Monessen softball takes another shot at West Greene in Tuesday’s 3 things to watch in high school sports

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, April 23, 2018 | 11:03 PM

Seven years ago, Monessen finished a winless softball campaign at 0-13. But the program turned things around and has become a Class A power the last couple of years. The Greyhounds have accomplished a lot since breaking their playoff drought in 2015. The one thing they have not been able to do is beat West Greene.

In the last two years alone, Monessen has lost only seven games to WPIAL teams. Four of those losses have come to the two-time defending WPIAL and 2017 PIAA champion Pioneers.

Monessen lost 10-0 to West Greene in the 2016 semifinals and by the same score in last year's district title game.

This year, Bo Teets' Greyhounds are 8-0 against everybody else on their schedule, outscoring opponents 88-6. Their only blemish came in early April when the ‘Hounds fell to the Pioneers, 8-1. McKenna Lampe, Madison Lampe and Madison Renner were a combined 10 for 15 as West Greene cruised to the road win.

The top two Class A teams meet at West Greene on Tuesday with first place in Section 2-A at stake in a game that can be heard here on the TribLive High School Sports Network .

First-place baseball showdowns

There are few WPIAL baseball games Tuesday, but if Mother Nature cooperates, there are three standout matchups with first place at stake.

The top two teams in Section 3-5A meet in Murrysville as Laurel Highlands (8-0) takes on host Franklin Regional (5-1). The Mustangs pounded the Panthers in their first meeting 14-0.

Both Riverside and Avonworth are 8-1 overall, as they get ready to face each other at Avonworth. The defending Class 3A champion Panthers are 7-0 in the section while the Antelopes are 6-1. This is the first meeting of the year as the two will meet at Riverside on May 2.

Speaking of defending champs, Jeannette hosts rival Greensburg Central Catholic for the top spot in Section 2-A. The Jayhawks are in chase mode as they are 4-1 while the Centurions sit atop the section at 6-0. The two meet in Greensburg on May 4.

Tuesday volleys

There is a three-way tie for first place in Section 3-AAA as the second half of section play begins in boys volleyball. Two of those teams collide Tuesday.

Penn-Trafford, Hempfield and Norwin are all 7-1 with six section games remaining. In the first head-to-head meetings, Penn-Trafford beat Hempfield, Hempfield knocked off Norwin and Norwin stunned Penn-Trafford.

Hempfield hosts Penn-Trafford on Tuesday. The Spartans fell to the Warriors, 3-1, in their first match.

Don Rebel is a TribLive High School Sports Network broadcaster and staff writer. Reach him at drebel@tribweb.com.

Tags: Avonworth, Franklin Regional, Greensburg C.C., Hempfield Area, Jeannette, Laurel Highlands, Monessen, Norwin, Penn-Trafford, Riverside