Knights football falls in semis

Norwin football was denied its first-ever championship appearance, as the No. 3 Knights fell 35-17 at second-seeded North Allegheny in the WPIAL Class 6A semifinals last Friday. The Tigers exploded for 21 unanswered points, keyed by Luke Rohan, who had 181 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Additionally, Brady Brinkley connected with Cameron Kushner on a pair of long TD passes for the Tigers (8-3), who will face top-seeded Pittsburgh Central Catholic Saturday in the title game. In the defeat for the Knights (7-4), Tristyn Tavares completed 14-of-23 throws for 215 yards and a score and added a touchdown run, while Giovanni Rothrauff compiled 26 carries for 153 yards on the ground and Jake Knight hauled in an 80-yard score.

Burrell girls soccer advances to state semis

Burrell girls soccer notched a pair of victories last week, as the Buccaneers have advanced to the PIAA Class 2A semifinals. In the opening round last Tuesday, Burrell edged host Erie Cathedral Prep 2-1. In the triumph against the Ramblers, McKenna Miller tallied in the first half, while Makiah Buchak netted a goal in the second half, with Eva Wilson picking up a pair of assists. On Saturday, the Buccaneers traveled to Windber, edging District 5 Champion Bedford 2-1 in the quarterfinals. Burrell scored twice in less than three minutes in the second half, as Katie Koehler struck first, and Miller followed with the winning marker. Leah Waldsmith made seven saves in net to earn the win for Burrell. As a result, the Buccaneers will again battle Freeport Area, which defeated the Bucs twice in the regular season and most recently in the WPIAL Class 2A Championship. The semifinals clash will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Fox Chapel Area High School.

Westmoreland volleyball standouts picked for all-star game

The volleyball roster has been announced for the We Serve First Foundation All-Star Classic, and Westmoreland County is well represented. The fourth-annual event, which will occur at Kiski Area High School on Dec. 6, will feature four teams. Local players selected include Penn-Trafford’s libero/defensive specialist Cianna Culgan and defensive specialist Eliyah McPherson, Franklin Regional’s middle hitter Averi Lamfrom and libero/defensive specialist Maria Piraino, Kiski Area’s outside hitter Lila Welshans and middle hitter Makayla Keibler, Ashlynn Black, an opposite hitter from Norwin, Burrell’s middle hitter Meadow Keyes, and Valley’s outside hitter Cierra Alexander. Additionally, Norwin coach Mary Ellen Ferragonio will guide the Blue Team.

Westmoreland players litter field hockey lists

The WPIAL All-Stars were released for field hockey last week, and more than a dozen players from Westmoreland County received recognition. In Class 3A, Norwin sophomore midfielders Mila Gregg and Sophia Laskowski were selected, while Knights senior defender Savannah Gareis was an honorable mention. Additionally, Hempfield Area junior goalkeeper Keelin Sullivan was tabbed an all-star, while Spartans junior forward Madilyn Domasky was honorable mention. In Class 2A, Greater Latrobe had three seniors garner all-star honors – midfielders Ryanne Lehman and Julia Macey, and defender Addison Tinsley – while senior midfielder Macy Schultz and sophomore forward Karter Kubistek were tabbed as honorable mentions. Furthermore, senior midfielder Caeley Simon of Penn-Trafford was selected as an all-star, while the Warriors senior duo of defenders, Mallory Bachar and Irelyn O’Reilly, were honorable mentions.

Penn State New Kensington wins MSOC crown

Penn State New Kensington men’s soccer made history last week, as the Lions captured their first PSUAC Championship in dramatic fashion at Panzer Stadium at Penn State University. New Kensington edged Penn State Scranton 1-0 in double overtime last Tuesday, as Tanner Stockdill tallied his first career goal in the 104th minute, assisted by Jayson Ireland. David Jimenez registered four saves for New Kensington in earning the clean sheet. With the triumph, New Kensington improved to 12-5-3 overall on the season, and the Lions will commence the USCAA Division II National Championship against Central Penn on Friday at 3:30 p.m. at Montour Junction.