Penn-Trafford notebook: Barilla qualifies for state cross country meet

By: Paul Schofield
Sunday, October 29, 2023 | 11:01 AM

Purchase Photo Options

Penn-Trafford senior Amelia Barilla achieved her goal Oct. 26 at the WPIAL Class 3A Cross Country Championship at White Oak Park.

Barilla placed eighth overall and qualified for the PIAA Championship Nov. 4 at Hershey.

Her goal is to earn a medal, which is Top 25. Last year she placed 28th.

“I didn’t feel 100 percent,” Barilla said. “I wish I would have done better time wise, but I felt horrible. I was glad I was able to stay in the top 10.

“I really want to medal at states. Last year I was three spots away. I want to be in the Top 25 and run a good time. My best time is 20:10. I’d like to be in the 19s.”

Barilla said she was 20 seconds off her personal record, which isn’t too bad considering how she felt.

Volleyball wins opener

The Penn-Trafford girls volleyball team, seeded No. 6, defeated No. 11 Bethel Park, 3-1, to open WPIAL Class 4A playoff action.

The Warriors breezed to easy wins in the first two sets, but the Black Hawks won the third before the Warriors flexed their muscle and raced out to a huge lead in a 25-12 win in the fourth set.

Penn-Trafford was scheduled to face No. 3 Canon-McMillan in the quarterfinals Oct. 26.

Warrior skaters stumble

Penn-Trafford came out slow and lost 9-5 to Fox Chapel in a PIHL Class 2A game Oct. 23.

Despite the loss, Bryce Kropczynski did score three goals and had two assists. The other goals were scored by Drew Hall and Cam Kiste. Robert Thatcher (two), Kyler Doran, Jack Blank, Gavin Paterson and Hall had assists.

The Warriors (1-2) were set to return to action Oct. 30 against Hempfield.

Field hockey seeded first

Penn-Trafford was scheduled to open defense of its WPIAL field hockey title in Class 2A with a home game against Latrobe on Oct. 28. The Warriors defeated the Wildcats in both meetings in the regular season, 4-0 and 2-1.

Ava Hershberger, an Ohio State commit, has scored more than 100 career goals.

The winner faces the winner of the No. 2 Fox Chapel and No. 3 Upper St. Clair match in the finals at 2 p.m. Nov. 4 at Washington & Jefferson College’s Cameron Stadium.

Penn-Trafford has won seven consecutive titles.

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Penn-Trafford