Penn-Trafford softball, Franklin Regional tennis named Shining Stars

The Warriors played in the state semifinals while the Panthers were the top seed in the WPIAL playoffs

Tue Aug 09, 2022 - 8:38PM

Dan Flickinger Dan Flickinger
From L-R: Cameron Ponko, Mack Keenan, Rilie Moors, Coach Denny Little (Penn-Trafford), Jeff Mikell (Smail Kia)From L-R: Cameron Ponko, Mack Keenan, Rilie Moors, Coach Denny Little (Penn-Trafford), Jeff Mikell (Smail Kia)

Last Updated: Tue Aug 09, 2022 - 9:25PM

Congratulations to the Penn-Trafford girls softball team and the Franklin Regional boys tennis squad for being selected as Shining Stars for their outstanding accomplishments in the spring.

Under coach Denny Little, the Warriors finished as the WPIAL runner-up in Class 5A last season losing to Armstrong by just one run in the championship game. They then advanced all the way to the PIAA semifinals finishing the year with a stellar 20-4 record.

The team was led by seniors McKenzie Rapp, Madison Rapp, Hannah Allen and Mia Smith plus many underclassmen contributors.

After an excellent regular season, Franklin Regional boys tennis was the top seed in the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs and made it all the way to the semifinals falling to Shady Side Academy.

Prerit Yadav and Dhruv Kukarni were finalists in the WPIAL doubles tournament and captured a first round victory in the PIAA postseason. Andrew Allen took fourth place in the WPIAL Class AAA singles tournament while Andrew Allen and Aaron Allen earned a fourth place finish in the WPIAL doubles tournament.

The Panthers, led by coach Howard Fisher, had the top two singles players, top two doubles teams plus best overall team in Westmoreland County.

With the Shining Stars recognition, each team will receive a contribution of $500 to go towards their respective booster organizations courtesy of Smail Kia in Greensburg and the Westmoreland Sports Network.

ABOUT SHINING STARS: Shining Stars is a partnership between 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 each season as Shining Stars with each receiving funding to help their booster programs.