BVA’s Martin pledges to Penn State

Belle Vernon Area junior Quinton Martin, rated as the top football player in Pennsylvania in his class, made his college choice on Friday, as he pledged to Penn State University. Martin is a four-star prospect and ranks 30th nationally per the 247 Sports Composite. Listed as an athlete, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound Leopards’ standout was recruited as a running back by the Nittany Lions. Emerging as a key contributor in his freshman campaign in 2020, Martin has helped BVA reach the WPIAL championship game each of the past two seasons, including winning the Class 3A WPIAL and PIAA titles last season. In 2022, he rushed 149 times for 1,274 yards, hauled in 29 receptions for 415 yards, and amassed 30 total touchdowns. His college offers also include Pitt, West Virginia, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Michigan, Florida State, Miami, Texas, among others.

Southmoreland’s Brown tosses consecutive shutouts

Southmoreland softball notched a pair of crucial section wins this past week, both coming via shutouts by junior pitcher Maddie Brown. Last Monday, Brown worked nine scoreless innings in guiding the Scotties to a 2-0 extra-innings triumph against Ligonier Valley. For most of that contest, Brown was overshadowed by Rams pitcher Cheyenne Piper, who notched 20 strikeouts. However, Southmoreland’s Amarah McCutcheon blasted a two-run walk-off homer, making a winner of Brown, who surrendered just four hits while striking out nine. Two days later, Brown nearly replicated her effort, as she again went the distance, allowing three hits and one walk while fanning seven in a 2-0 victory at Mount Pleasant Area. McCutcheon added another RBI in the win, as did Gwen Bassinger, spoiling a strong effort by Vikings’ hurler Sophia Smithnosky. As a result of the outcomes, the Scotties sit atop Class 3A Section 3.

Adams hired to guide Valley football

Valley will have its third head football coach in as many seasons in 2023, as the district recently approved Mark Adams, who previously served as the head coach at Southmoreland and Leechburg. Adams was hired last Tuesday, replacing Dave Heavner, who left the program after one season. Adams already has experience with the Vikings, as he served as an assistant coach for two seasons under Muzzy Colosimo. Prior to that, Adams guided the Scotties for five years, compiling a record of 12-34 at Southmoreland. In addition to his four-year stint leading the Blue Devils, Adams also held assistant roles at Southmoreland, Greensburg Salem, Yough, and most recently, Ringgold. Last fall under Heavner, a Valley alum, the Vikings went just 1-9, including 0-5 in the Class 3A Allegheny Six Conference, missing the WPIAL playoffs.

Westmoreland County players litter PIHL girls rosters

After its inaugural season last year, the PIHL girls division will soon return, with games commencing later this month. The league has expanded to seven teams this campaign, with a bevy of local players on the rosters. Westmoreland girls comprise the vast majority of the East squad, including Penn-Trafford’s junior defenseman Marissa Caswell, sophomore forward Kylie McKenzie, and freshman forward Emmalee Pluck, as well as junior goalie Lance Brunetto and sophomore forward Kira Florek from Greater Latrobe, Hempfield Area’s sophomore netminder Katelyn Porter and freshman blueliner Lauren Qualey, Franklin Regional senior goalie Ella Venters, Ashlynn Leblanc, a sophomore forward from Ligonier Valley, and Greensburg Salem freshman defenseman Anna Daniel. Additionally, Belle Vernon Area freshman goalie Cydney Mathers is on the Southwest team, while Burrell sophomore forward Elizabeth Jarrett is on Northeast.

SHU baseball runs winning streak to 17

The Seton Hill baseball team extended its winning streak to 17 games over the weekend, as the Griffins scored a four-game sweep of Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Seton Hill won both games at home in convincing fashion on Friday, but showed its flair for the dramatic on Saturday, winning both tilts in extra innings. In their 5-1 win to open the series, the Griffins received a two-run home run by Jack Oberdorf, while Kevin Vaupel went the distance, giving up just one run while striking out eight. Seton Hill followed with a 7-2 win, keyed by a five-run first inning. Braden Durham and Logan Vietmeier each posted two RBIs, while Jon McCullough notched the complete game, permitting two runs and striking out six. In Indiana on Saturday, the Griffins and Crimson Hawks were tied into the ninth inning, when SHU exploded for six runs to claim the 9-3 win. Oberdorf provided a homer and three RBIs, while Blake Barker worked 3.2 scoreless innings in relief for the win. The Griffs took the nightcap 5-3 in eight innings, as Jared Dowey contributed two RBIs and Brandon Bergert worked 6.1 innings, allowing just two earned runs along with seven strikeouts. The Griffins, who have not lost since March 16, are two wins away from matching their longest winning streak as a member of the NCAA.

Bearcats softball notches no-hitter vs UPG

A pair of Saint Vincent College softball pitchers combined for a no-hitter against the University of Pitt-Greensburg this past week, as the Bearcats and Bobcats split their doubleheader. After host UPG took the first game 7-3 on Wednesday, Saint Vincent’s Meghan Braun and Olivia Bushmore were unblemished in leading the Bearcats to a 9-1 victory in five innings. Braun started in the circle for SVC, but failed to record an out, issuing four walks and a run. In relief, Bushmore was nearly perfect, as she worked five innings to notch the victory. In her outing, Bushmore did not allow a hit, issuing only two walks and racking up seven strikeouts. The feat marked the first no-hitter for Saint Vincent since 2016, when Samantha Emert and Nicole Adisey combined for the accomplishment.