Nine Westmoreland softball teams clinch

While there’s still a couple of weeks remaining in the high school softball season, nine Westmoreland County teams have already punched their tickets to the postseason. In Class 6A, first-place Hempfield Area and Norwin have secured their spots. In 5A, Penn-Trafford, Kiski Area, and Greater Latrobe have all secured postseason bids from Section 2. In Class 3A, first-place Mount Pleasant Area, Yough, and Burrell have all gained berths from Section 1. Lastly in Class 1A, Jeannette has clinched from Section 3. Additionally, although they have not yet clinched, Westmoreland County teams currently in the top four in their sections include Derry Area and Greensburg Salem in Class 4A Section 1.

GCC’s Gribble switches to UVA

One of the most decorated girls basketball players in Westmoreland County history has changed her college plans. Last week, Greensburg Central Catholic senior Erica Gribble decommited from the University of Richmond and instead pledged to the University of Virginia. Former Spiders head coach Aaron Roussell recently resigned from Richmond to take the same position with the Cavaliers. Gribble, who finished her Centurions’ career with 2,380 points, helped GCC capture the PIAA Class 3A Championship last month. In her senior campaign, she averaged 21.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 3.6 steals, guiding her team to a record of 24-7.

Warriors tab Smith, Rubright as new coaches

A pair of Penn-Trafford programs will be under new leadership next school year, as Nate Smith was hired as the Warriors wrestling coach, while Karlee Rubright was tabbed to lead the field hockey program. Smith, who served as an assistant with the Warriors previously, replaced Travis McKillop, who stepped down after four seasons at the helm. During his career on the mat, Smith excelled at Franklin Regional, and then competed collegiately at the University of Pitt-Johnstown, where he garnered All-American status. Similarly, Rubright was an assistant coach under decorated head coach Cindy Dutt, who retired after 22 years leading the program. Dutt started the Warriors program in 2003, and guided PT to nine WPIAL crowns during her tenure.

Spartans, Scotties seniors honored as Collins Scholar-Athletes

A pair of Westmoreland County seniors were among 20 winners of the James Collins Scholar-Athlete Award. Hempfield Area’s Jonathan Stetchock and Megan Mehall of Southmoreland each garnered $1,000 scholarships. Stetchock competes in cross country and track and field for the Spartans, while Mehall participates in soccer and track and field with the Scotties. Each WPIAL school can nominate one male and one female candidate, who are evaluated by the WPIAL Scholarship Committee.

Bearcats trio wins PAC volleyball awards

After a season that included an appearance in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) semifinals, Saint Vincent College men’s volleyball captured three major awards. Bearcats head coach Kate McCauley was named the PAC Coach of the Year, while Jackson Genicola and Jack Ryan were selected as the Defensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year, respectively. McCauley helped lead SVC to an overall mark of 14-5, including 10-2 in PAC action. In 19 matches, Genicola compiled 25 assists and 210 digs. Ryan, meanwhile, racked up 28 kills, 630 assists, six service aces, 139 digs, and 37 blocks in 19 matches. Genicola, along with Shawn McSwiggen and Zebadiah Wyant, were recognized as First-Team All-PAC performers, while Ryan was Second-Team, and Rocco Marino and Braedan Artman were Honorable-Mention players.