Gesinski headlines Rosensteel watch list

The watch list for the Moe Rosensteel Most Outstanding Player award was released last week, and five Westmoreland County standouts are candidates. The quintet from this area consists of Mount Pleasant Area’s Morgan Gesinski, Annalyse Bauer of Greater Latrobe, Franklin Regional’s Addison Ayres, Jiana Patterson from Hempfield Area, and Belle Vernon Area’s Kelsey Roskovich. Gesinski, a Robert Morris University pledge, was one of four finalists a year ago. This year’s finalists will be revealed during the WPIAL girls soccer postseason, and the winner will be announced following the state championships.

Bearcats hire Gissendanner to lead WBB

Saint Vincent College hired one of the most decorated women’s basketball coaches in Western Pennsylvania last week, as Kim Gissendanner was introduced to lead the Bearcats. She replaces Jimmy Petruska, who resigned last month after 15 years guiding SVC. Gissendanner has served at the helm of the La Roche University squad for 12 of the past 13 seasons, compiling a mark of 235-64 and capturing nine Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) crowns with the Redhawks. Last season, she led La Roche to a mark of 22-6 overall, including 14-2 in the AMCC. In addition to her tenure as a head coach, Gissendanner also boasts experience as an assistant at La Salle University and Saint Francis University. As a player, Gissendanner starred at Clairton, and then played at Penn State University, earning All-Conference accolades three times. After graduating in 2008, she signed with the WNBA, and also played professionally in Norway. Last season, the Bearcats went 13-13 overall, including 12-8 in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC), falling to Grove City College in the PAC quarterfinals.

Seton Hill volleyball tabbed fourth

After a resurgent season in 2024, Seton Hill University volleyball has been tabbed fourth in the West Division in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Preseason Volleyball Poll. The Griffins received one first-place vote, and were placed behind Gannon University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and Clarion University. Last year, SHU went 19-9 overall, including 8-6 in the PSAC. The Griffins made the PSAC Tournament, but were swept at Gannon in the opening round. Shepherd University topped the poll in the East Division. The Griffins commence the 2025 campaign against Roberts Wesleyan University at the Clarion Tournament on Sept. 4.