Norwin notebook: Volleyball team honored to again take part in outdoor game

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, September 9, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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Mary Ellen Ferragonio knew her team was taking part in an event that was as unique as it was celebratory.

And it still felt special, even though Norwin had played in it two times before.

The third Pack the Park outdoor girls volleyball match was played in perfect weather conditions Aug. 29 at Ellen Toy Grass Court in Kennedy Park in Vandergrift.

Kiski Area defeated Norwin, 3-1.

The match, in large part, honors the memory of former Kiski Area coach Ellen Toy, who was a longtime friend of Ferragonio.

“It is an honor to be a part of it, not just for Ellen, but also for what We Serve First does to promote volleyball and what it does for so many people,” Ferragonio said. “It extends the wonderful legacy Ellen left.

“This is such a special thing for both teams to come together and play and open the season in such a meaningful way.”

Norwin fell behind, 2-0, but won the third set, 25-16 as senior 6-foot-1 hitter Lauren Palangio and senior captains Ava Kobus and Jillian Pensenstadler powered the charge.

Proceeds benefit the We Serve First Foundation.

County golf

The Norwin boys golf team finished fourth out of seven Class 3A teams at the Westmoreland County Coaches Association Boys Golf Championship at Latrobe Elks Golf Course.

Preston Stoner was the top individual finisher for the Knights as he carded a 78 to tied for 11th.

Don Cerilli tied for 19th with an 80, while Landon Stoner (82) and Alex Graham (83) also competed.

Penn-Trafford, led by individual champion Nick Turowski who fired a 4-under-par 68, won the team title (380).

Greensburg Central Catholic was the 2A champion (398).

Knights bounce back

After sustaining a 5-1 loss to Seneca Valley, the Norwin boys soccer team rebounded with back-to-back wins.

The first was a 6-0 victory at Allderdice that saw Daniel Maddock net two goals, while Owen Christopher, Ryan Schomer and Luke Helberg had one apiece.

Ryan Schomer, George Bunovich and Chase Molinaro had assists.

A 14-0 runaway against Hempfield followed as Maddock tallied three goals and an assist, Christopher and Alex Brown had two goals each, and Ryan Schomer, Luke Halberg and Carson Zadylak notched a goal and an assist each.

Shutout for Lady Knights

Jackie Weber had two goals, and Gabby Schoemer, Nicole Bown and Elin Bash added one apiece to lead Norwin’s girls soccer team to a 5-0 win over Hempfield.

Mila Ostovich and Rebecca Kostrobala teamed up for the shutout in goal.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

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