team took on California to open the 1999 football season.
Plum’s Proviano named Valley News Dispatch Girls Soccer Player of the Year
Valley News Dispatch Girls Soccer Player of the Year
A-K Valley cross country all-star teams announced
November 25, 2020
After a fall season like no other, area cross country coaches came together recently to celebrate the athletes who competed on some of the biggest stages in the WPIAL and beyond with the sixth edition of the Alle-Kiski cross country all-star teams.
Girls basketball preview: After successful run, high expectations remain for Cheswick Christian
Cheswick Christian Academy girls basketball coach Jacque Willis said it was hard to put into words how special last season was for the program.
Boys basketball preview: Large senior class set to guide Cheswick Christian
When veteran Cheswick Christian Academy boys basketball coach Todd Rosio assessed his team’s 2019-20 season, he saw improvement from the players but knew they were not satisfied with their record.
Boys basketball preview: Burrell confident improvement is around corner
November 24, 2020
The Burrell boys basketball team won just one game last year, although it came close to adding to the win total on several occasions.
Girls basketball preview: Young Burrell lineup eager to show how much it’s improved
Allison Fisher is ready.
Boys basketball preview: After breakthrough season, Apollo-Ridge steps up in class
November 23, 2020
The Apollo-Ridge boys basketball team is moving on up.
Girls basketball preview: Longtime coach returns to guide talented Apollo-Ridge roster
Ray Bartha is back on the bench for the Apollo-Ridge varsity girls basketball team.
PIHL juggling schedule amid covid restrictions
November 22, 2020
When the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League began its season earlier this month, league officials prepared themselves for several possible scenarios.
North Allegheny girls volleyball hopes PIAA finals experience pays off against Unionville
November 20, 2020
North Allegheny is going after its fourth consecutive PIAA Class 4A girls volleyball championship and seventh overall in program history.
Promising season ends with one-point loss for Gateway football
November 15, 2020
Gateway’s bid for a second straight WPIAL Class 5A championship and third title in four seasons came to an end by the slimmest of margins in the semifinals Nov. 6.
Gateway’s Emma Kennedy commits to Slippery Rock for softball
Emma Kennedy is a rock behind the plate for her high school and club softball teams.
Plum athletes ready to take next step in athletic careers
November 14, 2020
Each year, when the NCAA’s National Letter of Intent early-signing period for Division I and II athletes begins, Plum finds itself at the forefront with several signees.
Plum celebrates successful fall sports season with 4 section, conference titles
Only two WPIAL schools had their football, girls volleyball, boys soccer and girls soccer teams capture section or conference titles during the fall 2020 season.
Alle-Kiski Valley players make next-level commitments
November 11, 2020
A little over a year ago, Makayla Jackson verbally committed to join the women’s volleyball team at Pitt.
‘Little school in Saxonburg’ joins state tennis elite during Knoch’s memorable season
November 10, 2020
Of all the Class AA girls tennis teams in the state of Pennsylvania, only three played in this year’s PIAA team tournament and also had representatives in the state singles and doubles brackets.
South Fayette lineman Ryan O’Hair chooses Miami (Ohio)
November 9, 2020
Ryan O’Hair received his 13th Division I offer last Wednesday from Miami (Ohio).
As emotion of final loss fades, Plum girls soccer team revels in special season
The emotion was etched on the faces of the Plum girls soccer players and coaches in the moments after the final buzzer sounded Saturday afternoon at North Allegheny’s Newman Stadium and Mars laid claim to its second consecutive WPIAL Class 3A championship.
Penn-Trafford beats Fox Chapel for WPIAL field hockey title
November 8, 2020
The Penn-Trafford field hockey team is champion again.
Luke Whisel paces Gateway runners at soggy WPIAL championship race
An unprecedented season for the Gateway cross country teams, altered at every turn because of the coronavirus pandemic, concluded Oct. 30 at the WPIAL championships at White Oak Park.
Defensive effort guides Gateway in opening-round win
Survive and advance.
A-K Valley high school football notebook: Semifinal loss ends historic season for Plum
November 7, 2020
Plum wrapped up its 2020 season Friday with a 20-17 loss to Thomas Jefferson in the WPIAL Class 4A semifinals, but the one defeat, Mustangs coach Matt Morgan said, takes nothing away from the record-setting performance of his team the entire season.
Mars captures 7th WPIAL girls soccer title
The Mars girls soccer team is golden again.
Success on home field propels Plum girls soccer into WPIAL finals
As the No. 2 seed for the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs, the Plum girls soccer team enjoyed the comforts of home as it made its run to a second consecutive championship game appearance.
Season of statements for Plum football
Preston Sunday said Plum football’s WPIAL Class 4A first-round victory over former conference rival McKeesport was big in the ongoing process of what has turned out to be one of the most successful seasons in program history.
Thomas Jefferson rallies past Plum to return to Class 4A championship game
November 6, 2020
Thomas Jefferson coach Bill Cherpak breathed a sigh of relief in the minutes after Friday’s 20-17 home victory over Plum in a WPIAL Class 4A semifinal.
WPIAL Class 3A girls soccer championship preview: No. 1 Mars vs. No. 2 Plum
Class 3A
Knoch’s Mike Formica has high expectations for PIAA championship meet
Mike Formica stood on the top of the mountain Oct. 28 at White Oak Park as the newly crowned WPIAL Class 2A boys cross country champion.