Leopards baseball remains perfect

More than a month has elapsed in the WPIAL baseball season, and Belle Vernon Area still remains unblemished, one of just three teams in the district. The Leopards swept a doubleheader against Laurel Highlands last Wednesday to move to 7-0 overall, including 6-0 in Class 4A Section 2. Belle Vernon notched a 9-2 victory in the first game against the Mustangs, and followed with a 12-4 triumph. In the opener, Kole Doppelheuer and Lucas Judy each contributed three RBIs, providing run support for winning pitcher Parker Lind. In the nightcap, Judy went the distance on the mound, racking up six strikeouts, while also producing a 3-for-3 effort at the plate. Additionally, Seth Tomalski amassed three runs batted in for BVA.

Surprising Derry Area softball sits atop standings

Courtesy of a five-game winning streak, including four section tilts, Derry Area softball has ascended to the top of the standings. Last week, the Trojans edged Greensburg Salem 3-2, and blasted Freeport Area 10-0 in six innings, improving their mark to 6-1 overall, and 4-0 in Class 4A Section 1, tied with Knoch for first place. Playing on the road against the Golden Lions last Wednesday, Haylee Myers thrived in the circle, as she earned the victory by permitting just three hits and striking out 13. Sophia Doherty and Francesca DePalma provided the power at the plate for DA, as they each collected a double. At home against the Yellowjackets two days later, Myers notched the shutout, allowing just three hits while fanning 14 batters. She also helped her own cause, going 3-for-4 with two home runs and five RBIs, while Doherty went 2-for-3 with a homer and three runs batted in. A year ago, the Trojans went just 3-13 on the campaign.

BVA’s Henson captures tennis crown

Competing in the WPIAL boys tennis singles tournament for the first time, Belle Vernon Area junior Max Henson left no doubt, as he rolled to the Class 2A Championship last Friday at Bethel Park High School. Henson, who garnered the top seed in the bracket, ousted No. 2 seed Justin Garvey of North Catholic 6-1, 6-1 in the title match. To open the tournament, Henson prevailed 10-0 against Blackhawk’s Mike Lanigan, and followed with another 10-0 victory at the expense of Indiana Area’s Gabe Nettleton in the quarterfinals. In the semis, he knocked off John Rohrkaste of Montour 6-1, 6-0. In the process, Henson qualified for the state tournament. The PIAA singles championships will take place on May 23-24.

Nania steps down as SVC wrestling coach

After leading the restart of the Saint Vinent College wrestling program, including winning a conference title, Dom Nania has stepped down as the Bearcats head coach. Last week, Saint Vincent announced a nationwide search to fill the vacancy, as Nania will pursue a role outside of athletics. Nania led the program for two seasons, helping SVC go 5-7 in 2023, including capturing Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Championship. This past campaign, the Bearcats went 5-7 once again, including 3-1 in the PAC. Prior to taking over at Saint Vincent, Nania was an assistant coach at Seton Hill University, Hempfield Area, and Norwin. As a grappler, Nania competed at Wheeling Jesuit University and Hempfield Area.