GCC’s Gribble hits 2,000 points

Greensburg Central Catholic senior Erica Gribble reached rarified air last week, as she topped 2,000 career points in a win at Deer Lakes. In the 65-24 triumph against the Lancers, Gribble poured in 27 points, securing her spot as the 46th girls player in WPIAL history and seventh in Westmoreland County history to hit the milestone, and the first since Jeannette’s Ciara Gregory in 2013. A Richmond commit, Gribble has won back-to-back WPIAL titles with the Centurions.

Salvino, Spartans duo earn spots in WPIAL HOF

The WPIAL Hall of Fame Class of 2026 includes three Westmoreland County representatives, consisting of former Monessen and Belle Vernon Area boys basketball coach Joe Salvino and former Hempfield Area track and field stars Bridget (Guy) Williams and Maddie (Holmberg) Nickal. In his illustrious 41-year head coaching career, Salvino compiled a mark of 745-313. He guided the Greyhounds to six WPIAL crowns and two state titles, and led the Leopards to the WPIAL Class 4A Championship last season in his final campaign. (Guy) Williams won the PIAA pole vault title in 2014 with the Spartans, and then became a three-time All-American at the University of Virginia. She represented the United States in the 2024 Olympic Games in the pole vault. (Holmberg) Nickal captured nine WPIAL crowns and four state gold medals during his career with the Spartans, establishing WPIAL records in the long jump and 400 relay. At Penn State University, she was a three-time All-American. The induction ceremony will take place in June at the DoubleTree Hotel in Green Tree.

Wildcats wrestling outlasts Spartans

A crucial clash on the mat last week went in favor of Greater Latrobe, as the Wildcats edged Hempfield Area 43-24 to secure a playoff berth in Class 3A. As a result, GL moved to 2-0 in Section 8, while the Spartans dropped to 0-2. Greater Latrobe jumped out to a 12-0 edge, and although the Spartans rallied, the Wildcats scored the final 18 points of the meet. GL received pins via Maddox Mehalic (107 pounds), Pickle Burket (160), Nico Dominick (215), Gamin Owens (heavyweight), as well as forfeits at 114 and 189. Moreover, Dom Angelicchio (152) garnered a major decision, while Logan Peagler (139) won via decision. In the defeat, the Spartans garnered falls from Nico Kapusta (121) and Ty King (133), an injury default victory for Jacob Beck (172), and decisions from Nathan Caracciolo (127), Jacob Halstead (145).

Hempfield girls, Greensburg Salem boys win WCCA bowling titles

The Hempfield Area girls and Greensburg Salem boys took home team titles in the Westmoreland County Coaches Association (WCCA) bowling championships on Saturday. Competing at Hillview Lanes in Greensburg, the Spartans compiled a total of 2,564 pins, easily outpacing runner-up Greater Latrobe, which tallied 1,931. The Spartans were propelled by senior Ashley Bensur, whose three-game total of 612 was the top mark among girls. Hempfield teammates Amelia Droste and Clara Carmichael placed second and third, respectively. On the boys side, the Golden Lions took first with a score of 2,963 pins, edging Hempfield Area and Belle Vernon Area, which totaled 2,752 and 2,746 pins, respectively. Franklin Regional’s Brayden Fallon took the boys individual crown with a series of 701, while GS’s Justice Payne tied for second.

Bearcats WBB stays perfect in PAC

With a pair of home wins last week, Saint Vincent College women’s basketball moved to 6-0 in Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) play. The Bearcats prevailed 56-51 against Chatham University on Wednesday, and followed with a 66-45 win against Allegheny College on Saturday. In the triumph against the Cougars, no Bearcats reached double-digits in scoring, but Makenna Maier tallied nine points and four different players scored eight points. Against the Gators, SVC jumped out to an 18-5 lead after the opening quarter. Olivia Yancy and Emerson Peffer each scored 15 points off the bench for the Bearcats, while Danielle Pontius tallied a dozen points. The Bearcats are tied with Washington & Jefferson atop the PAC South Division.

This week on WSN

This week on the Westmoreland Sports Network kicks off with a girls basketball clash on Monday in Class 5A Section 1, as Franklin Regional plays host to Penn Hills. Tuesday includes more Panthers hoops, as the Franklin Regional boys welcome McKeesport Area in a Class 5A Section 1 play, while Seton Hill University wrestling hosts Shippensburg and Wheeling. On Friday, Southmoreland boys basketball looks to maintain its hold on first place with a home tilt against Charleroi, while Derry Area hosts Belle Vernon Area in a Class 4A matchup.