Sports

Freeport’s Josie Russo (left) celebrates with Sydney Selker after a kill during their PIAA Class 3A first round playoff match against Plum on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, at Freeport.

Freeport volleyball avoids WPIAL title hangover, beats Plum in PIAA 1st-round match

November 9, 2021

Freeport girls volleyball coach Tom Phillips has always worried about the potential for a “hangover” from winning a WPIAL championship going into the first round of the state tournament.

Kaitlyn Killinger and Plum will play District 3 champion Mechanicburg in the PIAA Class 3A quarterfinals Tuesday.

Plum beats District 6 champ Hollidaysburg for program’s 1st PIAA playoff victory

HOLLIDAYSBURG — The Plum girls soccer team threw everything but the kitchen sink at the Hollidaysburg net, and Tigers freshman keeper Natalie Foster in the first half during a PIAA Class AAA first-round game Tuesday at Hollidaysburg.

Penn-Trafford still looking for elusive 1st PIAA win after loss to Fleetwood

Penn-Trafford has yet to crack the win column in the PIAA field hockey playoffs, but veteran coach Cindy Dutt feels it’s coming.

Central Valley’s Landon Alexander carries to the goal line past Aliquippa’s Cyair Clark during the first quarter on Sept. 10.

Trib HSSN state football rankings for Nov. 9, 2021

There was no sliding and there was no climbing for teams across Pennsylvania as the district playoffs began for some last week.

Westmoreland County boys athlete of the week: Franklin Regional’s Colton Hudson

Colton Hudson

Hempfield finished its season with a 2-8 record, including wins against Franklin Regional and rival Greensburg Salem.

Hempfield football maintains message, builds for future

Mike Brown isn’t budging. Doesn’t matter what day it is, what month or who’s listening. His message isn’t changing.

A-K Valley boys athlete of the week: Freeport’s Marcus Trask

Marcus Trask

After 3rd season, Leechburg boys soccer trending up

Leechburg’s boys soccer team was nothing if not resilient in 2021.

Plum’s Kaitlyn Killinger heads the ball during the Class 3A girls championship game against Mars on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, at Highmark Stadium.

Plum girls soccer team gets shot at redemption in PIAA 1st round

Kaley Simqu was a starter at Cedar Crest High School two years ago for Plum’s PIAA Class 3A girls soccer first-round game against District 3 champion Manheim Central.

High school roundup for Nov. 8, 2021: Thomas Jefferson hockey stays undefeated

Jimmy Passanante scored twice and Brett Smith netted the go-ahead goal in the second period to lead Thomas Jefferson to a 6-3 victory over Hempfield in a PIHL Class 2A game Monday night.

High school scores, summaries and schedules for Nov. 8, 2021

High schools

Fans cheer for Mars’ goalie during a game against South Fayette on Monday at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry.

Capacity crowd turns out to support Mars hockey goalie

November 8, 2021

Eve Furbee bounced up and down in the stands excitedly Monday night at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.

Seneca Valley’s Cole Kamarec works against Peters Township’s Connor Hoye during the WPIAL Class 4A championship game Saturday.

What to watch for in WPIAL sports on Nov. 9, 2021: State soccer playoffs kick off

Even though the district-champion-only format for the PIAA playoffs in 2020 cut the state soccer playoffs from four rounds to three, it turned out to be a historic postseason for the WPIAL.

Laurel Highlands quarterback Rodney Gallagher rolls out to pass during a game against Belle Vernon on Oct. 1.

Trib HSSN Football Team of the Week for Nov. 8, 2021

Sometimes a trip on the Highway to Heinz can be a very long journey.

Greensburg Central Catholic’s Sara Felder battles Steel Valley’s Krystal Phouthavong for possession during the WPIAL Class A girls championship game Friday.

Westmoreland County PIAA soccer playoff capsules for Nov. 9, 2021

Boys

A-K Valley PIAA girls soccer playoff capsules for Nov. 9, 2021

Class 3A

Freeport, Plum finally cross paths in PIAA first-round volleyball match

The Plum and Freeport girls volleyball teams shared a gym four times this season but never played an official match against each other.

Southmoreland’s Olivia Cernuto battles Avonworth’s Eden Schleis for a header during their WPIAL Class 2A semifinal on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, at West Allegheny High School.

Southmoreland girls soccer pushes through injuries all the way to state tournament

Southmoreland girls soccer players wore blankets on the sideline Thursday night during the WPIAL consolation game against Shady Side Academy at Norwin.