Jethawks claim D31 title; fall in regional

The Latrobe Jethawks put an exclamation point on their undefeated District 31 American Legion season, ousting Murrysville 7-0 on Wednesday to capture the league championship. Playing at Greater Latrobe High School, the Jethawks outlasted the Eagles in a game that included a rain delay and was also halted when the field lights went out. In the process, Latrobe secured its sixth D31 title, and the third in four years, as the Jethawks went back-to-back in 2021 and 22. Latrobe posted a record of 16-0-3 in league play during the regular season, and went a perfect 5-0 in the postseason. In the title contest, Cole Short worked into the sixth inning to earn the win for Latrobe, allowing just three hits and walking four, while racking up five strikeouts. Jack Stynchula worked two innings of relief to complete the shutout, permitting just one hit. Offensively, Haden Sierocky paced the Jethawks, as he compiled a pair of hits with three RBIs, while Erick Batista had a single, a walk, and scored a run. Max Bernadowski posted three hits in the setback for Murrysville. However, the Jethawks season ended over the weekend in the Region 7 Tournament in Claysburg, as Latrobe lost 4-0 against Bedford on Saturday and fell 7-2 to Murrysville on Sunday. In addition to the Eagles, Bushy Run and Hempfield East also remain alive in the Region 7 tourney, as the Beavers smashed Philipsburg 9-1 on Sunday, while the Mud Dogs edged St. Michaels 3-1.

Trafford opens Junior Legion Western Regional with pair of victories

Trafford began the Junior Legion Western Regional in Homer City with victories over St. Mary's 15-2 on Friday and Titusville 7-6 on Sunday. Bryce Ruby had two hits, including a double, three RBIs plus scored three runs and walked twice against St. Mary's. Evan Gigliotti was the winning pitcher while also driving in three runs. Carson Kerstetter tripled and Ruby doubled against Titusville. Cam Duddy was the winning pitcher while Kerstetter got the final six outs for the save. Trafford will play the S.W. Jack Drillers (Indiana) on Monday at 7 p.m.

West Point 12U Softball wins first game of regional

The West Point 12U Softball Team opened the Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament with a 6-0 win over Team New York (Massapequa) today in Bristol, Connecticut. Morgan Maiers went 3-for-3 with an inside the park grand slam and 4 RBIs. She also scored two runs and threw a runner out at the plate from center field. Rian Starz added a double and a RBI. Lexi Stabile tossed a complete game shutout allowing four hits and striking out three. West Point, referred to as Team Pennsylvania, will play Maryland on Wednesday at 4 p.m.

PT football takes first in 7-on-7 tourney

Penn-Trafford went undefeated in winning the 2024 Westmoreland County Coaches Association (WCCA) Larry Sellitto Memorial 7-on-7 passing tournament last Thursday. The Warriors captured the crown for the sixth time in the event’s history, defeating host Greater Latrobe 24-7 in the final to snap the Wildcats’ bid for a three-peat. In that matchup, QB Derek Carr connected on a pair of touchdown passes with Tasso Whipple, while fellow quarterback Jonny Lovre hooked up with Tyler Boss on a scoring connection. In pool play, the Warriors also ousted Valley, Mount Pleasant Area, Yough, Ligonier Valley, and Greater Latrobe’s B team.

Hempfield grad Fox chosen in MLB Draft

Phil Fox, a graduate of Hempfield Area, was selected in the seventh round of the MLB draft last Monday. The Chicago White Sox tabbed Fox with the 199th pick, a seventh-round selection. After graduating in 2021, Fox continued his baseball career at Gardner-Webb. After redshirting in his first season due to injury, Fox was a Big South Conference All-Freshman honoree in 2023. He transferred to the University of Pittsburgh last season, and was stellar as the closer for the Panthers. Fox compiled a mark of 3-2 with eight saves, posting an ERA of 1.47 in 36.2 innings, earning Third-Team All-American accolades.

Seton Hill’s Layton selected by A’s

Seton Hill University standout pitcher Aidan Layton was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the MLB draft last Tuesday. Layton was taken in the 17th round as the 496th pick overall. In four seasons with the Griffins, the right-hander went 17-6 with a 4.17 ERA in 218 innings of work, compiling 61 walks and 221 strikeouts. He was tabbed as an All-PSAC performer this year and All-Region honoree in each of his final two collegiate seasons. Layton is the seventh SHU baseball player selected in the MLB Draft

UPG tabs Bolden to lead WBB

The University of Pitt-Greensburg announced the hiring of Julie Bolden as women’s basketball coach last Tuesday. Bolden previously served as an assistant coach for two seasons at the University of Dayton. Prior to that, she was the video coordinator at Hofstra University for a season. Last campaign under the guidance of Darien Lantz, the Bobcats went 12-14 overall, including 10-8 in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC). UPG fell to Mount Aloysius College in the opening round of the AMCC Tournament.