Jethawks finish D31 play undefeated

With the postseason on the horizon for the District 31 American Legion baseball schedule, the Latrobe Jethawks proved to be the team to beat. Latrobe finished the regular season undefeated, capped off by an impressive final week. Last Monday, the Jethawks edged host Bushy Run 7-6 at Penn-Trafford High School. The following day, Latrobe blanked Homer City 7-0 at the White Township Complex. On Wednesday, Latrobe won via forfeit against 14th Ward. The following day, the Jethawks again bested Bushy Run, this time prevailing 5-2 at Legion Keener Park. On Friday, the Jethawks defeated Plum 8-5 at Ligonier Valley High School. On Saturday, Latrobe shut out Unity 5-0 at Legion Keener. The Jethawks finished up their busy week on Sunday, tying homestanding Plum 3-3, as the game was called after seven innings due to weather.

Eight baseball stars named All-State

Westmoreland County was well-represented on the Pennsylvania State Baseball Coaches Association All-State teams, with eight standouts garnering the accolade. The list, which was released on Friday, includes 40 players across the state from each classification. In Class 5A, Franklin Reginal’s Luke Williams made the First-Team as an infielder. In that same classification, Penn-Trafford’s Hunter DeStefano (infielder) and Logan Matrisch (outfielder) both made the cut as Second-Team, while Cole Short of Greater Latrobe was tabbed as an athlete on the Second-Team. in 4A, Belle Vernon Area infielder Connor Bergman was chosen as a First-Team honoree. Meanwhile, Second-Team honors went to the Valley duo of pitcher Dominic Dunkel and outfielder Nicholas Heakins. Lastly in 3A, Ian Shipley, an infielder for Mount Pleasant Area, made the First-Team.

GS’s Sikora wins PGA Junior qualifier

Greensburg Salem’s Luke Sikora, who has garnered plenty of headlines for his golf achievements, added another accomplishment to his resume last month, as he took first place at the Tri-State PGA Junior Championship qualifier. Competing at the South Hills Country Club, Sikora shot rounds of 71 and 72, finishing 1-over par, finishing one stroke ahead of runner-up Bailey Donahue of Pittsburgh Central Catholic. Sikora, a rising junior for the Golden Lions, advances to the National Junior PGA Championship, which will be held in Frisco, Texas, from July 28-31. Earlier this summer, Sikora notched his sixth hole-in-one.

Bearcats hire pair of assistant coaches

Saint Vincent College added a pair of coaches to the athletic department last week, as Michael Spencer was hired as an assistant men’s and women’s swimming coach, while Taylor Jones was added as a graduate assistant coach for women’s soccer. Spencer most recently served as an assistant at Franklin College, following a four-year tenure at Alfred University. He competed in the sport collegiately at Westminster College, graduating in 2019. Likewise, Jones competed at Westminster, wrapping up her career on the pitch with the Titans in the spring. Additionally, she served as a volunteer assistant coach for girls soccer at her alma mater, Penn-Trafford, since 2024.