Beaver survives on late free throws

Beaver’s 26-23 loss at Fairview (20-8) in the first round of the PIAA Class 4A playoffs (15-11) on Saturday afternoon seems to have been a highly-unusual lowscoring outcome for a girls’ basketball game.

However, the manner in which the Bobcats (15-11) were eliminated by the District 10 champion is more unusual than the score.

Fairview senior point guard Sara Gennuso broke a 23-23 deadlock with one-tenth of a second left on the clock in regulation by converting three consecutive free throws. Gennuso was awarded the free throws after a foul was called as she was attempting a desperation half-court shot.

Gennuso finished with nine points to lead the Tigers. Chloe List was the top Beaver

Girls roundup

point-getter with 13 as the Bobcats led 23-17 after three quarters. However, Beaver was shut out in the final quarter, 9-0.

Other Class 4A

North Catholic 70, Conneaut Area 44: WPIAL champion North Catholic (23-3) blew out the Conneaut Area Eagles (15-11) of District 10. The host Trojans were led by Dacia Lewandowski with 22 points. Alayna Rocco added 21 points with five 3-pointers.

Blackhawk 53, Warren 32: The WPIAL runner-up Cougars (21-4) throttled the Warren Dragons (18-8) of District 10 at home. Alena Fusetti led the Cougars with 14 points.

Knoch 53, Punxsutawney 44: Knoch (18-9) rallied in the fourth quarter to upset District 9 champion Punxsutawney (22-2). After three ties early in the fourth quarter, the Knights went on a 9-0 run to take control. Nina Shaw broke the final tie of the game by converting one of two free throws with four minutes left. Moments later Hattie McGraw hit a 3-pointer as Knoch began to pull away.

Penn Cambria 50, Highlands 42: The Golden Rams (16-10) lost to District 6 champion Penn Cambria (1312) at Mount Aloyisus College. Katelyn Myers led Highlands with 16 points. Kalleigh Nerone added 13.

Harbor Creek 43, Quaker Valley 40: The Quakers (17-9) were ousted by District 10 runner-up Harbor Creek (208).

Class 5A

Oakland Catholic 65, Manheim Central 39: The Eagles (23-4) outclassed the Barons (23-6) of District 3 in a contest at Gateway.

McKeesport 54, Northern York 40: WPIAL third-place finisher McKeesport (22-5) rallied at home to eliminate Northern York of District 3. Rachael Manfredo led McKeesport with 19 points. Kayla Charles added 18, including 10 in the second quarter when the Tigers began their comeback from a 20-11 deficit.

Mechanicsburg 47, Woodland Hills 44: The Wolverines (13-14) lost in overtime at District 3 runner-up Mechanicsburg (20-7) of District 3. Hope Hawkins led Woodland Hills with 16 points.

Erie Cathedral Prep 48, Trinity 30: The District 10 champion Ramblers (22-1) easily defeated the Hillers (17-8) at the Hagerty Events Center in Erie. Trinity trailed 28-8 at intermission. The Hillers were led by Eden Williamson with 12 points.

Mars 49, York Suburban 40: Mars (17-8) earned a hard-fought win on the road against the York Suburban Trojans (18-10), the District 3 runner-up.

Penn-Trafford 40, Greencastle39: The Warriors (18-9) ousted host Greencastle-Antrim (23-3), the District 3 champion. PennTrafford fell behind 14-7 but regrouped to lead 26-21 at halftime after a 10-0 run. Lilly Palladino led the Warriors with 12 points. Lauren Marton added 11.

Class 1A

Union 47, Clarion Area 9: WPIAL champion Union Scotties (19-6) claimed a home rout of the Clarion Area Bobcats (11-15) of District 9. Union led 17-1 after the first quarter. Kylie Frueshstorfer led Union with 22 points. Frueshstorfer was four for five from the free-throw line and converted four 3-pointers, all in the first half. Kelly Cleaver added 13 and eight rebounds for the Scotties who have.

Aquinas Academy 59, Juniata Valley 45: WPIAL runnerup Aquinas Academy (17-9) claimed victory against Juniata Valley Hornets (16-9) of District 6 in a contest played at Deer Lakes. Emily Fisher led the Crusaders with 22 points. Violet Johnson chipped in with 20.

Williamsburg 86, St. Joseph 40: The Spartans (206) lost convincingly on the road to the District 6 champion Williamsburg Blue Pirates (26-1) at ClaysburgKimmel.

Otto-Eldred 57, Monessen 30: The Greyhounds (17-7) were eliminated by the District 9 champion.