FR softball surges atop standings

Franklin Regional softball continued its strong start to the 2025 campaign last week, as the Panthers captured three section victories. Franklin Regional defeated McKeesport Area 6-4 last Tuesday, followed with a lopsided 12-2 win in five innings against Kiski Area the next day, and capped the week by edging Greater Latrobe 4-3 on Friday to improve to 6-2 overall. In the road win against the Tigers, the Panthers were led by Toryn Fulton, who homered, doubled, and provided three RBIs. The following day at home against the Cavaliers, Fulton again homered and doubled with three runs batted in, and she also stole six bases, while Ciara Camacho produced four RBIs. In the setback for the Cavs, Alyssa Perona went 2-for-2 and notched a two-run homer. On the road against the Wildcats, Camacho went 4-for-4 with a pair of doubles, and Adrianna Martz had a two-run single to give FR the lead. Mya McHugh paced GL with three hits in the defeat. As a result, the Panthers lead Class 5A Section 2 at 3-0.

Burrell baseball stays perfect in section

Two weeks into the WPIAL baseball section slate, Burrell is unblemished and in first place in the section. The Buccaneers swept Southmoreland in a doubleheader last Tuesday at No Offseason Sports in Russellton to move to 4-0 in Class 3A Section 3. Burrell received a pair of complete games on the mound, as Brayden Mell and Stevie Hasson went the distance. In a 3-0 victory in the first contest, Mell allowed just four hits while striking out eight, while Parker Logut and Isaac Lacinski produced RBIs. In the second game, Burrell prevailed 5-2 as Hasson permitted just two hits while striking out nine batters, and Mell, Trey Coury, and Nolan Brouwer each contributed runs batted in. In the loss for Southmoreland, Brenden Geho homered. Burrell, which also swept Yough the prior week, reigns atop the section, one game ahead of both Mount Pleasant Area and Deer Lakes.

Westmoreland County Scholar-Athletes announced

The 2025 Westmoreland County Scholar-Athlete Excellence Award nominees were announced last week, a group that thrives both athletically and in the classroom. Each of the 18 Westmoreland County high schools nominate two senior students who have excelled as athletes while maintaining a Q.P.A. of 3.5 or higher or ranking in the top 20 percent of their class. The nominees are: Belle Vernon Area – Kole Doppelheuer and Grace West; Burrell – Calio Zanella and Isabella Stewart; Derry Area – Jacob Hauser and Jane Huss; Franklin Regional – Drew Devola and Toryn Fulton; Greater Latrobe – Eric Bisignani and Maddie Petruzzi; Greensburg Central Catholic – Braden Riley and Eva Denis; Greensburg Salem – Tyler Martin and Olivia Smith; Hempfield Area – Drew Gordon and Milana Yannascoli; Jeannette – Jor’El Taylor and Mia Sarpolis; Kiski Area – Carson Heinle and Maddie Joyce; Ligonier Valley – Hunter Wright and Sydnee Foust; Monessen - Christan Williamson and Kendra Jones; Mount Pleasant Area – Joseph Gardner and Lily King; Norwin – Ryan Schiller and Kendall Berger; Penn-Trafford – Derek Carr and Kylie Anthony; Southmoreland – Elliot Premus and Alexis Ohler; Valley – Landon Harclerode and Janelle Norman; and Yough – Raidon Kuroda and Adoria Waldier. One male and one female winner will be selected. Furthermore, Greensburg Salem boys basketball assistant coach Gene Brisbane will be recognized as the Michael and John Ferrante Memorial Award winner for his efforts in promoting high school athletes. The event will be held at Ferrante’s Lakeview in Hempfield Township on May 7.

Greater Latrobe climbs volleyball polls

Greater Latrobe continues to ascend the rankings in the latest Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association polls released today. The Wildcats boys moved up one spot to No. 2 in the Class 3A rankings, behind only North Allegheny. Greater Latrobe is 6-0 overall, including 2-0 in Class 3A Section 2. Penn-Trafford, which is 6-1 overall and also 2-0 from Section 2, holds steady at No. 5. Hempfield Area, which is 2-2 on the campaign and 0-1 in Section 2, dropped one spot to No. 8. Meanwhile, Norwin, which was previously ranked ninth, fell out of the top 10 with an overall record of 4-3, including 1-1 in Section 2.

UPG tabs Saville to lead women’s volleyball

Holly Saville was hired last Friday to lead the University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg women’s volleyball program. For the past four years, Saville guided Penn State New Kensington, going 11-11 overall last season, including 5-5 in the Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC). The Lions reached the PSUAC Tournament, falling in the quarterfinals to Penn State Fayette. Aside from her tenure with the Lions, Saville also boasts coaching experience with the Alliance Volleyball Club. Saville played for the Bobcats from 2000-02, garnering All-American status. In the fall, UPG went 3-27 overall, including 2-6 in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC).