VALLEY SPORTS HISTORY

2014

• It took a pair of nailbiting one-run games to lift 11th-seeded Mars to the WPIAL Class AAA semifinals. No. 7 Elizabeth Forward made the Planets endure a lot of stress with a four-run sixth inning but the Planets managed to endure to secure a 7-6 win to earn their first shot at the championship since 2006. The Planets had a big second inning with five runs. The Planets added two more runs in the top of the sixth inning and managed to survive the Warriors’ sixth inning rally.

• When the Belle Vernon Area baseball team takes the field next season, it will do so without Coach Daryl Hixenbaugh in the dugout for the first two games. The WPIAL Board of Control has suspended Hixenbaugh for two games for remarks he made after his team was defeated by West Mifflin. The WPIAL objected to Hixenbaugh’s comments concerning the professionalism and impartiality of the WPIAL umpires.

2004

• Sunday – no paper

1994

• Charleroi Ponderosa is very hot in the Fayette County Baseball League. Charleroi swept visiting Washington, 11-0 and 7-0, to maintain its unbeaten record. Aaron Kunder and Dennis Kulok combined to produce a three-hitter in the first game with Chris Michalowski and Kulok teaming up for a four-hitter in the nightcap. In the opening game, Mike Conte’s two-run double highlighted a five-run third inning before Conte belted out a three-run homer in the fourth.

• Dunlevy upped its season record to 3-1in the Greater Pittsburgh Soccer League after a 3-0 win over Pittsburgh United. The Redbirds got a first half goal from Jon Stivoric on an assist from Darren Lupori. Goalie Gene Robbins was solid in the net. Also having a big game for the winners were defenders Jason Miller and

Brian Lusk plus midfielders Jeff McJunkin and Kevin Roadarmel. In the second half, Vince Russell and

Alex Amezquita scored goals.