Sports

Southmoreland baseball looks to change direction under new coach

March 19, 2019

Southmoreland baseball will be “governed” differently from now on.

South Park’s Jessica Dean pitches against Southmoreland during the WPIAL softball championship tripleheader at Seton Hill University on Thursday, May 31, 2018. Southmoreland won 12-1.

WPIAL Class 3A softball preseason breakdown

History was made a year ago when Southmoreland captured the WPIAL Class 3A softball title for the first time.

Southmoreland pitcher Jess Matheny had offseason surgery on her right knee and is ready to start this season.

Southmoreland ready to defend WPIAL title with 8 returning starters

Southmoreland kicked up a thrilling celebration last year after dismantling defending state champion South Park to win the WPIAL Class 3A softball championship on the carpet at Seton Hill.

Freeport pitcher Jarrett Heilman prepares for the upcoming 2019 season at practice March 8, 2019, in Freeport.

WPIAL Class 3A baseball preseason breakdown

Much like Class 4A, a new champion will be crowned in Class 3A after 2018 champion Brownsville fell to Class 2A with district realignment.

Westmoreland athletes of the week: Belle Vernon’s Robert Spekis, Norwin’s Olivia Gribble

Robert Spekis

Late surge lifts Pine-Richland to PIHL Class AA Penguins Cup title

March 18, 2019

The final surge was the difference for Pine-Richland.

High school scores, schedules for March 18, 2019

High Schools

Ringgold’s Hunter Suarez celebrates with Justin Day after Day’s gamer winner to beat Burrell in the PIHL Division 2 Final Monday, March 18, 2019 at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.

Cook, Ringgold edge No. 1 Burrell to claim PIHL Division II championship

With the score tied in the third period, Burrell had the ice tilted in its favor and fired a bunch of shots on goal, but Ringgold goalie Evan Cook answered each time.

Peters Township girls rally past Upper Dublin in overtime to reach PIAA title game

WINGATE — Peters Township’s Jordan Bisignani didn’t have much time to process the moment when she heaved a desperation half-court shot at the buzzer of a PIAA Class 6A semifinal.

Vincentian Academy’s Nate Cullo splits between Monessen’s Devin Whitlock (3) and Dishon Howell (12) during a PIAA Class A boys basketball semifinal March 18, 2019, at Mt. Lebanon.

Vincentian Academy boys defeat Monessen to reach PIAA Class A championship

Ethan Embleton led the fast-break and found teammate Angelo Reeves crashing in from the weak side toward the basket.

A-K Valley high school notes: Walker to build Leechburg boys soccer team

Brad Walker knows about rebuilding. Now he will just be building.

Riverview’s Mark McClelland tries to score during practice at Riverview High School in Oakmont.

Riverview baseball raises expectations, targets playoffs

Riverview baseball coach Bill Gras asked his players during practice to write down one personal goal and one team goal on a note card and give it back to him.

Moon’s Donovan Johnson celebrates with Jioni Smith (3) and Devontae Humphries as time winds down in their 73-55 victory over Mars in a PIAA Class 5A semifinal Monday, Mar. 18, 2019, at New Castle High School.

Donovan Johnson scores 28, leads Moon past Mars in PIAA semifinals

Donovan Johnson and his Moon teammates left in tears after losing to Mars in the WPIAL championship three weekends ago.

Penn-Trafford pitcher Tyler Horvat prepares for the 2019 season March 18, 2019 at Penn-Trafford.

Penn-Trafford baseball sets sights on winning section championship

There isn’t any question that Penn-Trafford baseball lost some talented players to graduation with all five departed seniors going on to play in college.

Mt. Pleasant head coach Chris Brunson hits balls for his team while at practice on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at Mt. Pleasant High School.

WPIAL Class 4A softball preseason breakdown

The Belle Vernon softball team has found itself atop the WPIAL Class 4A ladder the past two seasons.

Greensburg Salem’s Matt Wicker (11) takes part in baseball practice at Greensburg Salem High School, on Monday, March 11, 2019.

WPIAL Class 4A baseball preseason breakdown

There will be a new champion crowned in WPIAL Class 4A after realignment bumped 2018 winner South Fayette up to Class 5A.

The Hempfield Area softball team celebrates Emma Hoffner’s walk-off hit after defeating Parkland, 4-3 in 8 innings, in the PIAA Class 6A state final Friday, June 15, 2018, at Penn State University.

Hempfield softball has extended trip home from State Capitol after bus breaks down

Stranded but still enjoying the ride, the state softball champions didn’t let a broken down bus dampen their trip to the state capitol.

Riverview’s Alyssa Cappa slides into home base during their game against St. Joseph on April 10, 2018.

Talented Riverview softball moves up in class

The Riverview softball team is rife with talented and experienced underclassmen. Despite only having two seniors, coach Jim Ashbaugh knows his team won’t be lacking confidence.