Penn-Trafford gets past Latrobe in matchup of top teams in PIHL Class 2A

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Monday, February 10, 2025 | 10:31 PM


Brock Bienemann scored two goals and goaltender Tyler Funk made 33 saves as Penn-Trafford defeated Latrobe, 3-1, in a PIHL Class 2A battle Monday at Palmer Imaging Arena in Delmont.

The victory gives the second-place Warriors (14-3-1) 45 points, while the Wildcats (13-3) are in fourth with 39 points. Fox Chapel leads Class 2A with 46 points. Penn-Trafford plays host to Fox Chapel on Feb. 17.

“We concentrated on backchecking, staying patient and playing defense,” Penn-Trafford coach Brian Zagorac said. “We knew we had to score some dirty goals, and we got three. It was a nice bounce-back win.”

Penn-Trafford was coming off a disappointing loss to Hempfield on Feb. 3.

Latrobe had its 11-game winning streak snapped by Fox Chapel on Jan. 30.

Despite the loss, Latrobe coach Adam Ferguson felt his team played well enough to win.

“We didn’t capitalize on our opportunities, and they got some bounces,” Ferguson said. “It was a playoff-type game. I felt we outplayed them at times, and I’m sure we’ll meet again in the playoffs.”

Latrobe won the first meeting, 3-1, on Nov. 14.

Penn-Trafford took a 1-0 lead when Aiden Drotos scored midway through the first period. It was Drotos’ 21st goal of the season.

Latrobe tied the score early in the second period on an Adam Pellis goal.

Penn-Trafford reclaimed the lead, 2-1, on a power-play goal by Bienemann.

Latrobe outshot Penn-Trafford 24-13 over the final two periods.

Bienemann scored his 15th goal of the season when he knocked in his own rebound with 3:46 left to clinch the win.

Latrobe returns to action Feb. 18 at Bishop McCort.

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

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