Last Updated: Mon Jan 08, 2024 - 12:23PM
Penn-Trafford field hockey continued its dynasty this past fall, as the Warriors captured their eighth WPIAL title in a row, and ninth in program history. The top-seeded Warriors claimed the Class 2A crown with a 4-0 win against Fox Chapel Area on Nov. 4 at Cameron Stadium at Washington & Jefferson College.
Senior standout Ava Hershberger scored twice and added an assist, while sophomore Liz Welsh also netted a pair of tallies against the Foxes. Hershberger opened the scoring for PT less than four minutes into the first quarter on a penalty stroke, and she scored again late in the period to stake Penn-Trafford to a 2-0 edge. Welsh produced both of her markers in the second half, including off a penalty corner by Mackenzie Keenan in the third quarter.
After PT went 8-0 in Class 2A during the regular season, the Warriors garnered the No. 1 seed in the bracket. The Warriors also notched a 2-0 victory at home against fourth-seeded Greater Latrobe in the semifinals.
As a result of the championship win, PT advanced to the PIAA Class 2A bracket, but fell at home to Manheim Central 4-0, finishing the campaign at 18-3 overall.
Hershberger, an Ohio State signee, concluded her storied career at PT with more than 100 career goals, while veteran coach Cindy Dutt continued to add to her legacy. Other notable players included Welsh, Keenan, Brooke Teaman, Morgan McBriar, Guiliana Youngo, Nessa Wright, Rilie Moors, Maura Spadone, Alyssa Paulone, Phoebe Gross, and Emma Young.
Because of their incredible accomplishments, the Penn-Trafford girls field hockey team receives the Shining Stars recognition and a $500 donation to their program courtesy of Smail Kia in Greensburg and the Westmoreland Sports Network.
The team said it will use the donation to assist in starting a junior high team.
ABOUT SHINING STARS: Shining Stars is a program formed by Westmoreland Sports Network and Smail Kia in Greensburg to recognize and support Westmoreland County student-athletes whose academics, community and athletic excellence shines the brightest. Two teams will be chosen as Shining Stars each season throughout the year with both receiving funding to assist their booster programs.