Three 3A teams in quarterfinals

But other WPIAL powers fall hard

It was a great day for WPIAL Class 3A teams in the first round of the PIAA team championships Thursday at Giant Center in Hershey, Pa. All three entries posted victories to advance to the quarterfinals Friday.

The most impressive performance was turned in by Seneca Valley, the WPIAL’s third-place finisher. The Raiders (16-2) won 12 bouts in a 58-9 domination of District 12 champion Archbishop Wood (11-3). Antonio Amelio (132), Drew Vlasnik (138), John Siwiak (195) and Nick Funovits (220) had pins for the Raiders, while Ty Gross (170) had a technical fall.

“We weren’t sure what to expect since it was our first appearance at the Giant Center,” Seneca Valley coach Kevin Wildrick said. “We certainly didn’t expect to put up those kind of numbers. The kids did a great job.”

• WPIAL champion Kiski Area (19-1) posted a firstround victory for the third year in a row. The Cavaliers won 11 bouts in a 47-16 victory against District 3 thirdplace finisher Central Dauphin (18-3). Cam Connor (145), Jack Blumer (152) and Isaac Reid (285) had pins for the Cavaliers.

• WPIAL runner-up Canon-McMillan ( 12- 1) broke a 12-12 tie by winning five of the final eight bouts en route to a 36-24 victory against District 1 champion Council Rock South (12-3). Timothy Hritsko (138), Gerrit Nijenhuis (170) and Zach Rohaley (220) recorded pins for the Big Macs, while Logan Macri (120) posted a technical fall.

In Class 2A, WPIAL champion Burrell (11-6) opened its 15th consecutive PIAA appearance with a narrow, 3430 loss against District 4 runner-up Muncy (21-3). Mason Slahtovsky gave the Buccaneers a 30-29 lead with one bout remaining when he pinned Coty Steele at 285 pounds.

Unfortunately, Muncy’s Jacob Blair, ranked No. 1 in the state, closed the match with a 16-0 technical fall of Aaron Edwards at 106. Bryan Gaul (126) and Shaun Gates (160) also had pins for Burrell.

“We gave up too many bonus points,” Burrell coach Josh Shields said. “Muncy had three pins and two technical falls.”

• WPIAL runner-up Derry (21-3) made its second consecutive PIAA appearance, but dropped a 43-18 decision against District 5 champion Chestnut Ridge (14-2). The Trojans won only five bouts, and Onreey Stewart (138) had their only pin.

“We weren’t sure what to expect since it was our first appearance at the Giant Center. We certainly didn’t expect to put up those kind of numbers. The kids did a great job.” — Kevin Wildrick, Seneca Valley coach