Author: Michael Love
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.
Plum girls soccer faces toughest task yet: A WPIAL finals rematch with unbeaten Mars
Before the Plum girls soccer team began the season Sept. 14, it assembled a collection of goals.
Deer Lakes edges Shady Side Academy in penalty kick thriller, wins first WPIAL title
November 5, 2020
The Deer Lakes and Shady Side Academy boys soccer teams were all knotted up in head-to-head matches over the past four years as they met Thursday to decide the WPIAL Class 2A boys championship.
A-K Valley football players to watch for Week 9
Zach Fields
Plum focused on current Thomas Jefferson team, not Jaguars’ past success
The Plum football team Friday will play its first WPIAL semifinal game since 1996.
Plum girls soccer reaches Class 3A finals with another 1-0 win over West Allegheny
November 4, 2020
It was déjà vu for the Plum girls soccer team.
WPIAL singles, doubles champions to begin quest for state titles
The PIAA singles and doubles tennis tournaments kick off Wednesday for the four WPIAL champions at the Oxford Athletic Club in Wexford.
Penn-Trafford beats Fox Chapel for WPIAL field hockey title
November 2, 2020
The Penn-Trafford field hockey team is champion again.
Shady Side Academy edges rival Ellis School, wins 3rd straight WPIAL field hockey title
Shady Side Academy and Ellis School are no strangers in battling for a WPIAL field hockey championship.
Successful season flies by for Gateway girls soccer
November 1, 2020
Gateway girls soccer coach Kelly Bender said the 2020 season for her players went by in a flash.
A-K Valley high school football notes: Springdale succumbs to grueling schedule
October 31, 2020
Not many teams get the chance to say they faced the No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 teams in their respective classification in one season.
Despite missing out on trip to state meet, Riverview boys proud of 2nd-place finish
Under normal WPIAL cross country circumstances, the Riverview boys team would be heading to Hershey this weekend to compete with the best in the state.
Plum slowpitch softball excited for future
The Plum slowpitch softball team was unable to solve second-seeded Seneca Valley in a Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball League quarterfinal Oct. 24 at Mt. Lebanon.
Plum shuts down McKeesport to reach first WPIAL semifinal since 1996
October 30, 2020
The Plum and McKeesport football teams were no strangers to each other when they met Friday at Plum’s Mustangs Stadium for a berth in the WPIAL Class 4A semifinals.
Alle-Kiski Valley WPIAL soccer playoff preview capsules: Oct. 31
Boys
Two fall sports doesn’t slow Burrell’s Brockett
Leah Brockett has logged a lot of miles this fall.
Plum girls blank TJ, advance to WPIAL semifinals
October 29, 2020
Neither a steady rain nor Thomas Jefferson could prevent the Plum girls soccer team from advancing in the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs Thursday evening.
A-K Valley football players to watch for Week 8
Preston Sunday
Knoch’s Formica wins WPIAL Class AA cross country title; GS boys victorious
October 28, 2020
Mike Formica celebrated his 18th birthday in style.
Brownsville runner keeps WPIAL Class 2A cross country gold in family
As a freshman last year, Brownsville’s Jolena Quarzo earned a silver medal at the WPIAL Class AA cross country championships at Cal U (Pa.) as older sister Gionna dominated the field to claim gold.
North Allegheny defeats Seneca Valley to win WPISL playoff championship
October 27, 2020
North Allegheny defeated Seneca Valley, 21-10, to capture the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball League varsity championship Sunday at Middle Field in Mt. Lebanon.
Plum girls soccer team routs Gateway in playoff opener
October 26, 2020
Plum needed penalty kicks in last season’s WPIAL Class AAA first-round girls soccer matchup to get by neighboring Gateway on its way to an eventual championship-game appearance.
Freeport faces challenging road in quest for another WPIAL volleyball title
The Freeport girls volleyball team finished in a four-way tie for the Section 5-3A title with Mars, Armstrong and Hampton.
North Allegheny, Beaver, North Catholic, Bishop Canevin earn top seeds for WPIAL girls volleyball playoffs
North Allegheny, Beaver, North Catholic and Bishop Canevin were selected as top seeds as the WPIAL girls volleyball committee finalized and released the playoff brackets Monday afternoon.
North Allegheny, Beaver, North Catholic, Bishop Canevin top final girls volleyball rankings
With the regular season in the books, hopes turn to WPIAL gold as the playoffs begin this week.
Plum girls volleyball claims 16th section title in program history
October 25, 2020
The Plum girls volleyball team returned to the top last week as they clinched the program’s first section championship since 2011.
Plum football writes championship chapter in program’s history books
With its 35-7 victory over Knoch on Oct. 16, the Plum football team achieved something the program hadn’t experienced in nearly four decades.
Alle-Kiski Valley high school football notebook: Plum eases to unbeaten year
October 24, 2020
Plum came into Friday’s regular-season finale against Armstrong averaging 34.7 points.
Gateway girls soccer navigates tough stretch of schedule to make playoffs
The Gateway girls soccer team finished its regular season with seven games in 11 days as a stretch of time off because covid issues within the school district created a stretch run more compact than normal.
Strong finish lifts Gateway boys soccer into playoffs
The Gateway boys soccer team last week finished its mission of returning to the WPIAL playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Quick start propels Plum past Armstrong; Mustangs finish regular season unbeaten
October 23, 2020
Plum didn’t waste any time getting on the scoreboard in Friday’s Greater Allegheny Conference game against Armstrong at Mustangs Stadium.
WPISL playoff tournament set for Saturday, Sunday
A Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball League varsity champion will be crowned this weekend as 13 teams will compete in a single-elimination tournament Saturday and Sunday.
Knoch outlasts Sewickley Academy, wins elusive WPIAL Class AA girls tennis team title
October 22, 2020
Knoch didn’t want another second-place trophy.
A-K Valley football players to watch for Week 7
Thomas Burke
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for Week 7
Class 5A northeast
Deer Lakes boys, Plum girls earn No. 2 seeds in WPIAL soccer playoffs
October 21, 2020
When the WPIAL soccer playoff brackets were announced Wednesday, not one A-K Valley soccer team found itself named a No. 1 seed.
Weather again halts WPIAL girls tennis playoffs
October 20, 2020
For the second consecutive day, the WPIAL girls team tennis tournament has been halted because of rainy weather.
Deer Lakes volleyball on verge of section title
October 19, 2020
The Deer Lakes girls volleyball team is one win away from its first section championship since 1991.
North Allegheny regains top Class 4A spot in girls volleyball coaches association rankings
The WPIAL girls volleyball regular season ends later this week, and a couple of section titles and playoff berths remain up for grabs.
Rain forces WPIAL to postpone girls tennis semifinals
With rain showers in the area, WPIAL officials on Monday morning postponed the Class AAA and AA girls tennis semifinal matches.
Kiski Area freshman Eliza Miller running with the elite
October 18, 2020
Eliza Miller ran a time of 19 minutes, 24.1 seconds to place first in the girls varsity race at the season-opening Kiski Cavalier Invitational cross country meet Sept. 18 at Northmoreland Park.
Despite shortened schedule Gateway football preparing for run at WPIAL title
The WPIAL last Wednesday revealed a plan to populate the football playoff brackets and deal with unbalanced records and schedules in several of the classifications among a wider announcement of postseason strategies for fall sports.
Gateway boys soccer deals with schedule crunch in quest for playoff berth
The Gateway boys soccer team found itself in a playoff battle in Section 4-4A as it hoped to qualify for the WPIAL postseason for the first time since 2016.
A-K Valley high school football notebook: Apollo-Ridge could be at mercy of playoff selection committee
October 17, 2020
The WPIAL on Wednesday laid out a plan to fill playoff brackets for the six football classifications as covid-19 has canceled games and created unprecedented issues for the organization.
New-look roster carries Riverview boys golf to winning season
The Riverview boys golf team capped its 2020 season in the WPIAL Class AA team semifinals at Beaver Valley Golf Club. The Raiders, in the WPIAL team playoffs for the third consecutive year, placed eighth.
Plum’s Charlotte Jones makes dream of swimming at next level come true
Charlotte Jones has one final year of swimming at Plum, and then she hopes to make her mark at the NCAA Division I level.
Leechburg scores 76 in dominating Riverview for 400th win
October 16, 2020
Leechburg averaged 44 points in wins over Riverview in Eastern Conference matchups the past two seasons.
Montour wraps up WPISL regular-season title
The Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball League regular season concludes this weekend as the focus begins to turn to the playoff tournament.
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for Week 6
Class 5A northeast
Winning culture carries over for Kiski Area girls soccer team
October 14, 2020
The Kiski Area girls soccer team advanced to the WPIAL Class AAA quarterfinals each of the past two seasons.
A-K Valley girls soccer notebook: Fox Chapel wins rugged section
A 2-1 overtime victory over Norwin early in Section 2-AAAA play might turn out to be the difference maker in Fox Chapel’s section championship.
Leechburg volleyball building to section showdown
October 12, 2020
The Leechburg girls volleyball team has lost only one match this season.
Beaver takes over top spot in Class AAA girls volleyball rankings
Two weeks remain in the 2020 WPIAL girls volleyball regular season, and numerous section races are coming down to the wire.
Knoch girls tennis team seeking 1st WPIAL team title
October 11, 2020
After three straight WPIAL Class AA runner-up finishes, the Knoch girls tennis team hopes to break through and claim the program’s first team title.
Gateway runners turn focus to postseason invitational success
The Gateway boys and girls cross country teams are in the stretch run to the WPIAL championships in two weeks, and the Gators hope to take advantage of both practices and competition to sharpen their focus.
Experienced Apollo-Ridge football team leans on offensive line
October 10, 2020
Apollo-Ridge senior quarterback Jake Fello threw for 142 yards and a touchdown in Friday’s 42-7 Eastern Conference victory over Shady Side Academy at Owens Field.
Plum runners look to finish season strong at postseason invitationals
Livia Paoletti understands she doesn’t have many high school cross country races left.
Junior Dean Cecere, Riverview learn from challenging early season slate
In Riverview’s Eastern Conference football game against Imani Christian on Oct. 2 at Graham Field in Wilkinsburg, Dean Cecere broke free on runs several times and turned in career-best marks on the stat sheet.
No rust for Apollo-Ridge as it cruises past Shady Side Academy
October 9, 2020
A week away from game action didn’t slow Apollo-Ridge’s momentum.
WPISL teams hope to finish regular season strong as playoffs loom
Montour and Seneca Valley swept doubleheaders Sunday to remain tied atop the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball League standings with two games to play.
Knoch’s Bauer sisters, Peters Township’s defending champs win WPIAL doubles titles
October 8, 2020
Ally Bauer knew what it felt like to win a WPIAL doubles championship.
A-K Valley football players to watch in Week 5
Dean Cecere
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for Week 5
Class 5A northeast
A-K Valley teams jockey for position as girls soccer playoffs draw near
October 6, 2020
The section schedules in each of the four WPIAL girls soccer classifications are to conclude Oct. 20.
Burrell bounces back from first loss, shuts out rival Freeport
October 5, 2020
The Burrell girls soccer team saw a 20-game Section 2-AA unbeaten streak come to an end Saturday with a loss at Shady Side Academy.
Deer Lakes soccer’s Nina Lafko dealing with second torn ACL in 12 months
To have the sport you love taken away from you for a time because of a serious injury such as a torn anterior cruciate ligament can be hard reality to grasp.
Montour moves to No. 1 in latest Class AAA girls volleyball coaches association rankings
There is one change at the top in this week’s Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association WPIAL girls volleyball rankings released Monday.
Perennial power Freeport volleyball ‘work in progress’
October 4, 2020
The Freeport girls volleyball team on Monday begins a stretch of three games in three days and kicks off the second half of its Section 5-AAA schedule with a trip to Mars.
Gateway’s Jenkins getting her kicks on soccer, football teams
Joelle Jenkins doesn’t have a slow gear when it comes to playing soccer.
Versatile Reed Martin helps Plum to unbeaten start
In Plum football’s Greater Allegheny Conference game against Mars on Sept. 25, Reed Martin never left the field.
A-K Valley football notebook: Springdale players respond to coach’s advice
October 3, 2020
Springdale football coach Seth Napierkowski emphasized to his team before Friday’s game with Greensburg Central Catholic not to take the Centurions lightly.
Senior Martin does a little bit of everything for undefeated Plum football
In Plum football’s Greater Allegheny Conference game against Mars on Sept. 25, Reed Martin never left the field.
Freshman Brad Birch throws 6 TD passes as Jeannette rolls past Leechburg
October 2, 2020
Jeannette possessed the ball eight times in the first half of its Eastern Conference matchup with Leechburg at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Burrell teams take to turf at refurbished stadium
The wait is over.
WPISL teams continue push to league playoffs
The Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball League is winding toward the end of the varsity regular season, and the teams continue to battle for positioning in the team standings.
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for Week 4
Class 5A northeast
Undefeated Fox Chapel works way through rigorous schedule
September 29, 2020
With two weeks and six games in the books, the Fox Chapel girls soccer team is making its mark in and out of Section 3-AAAA.
A-K Valley girls soccer notebook: Burrell looking forward to homecoming
The Burrell girls soccer team has hit the road in the early part of the season, waiting to play on the new turf field at Buccaneers Stadium.
Volleyball coaches association releases weekly rankings, players of the week
September 28, 2020
With two weeks of section and nonsection matches in the books, WPIAL girls volleyball teams in all four classifications prepare to turn their attention to the stretch run in October that leads to the scheduled start of the WPIAL playoffs the week of Oct. 26.
With weapons galore, Gateway QB Carsen Engleka making strong return from broken arm
September 27, 2020
Carsen Engleka was making his case for playing time last year at quarterback in the Gateway offense when a bad break ended his sophomore season.
Gateway tennis building winning culture with more experienced lineup
With a mix of experienced and younger players this fall, the Gateway girls tennis team hopes to continue its overall development with matches that will help it both now and in the future.
Alle-Kiski Valley football notebook: Bye week at bad time for Apollo-Ridge
September 26, 2020
Apollo-Ridge will have a rare, midseason bye week coming up because Summit Academy opted out of the season.
Riverview girls volleyball learning from early season setbacks
Lauren Dugan isn’t taking any of her volleyball practices or matches for granted this fall.
Plum volleyball turns to extensive experience for rebound
The Plum girls volleyball team made the WPIAL Class AAAA playoffs in 2017, going 7-5 in section play.
Plum keeps rolling, upends No. 2 Mars
September 25, 2020
Plum averaged 42 points in Greater Allegheny Conference victories over Greensburg Salem and Indiana.
Knoch’s Laura Greb claims 4th WPIAL singles title
Laura Greb is all alone in the history books of WPIAL girls tennis.
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for Week 3
Class 5A northeast
Plum girls soccer ready to stare down challengers
September 23, 2020
Plum girls soccer coach Jamie Stewart said his players understand they have bigger targets on their backs this season after making a run last year that produced a trip to the WPIAL Class AAA championship game at Highmark Stadium and the program’s first berth in the PIAA tournament.
WPISL teams gearing up for stretch run
September 22, 2020
With four weeks of action left in the regular season, the varsity teams in the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball League are preparing for the stretch run to the playoffs.
Freeport starts fast, tops rival Deer Lakes in girls soccer section clash
September 21, 2020
The Freeport girls soccer team came up empty in a 4-0 loss to defending Section 2-AA champion Burrell in its season opener last Thursday.
Top-ranked girls volleyball teams keep positions in coaches rankings
WPIAL girls volleyball competition turns to Week 2, and section races are heating up in the four classifications.
Alle-Kiski Valley flush with volleyball prowess
September 20, 2020
When Plum girls volleyball coach Kelsey Bonk observed her team’s senior night ceremony Thursday before a match with McKeesport, she was reminded of the potential for the season with a rather experienced squad.
Gateway runners stay dedicated to lowering times throughout season
While the PIAA and WPIAL wrangled with the decision to maintain the fall sports seasons or postpone them to 2021, the Gateway boys and girls cross country teams kept churning out miles to be ready to go when called upon.
Gateway volleyball adjusts to move to Class 4A
Gateway girls volleyball coach Phil Randolph said last season ended with a framework established that can lead to a turnaround in the program’s fortunes.
Fox Chapel girls soccer enters new section with deep, talented roster
September 19, 2020
With 11 seniors and seven returning starters leading the way for the 2020 season, the Fox Chapel girls soccer team has its sights set on big things in Section 3-AAAA and beyond.
Low numbers force Riverview soccer teams to cancel seasons
The Riverview boys and girls varsity soccer teams were unable to overcome a numbers game that halted plans for the 2020 season, but boys coach Mickey Namey and girls coach Sean Abraham, along with athletic director Mario Rometo, are hopeful the teams and their players can return to competition in 2021.
Plum girls soccer ready to stare down challengers
Plum girls soccer coach Jamie Stewart said his players understand they have bigger targets on their backs this season after making a run last year that produced a trip to the WPIAL Class AAA championship game at Highmark Stadium and the program’s first-ever berth in the PIAA tournament.
Apollo-Ridge stifles Freeport in nonconference victory
September 18, 2020
On its first play from scrimmage in Friday’s nonconference matchup with Apollo-Ridge, the Freeport offense went to the air.
Indiana’s Beckwith, Kiski Area’s Miller claim titles at unique Kiski Cavalier Invitational
Cool and breezy morning weather gave way to comfortable afternoon temperatures as some of the WPIAL’s top runners kicked off their fall seasons Friday at the Gingerbread Man Kiski Cavalier Invitational at Northmoreland Park in Allegheny Township.
A-K Valley don’t miss high school football matchups for Week 2
Class 5A nonconference
Bethel Park, Plum, North Allegheny earn WPISL Week 2 sweeps
September 14, 2020
Bethel Park, Plum and North Allegheny each recorded doubleheader sweeps during Week 2 of the 2020 Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball season.
Volleyball coaches association reveals WPIAL Week 1 rankings
The Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association on Monday released its first rankings for the 2020 season.
A-K Valley H.S. football notebook: Leechburg’s prize? A matchup with Clairton
September 12, 2020
It was an explosive debut to the season for the Leechburg football team and a successful debut for coach Randy Walters.
With support of teammates, Freeport QB Garrett King ready to overcome cancer diagnosis
Garrett King was at the top of his game and eager to take over the quarterback reins for the Freeport football team.
Freeport beats Deer Lakes for 10th consecutive time
September 11, 2020
Freeport’s recent dominance over Deer Lakes continues.
Gateway girls soccer aims to peak early in season
September 10, 2020
The Gateway girls soccer team came within penalty kicks of ousting No. 2 Plum in the first round of last year’s WPIAL Class AAA playoffs.
Gateway boys soccer to rely on deep senior class in quest for playoff berth
The Gateway boys soccer team is focused on a return to the WPIAL playoffs for the first time four seasons.
Riverview runners chasing WPIAL, PIAA gold
When Mason Ochs broke the tape at the finish line at last year’s WPIAL Class A cross country championships at Cal (Pa.), he realized his dream of becoming a WPIAL champion.
A-K Valley don’t-miss high school football matchups for Week 1
Here’s a look at some don’t-miss matchups in the A-K Valley for Week 1:
A-K Valley high school football players to watch for Week 1
Dylan Cook
Alle-Kiski Valley girls soccer preview: Burrell back for more
September 9, 2020
The Burrell girls soccer team made program history last year with an undefeated regular season and its first section title since 2005.
Young Freeport hopes to make impression in revamped conference
September 8, 2020
Youth will be served on the Freeport football team as underclassmen will be featured at several key positions.
WPISL opens season with varsity games, JV tournament
The Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball League kicked off its season over the weekend, and in varsity league play Sunday and Monday, Baldwin, Ellwood City, Seneca Valley and Montour picked up doubleheader sweeps.
Coach optimistic Fox Chapel can make strides in Class 5A
September 7, 2020
Tom Loughran has a keen appreciation for the competition in WPIAL Class 5A.
Noel Roach, Penn Hills eye return to championship game
Noel Roach remembers fondly the run to WPIAL and PIAA Class 5A championship in 2018.
WPIAL Class 4A football breakdown: Road to title goes through Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson began its 2019 season with a dominant victory over Canon-McMillan and ended it in Hershey with a 46-7 rout of Dallas for the PIAA Class 4A title.
New Riverview coach hopes to turn around program’s fortunes
September 5, 2020
A new era has begun for Riverview football.
Springdale hopes to start strong against rival
The last shall be first as Springdale prepares for what it expects to be a season unlike any other.
Cross country coaches make tweaks to run meets, generate ‘enthusiasm, optimism’
With the hope of having a fall high school season and understanding meets most likely would take a form unlike any before, cross country coaches throughout the WPIAL collaborated with each other and others from across the country to develop ideas as well as generate enthusiasm and optimism.
Depth, experience to fuel Apollo-Ridge in quest for postseason
September 4, 2020
No matter where Apollo-Ridge coach John Skiba turns on the practice field, he sees a returning starter.
Increased numbers, returning talent fuel Serra Catholic in quest for success
Serra Catholic battled No. 4 Neshannock in last year’s WPIAL Class 2A first round before falling, 31-17.
With numbers up, Shady Side Academy grateful for chance to play this season
Shady Side Academy’s football team made headlines last year when low roster numbers and injuries conspired to cause the forfeit of a Week 5 conference game at Apollo-Ridge.
Gateway keeps focus on championship opportunities
September 3, 2020
Gateway captured a WPIAL championship last year, its second district football title in three years and seventh in the storied history of the program.
Armstrong hopes to improve depth throughout lineup
September 2, 2020
Armstrong went to battle with a rather young and inexperienced team last year, and coach Frank Fabian said that, compounded with a rash of injuries to key players, led to a record he and his returning players hope to improve on this fall.
Move to Class 4A feels like perfect fit for Hampton
Dawson Dietz says it’s a perfect fit.
Realignment lets Knoch reunite with familiar foes
The Knoch football team has a clear goal in mind this season.
Plum hopes to make a splash in move to new classification
After several years of play in WPIAL Class 5A, Plum turns its attention to a new venture this season.
Bethel Park’s Psotka taking Division I volleyball talents to the beach
August 31, 2020
Alexa Psotka is looking forward to putting her feet in the sand on the Atlantic Coast in South Carolina.
Killinger, Plum girls soccer ready for repeat performance
August 30, 2020
Kaitlyn Killinger probably couldn’t have imagined a better start to her high school soccer career.
WPIAL girls tennis preview: Knoch’s Laura Greb has shot at making history
August 28, 2020
Laura Greb wants to make WPIAL tennis history.
No rest for hungry Avonworth after historic run
August 26, 2020
It was a season to remember for the Avonworth football team.
Hockey players, parents urge Pa. to change indoor sports regulations
Hockey parents and players gathered at Center Ice Arena in Delmont on Wednesday evening to call for changes to the state government mandate limiting indoor athletic events.
PIHL plans to delay varsity season unless indoor restrictions are changed
The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League on Wednesday sent information to officials from each league member detailing the status of its varsity, junior varsity and middle school seasons based on the state-government mandate of a 25-person limit for indoor gatherings amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite graduation losses, Thomas Jefferson retains title aspirations
August 23, 2020
Editor’s note: This is the first installment of Trib HSSN’s high school football preview series. One WPIAL conference will be previewed each day through Wednesday, Sept. 9.
Fox Chapel’s Zoe Skirboll excited about decision to swim at Virginia
August 19, 2020
Zoe Skirboll was not cavalier when she made the announcement Tuesday of her verbal commitment to swim for the Virginia Cavaliers.
Burrell stadium renovation project moves ahead
August 18, 2020
The renovation of Buccaneers Stadium at Burrell High School continues forward, and the project now is expected to be completed in about a month, athletic director Drake D’Angelo said Tuesday.
Slow-pitch softball league planning ‘full bore’ for upcoming season
August 16, 2020
The Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Softball League’s 15th fall season is scheduled to begin Labor Day weekend.
Bethel Park’s Emily Carter commits to run at Oklahoma State
August 14, 2020
Emily Carter is heading west to continue her cross country and track and field pursuits.
Allderdice girls soccer workouts suspended amid positive covid-19 test
The Allderdice girls soccer team will not hold conditioning workouts for two weeks after one of its players tested positive for covid-19.
PIHL in a holding pattern, hoping to start season on time
The PIHL hopes to begin its 2020-21 season in early October, but league officials and teams are waiting for clarity on certain issues before going full speed ahead.
Plum’s Max Matolcsy verbally commits to Penn
August 8, 2020
Max Matolcsy wanted to wait until his birthday to announce his college decision.
Frank Morea, pillar of Kiski Area football program, dies at age 90
August 7, 2020
Richard “Dick” Dilts and Frank Morea were opponents on the football field in high school in the mid 1940s.
AD job at Eden Christian leads Latrobe grad back to Western Pennsylvania
August 4, 2020
Mark Ackerman’s journey both in and out of sports the past three decades has brought him home to western Pennsylvania.
Belle Vernon edges Summer Rams in WPSBL quarterfinals
August 3, 2020
The Summer Rams (Highlands) baseball team saw its run in the Western Pennsylvania Summer Baseball League playoffs come to an end in the quarterfinals Monday evening.
Plum’s Matolcsy to reveal his college choice Saturday
The college football recruiting process for Max Matolcsy is close to coming to an end.
Summer Rams rally past Thomas Jefferson for berth in WPSBL quarterfinals
July 31, 2020
The Summer Rams (Highlands) baseball team stayed alive in the Western Pennsylvania Summer Baseball League playoffs Thursday evening with a come-from-behind 8-6 victory over Thomas Jefferson in a second-round game halted after six innings because of darkness.
Irwin Area wins 2, advances to WPSBL semifinals
The Irwin Area summer baseball team doubled its pleasure Thursday evening at Gateway High School, and it now is just two wins away from a Western Pennsylvania Baseball League tournament title.
Summer Rams open WPSBL playoff tournament with victory
July 30, 2020
Playing their first game in more than two weeks, the Summer Rams (Highlands) topped Bethel Park, 9-5, on Wednesday at Gateway High School in a first-round contest in the Western Pennsylvania Summer Baseball League playoff tournament.
New coach Sakolsky brings experience, enthusiasm to Shaler hockey program
July 29, 2020
After two seasons away from coaching high school hockey, Cory Sakolsky is back.
WPIAL swimmers earn NISCA All-American laurels
July 21, 2020
Several WPIAL swimming standouts recently were honored as All-Americans by the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association for times recorded during the 2019-20 season.
Minus international players, FIBI forges ahead with full schedule of baseball
July 20, 2020
For nearly four months, Freeport International Baseball Invitational officials closely monitored updates on the coronavirus pandemic.
New Riverview football coach Trevor George hopes to build momentum through summer workouts
July 16, 2020
When Trevor George was hired as the head coach of the Riverview football team, he hit the ground running with workout and conditioning sessions that helped him get to know better the players with whom he would be working.
WPIAL grads come to grips with PSAC’s decision to suspend sports for fall semester
July 15, 2020
Michael Marisco walked the golf course as often as possible over the past couple of months.
Carlynton’s Nathan Milsom honored by Athletic Administrator’s Association
July 8, 2020
Nathan Milsom loves to challenge himself.
Gateway players glad to compete in thriving summer baseball league
July 7, 2020
Born out of the cancellation of the spring high school season and the summer American Legion schedule, the Monroeville Gators, a group of players from Gateway and one from South Fayette, have mixed the fun of playing summer baseball with a focus on winning games in the Western Pennsylvania Baseball League.
Shady Side Academy discontinues use of Indians mascot
July 1, 2020
The Shady Side Academy Indian mascot, in use since 1936, will be discontinued effective immediately, the school announced Wednesday.
Plum bats stay dangerous in WPBL victory
June 29, 2020
A six-run fifth inning turned out to be the difference for Plum in an 11-7 victory over the Independent Players in Western Pennsylvania Baseball League action Monday at Valley High School.
Getting chance to play is great, but Plum’s WPBL team gunning for a title, too
Denny Ayres is getting ready to attend West Virginia with a mechanical and aerospace engineering course of study.
Valley News Dispatch girls athlete of the year: Shemanski leaves lasting legacy at Freeport
June 28, 2020
From the time she stepped on the soccer field at Freeport in fall of 2016 to when she put on her Yellowjackets girls basketball uniform for the final time this season, Sidney Shemanski was a difference maker.
Leechburg’s Andre Carter takes over athletic director post at challenging time
June 26, 2020
When Andre Carter came to Leechburg in August 2018 to coach the girls basketball team, he noted player development as one of his strengths.
Western Pa. Baseball League gives Summer Rams seniors last chance to take field together
Highlands baseball coach Jeff Campbell was heartbroken knowing his players were not going to have their high school season when schools were shut down in late March in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Tanner Nulph, Summer Rams prevail in WPBL opener
June 24, 2020
Tanner Nulph first helped the Summer Rams at the plate in Wednesday evening’s Western Pennsylvania Baseball League game at Valley High School.
Plum comes out swinging, rolls past Jeannette in Western Pa. Baseball League opener
June 23, 2020
Plum and Jeannette didn’t let the threat of rain spoil their Western Pennsylvania Summer Baseball League opener Tuesday evening at Buster Clarkson Field in Jeannette.
Kiski Area’s Miller finds swim home after being victim of budget cuts
June 13, 2020
On May 21, East Carolina’s athletic department announced it would reduce the number of athletic programs because of budget restructuring efforts in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic.
New Western Pa. high school QB award honors trailblazer Willie Thrower
June 8, 2020
Starting this fall, the top quarterback among schools in the WPIAL and City League will receive an award named in honor of the NFL’s first African-American signal-caller.
Renovations underway on Buccaneers Stadium in Burrell
June 7, 2020
As soon as the Burrell School Board voted unanimously in March to renovate Buccaneers Stadium with artificial turf and replace the surrounding track, anticipation began.
Cheswick Christian Academy pastor and ex-basketball coach ‘doing well’ after heart transplant
June 5, 2020
Clinton Blazevich returned to Allegheny General Hospital on Thursday for a test to see how everything is progressing with his new heart. His numbers, he said, continue to move in the right direction.
Senior Spotlight: Final tennis season wiped out, but South Park senior’s golf game in full swing
June 3, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Senior Spotlight: Avonworth football standout enjoyed one-year run with OLSH volleyball
June 2, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Senior Spotlight: Norwin outside hitter follows 5 siblings into college volleyball
May 30, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Senior Spotlight: Ambridge libero gets jump-start into workforce
May 27, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Senior Spotlight: Tennis phenom hoped to make impact in lone season at Greensburg Salem
May 22, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Senior Spotlight: All-state honors were a highlight for Shaler volleyball teammates
May 21, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Valley seniors planning for careers in service of others
May 19, 2020
Editor’s note: This is the 17th in an 18-part series profiling nominees for the Westmoreland County Scholar-Athlete Excellence Awards.
New South Park girls soccer coach excited for opportunity at alma mater
May 18, 2020
For T.J. O’Brien, there’s no place like home.
In the midst of challenges, Don Holl settling in as Gateway’s athletic director
May 17, 2020
Don Holl’s first official day as Gateway’s new athletic director was March 13.
PIHL cancels remaining playoff games from 2019-20 season
In a move it hoped to avoid, the PIHL on Sunday afternoon canceled the remainder of the unplayed playoff games from the 2019-20 season.
Norwin’s Crosby, Phipps finished high school athletic careers in style
May 16, 2020
Editor’s note: This is the 14th in an 18-part series profiling nominees for the Westmoreland County Scholar-Athlete Excellence Awards.
Senior Spotlight: Tennis success has led to teaching opportunities for City League singles champ
May 15, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Veshio tabbed to lead perennially powerful Quaker Valley boys soccer program
May 14, 2020
As a member of the boys soccer team at Quaker Valley from 1999-2002, J.J. Veshio was a part of successful squads that won PIAA and WPIAL championships and added a state runner-up finish under the direction of revered coach Gene Klein.
Senior Spotlight: Beaver County Christian volleyball standout hoped to repay leadership debt
May 12, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Plum’s Montue excited about joining Oakland University women’s basketball program
May 11, 2020
Kennedie Montue established a quick connection with Oakland University during her college recruiting journey.
Senior Spotlight: Allderdice tennis standout turns attention toward career at Lehigh
May 10, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Franklin Regional seniors Huczko, Hudson in contention for excellence awards
May 6, 2020
Editor’s note: This is the fourth in an 18-part series profiling nominees for the Westmoreland County Scholar-Athlete Excellence Awards.
Senior Spotlight: Hempfield outside hitter turns focus to Penn State career
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Shady Side Academy earns national athletic trainers award
May 4, 2020
The National Athletic Trainers Association has recognized Shady Side Academy with its Safe Sports School 2nd Team Award for its athletic training program under the direction of head trainer Chris Rose and assistant Brynn Mahoney.
Burrell’s Feroce, Malits reflect on stellar careers
Editor’s note: This is the second in an 18-part series profiling nominees for the Westmoreland County Scholar-Athlete Excellence Awards.
Senior Spotlight: Bedi hoped to lead Sewickley Academy tennis on one final title run
May 3, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Senior Spotlight: Bethel Park’s Boff sought to expand on-court versatility
May 2, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Knoch senior upbeat despite disappointing ending to long rehab road
May 1, 2020
James Johnston was ready.
Senior Spotlight: WPIAL singles champion hoped to build on success
April 28, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Senior Spotlight: Artistry expands beyond the volleyball court for Ambridge’s Liam Buck
April 26, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Big 26 Baseball Classic canceled
April 23, 2020
The Big 26 Baseball Classic, the annual summer all-star competition between rising high school juniors and seniors from Pennsylvania and Maryland, will not take place this year in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Senior Spotlight: Valley tennis standout Odrey knocking off the rust
April 22, 2020
Editor’s note: Each day, Trib HSSN will spotlight WPIAL spring athletes whose senior years were cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
Penn Hills’ Collins preparing for a 2-sport college career
April 21, 2020
AJ Collins is seeing with double vision as he will join both the men’s soccer and baseball teams at Penn State New Kensington.
St. Joseph baseball looks to build off breakout 2019 season
March 19, 2020
The St. Joseph baseball team is coming off a breakout season as it qualified for the WPIAL playoffs for the first time since 2000 and scored an upset victory in the opening round.
St. Joseph softball brings back plenty of experience
The St. Joseph softball program enjoyed a two-year run to the WPIAL playoffs in 2017 and ‘18, the first two such seasons in its history.
PIAA finalizes Class AAA swimming and diving team standings, second-day champions and medalists
March 14, 2020
The PIAA has finalized the Class AAA swimming and diving team standings reflecting the results from Thursday’s second-day swims.
Class AA swimmers in limbo as coronavirus concerns put state finals on hiatus
Braden Zukowski and his Knoch swimming and diving teammates were eating breakfast about 10 minutes away from Bucknell on Thursday when they got the news the PIAA had postponed Friday and Saturday’s Class AA championship for two weeks because of the ongoing safety response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Gateway’s Livingston caps decorated career with pair of PIAA medals
March 13, 2020
It is often said all good things must come to an end.
PA State Bowling Championships postponed because of coronavirus
In a joint statement, Pennsylvania regional and state bowling tournament directors Dana W. Brown and Shawn Pilyih have announced the PA State Bowling Championships, set for Friday and Saturday at North Versailles Bowl, have been postponed indefinitely as part of the safety response to the coronavirus outbreak.
North Allegheny duo earns medals at PIAA Class AAA girls diving championships
March 12, 2020
North Allegheny junior Maya Ennis placed 19th two years ago in her first trip to the PIAA Class AAA diving championship at Bucknell.
WPIAL swimmers leave shortened PIAA Class AAA championships with mixed emotions
A range of emotions, from sadness to frustration, enveloped the faces of Class AAA swimmers and coaches, as well as family members and other spectators, when the PIAA announced Thursday that consolation and championship finals would not take place due to coronavirus concerns.
Swimmers from North Allegheny, Fox Chapel claim Class AAA state gold
March 11, 2020
A trio of WPIAL swimmers took home PIAA Class AAA championships Wednesday on the first day of competition at Bucknell.
Fast, focused Fox Chapel freshman swims to PIAA gold
Sophie Shao said she was calm, cool and collected in the minutes before her PIAA championship finals swim in the girls Class AAA 100-yard butterfly Wednesday evening at Bucknell.
Norwin’s Tulenko picks up pair of medals at PIAA swim meet
Ethan Tulenko turned a double play Wednesday at the PIAA Class AAA swimming and diving championships at Bucknell.
Deer Lakes’ Morrison looks to add PIAA gold to medal collection
Deer Lakes senior Adam Morrison owns two WPIAL gold medals in the Class AA boys 500-yard freestyle. He won his second straight title Feb. 28 at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Fox Chapel’s Manelis earns bronze at PIAA Class AAA boys diving championships
Fox Chapel junior David Manelis led the WPIAL contingent with a third-place finish in the Class AAA boys diving championship Thursday at Bucknell University.
Gateway’s Livingston among WPIAL swimmers advancing to finals of PIAA swimming Day 1
Olivia Livingston is set to compete for her fourth PIAA championship in the Class AAA girls 50-yard freestyle.
Fox Chapel freshman in position to claim state swimming gold
March 9, 2020
Sophie Shao was the No. 1 seed in the 100-yard butterfly at the WPIAL Class AAA swimming championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool, and the Fox Chapel freshman turned away all challengers for her first taste of championship gold.
Father’s recovery from injuries motivates Kiski Area swimmer Levi Hansen
March 7, 2020
Levi Hansen had one of the swims of his life Feb. 28 at the WPIAL Class AAA championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Plum’s Decheck earns shot to compete with best in state
March 6, 2020
Joey Decheck swims this week at the PIAA Class AAA championships at Bucknell.
Riverview, Freeport girls basketball ready to knock off rust
March 5, 2020
The Riverview and Freeport girls basketball teams saw their stay in the WPIAL playoffs end with quarterfinal losses Feb. 20.
Plum senior Cocca raring to go for regional bowling championships
March 4, 2020
Vincent Cocca knows all about bowling at the state championships.
Fox Chapel, Knoch girls basketball see state playoff dreams fall short
March 2, 2020
The Knoch and Fox Chapel girls basketball teams gained rooting interests in their respective WPIAL playoff tournaments after both lost in the quarterfinal round Feb. 20 and 21, respectively.
Several A-K Valley swimmers earn spots in PIAA meet
March 1, 2020
The PIAA released its preliminary psych sheets Sunday morning for the state swimming and diving championships March 11-14 at Bucknell, and the Alle-Kiski Valley is well represented.
PIAA releases preliminary psych sheets for state swimming and diving championships
After two days of championship swims and other top performances at Pitt’s Trees Pool, WPIAL individuals and relays now are preparing for the PIAA Class AAA and AA meets March 11-14 at Bucknell.
Belle Vernon’s Shahan edges 100 freestyle rival to highlight WPIAL Class AA meet
February 28, 2020
Both Belle Vernon’s Ian Shahan and Neshannock’s Conner McBeth surpassed Shahan’s 100-yard freestyle WPIAL record from last year when the rivals swam neck-and-neck through Friday’s race at the WPIAL Class AA swimming championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Deer Lakes’ Morrison stays atop 500 freestyle mountain at WPIAL meet
Adam Morrison was the hunted in the Class AA boys 500-yard freestyle at the WPIAL swimming championships Friday at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Fox Chapel girls place 3rd at WPIAL Class AAA swim championships
The Fox Chapel girls 200-yard medley relay kicked off the WPIAL Class AAA swimming championships Thursday with a school record and a third-place medal.
Deer Lakes swimmers take second, third in hotly contested 200 free at WPIAL meet
February 27, 2020
There weren’t any floats or marching bands at Thursday’s WPIAL Class AA swimming championship meet at Pitt’s Trees Pool, but there was a sizable parade of Alle-Kiski Valley individuals and relay teams to the medal podium in the session’s six events.
Fox Chapel freshman brings home WPIAL swimming gold
Sophie Shao was full of energy and smiling from ear to ear when she came off the podium after receiving her gold medal in the WPIAL Class AAA girls 100-yard butterfly Thursday at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Buerger’s triumph helps North Allegheny girls to Day 1 lead at WPIAL Class AAA swimming championships
Butler’s Laura Goettler was going after a four-peat in the Class AAA girls 200-yard individual medley on the first day of the WPIAL swimming championships Thursday at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
East Allegheny, Seton LaSalle girls clinch spots in PIAA Class 3A tournament
February 26, 2020
A pair of Class 3A girls basketball teams clinched spots in the PIAA playoffs Wednesday based on results of WPIAL semifinal matchups at West Allegheny.
Deer Lakes’ Morrison leads talented A-K Valley contingent into WPIAL Class AA swim meet
Deer Lakes senior Adam Morrison has two main individual goals when he arrives at the WPIAL Class AA swimming championships Thursday and Friday at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Six more WPIAL basketball teams clinch berths to states, two others stay alive
February 25, 2020
Eight WPIAL basketball teams from boys Class 5A and 2A and girls Class 6A and A punched tickets to this weekend’s championship games at the Petersen Events Center with semifinal victories Tuesday evening.
Next wave of Fox Chapel freshmen set for WPIAL swimming championships
Zoe Skirboll burst onto the high school swimming scene last year as a freshman for Fox Chapel, capturing gold medals and setting records at the WPIAL and PIAA Class AAA championships.
Baldwin, Moon claim team titles at PA Classic gymnastic championships
February 24, 2020
Baldwin and Moon brought home team titles at the PA Classic gymnastics state championship meet Saturday at Moon High School.
Monday’s WPIAL semifinal results clinch PIAA berths for 8 teams
With their WPIAL quarterfinal victories, 24 boys and 24 girls basketball teams kept championship dreams alive.
Quartet of Alle-Kiski Valley girls basketball teams hopeful for PIAA playoff spot
February 23, 2020
Despite losses in the WPIAL quarterfinals, Fox Chapel, Riverview, Freeport and Knoch remain alive for the PIAA girls basketball playoffs that begin March 6.
Bethel Park girls pull away from Fox Chapel in Class 6A quarterfinals
February 21, 2020
Bethel Park and Fox Chapel were locked in a low-scoring struggle through three quarters of Friday’s WPIAL 6A first-round game at North Hills.
Plum girls learn from playoff loss to Penn Hills
With 2 minutes, 4 seconds left in the third quarter of its WPIAL Class 5A first-round game against Penn Hills at Fox Chapel, the Plum girls basketball team held a four-point lead and hoped to expand it toward the program’s first playoff victory since 2002.
Trib HSSN girls swimmer of the week: Maeve Kelley, Winchester Thurston
Maeve Kelley has made the most of her freshman swim season representing Winchester Thurston as an independent.
Trib HSSN boys swimmer of the week: Henry Miller, Southmoreland
For most of this winter high school sports season, Henry Miller pulled double duty, representing Southmoreland both as an independent swimmer and as a member of the wrestling team.
Bishop Canevin girls put stop to Riverview’s run
February 20, 2020
After coming from behind to pull off a mild upset of No. 7 Burgettstown in the first round of the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs last week, the Riverview girls basketball team hoped to keep its winning ways intact Thursday against No. 2 Bishop Canevin at Hampton.
Alle-Kiski Valley basketball playoff preview capsules: Games of Feb. 21, 2020
Boys
Seton LaSalle girls get revenge on Deer Lakes
February 19, 2020
For the second year in a row, the Deer Lakes and Seton LaSalle girls basketball teams met in the first round of the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs.
Alle-Kiski Valley basketball playoff preview capsules: Games of Feb. 20, 2020
Today’s games
A-K Valley girls basketball notebook: Scrimmages keep Fox Chapel sharp
When the Fox Chapel girls basketball team plays No. 1 Bethel Park on Friday in the WPIAL 6A quarterfinals at North Hills, 11 days will have passed since its regular-season finale, a 49-31 victory over Armstrong on Feb. 10.
Penn Hills girls pull away from Plum late to advance in Class 5A playoffs
February 18, 2020
The Penn Hills and Plum girls basketball teams, longstanding section rivals in the old Class AAAA, hadn’t played in more than four years until the WPIAL brought them together Tuesday for a Class 5A first-round game at Fox Chapel.
A-K Valley basketball playoff preview capsules: Games of Feb. 19, 2020
Girls
Top bowlers to compete for WPIBL individual titles
The Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League crowned its team champions last week as the Central Catholic boys and Greensburg Salem girls took home top honors.
Knoch girls use defense, free-throw shooting to hold down New Castle
February 17, 2020
It wasn’t easy for the Knoch girls basketball team in its WPIAL Class 4A first-round game against New Castle on Monday at Fox Chapel.
A-K Valley basketball playoff preview capsules: Games for Feb. 18, 2020
Tuesday’s games
A-K Valley girls basketball playoff capsules: Games for Monday, Feb. 17, 2020
February 16, 2020
Monday’s games
Riverview girls rally past Burgettstown, end playoff losing streak
February 14, 2020
Despite a 10-point deficit at the end of the third quarter, the Riverview girls basketball team would not be denied its first WPIAL playoff victory since 2016.
Plum swimmers ‘can’t wait’ for WPIAL championships
With the WPIAL Class AAA swimming championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool fast approaching, Plum coach Shawn Haupt has double vision.
Trib HSSN girls swimmer of the week: Brooke Welling, Freeport
Brooke Welling ranks among the top swimmers in the girls 100-yard freestyle in WPIAL Class AA.
Trib HSSN boys swimmer of the week: John Guilinger, Central Catholic
John Guilinger began his final varsity swim season at Central Catholic with both peace of mind and added energy after finalizing his decision to attend Penn State during the signing period in November.
A-K Valley basketball playoff capsules: Friday, Feb. 14, 2020
February 13, 2020
Friday’s games
Central Catholic tops Hempfield to win WPIBL boys team title
February 12, 2020
Central Catholic outdueled Hempfield in the championship match to capture the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League boys team title Wednesday evening at Nesbit’s Lanes in Plum.
Alle-Kiski Valley girls basketball notebook: Plum faces old foe Penn Hills
The last time the Plum and Penn Hills girls basketball teams met was Jan. 29, 2016, when the Indians stymied the Mustangs, 45-23, in Section 2-AAAA.
Young Deer Lakes girls basketball team hopes to continue growth in playoffs
Playoff expectations were high when the Deer Lakes girls basketball team opened camp.
Knoch draws highest seed among A-K Valley girls basketball playoff teams
February 11, 2020
Last year at this time, Knoch girls basketball coach Chris Andreassi and the Knights faithful were still exhaling from a WPIAL Section 1-4A playoff chase that went down to the final day of the regular season.
Freeport girls honor seniors, tune up for playoffs with win over Deer Lakes
February 10, 2020
Former and most likely future section foes met Monday in a nonsection tuneup for the WPIAL girls basketball playoffs.
Fox Chapel diver hopes to take next step at WPIALs, reach states
Two years ago, five members of the Fox Chapel boys diving team earned qualifying marks for the WPIAL Class AAA championships at North Allegheny.
Bowling teams turn attention to WPIBL championship tournaments
The Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League regular season has concluded, and the top individual bowlers and teams are shifting their focus to championship opportunities at the local, regional and state levels.
Shegog’s buzzer-beating layup lifts Gateway over Plum for Section 2-5A title
February 7, 2020
The winner-take-all game Friday between Gateway and Plum for the girls Section 2-5A championship wasn’t the prettiest, but the Gators gladly accepted the outcome.
Quartet of Knoch divers hope to make ripple at WPIALs
Aryanna Napora set a goal at the beginning of her high school career to qualify for the PIAA Class AA diving championships all four years.
Trib HSSN Boys Swimmer of the Week: Northgate’s Cooper Groll
In his first swim of his first WPIAL Class AA championship meet at Pitt’s Trees Pool two years ago, Cooper Groll landed in the record books.
Trib HSSN Girls Swimmer of the Week: North Allegheny’s Olivia Kisow
In her four events at last year’s WPIAL Class AAA championship meet at Pitt’s Trees Pool, Olivia Kisow stood on the medals podium after each one.
Plum girls basketball has chance to add to school’s growing trophy collection
February 5, 2020
Last spring, the Plum softball team claimed a section championship, sharing the Section 2-5A title with Hampton.
Harvest Baptist’s Sidwell reaches 1,000-point milestone
Jared Sidwell is the leading scorer for the Harvest Baptist Academy boys basketball team.
A-K Valley girls basketball notes: Knoch girls count on Lauren Cihonski at crunch time
Lauren Cihonski knew the feeling of producing clutch points to clinch a victory for the Knoch girls basketball team.
Holloway hits 1,000 points as Freeport tops Fox Chapel in battle of playoff-bound teams
February 4, 2020
Both the Fox Chapel and Freeport girls basketball teams suffered close section losses Monday, and opportunity presented itself Tuesday for one of them to quickly get back in the win column as the teams went head to head in nonsection play at Fox Chapel.
Riverview wraps up playoff spot with dominant senior-night win over Brentwood
February 3, 2020
The Riverview girls basketball team honored its six seniors — Francesca Lio, Sydney McDonough, Annie Betler, Alivia Schultheis, Alyssa Cappa and Mikaela Collins — before Monday’s tip off with Section 2-2A rival Brentwood.
Riverview pair gearing up for WPIAL swim meet
As a freshman, Beth Shoop declared her independence as the only high school varsity swimmer from Riverview.
Burrell wrestling rolls to 14th consecutive WPIAL team championship
February 1, 2020
The Burrell wrestling team began the WPIAL Class AA tournament Wednesday with a dominant quarterfinal victory over Beth-Center.
Trib HSSN Boys Swimmer of the Week: North Hills’ Joshua Bogniard
January 31, 2020
Joshua Bogniard continues to make his move up the swim ranks in WPIAL Class AAA.
Trib HSSN Girls Swimmer of the Week: Laurel Highlands’ Elizabeth Thomas
At last year’s WPIAL Class AA swimming championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool, Elizabeth Thomas was one of two freshmen to medal in the girls 100-yard backstroke.
Burrell wrestling locked in on pursuit of 14th straight WPIAL team title
Over the past 14 years, teams have come and teams have gone from the WPIAL Class AA team wrestling final four.
Burrell wrestling dominates Beth-Center, advances to WPIAL team semifinals
January 29, 2020
The Burrell wrestling team left no doubt it was ready to defend its WPIAL Class AA team championship as it kicked off this year’s tournament in dominant fashion on its home mat Wednesday.
Freeport girls basketball making postseason push with healthy Shemanski
Sidney Shemanski appreciates the ability to be on the court with her Freeport teammates.
A-K Valley girls basketball notebook: Deer Lakes solidifies playoff spot
Deer Lakes took a seven-point lead at halftime of Monday’s Section 3-3A matchup with Steel Valley, but a 20-1 third quarter in favor of the Lancers left no doubt in the 49-32 result.
WPIBL regular season winding down to final two weeks
January 28, 2020
With two weeks left in the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League’s regular season, teams and individuals are jockeying for championship-tournament positioning with some still fighting to qualify for the postseason.
Fox Chapel tops Shaler for key victory in WPIAL playoff chase
January 27, 2020
The Fox Chapel girls basketball team took one step closer to what it hopes is a trip to the WPIAL Class 6A playoffs with a 44-32 home victory over Shaler on Monday.
Fox Chapel swimmers ready to take run at section title
The Fox Chapel girls swimming and diving team went undefeated in 2016-17 and captured a section championship.
Hannah Potter makes surprise comeback for Kiski Area girls basketball
January 26, 2020
When Hannah Potter suffered a broken wrist in Kiski Area girls basketball’s opener, she and others thought her season would be lost because of the nature of the injury and the recovery time needed.
Kiski Area’s Potter returns to lineup after recovery from wrist injury
January 25, 2020
Hannah Potter is back.
Trib HSSN girls swimmer of the week: Upper St. Clair’s Taylor Connors
January 24, 2020
Longtime followers of swimming at Upper St. Clair and throughout the WPIAL will remember the exploits of freestyler Merel Hommen.
Trib HSSN boys swimmer of the week: Montour’s Alex May
Alex May was on a mission Monday as he set out to break the Montour school record in the boys 100-yard breaststroke.
Plum’s Kvortek looks forward to WPIAL gymnastics championships
Sarah Kvortek fell in love with gymnastics after being introduced to the sport during a friend’s birthday party at Gymkhana in Plum while in first grade.
Freeport girls run win streak to seven, top Burrell to clinch playoff spot
January 23, 2020
The Freeport girls basketball team hasn’t lost since a Jan. 2 setback at North Catholic.
Kiski Area freshmen to square off at WCCA swim meet
Freshmen Parker Sterlitz and Levi Hansen are no strangers to head-to-head competition as the Kiski Area teammates grew up battling each other at various club meets.
Freshmen making impact all over A-K Valley girls basketball scene
January 22, 2020
From the first game of this season, Nina Shaw was a focal point of the gameplan for the Knoch girls basketball team.
A-K Valley basketball notebook: Plum’s Kennedie Montue eclipses 1,000 points
Kennedie Montue has shown a keen scoring touch the past three seasons for the Plum girls basketball team.
Knoch rallies from early deficit to take down Indiana in section action
January 20, 2020
With just three minutes gone in Monday’s Section 1-4A matchup at Knoch, the Indiana girls basketball team held a 10-2 lead and hoped to take control.
Cheswick Christian girls playing inspired basketball
Veteran experience, team balance and ongoing inspiration from its former coach are just a few things, first-year Cheswick Christian Academy girls basketball coach Jacque Willis said, that have contributed to the team’s strong performance.
Penn State names former Purdue standout Stubblefield new wide receivers coach
January 19, 2020
Taylor Stubblefield set Big Ten and national records as a wide receiver at Purdue, and he now hopes to lift Penn State’s receiving corps to similar lofty heights.
Gateway girls refocus for 2nd half of section play
January 18, 2020
After a 14-point loss to Section 2-5A rival Plum on Jan. 13 at Furrie Sports Complex, Gateway girls basketball team members held a players-only meeting to share their thoughts about the game and the overall state of the season heading into the second half of section play.
Apollo-Ridge rolls past Burrell for fourth straight victory
January 16, 2020
The Apollo-Ridge girls basketball team is about to embark on a crucial stretch of Section 1-4A games with matchups against North Catholic, Indiana, Knoch and Freeport.
Trib HSSN boys swimmer of the week: Moon’s Nicholas Settembrine
Nicholas Settembrine collected four medals — two individual and two in relays — at last year’s WPIAL Class AAA championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Trib HSSN girls swimmer of the week: Thomas Jefferson’s Hallie Findlan
Thomas Jefferson junior Hallie Findlan owns the top time in the Class AA girls 50-yard freestyle, according to the qualifying lists recently posted at WPIAL.org.
A-K Valley girls basketball notebook: Big game with Butler up next for Fox Chapel
January 15, 2020
The Fox Chapel girls basketball team opens the second half of Section 1-6A play Thursday at Butler in a game head coach Marty Matvey called crucial for its chances at a WPIAL playoff spot.
Improving Riverview girls excited to tackle second half of section schedule
With a collection of experienced varsity players returning for this season, Riverview girls basketball coach Keith Stitt voiced an optimistic tone throughout preseason practices and scrimmages.
Plum limits section rival Gateway to win battle for first place
January 14, 2020
The Plum girls basketball team got defensive Monday against rival Gateway in a battle for first place in Section 2-5A.
Knoch swimmer Braden Zukowski takes nothing for granted in WPIAL title quest
January 13, 2020
Knoch’s Braden Zukowski finished third overall in the boys 100-yard breaststroke at last year’s WPIAL Class AA championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
A-K Valley high school bowlers score big
January 10, 2020
Kristin Womeldorf capped 2019 with one of the highest girls averages in all of the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League.
McKeesport’s Swin Cash named finalist for Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
Former McKeesport basketball standout Swin Cash-Canal, who went on to star in college at Connecticut, in the WNBA and for Team USA in the Olympics, is one of 12 finalists for induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
Kiski Area tops Burrell in annual mat battle between neighboring rivals
Kiski Area senior Jared Curcio understands the rivalry.
Trib HSSN girls swimmer of the week: South Fayette’s Abbie Duncan
January 9, 2020
Abbie Duncan sees the potential for a memorable final season with the South Fayette swim team.
Trib HSSN boys swimmer of the week: Indiana’s Isaac Griffith
Isaac Griffith finished all alone at the top in the boys 100-yard butterfly at the West Allegheny Invitational on Dec. 28.
Players selected for PIHL all-star games
The players selected for the PIHL all-star games Jan. 26 at the Robert Morris University’s Island Sports Center have been released.
A-K Valley girls basketball notebook: Knoch, Freeport set for key section game
January 8, 2020
The Knoch and Freeport girls basketball teams took care of business in their respective Section 1-4A games Monday evening.
Prolific Plum playmaker Kennedie Montue growing her game
Kennedie Montue has not slowed down in the new year.
Deer Lakes rolls to section win over East Allegheny
January 6, 2020
The Deer Lakes girls basketball team plays three Section 3-3A games this week, and the Lancers got off to a good start Monday with a 62-41 victory over East Allegheny.
Freeport swimmer Lexi Schrecongost on track for impressive second act
Lexi Schrecongost is hoping for an encore and more after a freshman swimming season that saw her earn four WPIAL medals, including an individual bronze in the girls Class AA 100-yard breaststroke.
WPIAL athletes shine at 1st Tri-State Coaches indoor meet
January 5, 2020
Temperatures outside were cold Saturday, but inside at the Edinboro’s Sports and Recreation Center, competition quickly heated up as some of the top track and field athletes in the region gathered for the season’s first Tri-State Track Coaches Association meet.
Gateway’s Whiteside ready to earn trip to state tournament
January 4, 2020
Evan Whiteside has designs on competing at the PIAA wrestling championships in March.
Trib HSSN’s girls swimmer of the week: Mt. Lebanon’s Maddie Dorish
January 3, 2020
Maddie Dorish has picked up where she left off last March for the Mt. Lebanon girls swim team.
Trib HSSN’s boys swimmer of the week: North Allegheny’s Josh Galecki
Josh Galecki knows the feeling of winning gold in relay events at both the WPIAL and PIAA swimming championships.
North Catholic tops Freeport in matchup of section leaders
January 2, 2020
Despite facing a 21-point deficit after three quarters of Thursday’s Section 1-4A contest at North Catholic, the Freeport girls basketball team didn’t wave the white flag.
A-K Valley girls basketball notebook: Deer Lakes leaning on defense
January 1, 2020
The defense is not resting for the Deer Lakes girls basketball team.
Knoch girls basketball team refuses to get complacent
The Knoch girls basketball team found itself in a dogfight last season for a spot in the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs.
Top 10 A-K Valley sports moments of 2019
December 30, 2019
As the sun sets on another year in local sports, it’s time to look back on the best stories of 2019 in the Alle-Kiski Valley.
Deer Lakes boys basketball tournament to begin Saturday after postponement
December 28, 2019
The Deer Lakes boys basketball tournament will begin Saturday evening after Friday’s first-day doubleheader was postponed because of water leakage in the high school gymnasium.
Trib HSSN girls swimmer of the week: Mt. Pleasant’s Heather Gardner
Heather Gardner put pen to paper last month on the first day of the National Letter of Intent signing period for swimming and finalized her commitment to Division I Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.
Trib HSSN boys swimmer of the week: Belle Vernon’s Ian Shahan
Ian Shahan entered the 2019-20 high school swimming season as the hunted.
Fox Chapel girls pull away to beat Knoch in Shady Side tournament
December 27, 2019
A jumper from Knoch senior forward Lauren Cihonski 40 seconds into Friday’s matchup with Fox Chapel at the Shady Side Academy Tournament gave the Knights a two-point lead.
Fox Chapel girls showing glimpses of potential
In the latter stages of the third quarter of a at WPIAL power North Allegheny on Dec. 20, the Fox Chapel girls basketball team led the Class 6A No. 2 Tigers, 31-25, and had designs on finishing off a key early-season Section 1 victory.
Fox Chapel girls showing glimpses of potential
December 25, 2019
In the latter stages of the third quarter of Friday’s game at WPIAL power North Allegheny, the Fox Chapel girls basketball team led the Class 6A No. 2 Tigers, 31-25, and had designs on finishing off a key early-season Section 1 victory.
A-K Valley girls basketball notebook: Springdale sheds long losing streak
Two years ago Friday, the Springdale girls basketball team defeated Yough, 47-28, in the consolation game of the Valley Tournament. The team then experienced a losing streak that extended through the first six games of this season.
Highlands swimmer Rachel Blackburn in position to battle it out with WPIAL’s best
December 23, 2019
A youthful group led the Class AA girls 100-yard breaststroke at last year’s WPIAL swimming championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Trib HSSN girls swimmer of the week for Dec. 19, 2019: Seneca Valley’s Kendall Craig
December 19, 2019
Kendall Craig set a new Seneca Valley pool record Tuesday in the girls 200-yard individual medley.
Trib HSSN boys swimmer of the week for Dec. 19, 2019: Upper St. Clair’s Josh Matheny
No record is safe when Josh Matheny is going after it.
Freeport girls navigating rocky road during season’s opening weeks
December 18, 2019
The Freeport girls basketball team is 2-0 in Section 1-4A and the Yellowjackets hope to remain unblemished Thursday when they face rival Burrell.
Alle-Kiski Valley girls basketball notebook: Kiski Area loses Hannah Potter to broken wrist
Hannah Potter hoped to have a standout senior season for the Kiski Area girls basketball team and build off of a strong junior campaign which saw her lead a young Cavaliers squad with an average of 14.9 points a game.
Freeport girls step up on defense, surge past Highlands
December 16, 2019
Late in the first quarter of Monday’s Section 1-4A girls basketball matchup between Freeport and Highlands, the Yellowjackets and Golden Rams were tied at eight.
Confidence, repertoire grow for Fox Chapel diver David Manelis
David Manelis was in contention for gold at last year’s PIAA Class AAA boys diving championships at Bucknell.
Plum, Kiski Area hockey to raise money for Brian Shaw Memorial Fund
December 15, 2019
The Plum and Kiski Area hockey teams do not play each other during the PIHL regular season as the Mustangs and Cavaliers are in different classifications.
Gateway to honor hockey alumni
The tradition that is ice hockey at Gateway High School again will be celebrated as three former players will be inducted into the Gateway Hockey Alumni Honor Roll during the annual alumni winter event Dec. 26 at Center Ice Arena in Delmont.
Plum takes aim with revamped rifle roster
The Plum rifle team was an experienced group last season with seven seniors helping to form the squad’s core.
Valley News Dispatch Defensive Player of the Year: Apollo-Ridge’s Logan Harmon
December 14, 2019
Logan Harmon is in the early stages of his second varsity wrestling season.
From a 298 game to a 660 series, Freeport bowlers put up big numbers to start season
December 13, 2019
Mark Livingston came close to perfection in his first game of the high school bowling season.
A-K Valley girls basketball notebook: Freeport looks to repeat fast start
December 11, 2019
Last season, the Freeport girls basketball team went 1-1 at the season-opening Southmoreland tournament before winning six straight to head into the new year 7-1 en route to an 18-4 regular season and a runner-up finish in Section 1-4A.
Deer Lakes’ Makayla Blair makes successful return from hoops hiatus
Makayla Blair scored a game-best 18 points and pulled down 10 rebounds Monday in the Deer Lakes’ girls basketball team’s 57-41 victory over Burrell.
Deer Lakes girls break into win column with double-digit triumph
December 9, 2019
Something had to give Monday between the Deer Lakes and Burrell girls basketball teams after both had suffered a pair of losses in tip-off tournaments over the weekend.
Deer Lakes’ Morrison leads strong cast of returning A-K Valley swimmers, divers
December 8, 2019
Adam Morrison is the hunted.
Highlands boys basketball storms past Gateway
December 7, 2019
For the second time in as many nights, the Highlands boys basketball team defended its home court in dominating fashion.
Starting 5: A guide to the A-K Valley girls high school basketball season
December 5, 2019
STORYLINES
Burrell’s Allie Vescio named Valley News Dispatch Girls Soccer Player of the Year
November 30, 2019
Valley News Dispatch Girls Soccer Player of the Year
Playoff near-misses motivate Riverview girls
November 29, 2019
The Riverview girls basketball team suffered heartbreak two seasons ago with a buzzer-beating, one-point loss to Serra Catholic in the first round of the WPIAL Class A playoffs.
With struggles behind them, Riverview boys again thinking playoffs
The Riverview boys basketball team last earned a trip to the WPIAL playoffs in 2015.
Schlegel leads Plum hockey team back to playoff contention
November 21, 2019
The Plum hockey team edged Hampton in a PIHL Class AA contest Nov. 11 for its fourth win in its opening six games.
Opportunity knocks for underclassmen on Deer Lakes girls roster
Reese Hasley is confident and focused forward.
After a season to remember, Deer Lakes boys trying to plan an encore
The Deer Lakes boys basketball team made history last year during its school-record run to and through the postseason.
With new coach, veteran roster, Apollo-Ridge girls eye return trip to playoffs
November 18, 2019
Mike Monstrola served as a coach for the Apollo-Ridge junior high boys basketball program last year, but he often made it a point to take in games involving the Vikings boys and girls varsity teams.
Apollo-Ridge boys basketball looks to take one more step forward
The Apollo-Ridge boys basketball team made a leap back to prominence last year, improving by seven wins, both overall and in section play, from the year before.
Freeport, Knoch volleyball teams reflect on PIAA runs
November 16, 2019
Only 16 high school girls volleyball teams were left standing last Tuesday as the four classifications moved to the semifinal round of the PIAA playoffs.
PIAA Class AA volleyball finals primer: North Catholic vs. North Penn-Liberty
November 15, 2019
North Penn-Liberty (22-0) vs. North Catholic (22-1)
PIAA Class AAAA volleyball finals primer: North Allegheny vs. Bishop Shanahan
Bishop Shanahan (23-0) vs. North Allegheny (22-1)
Fox Chapel’s Fitch, Sisson named A-K Valley cross country runners of year
November 14, 2019
Fox Chapel seniors Christian Fitch and Grace Sisson were selected as the Alle-Kiski cross country runners of the year as a part of the 2019 All-Star teams.
Kiski Area wrestlers, other A-K Valley athletes sign letters of intent
November 13, 2019
Last year at this time, Nick Delp saw Kiski Area graduates Cam Connor and Darren Miller sign Division I National Letters of Intent to wrestle at Penn and Bucknell, respectively.
North Allegheny keeps hopes of PIAA volleyball 3-peat alive
November 12, 2019
The North Allegheny girls volleyball team captured PIAA gold the past two seasons, and the Tigers will go after their third consecutive crown and sixth in program history after defeating Landisville Hempfield 3-1 in a Class AAAA semifinal match Tuesday at Altoona High School.
Palmyra ends Knoch’s volleyball season in state semifinals
Things started well for the Knoch girls volleyball team in Tuesday’s PIAA Class AAA semifinal against Palmyra at Altoona High School.
Freeport volleyball set for high-stakes rematch with North Catholic
November 11, 2019
As the Freeport girls volleyball team was taking care of Beaver on Saturday in a PIAA Class AA quarterfinal at Shaler, North Catholic and defending PIAA champion Bald Eagle Area squared off for another spot in the state semifinals.
Standout Freeport pitcher Jarrett Heilman gives verbal commitment to Mercyhurst
Jarrett Heilman is busy preparing for his final high school baseball season with a Freeport, which returns numerous starters and key contributors from last spring’s run to a Section 1-3A title and the PIAA playoffs.
Knoch volleyball sweeps Franklin Regional to move into state semifinals
November 9, 2019
The Knoch girls volleyball team swept Franklin Regional when the teams met in the WPIAL Class AAA semifinals last week.
Freeport volleyball sweeps Beaver, moves into PIAA semifinals
The Freeport girls volleyball team is returning to a familiar place.
Knoch block party frustrates volleyball foes
November 8, 2019
In last week’s WPIAL Class AAA semifinal victory over Franklin Regional, Knoch girls volleyball players recorded more than two dozen blocks, with four players leading the way with six apiece.
Freeport refocuses, gets set for PIAA volleyball quarterfinals
After two emotional and physically draining five-set matches to cap the WPIAL playoffs, senior outside hitter Lauren Lampus and the other Freeport girls volleyball team members were happy to take care of business in straightforward fashion Tuesday in the first round of the PIAA tournament.
WPIAL releases field hockey all-star lists
November 7, 2019
The WPIAL wrapped up the 2019 field hockey season Thursday with the release of its Division I and II all-star lists.
Plum pleased with progress after historic girls soccer season
November 6, 2019
When Plum girls soccer team members gathered for summer workouts and then came together for official preseason practices in August, a buzz surrounded the talented but youthful group.
Plum’s Jackson gives verbal commitment to Pitt volleyball
November 5, 2019
For Plum’s Makayla Jackson, Pitt is it.
WPIAL volleyball champs Freeport, Knoch eager to begin PIAA title quests
November 4, 2019
Shaler Area will be a volleyball hotspot Tuesday as WPIAL champions Freeport and Knoch open the PIAA playoffs with back-to-back matchups.
First PIAA-playoff appearance is ‘great opportunity’ for Plum girls soccer
The Plum girls soccer team fell short Saturday in its quest for a WPIAL Class AAA championship in its first title-game appearance.
Future bright for Riverview boys cross country team
November 3, 2019
Riverview junior Mason Ochs finished eighth in the Class A boys race at Saturday’s PIAA cross country championships after taking second at WPIALs.
Knoch, Freeport volleyball teams seek repeat of 2017 PIAA titles
In 2017, the Knoch and Freeport volleyball teams played the final three matches of their PIAA championship runs in the same location.
A-K Valley football teams fall short in 1st round of WPIAL playoffs
November 2, 2019
When sophomore Cody Dykes connected on a 33-yard field goal early in the second quarter of Friday’s WPIAL Class 5A first-round game at Bethel Park, the Kiski Area football team held a 10-point lead.
Bethel Park scores 28 unanswered in playoff defeat of Kiski Area
November 1, 2019
With 10 minutes left until halftime of Friday’s WPIAL Class 5A first-round matchup at Bethel Park, Kiski Area led the Black Hawks by 10 points and appeared ready to take full control.
Plum’s Justin Mascilli misses spot at state cross country meet by narrowest of margins
Plum senior Justin Mascilli placed 27th in the boys Class AAA race at the WPIAL cross country championships Oct. 24 at Cal (Pa.).
Freeport hungry for WPIAL girls volleyball title
The Freeport girls volleyball team celebrated Thursday’s come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Avonworth in the WPIAL Class AA semifinals at North Allegheny with a trip to Chick-fil-A.
Mars is last obstacle in way of Plum girls soccer’s first WPIAL title
Earlier this season, the Plum girls soccer team ventured to Highmark Stadium for a matchup with section rival Oakland Catholic.
Knoch, Thomas Jefferson to collide in WPIAL girls volleyball title match
Knoch and Thomas Jefferson were the top two ranked girls volleyball teams in WPIAL Class AAA throughout the season, and they were rewarded with the top two seeds in the playoff bracket.
Freeport rallies to knock off Avonworth in WPIAL volleyball playoffs
October 31, 2019
The Freeport girls volleyball team hadn’t faced adversity this season like it did Thursday in a WPIAL Class AA semifinal match against Avonworth at North Allegheny.
Fox Chapel and Knoch tennis players set their sights on PIAA titles
After helping Fox Chapel win its first PIAA Class AAA team tennis title since 2004, No. 1 singles player Charlotte James will turn her attention to the state singles tournament in Hershey this weekend. After winning doubles titles as a freshman and a sophomore with teammate Amanda Nord, the 2019 WPIAL singles champion has experience as well.
A-K Valley runners on quest for medals at PIAA cross country meet
A contingent of Alle-Kiski Valley cross country teams and individuals hope to build on performances from WPIALs as they run against the state’s best Saturday at the PIAA championships in Hershey.
Knoch girls volleyball tops Franklin Regional, reaches WPIAL finals
October 30, 2019
The Knoch girls volleyball team will play for a third straight WPIAL Class AAA championship.
Knee injury behind her, Freeport senior ready for ‘high-pressure situations’ in WPIAL volleyball playoffs
Tori Radvan ended her sophomore volleyball season on the court at Johnstown’s Richland High School celebrating a state championship with her Freeport teammates.
A-K Valley football players to watch in the first week of WPIAL playoffs
Ryan Creehan
Knoch girls volleyball digs deep, overcomes injuries to advance in WPIAL playoffs
Having two all-state volleyball players missing from a rotation might derail any number of teams, but the Knoch girls squad has used its depth and veteran leadership to stay in the WPIAL playoff mix.
Freeport sweeps past Hopewell to earn spot in WPIAL semifinals
The Freeport girls volleyball team keeps on rolling.
Freshman McKenzie Pritts scores twice, Yough blanks Freeport to reach WPIAL title game
October 28, 2019
The Yough girls soccer team recorded only two shots on goal over the first 43 minutes of its WPIAL Class AA semifinal against Freeport on Monday at Mars.
Surprising Freeport girls ‘want it all’ entering WPIAL soccer semifinals
October 27, 2019
Akina Boynton scored 11 goals during the regular season to help the Freeport girls soccer team to a 14-4 overall record, a runner-up finish in Section 2-AA and the No. 8 seed for the WPIAL playoffs.
A-K Valley girls soccer preview capsules: Games of Monday, Oct. 28, 2019
Monday’s games
A-K Valley football notebook: Late-season surge gets Kiski Area in playoffs
October 26, 2019
A series of playoff scenarios were on the table in the Class 5A Northern Conference entering Friday’s Week 9 games.
Leechburg holds off Springdale in ’emotional’ victory
Last year, Leechburg defeated Springdale to cap its first non-losing season since 1991.
PIAA girls tennis roundup: Fox Chapel, Knoch, Sewickley Academy advance to semifinals
October 25, 2019
The Fox Chapel girls tennis team remained alive for a PIAA championship Friday with a 3-2 victory over District 1 champion Unionville at Hershey Racquet Club.
Mt. Lebanon’s Patrick Anderson betters own course record, captures first WPIAL title
October 24, 2019
Patrick Anderson started this season by setting a course record at the Marty Uher Invitational on the Roadman Park course at Cal (Pa.).
Knoch girls cross country team makes leap forward at WPIAL meet
Sammy Jo Barnes qualified for the PIAA cross country championships individually the past two seasons.
A-K Valley don’t-miss football matchups for Week 9
Class 5A Northern
A-K Valley WPIAL girls soccer capsules: Games of Oct. 24, 2019
Girls soccer
Riverview ready to take a run at WPIAL cross country favorites
October 22, 2019
The Riverview boys cross country team finished runner-up to Winchester Thurston in Class A at WPIALs each of the past three seasons.
Burrell girls soccer continues dominance with easy win over Mt. Pleasant
October 21, 2019
The Burrell girls soccer team’s dominance in the regular season extended to Monday’s WPIAL Class AA first-round game against Mt. Pleasant at Kiski Area.
WPIAL unveils girls volleyball playoff brackets
North Allegheny, Knoch, North Catholic and Bishop Canevin earned top seeds in their respective classifications as the WPIAL released girls volleyball playoff brackets Monday.
Plum tops Montour to claim fall baseball league title
Plum shut out Montour, 5-0, Sunday afternoon at Norwin to capture the Western Pennsylvania Fall Baseball League’s varsity title.
Coaches association releases final WPIAL girls volleyball rankings
The WPIAL girls volleyball regular season has concluded, and the playoff pairings will be released early Monday afternoon.
Unbeaten Burrell ready for obstacles in WPIAL Class AA girls soccer playoffs
October 20, 2019
Burrell capped its regular season last Tuesday with a 5-1 victory over playoff-bound Highlands.
A-K Valley girls soccer playoff capsules: Games for Monday, Oct. 21, 2019
Monday’s games
Alle-Kiski Valley football notebook: No place like home for Apollo-Ridge
October 19, 2019
Apollo-Ridge could have clinched a home first-round playoff game last week against Steel Valley, but the Vikings were upset by the Ironmen.
Highlands logs senior-night overtime win vs. New Castle
When New Castle traveled to Highlands’ Golden Rams Stadium two years ago, the Red Hurricanes escaped with a 48-47 victory in two overtimes.
Plum’s Mascilli, Valotta seek big jump at WPIAL championship meet
October 18, 2019
Justin Mascilli finished 51st in the boys Class AAA race at last year’s WPIAL cross country championships on the Roadman Park course at Cal (Pa.).
A-K Valley don’t-miss football matchups for Week 8
Class 5A Northern
Eight teams from A-K Valley join girls soccer championship chase
October 15, 2019
Highlands was the final girls soccer team from the Alle-Kiski Valley invited to the WPIAL playoff party as the Golden Rams clinched a spot out of Section 2-AA with Monday night’s 2-1 overtime victory over Apollo-Ridge.
WPIAL girls soccer rankings through Oct. 14, 2019
Here’s a look at this week’s girls soccer rankings:
Highlands tops Apollo-Ridge in overtime, clinches playoff spot
The Highlands girls soccer team came within two points of a WPIAL playoff spot last year.
Confidence high for Plum girls cross country team
October 14, 2019
The Plum girls cross country team already was having a productive season when it arrived at the Division I, Section 4 championship meet Oct. 2 at Northmoreland Park.
Coaches association releases Week 7 WPIAL girls volleyball rankings
As the WPIAL girls volleyball regular season enters its final week, additional section champions will be crowned, and the final tickets to the WPIAL playoffs will be punched.
Valley girls tennis ready for challenge in WPIAL team tournament
October 13, 2019
The WPIAL Class AA team tournament is new for all seven members of the Valley girls tennis team, as the last time the Vikings advanced to the playoffs was 2015.
Springdale looks to keep slim playoff hopes alive
October 12, 2019
The mission is simple for the Springdale football team in its approach to staying alive in the chase for the playoffs in WPIAL Class A.
Springdale dominates Eastern Conference rival Riverview
October 11, 2019
The Riverview football team turned on the lights Friday at Riverside Park for its annual night game.
Freeport girls volleyball dominance on display
The Freeport girls volleyball team wrapped up its 15th consecutive section championship Thursday with a convincing three-game sweep of Section 5-AA foe Burrell.
Athletic greats celebrated with induction to Gateway Sports Hall of Fame
Katrina Streiner made her mark in swimming over four years of competition at Gateway.
Burrell girls soccer races past rival Freeport, moves to cusp of section title
October 9, 2019
Burrell junior Jordyn Kowalkowski said she expected another close game with Freeport on Wednesday as the first Section 2-AA matchup between the rivals Sept. 18 went down to the wire.
Fox Chapel boys, girls golf teams set for WPIAL team championship
The Fox Chapel boys and girls golf teams will play for WPIAL championships Thursday at Cedarbrook Golf Course in Rostraver.
A-K Valley football players to watch in Week 7
Klay Fitzroy
A-K Valley don’t-miss football matchups for Week 7
Class 5A Big East
Fox Chapel ready for anything as girls soccer playoffs approach
October 8, 2019
The Fox Chapel girls soccer team was less than two minutes away from going to overtime Monday with Class AAAA No. 1 North Allegheny in a Section 1 contest.
Fox Chapel girls hunting WPIAL team tennis title
The Fox Chapel girls tennis team lost just once in 12 regular-season matches.
WPIAL girls soccer rankings through Oct. 7
Here’s a look at this week’s WPIAL girls soccer rankings:
Knoch, Valley tennis teams set for WPIAL team tournament
October 7, 2019
After several weeks of dual matches and individual players and doubles teams going for WPIAL gold, the Knoch and Valley girls tennis teams turn their attention Tuesday to the WPIAL Class AA team tournament.
Coaches association releases Week 6 WPIAL girls volleyball rankings
The plots thicken for the girls volleyball teams in the WPIAL as two weeks remain in the regular season and section races from Class A to Class AAAA.
A-K Valley girls soccer teams jockeying for playoff position
October 6, 2019
Seven seconds.
Fox Chapel girls golf carries unbeaten record into playoffs
The Fox Chapel girls golf team produced a 15-0 record in the regular season and defended its Section 4-AAA championship.
Apollo-Ridge’s Logan Harmon has night to remember
October 5, 2019
Not too many WPIAL running backs have had the type of game Apollo-Ridge junior Logan Harmon did Friday at conference rival Valley.
Apollo-Ridge dodges Valley upset bid, clinches playoff spot
October 4, 2019
It was a night of highs and lows for Apollo-Ridge’s Logan Harmon during Friday’s Allegheny Conference game at Valley.
Alle-Kiski Valley campus clippings: Grubbs sets up pair of wins for Thiel volleyball
October 3, 2019
With two wins in its past three matches, the Thiel women’s volleyball team hopes to recover from a 1-14 start.
Alle-Kiski Valley notebook: ‘Competitive’ start for Highlands volleyball reboot
When the Highlands girls volleyball program returned last month after a three-year hiatus, 68 players came to tryouts.
Burrell blanks Deer Lakes, maintains hold on section lead
October 2, 2019
The Burrell girls soccer team broke through 12 minutes into the first half of Wednesday’s Section 2-AA clash with rival Deer Lakes.
A-K Valley football players to watch in Week 6
Josh Boak
A-K Valley don’t-miss high school football matchups for Week 6
Class 4A Northwest 8
Title implications heighten Burrell-Deer Lakes girls soccer clash
October 1, 2019
It’s been three weeks and two days since the first meeting between the Burrell and Deer Lakes girls soccer teams.
WPIAL girls soccer rankings through Sept. 30, 2019
Class AAAA
Section 4 cross country teams to face off at Northmoreland Park
Cross country titles will be on the line Wednesday afternoon when the Division I, Section 4 teams gather at Northmoreland Park.
Fox Chapel duo among girls golfers set for WPIAL Class AAA championships
September 30, 2019
Fox Chapel’s Nina Busch and Erin Drahnak cut their teeth as freshmen in a deep field at last year’s WPIAL Class AAA girls individual golf championship at Diamond Run Golf Club.
Doubles teams gear up for WPIAL tournament
During the Knoch girls tennis team’s quest for a Section 3-AA championship this fall, senior Libby Conlon and freshman Ally Bauer find themselves on different courts for matches.
Leaders hold on to top spots in volleyball coaches association WPIAL rankings
For the fourth consecutive week, North Allegheny (Class AAAA), Knoch (Class AAA), North Catholic (Class AA) and Bishop Canevin (Class A) own the top spots in their respective Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association rankings.
Plum girls soccer prepares for showdown with Oakland Catholic
September 29, 2019
The Plum girls soccer team last captured a section championship in 2016 when it tied Fox Chapel for the top spot of Section 3-AAAA.
Alle-Kiski Valley football notebook: Kiski Area ‘excited’ about milestone win
September 28, 2019
With wins over Allderdice in Week Zero and Fox Chapel on Sept. 13, the Kiski Area football team put itself in position for the 300th win in program history.
Montour knocks off previously unbeaten Knoch in OT
September 27, 2019
Knoch hoped to add a victory to Friday night’s homecoming festivities at Knights Stadium, but Gannon Kadlecik and his Montour teammates had other ideas.
Plum slow-pitch softball searching for 3rd straight league championship
The Plum varsity girls slow-pitch softball team saw its 36-game winning streak snapped Sept. 5 with a 16-2 loss at North Hills.
Penn State’s Beaver Stadium to host high school game
September 25, 2019
The Penn State football team will play at Michigan State on Oct. 26, but Beaver Stadium, the home of the Nittany Lions, will not lie dormant that day.
A-K Valley don’t-miss football games for Week 5
Class 5A Big East
A-K Valley football players to watch in Week 5
Kenny Blake
Big goal boosts Deer Lakes in section title quest
September 24, 2019
Overtime loomed for the Deer Lakes and Freeport girls soccer teams Monday as their key Section 2-AA matchup wound down to the final minute of regulation tied 1-1.
5 from Alle-Kiski Valley to tee it up at WPIAL finals
At last year’s WPIAL Class AA boys individual golf championship at Sewickley’s Allegheny Country Club, Marcus Pinchok finished among a group one shot away from advancing to the PIAA Western Regional.
WPIAL girls soccer rankings through Sept. 23, 2019
Here’s a look at this week’s WPIAL girls soccer rankings:
Alle-Kiski Valley notebook: Section 5-AA volleyball serves up big games
September 23, 2019
The WPIAL girls volleyball schedule contains several key matchups Tuesday, and one resides in Section 5-AA, where Deer Lakes will host Freeport at 7:30 p.m.
Coaches association releases latest WPIAL girls volleyball rankings
The Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association released its Top 10 girls’ rankings for each of the four WPIAL classifications Monday, and the top teams in each poll maintain their positions as the fourth week of section play begins.
Knoch cross country teams hope to unseat Riverview atop section
September 22, 2019
The Knoch boys and girls cross country teams have a lot on their plates with long- and short-term goals in mind.
Apollo-Ridge football team looks at positives after 1st defeat
September 21, 2019
While not happy with the way things turned out in Friday’s battle of the unbeatens between his Apollo-Ridge football team and Allegheny Conference foe Avonworth, Vikings coach John Skiba also talked in positive terms about the opportunities his team has coming out of the 42-14 loss.
Apollo-Ridge can’t slow down Avonworth as Antelopes remain undefeated
September 20, 2019
Something had to give Friday night as Avonworth and Apollo-Ridge met in a battle of Allegheny Conference unbeatens at Avonworth’s Lenzner Field.
Gateway girls soccer bounces back from 0-3 start
In its Section 1-AAA debut against Mars on Sept. 4, the Gateway girls soccer team gave the Planets, last year’s WPIAL runner-up and PIAA quarterfinalist, all they could handle before losing 2-1.
Invitational brings competitive golf, emotional remembrance to Fox Chapel
Sunny skies and comfortable temperatures greeted golfers from Fox Chapel, North Allegheny and Latrobe on Thursday at the Pittsburgh Field Club for the annual Fox Chapel Richard Cullinan Invitational.
Burrell edges rival Freeport in battle of unbeatens
September 18, 2019
Allie Vescio made sure the Burrell girls soccer team didn’t have to go into overtime with rival Freeport on Wednesday at Freeport High School.
A-K Valley football players to watch in Week 4
Dylan Cook
A-K Valley football don’t-miss matchups for Week 4
Class 5A Big East
Freeport girls soccer looks for leg up in tight section race
September 17, 2019
The Freeport girls soccer team began its season with cautious optimism as youth was served in several areas on the field and paired up with veteran talent.
WPIAL girls soccer rankings through Sept. 16, 2019
Here’s a look at this week’s WPIAL girls soccer rankings through Monday’s games:
Burrell’s Liotta selected as assistant coach for U.S. national team
Burrell football coach Shawn Liotta has been named the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach for the U18 U.S. national team that will take part in USA Football’s International Bowl on Jan. 14 and 15 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Fox Chapel senior Charlotte James back for WPIAL tennis run
September 16, 2019
Charlotte James stepped away from high school tennis in 2018 to concentrate on USTA junior tournaments.
Coaches association releases Week 3 WPIAL girls volleyball rankings
The WPIAL girls volleyball section slate enters Week 3 as teams in all four classifications jockey for position in the standings.
A-K Valley football notebook: Valley breaks through with 1st victory
September 14, 2019
After an 0-3 start in which it was outscored by 80 points and shut out twice, the Valley football team broke through Friday with a 22-6 home victory over Imani Christian.
Playing more than one sport can benefit high school athletes, coaches say
John Gaillot, in his 11th season as football coach at Freeport High School, said he has had a good track record of his players also being involved in wrestling, basketball and baseball.
Kiski Area runs away from Fox Chapel in Northern Conference clash
September 13, 2019
Kiski Area came into Friday’s Northern Conference clash with Fox Chapel averaging 177 yards rushing a game.
GCC’s Brewer, Indiana’s Branan claim titles at Kiski Area Invitational
Sunny skies, reduced humidity and a slight breeze welcomed runners to Friday’s third annual Kiski Area Cross Country Invitational at spacious Northmoreland Park in northern Westmoreland County.
A-K Valley high school football don’t-miss matchups for Week 3
Class 5A Big East
Springdale’s Ausk likely done for season after collarbone injury
The Springdale football team, in the midst of last Friday’s 28-7 nonconference victory over Monessen, was dealt a blow when sophomore starting quarterback Legend Ausk suffered a broken collarbone on a tackle early in the third quarter.
Kiski Area girls soccer team faces stiff section test
September 10, 2019
Reagan Frederick didn’t expect to finish last season as the top goal scorer for the Kiski Area girls soccer team in its charge to the WPIAL Class AAA quarterfinals.
WPIAL girls soccer rankings through Sept. 9, 2019
Here’s a look at this week’s WPIAL girls soccer rankings through Monday’s games:
Alle-Kiski Valley notebook: West Virginia right fit for Kiski Area’s Blumer
September 9, 2019
Kiski Area wrestling standout Jack Blumer did his due diligence in seeking out a school to continue his athletic and academic careers once his time with the Cavaliers concludes.
WPIAL boys soccer rankings through Sept. 8, 2019
WPIAL boys soccer rankings
Volleyball coaches association releases WPIAL Week 2 rankings
-The WPIAL girls volleyball regular season is in full gear with two sets of weekend tournaments and a week of section and nonsection matches in the books.
Riverview cross country runner Ochs continues upward trend
September 8, 2019
As a freshman, Mason Ochs was the ninth runner on the Riverview boys cross country team and didn’t compete at WPIALs.
A-K Valley football notebook: Defense fueling undefeated Apollo-Ridge
September 7, 2019
It is said defense wins championships.
Burrell can’t hold halftime lead as Elizabeth Forward rallies for victory
September 6, 2019
For the second week in a row, the Elizabeth Forward football team trailed at halftime.
Young Plum volleyball team showing fight
The Plum girls volleyball team lost the first two sets of its Section 3-AAAA opener against Norwin on Sept. 3.
Highlands’ Hiester, Kiski Area’s Crosby continue female kicking tradition
During her freshman year at Highlands, Hailey Hiester watched her soccer teammate, senior Taylor Gunn, kick as a starter for the Golden Rams football team.
A-K Valley high school football don’t-miss matchups for Week 2
September 4, 2019
Class 5A Big East
A-K Valley football players to watch for Week 2
Lorenzo Jenkins
Burrell girls soccer hitting stride after tournament win
September 3, 2019
The Burrell girls soccer team had high hopes over the summer and in preseason workouts that it could replicate past success and take the next step in Section 2-2A and beyond.
Coaches association releases latest WPIAL girls volleyball rankings
The opening weekend of the WPIAL girls volleyball season has come and gone, and section matchups in all four classifications begin Tuesday evening.
Alle-Kiski high school notebook: Knoch, Freeport volleyball maintain spots in poll
September 2, 2019
Knoch and Freeport maintain their positions in the latest Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association’s top-10 poll released Monday.
Freeport football team reflects on fortitude after rally comes up short
August 31, 2019
Freeport football coach John Gaillot was emotional Friday night when asked to evaluate his team’s performance in a 35-27 loss to Big East Conference rival Derry.
Huss tops 200 yards in Derry’s Big East win against Freeport
August 30, 2019
Justin Huss was a workhorse for Derry on Friday in the team’s Big East opener against Freeport.
Alle-Kiski cross country teams, individuals ready to make their mark
Christian Fitch began last season with a win at the Gateway Invitational.
A-K Valley high school football don’t-miss matchups for Week 1
Class 5A Big East
Knoch volleyball poised for WPIAL 3-peat, other A-K Valley teams ready to contend
August 27, 2019
When the Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association released its preseason top-10 rankings Monday, two-time defending WPIAL Class AAA champion Knoch topped the list.
Volleyball coaches association releases WPIAL preseason rankings
August 26, 2019
The Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association released its preseason top-10 rankings Monday, and all four classifications were rated.
Plum boys soccer team eyes next step in playoffs
August 25, 2019
Expectations are high for the Plum boys soccer team.
Plum girls soccer hopes for return to playoffs under new coach
Last season was one of change for the Plum girls soccer team as it moved from Class AAAA to Class AAA under the WPIAL’s biennial realignment process.
Upper St. Clair’s Josh Matheny earns silver at world junior swimming championships
Josh Matheny capped competition at the FINA World Junior (18 and under) Swimming Championship on Sunday with a silver medal as a part of the Team USA 400-meter medley relay.
Alle-Kiski Valley high school football notebook: Springdale enjoys ‘crazy, fun night’
August 24, 2019
Springdale and Deer Lakes didn’t play Week Zero games last year, so the teams decided to match up for the first time since 1993.
Apollo-Ridge defeats rival Leechburg in Week Zero matchup
August 23, 2019
The Apollo-Ridge football team had payback on its mind after Leechburg won last year’s meeting to snap the Vikings’ eight-game winning streak in the rivalry series.
Plum’s Matolcsy hopes to build on solid sophomore season as 2-way player
Max Matolcsy led the Plum football team last year in receiving yards and touchdowns, total tackles and interceptions.
Upper St. Clair’s Josh Matheny captures 200 breaststroke gold at world championships
Josh Matheny is a world champion.
Highlands boys soccer set to contend for postseason berth under 1st-year coach
August 22, 2019
The Highlands boys soccer team qualified for the WPIAL playoffs four straight seasons from 2001-04.
Highlands girls soccer hungry after last year’s playoff near-miss
Two points.
Burrell grad Fantuzzo returns to coach basketball at alma mater
August 21, 2019
Mike Fantuzzo enjoyed a great deal of success as a member of the Burrell boys basketball team more than a decade ago.
A-K Valley football players to watch in Week Zero
Jake Blumer
A-K Valley high school football don’t-miss matchups for Week Zero
Nonconference
Lessons learned should guide Fox Chapel girls soccer this season
August 20, 2019
Last season was a learning experience for the Fox Chapel girls soccer team.
Fox Chapel boys soccer expects to be battle-tested come playoff time
There is a buzz surrounding the Fox Chapel boys soccer team.
Hanlon’s versatility provides unique advantage for Riverview
Zach Hanlon possesses two Riverview football jerseys: No. 36 and No. 78.
Riverview will rely on versatility in hopes of successful season
As his team went through summer workouts, Riverview coach Todd Massack said he made sure to remind his players they need to learn and be comfortable at multiple positions.
Plum’s Matolcsy hopes to build on solid sophomore season as 2-way player
August 19, 2019
Max Matolcsy led the Plum football team last year in receiving yards and touchdowns, total tackles and interceptions.
Veteran players hope to lead Apollo-Ridge back to playoffs
The Apollo-Ridge football team, youthful over the past couple of seasons, returns experience at several key positions this fall, and coach John Skiba said the Vikings are pointing in the right direction for a return to the WPIAL playoffs.
Freeport hopes to reload for another playoff run
August 18, 2019
Last year, the Freeport football team came close to putting its stamp on a Class 3A Big East Conference championship.
Plum hopes experience translates to success
August 16, 2019
The Plum football team last made the WPIAL playoffs in 2015 when it upset Penn Hills in a Quad-A first-round matchup.
Gateway seeks return to championship form
The Gateway football team won a combined 26 of 29 games the past two seasons.
Gateway to celebrate 50th anniversary of 1st WPIAL football championship
As the United States was putting a man on the moon in the summer of 1969, the Gateway football program was preparing to hopefully put a Gator on the turf at Pitt Stadium in Oakland.
Fox Chapel’s offseason effort lays groundwork for improvement
Shane Susnak is confident.
WPIAL and City League girls basketball players ranked on state Class of 2020 list
August 14, 2019
PAGirlsHoopsReport.com recently released its list of the top 100 players from the Class of 2020, and a sizeable group from the WPIAL and City League made the cut.
Freeport linemen ready to benefit from experience together
Elijah Freeman recalled a welcome-to-varsity-football moment early last season as the now-sophomore right guard got comfortable in his spot along the Freeport offensive line.
WPIAL Class 4A football breakdown: Thomas Jefferson motivated after title-game defeat
The Blackhawk football team engineered one of the biggest turnarounds in the WPIAL last year, going from 2-7 in 2017 to 10-2 last year and making the WPIAL Class 4A semifinals.
Fox Chapel’s Brown on mission to return team to WPIAL playoffs
August 13, 2019
Sam Brown is on a mission.
A-K Valley football teams take it up a notch with start of preseason camps
August 12, 2019
Brandon Mowry has experienced numerous opening days of preseason camp with the Knoch football team, but Monday morning’s start, he said, had a different feel.
Apollo-Ridge’s Logan Harmon eager for camp after injury-shortened 2018 season
August 10, 2019
When turning his attention to Monday morning — the start of official preseason practices for high school football teams throughout the WPIAL — a big smile came across Logan Harmon’s face.
Gateway goalie Neundorfer survives rigorous tryout for showcase
August 2, 2019
Maddy Neundorfer traveled to Germany in April as part of a U.S. Olympic Development Program team.
WPIAL duo helps Pennsylvania sweep Maryland in Big 26 Baseball Classic
July 30, 2019
Pennsylvania swept past Maryland in a three-game series over the weekend at the Big 26 Baseball Classic in Maryland, and WPIAL products Jarrett Heilman and Ryan McGuire contributed to the triumphs.
Freeport’s Jarrett Heilman ready to test himself in Big 26 Classic
July 24, 2019
Jarrett Heilman will be among select company at this weekend’s Big 26 Baseball Classic in Harrisburg.
Kiski Area’s Delp commits to wrestle at Bucknell
Nick Delp now knows where he will wrestle when his time in high school concludes.
7 from WPIAL selected to Class AA boys volleyball all-state team
July 23, 2019
The Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association released its Class AA all-state team Monday, and eight from the WPIAL were selected.
A-K Valley football teams converge on Freeport for 7-on-7 event
July 22, 2019
As preparation for high school football enters the stretch run, several teams will gather Wednesday at Freeport for a seven-on-seven event with a local flair.
Penn Hills’ Snell benefits from offseason development
July 19, 2019
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 23 during a HSSN Media Day live broadcast at Kennywood Park.
Trib HSSN rewind: A look back at the 2019 boys volleyball season
July 18, 2019
North Allegheny capped an undefeated 23-0 season with its second straight PIAA Class AAA championship and seventh overall, sweeping three games from Central York at Penn State’s Pegula Ice Arena.
Coach Kolankowski right fit for Plum boys soccer
The Plum athletic department didn’t go far to find the next coach of the boys soccer team.
With college plans in place, Woodland Hills’ Rawlings ready for special senior season
July 17, 2019
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 23 during HSSN Media Day at Kennywood Park.
Springdale QB Ausk gets head start on sophomore season
July 15, 2019
Legend Ausk enters his sophomore football season at Springdale in the running to take over the varsity starting quarterback job left vacant from the graduation of multi-year starter Josh Jones.
Seneca Valley’s Kaltenberger focused on returning to WPIAL title game
July 12, 2019
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 23 during HSSN Media Day at Kennywood Park.
Burrell boys basketball coach Shawn Bennis resigns
July 11, 2019
In his six seasons as coach of the Burrell boys basketball team, Shawn Bennis appreciated the hard work his players put in preparing and game planning for every opponent.
WPIAL swimmers earn spots on All-American lists
Upper St. Clair’s Josh Matheny set a National Federation of High Schools record of 52.52 seconds in the 100-yard breaststroke at the PIAA Class AAA championships in March at Bucknell University.
Trib HSSN rewind: A look back at the 2018-19 WPIBL bowling season
July 9, 2019
Competitors from the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League made an impact at all levels during the 2018-19 season.
Trib HSSN rewind: A look back at the 2018-19 boys swimming and diving season
July 7, 2019
For the second year in a row, a National Federation of High Schools record fell at the PIAA Class AAA swimming championships at Bucknell University.
Trib HSSN rewind: A look back at the 2018-19 girls swimming and diving season
July 6, 2019
One of the closest races at the PIAA Class AAA championships at Bucknell University in March saw Butler junior Laura Goettler edge Fox Chapel freshman Zoe Skirboll by 10 one-hundredths of a second for the title in the finals of the girls 100-yard breaststroke.
West Allegheny’s Hendrick selected to High School All-Star Game
July 5, 2019
Austin Hendrick, a rising senior at West Allegheny and a Mississippi State baseball verbal commit, will compete in the inaugural High School All-Star Game on Saturday at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
New coach, offseason workouts provide optimism for Highlands boys soccer
July 4, 2019
Jason Norris was on a plane to Los Angeles when he found out he was hired as coach of the Highlands boys soccer team.
Trib HSSN rewind: A look back at the 2018 girls tennis season
July 2, 2019
The Sewickley Academy girls tennis team had won its only previous Class AA state championship in 2011, and the Panthers were gunning for a second title in Hershey to cap the 2018 season.
Knoch’s Gourley honored by recognition from Pa. softball coaches
Monica Gourley collected three hits in four at-bats, one being a triple, and also drove in two runs in the Knoch softball team’s 7-2 victory over Thomas Jefferson in the WPIAL Class 4A third-place game.
Highlands’ Crise continues to catch attention of college coaches
The Tribune-Review and the TribLive High School Sports Network are profiling each member of the 25-player Trib HSSN Preseason WPIAL Football All-Star team. The players will be recognized July 23 during a HSSN Media Day live broadcast at Kennywood Park.
Knoch’s Gourley earns POY honors from state coaches association
July 1, 2019
Knoch senior shortstop Monica Gourley has been selected the state’s Class 4A Softball Player of the Year by the Pennsylvania High School Softball Coaches Association.
Freeport’s Jarrett Heilman named Valley News Dispatch Baseball Player of the Year
June 22, 2019
2019 Valley News Dispatch Baseball All-Stars
St. Joseph basketball players adjust to new coach, system during summer workouts
June 21, 2019
When longtime St. Joseph boys basketball coach Kelly Robinson resigned in April after 21 seasons at the helm, the search began in earnest to find his replacement.
Marino hired as Plum boys basketball coach
June 19, 2019
When Mark Marino joined the men’s basketball coaching staff at Lycoming College in 2008, his first task as a high school talent evaluator was to observe Plum standout Andrew Cressler as Cressler was going into his senior season with the Mustangs.
WPIAL golfers invited to national high school tournament
June 18, 2019
Several of the top WPIAL golfers from the fall 2018 season will compete at the National High School Golf Association’s inaugural High School Golf National Invitational on June 27-28 at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
A-K Valley athletes honored at Positive Athlete Awards
When Gregory Guzzo was 13, he was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, and open-heart surgery was needed to correct the issue.
Positive Athlete Pittsburgh honors student-athletes with scholarships, awards
The Sen. John Heinz History Center and Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum provided the setting Monday evening for the eighth annual Positive High School Athlete Awards.
Kiski Area’s Hepler tests mettle against nation’s top freshmen throwers
June 17, 2019
C.J. Hepler emerged this spring as one to watch for the future of throwing events in the WPIAL and beyond.
Fox Chapel lacrosse All-American Childs eager to get started at Hofstra
June 16, 2019
When Graham Childs joins the Hofstra men’s lacrosse team in the fall, he will bring many memories from his time playing for Fox Chapel.
WPIAL divers selected as All-Americans
June 14, 2019
Penn-Trafford’s Logan Sherwin and Paige Kalik and Beaver Area’s Andrew Cestra have been recognized by the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association as diving All-Americans.
Positive Athlete Pittsburgh to present more than $16,000 in scholarships
June 12, 2019
The Sen. John Heinz History Center and Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum will host the eighth annual Positive High School Athlete Awards on Monday at 7 p.m.
WPIAL baseball and softball teams gearing up for shots at PIAA gold
The PIAA baseball and softball championship matchups are set, and five WPIAL teams – Beaver and Serra Catholic for baseball and Penn-Trafford, Elizabeth Forward and Frazier for softball – will attempt to bring home state titles.
WPIAL girls lacrosse All-Star teams recognize season efforts
June 9, 2019
The All-WPIAL girls lacrosse teams were selected in a vote of the Class AAA and AA coaches.
Boys lacrosse standouts voted to WPIAL All-Star teams
The All-WPIAL boys lacrosse teams were selected in a vote of the Class AAA and AA coaches.
PIAA Class AAA boys volleyball final preview: North Allegheny vs. Central York
June 7, 2019
PIAA Boys Volleyball
A-K Valley notebook: Freeport’s Heilman to compete in Big 26 Classic
June 6, 2019
Jarrett Heilman, who helped the Freeport baseball team capture the Section 1-3A championship and qualify for the PIAA playoffs for the first time in 21 years, will represent the WPIAL on the Pennsylvania team for the Big 26 Baseball Classic on July 25-28, in Harrisburg.
Gateway Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2019 announced
Katrina Streiner won a pair of WPIAL swimming championships in the 50-yard freestyle, added one in the 100 freestyle and was a PIAA medalist during her Gateway career.
WPIAL duo selected for all-star baseball classic
June 5, 2019
Freeport junior Jarrett Heilman and South Fayette sophomore Ryan McGuire will represent the WPIAL on the Pennsylvania roster for the Big 26 Baseball Classic on July 25-28 in Harrisburg.
Trip to PIAA playoffs a major boost for Freeport baseball program
June 4, 2019
In the hours after Freeport baseball’s 3-2 PIAA Class 3A first-round loss to Franklin on Monday at Slippery Rock University, one in which the Knights rallied with two runs in the bottom of the seventh, the Yellowjackets players and coaches received dozens of calls, texts, emails and Twitter messages of support in the midst of what were feelings of heartbreak over the outcome.
Franklin rallies past Freeport on walk-off single in PIAA 1st round
June 3, 2019
The Freeport baseball team was no stranger to close games, especially in this year’s postseason.
Freeport baseball hopes unofficial mascot keeps hanging around
June 2, 2019
After delivering the winning hit in last Wednesday’s 1-0 PIAA-clinching victory over Keystone Oaks in the WPIAL Class 3A third-place game, Freeport junior Bradyn Clark came back to the dugout and rubbed Darlene’s ears for continued good fortune.
Freeport-Franklin state playoff game holds unique draw for husband, wife
When Tom and Ericca Haynes attend Monday’s PIAA Class 3A first-round baseball game between Franklin and Freeport, they will have familiarity to both sides of the proceedings.
Apollo-Ridge’s Kent Harkleroad ready to face best in all-star game
June 1, 2019
Kent Harkleroad soon will put on the helmet and jersey of the Waynesburg football team.
WPIAL lacrosse teams set for PIAA quarterfinals
May 31, 2019
After several weather-related postponements, the PIAA boys and girls lacrosse first rounds concluded Friday.
Springdale’s Zolnierczyk ready to begin next chapter at Robert Morris
Mike Zolnierczyk graduates Friday from Springdale High School.
Freeport baseball set for 1st state playoff berth in 21 years
May 30, 2019
When Garrett Ben made contact with an offering from Keystone Oaks pitcher Sammy Tortorella in the second inning of Wednesday’s WPIAL 3A third-place game at Washington & Jefferson, he wasn’t sure what would become of the blooper near the foul line in shallow right field.
PIAA lacrosse matches postponed again
A quartet of WPIAL-champion lacrosse teams will attempt to play their PIAA first-round matchups Friday after Mother Nature again prevented them from taking the field Thursday afternoon and evening.
Freeport baseball reaches PIAA playoffs for 1st time since 1998
May 29, 2019
For the first time since 1998, a Freeport baseball team has earned a spot in the PIAA playoffs.
State singles title ‘a great finishing touch’ for Fox Chapel’s Shymansky
Robby Shymansky made it to the PIAA Class AAA singles final as a freshman, but he was prevented from capturing the gold medal he sought.
Freeport turns the page, sets sights on PIAA tournament berth
May 28, 2019
The Freeport baseball team turned to a magic elixir to help it move on from last Wednesday’s loss to section rival Steel Valley in the WPIAL Class 3A semifinals.