Fall sports practices begin

Monday marked the start for an array of high school fall sports. Practices commenced for boys and girls soccer and cross country, girls volleyball, girls tennis, and field hockey. For soccer, cross country, girls volleyball, and field hockey, scrimmages can begin on Saturday, while Aug. 25 represents the first play date. Girls tennis, meanwhile, has a first play date of Aug. 21. The other fall sports, football and golf, commenced practices last week.

Spartans, Leopards softball recognized by Pirates

A pair of Westmoreland County softball teams were recognized by the Pittsburgh Pirates over the weekend. Hempfield Area and Belle Vernon Area, which captured the WPIAL Class 6A and 4A titles, respectively, were honored on Sunday during the Pirates’ home game against the Cincinnati Reds. In June, both teams claimed district gold by prevailing in extra innings at Lilley Field at California University of Pennsylvania. The Spartans upset top-seeded Seneca Valley 2-1 to capture the eighth crown in the storied history of the program. The Leopards, meanwhile, edged Montour 8-7 to secure the fifth title in program history.

Craggette ruled eligible at Southmoreland

The WPIAL has ruled Das'jon Craggette eligible to participate in district postseason games this year. Craggette transferred from Greensburg Central Catholic to Geibel this year due to transportation issues. Geibel, which doesn't have a football program, has a co-operative with Southmoreland which allows Geibel students to play for the Scotties football program. Craggette ran for over 1,000 yards and 16 touchdowns for the Centurions last season.

Cifelli named coach for Seton Hill WLAX

Dina Cifelli, who was a record-setting player in the PSAC, was named the head coach for Seton Hill University women’s lacrosse last week. Cifelli replaces Courtney Grove, who stepped down earlier in the summer to become the head coach at Robert Morris University. Cifelli comes to Seton Hill by way of St. Leo University, where she served as an assistant for three seasons. Previously, she was an assistant at the University of Tampa and Holy Family University. As a player, Cifelli was a four-time All-Conference performer at West Chester University, where she set the program and conference record for assists. Grove guided the Griffins for 14 years total over two stints, beginning in 2008, four times winning PSAC Coach of the Year honors. Last campaign, SHU went 15-5 overall, including 12-0 in the PSAC, reaching the conference championship game and the NCAA Tournament.

SVC’s Irefin tabbed as Preseason All-American

Molayo Irefin garnered another accolade last week, as the Saint Vincent College senior was named a preseason All-American. Irefin was selected as Third-Team Preseason All-American as a return specialist by D3football.com. In the process, Irefin became the first Bearcat in program history to receive the recognition. Last season, Irefin paced the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) in both kickoff and punt return average, scoring touchdowns in both facets. He was also a standout receiver for the Bearcats in 2022, snagging 62 receptions for 732 yards and eight scores. SVC commences the 2023 schedule with a home matchup against Washington & Jefferson College on Aug. 2.