Jethawks advance to D31 title game

The District 31 American Legion baseball playoffs continued over the weekend, as the Latrobe Jethawks punched their ticket to the title game, while Bushy Run and Homer City split the first two games of their best-of-three series. The top-seeded Jethawks edged Lower Burrell 3-2 at Legion Keener Park on Saturday, and followed with a lopsided 19-3 triumph in five innings on Sunday at ABC Field to secure the sweep. In the blowout victory, Latrobe’s Mason Fridley produced three doubles and five RBIs, while Grady Ruffner, Joey Razza, and Aaryn Chappel each contributed two hits. In the other series, Homer City claimed a 3-0 win on Saturday at Penn-Trafford High School, but a day later, the Beavers answered with a 6-2 victory at First Commonwealth Field. In the Bushy Run win, Dylan Ridley had a pair of RBI hits, while Amari Thomas added a two-run single. The decisive game of the series will take place tonight at Penn-Trafford at 5:30 p.m.

FR’s Williams, Norwin’s Sivrich taken in MLB Draft

A pair of Westmoreland County high school baseball players heard their names called over the weekend in the Major League Baseball Draft, as Franklin Regional’s Luke Williams and Caden Sivrich of Norwin achieved their dreams. Williams, a shortstop for the Panthers, was selected in the third round – 78th overall – by the Washington Nationals. In the spring, Williams hit .465 with four homers, 33 runs, 17 RBIs, and 33 stolen bases. He has signed with Vanderbilt University. Sivrich, meanwhile, was chosen in the 14th round – 411th overall – by the Athletics. In his final campaign with the Knights, the hurler went 3-3 with an ERA of 3.35 and 48 strikeouts in 31.1 innings, while also hitting .323 with four homer runs and 20 RBIs. Sivrich has pledged to the University of Pittsburgh. They will have until July 27 to sign professional contracts or opt to play college baseball instead.

Spartans Varhola headlines All-State softball list

The Pennsylvania High School Softball Coaches Association released its All-State teams last week, and numerous Westmoreland County stars made the list. Hempfield Area’s Julia Varhola was the most notable inclusion, as she was picked as the Class 6A Pitcher of the Year, as well as a First-Team selection at pitcher. She was joined by five fellow Spartans, as Ella Berkebile was First-Team at catcher, Jocelyn Luft garnered First-Team honors at second, Lauren Howard was a First-Team shortstop, Claire Mitchell was selected as a First-Team outfielder, and Jayelyn Luft was First-Team utility. Several players made the cut in Class 5A, including three from Penn-Trafford and a pair for Greater Latrobe. For the Warriors, pitcher Allyson Paulone was Second-Team, while Torrie DeStefano was a Second-Team shortstop and Aria Smith earned Second-Team honors in the outfield. Representing the Wildcats, Natalia Scekeres was Second-Team at shortstop, while Morgan Maiers was a Second-Team outfielder. A couple of Belle Vernon Area Leopards earned the distinction in Class 4A, as Addy Newman was a First-Team outfielder, while Kaylee Sypolt made the Second-Team at shortstop. Moreover, BVA’s Sydney Callaway was one of two recipients for the courage awards. In 3A, Ligonier Valley had a pair of selections, as Elyse Witcoski was a First-Team catcher and Marlee Miller was a Second-Team shortstop. Additionally, Kylee Fisher of Yough was tabbed as First-Team at first base, and Mount Pleasant Area’s Kendra Brunson was First-Team utility. Lastly in Class 1A, Jeannette pitcher Grace Stein was a Second-Team selection.

Gallagher steps away from Griffins WBB

After three incredibly successful seasons guiding Seton Hill University women’s basketball, Maeve Gallagher has stepped away from the program. During her tenure at the helm of the Griffins, Gallagher compiled a mark of 60-31, reaching the NCAA Division II Tournament in consecutive campaigns. This past season, SHU went 22-9 overall, including 15-5 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). After falling to Gannon University in the PSAC semifinals, the Griffs defeated Fayetteville State University before losing to Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the Atlantic Regional semifinals. Prior to joining Seton Hill as an assistant for two years, she held the same position at Washington & Jefferson for two seasons, and also spend one year at Longwood University. Gallagher was a three-sport athlete at Point Park University, competing in basketball, soccer, and softball.