Sports

Franklin Regional pitcher Mike Klingensmith talks with catcher Bryce Harper on the mound during their game on April 5, 2019, at Fox Chapel.

All systems rolling for Franklin Regional baseball

April 26, 2019

Franklin Regional baseball coach Bobby Sadler laughed and then paused for a few seconds when deciding if pitching or hitting was going better for his team.

Deer Lakes’ Josh Yourish wins the boys 1600 meter run during the Section 7-AA meet on April 24, 2019 at Freeport Area High School.

A-K Valley high school notebook: Athletes win multiple titles at section track and field meet

The WPIAL individual track and field championships are looming next month at Slippery Rock, and some of the Alle-Kiski Valley’s top athletes are ramping up for the competition.

One WPIAL softball team debuts, another exits Trib HSSN softball state rankings

There was only one change at the top in this week’s Trib HSSN state softball rankings.

Quaker Valley’s Ryan Stowers drives between New Castle’s Donte Burnett (left) and Demetris McKnight during their game Friday, Jan. 4, 2019, at New Castle High School.

PBC Roundball welcomes several elite players for pair of games Saturday

The public address announcer gave Moses Malone a Roundball Classic introduction of Biblical proportions.

Fox Chapel’s Jared Nord during a match against Hampton April 4, 2019 at Fox Chapel Area High School.

WPIAL boys tennis teams capture section championships

With section play complete, the field is set for the 2019 WPIAL boys team tennis playoffs, starting in early May. There will be a 16-team playoff field in both the Class AAA and AA team tournaments.

Ambridge senior Aaron Hilzendeger (23) and Liam Buck (4) compete during a North Allegheny tournament March 23, 2019 at North Allegheny.

WPIAL boys volleyball playoff clinchings through April 26, 2019

There are two weeks left in the 2019 WPIAL boys volleyball regular season before the start of the district postseason.

Belle Vernon third baseman Vanessa Porter tags out McKeesport’s Elisabeth Dansak on a stolen base attempt April 4, 2019.

Belle Vernon softball to play game at football stadium

Belle Vernon does not have a turf softball field, but that won’t stop the Leopards from playing a home game on an artificial surface Saturday.

Greensburg Central Catholic’s Tatum Gretz fires a shot for one of her goals during a game against Riverview on Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018, in Carbon.

GCC’s Gretz, Norwin’s Durmis make Division I soccer commitments

Westmoreland County has become a hot spot for high-end girls soccer recruiting and two more rising standouts are making sure the trend continues.

Peters Twp.’s Makenna Marisa scores past Garnet Valley’s Madison McKee during the PIAA Class 6A girls state championship game Friday, Mar. 22, 2019, at Giant Center in Hershey.

Pa. Sportswriters name Peters Township’s Makenna Marisa Girls Basketball Player of the Year

Makenna Marisa and Bert Kendall helped Peters Township make history during a perfect girls basketball season, and Friday they received the ultimate capper.

Chartiers Valley baseball in hunt for WPIAL playoff berth

April 25, 2019

Coach Curt Cairns knew the Chartiers Valley baseball team was in for an uphill battle this season.

Penn Hills senior Diamond-Jay Whittington competes during practice in November 2018.

After ACL injury, Penn Hills’ Whittington prepares to play at college level

At a young age, Penn Hills senior Diamond-Jay Whittington was introduced to the game of basketball by her father. Now, after a bout of adversity, Whittington gets to continue to play the game at the collegiate level.

A relay baton is seen at the NCAA outdoor track and field championships in Eugene, Ore., Thursday, June 9, 2016. (AP Photo/Ryan Kang)

Penn Hills athletes prepare for postseason competitions

Last year, the Penn Hills track and field program was well represented by the boys team in the postseason meets. This year, it’s the girls turn as they look to bring a big contingent to states.

North Hills shortstop Jordan Albright (13) competes against Shaler April 17, 2019 at Herb Field.

Defending champion North Hills baseball finds positives in challenging season

It appears a successful WPIAL Class 5A title defense isn’t in the cards for the North Hills baseball team this season.

<strong>Photo left:</strong> North Allegheny’s Anthony Hattrup scores past Penn-Trafford catcher Cade Patterson during their game at Seton Hill University. <strong>Photo right:</strong> North Allegheny pitcher Kevin Schott delivers during a game against Penn-Trafford at Seton Hill University.

North Allegheny cuts down on strikeouts, starts piling up wins

Diagnosing what has North Allegheny’s bats heating up isn’t something coach Andrew Heck has a clear answer for.

Hansen hopes to spread love of volleyball to Hampton youth

For anyone with kids in elementary or middle school who are looking to play a sport — and possibly fall in love with it — new Hampton coach Mike Hansen thinks volleyball could be their calling.

High school scores, schedules for April 25, 2019

High Schools

High school roundup for April 25, 2019: North Hills edges No. 3 Seneca Valley

North Hills scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to earn a 12-11 win over No. 3 Seneca Valley in a Section 2-6A softball game Thursday afternoon.

Brownsville’s Gionna Quarzo runs to a first place finish in the Class AA girls race during the TSTCA cross country meet Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, at California University.

Area athletes compete on first day of Penn Relays

Oakland Catholic senior Jayla Ellis earned a seventh-place medal in the high school girls long jump Thursday at the annual Penn Relays Carnival at Franklin Field in Philadelphia.