Kiski Area’s Albert retires as head coach

Sam Albert announced his retirement as a football head coach last week, ending his tenure at the helm of Kiski Area. Albert guided the Cavaliers for the past eight years, compiling a mark of 27-52. His lengthy head coaching career dates back to 1991, as he amassed an overall mark of 160-153-1. His initial stint as a head coach was at Valley, followed by tenures at Butler Area, Freeport Area, and Highlands. This past season, KA went 4-6 overall, with a mark of 2-4 in the Class 5A Big East Conference, failing to qualify for the playoffs. Albert is still open to coaching in an assistant role.

Reilly, Gesinski earn All-State honors

A pair of Westmoreland County girls soccer stars were honored with All-State accolades last week. The Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association released its list, which included Greater Latrobe’s Robin Reilly and Mount Pleasant Area’s Morgan Gesinski. Reilly, a senior, was selected among the midfielders, while Gesinski, a junior, was tabbed among the list of forwards. This past season, the Wildcats went 8-6-1, falling in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs, while the Vikings achieved a mark of 15-2-0, losing in the quarterfinals of the Class 2A bracket.

Spartans hockey notches thrilling win

Jonny Holtzman scored with 16 seconds left in regulation to lead Hempfield Area to a 5-4 victory against Armstrong last Thursday. Playing at the Kirk Nevin Arena in Greensburg, the host Spartans broke the tie just 14 seconds after the River Hawks scored the equalizer. The teams combined for six goals in the third period. JJ Williams produced a big night for Hempfield Area, as he tallied two goals and two assists, while Dane Busch added a pair of goals and Nick Crupie posted two assists for the Spartans. Aiden Nader earned the win in net for Hempfield Area, registering 25 saves. As a result of their victory, the Spartans improved to 3-3-0 on the season, accumulating nine points. The Spartans return to the ice tonight, as they host first-place Penn-Trafford at the Nevin Arena at 8:35 p.m. on the Westmoreland Sports Network.

Eight Griffins earn football honors

Eight Seton Hill University football players were recognized as all-conference performers last Wednesday. The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) announced Griffins running back Ky’Ron Craggette, linebacker Ritchie McCormack, and defensive back David Awuah as First-Team All-PSAC West performers. It’s the second year in a row that Craggette was tabbed to the first team. Additionally, offensive linemen Paul Newill and Caleb Turner, receiver Todd Phillips, defensive lineman Josh Cohen, and defensive back Demetri Whitehead garnered Second-Team accolades. Teams are nominated and voted on by the league’s head coaches. The Griffins went 3-8 overall this season, including a mark of 1-5 in the PSAC West.

UPG women’s soccer falls in ECAC semis

The Pitt-Greensburg women’s soccer season ended on Saturday, as the Bobcats fell 4-0 to Springfield College in Hartford, Connecticut in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) semifinals. Springfield tallied three goals in the opening half in the victory. Meanwhile, Paige John made five saves in net for UPG, and Riley Gesinski fired three shots on goal. In the opening round of the tournament the previous Saturday, the Bobcats edged FDU-Florham 2-1, courtesy of goals by Reese Walker and Emily Bonelli. UPG finished the campaign with a record of 13-5-4.