High school volleyball kicks off this week in the West Hills area. Three teams -- Bishop Canevin, Montour and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart -- all reached last season's WPIAL Tournament. Each team faces challenges including player losses, but coaches express optimism for the new season with returning and incoming talent.
The Moon Area girls golf team secured a victory against defending state champion Peters Township by a score of 159-169, improving to 3-0. Senior Angelina Schild led with a 1-under-par 35, while junior Liv DeGori and senior Aubrey Marasco both shot 40. Moon's boys team opened its season with a win over Montour.
Thomas J. Birko Memorial Stadium at Montour High School honors Thomas Birko, a beloved educator and coach who served from 1951 to 1982. A World War II veteran, Birko coached baseball, served as athletic director and impacted many students before his death in 1984.
Dylan Mathiesen, a 2022 Montour High School graduate, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 13th round of the MLB draft, overcoming size challenges and a recent elbow surgery.
Four players from three West Hills high schools have made the All-State baseball team. Jackson Maddix (Bishop Canevin) and Thomas Medwig (Our Lady of the Sacred Heart) earned first-team honors, while teammate Iseia Fields-Schulz and Matteo Weber Montour received second-team recognition. Each player showcased impressive statistics and strong defensive skills.
Three athletes from the West Hills area earned medals during Saturday's final session of the PIAA Track and Field Championships at Shippensburg University. Carlynton's Jordynn Carter secured third in the girls triple jump, while Rachel Stepp and Maria Depner, both of Moon Area, placed fifth and seventh in their events, respectively.
Rachel Stepp of Moon Area recorded the fifth-fastest time in the 400-meters prelims at the PIAA Track and Field Championships with 57.17 seconds, qualifying for Saturday finals. Other local athletes faced challenges Friday but more will be competing Saturday.