Content about Laura Presutti

05.13.11

By JIM RUMBLE

It was a grueling week for the Avonworth softball team, but it was well worth it as the Lady ‘Lopes secured a spot for the upcoming WPIAL playoffs.

The 'Lopes started off by hosting Brentwood last Thursday. After surrendering a lead late, the girls were able to come back in the final inning to win 9-8.

"We had a couple of mental mistakes but the good thing, though, is that we were able to come back," said head coach Chris Knox.

03.18.11

State run ends for Lady ’Lopes

By JIM RUMBLE

The Avonworth girls’ basketball team saw their season come to an end last Friday with a 55-42 loss to Marion Center in the first round of the PIAA playoffs.

After bouncing back from a huge deficit early in the game, the girls suppressed their chances at victory with poor shooting, especially in the second half.

"We made a nice comeback after the first quarter," said coach Bob Schulz after the game.

Schulz added, "We shot the ball very poorly in the second half."

03.11.11

Lady ’Lopes fend off Panthers in PIAA game

By JIM RUMBLE

With a long lay-off before the start of the PIAA playoffs, it was hard to determine how the Avonworth girls’ basketball team would respond when the Lady ‘Lopes hosted the Northern Bedford Panthers in a preliminary round game this past Tuesday.

After a slow start, the 'Lopes secured a modest lead and then had to fend off a charging Panther team in the fourth quarter to nail down a 51-46 victory.

"It's getting tough," said coach Bob Schulz after the game.

02.25.11

Avonworth girls ground Eagles

By JIM RUMBLE

Going into the first round WPIAL playoff game against Keystone Oaks this past Wednesday, Avonworth girls’ basketball head coach Bob Schulz expressed some apprehension about the team he would have to face.

"I'm quite concerned with this match-up” he said. “I think they're better than a 12 seed in the tournament."

Well all of that uneasiness must have dissipated as the game wore on, as the Lady ‘Lopes, seeded #5, dominated in their win against the Golden Eagles, 56-31.

02.18.11

Lady ’Lopes head for WPIAL playoffs

By JIM RUMBLE

The Avonworth girls’ basketball team traveled to crosstown rival Northgate last Thursday, intending to take the section title outright with a win over the Flames. Although Northgate battled to remain within striking distance through the third quarter, the Lady ‘Lopes would not be denied, as they defeated the Flames 50-28.

The 'Lopes will begin the WPIAL playoffs with a first round game on Tuesday, Feb. 22. They will play the winner of the Keystone Oaks - New Brighton preliminary round game with the time and site yet to be determined.

02.11.11

Lady ’Lopes rebound with big win over ’Dogs

By JIM RUMBLE

For most people, their disappointment came last Sunday with a Steelers loss. But for the Avonworth girls’ basketball team, theirs came last Thursday when the 'Lopes were defeated at Sto-Rox 53-44.

After suffering their first section loss this season, the girls bounced back on senior night with a section win at home against Freedom this past Monday, 81-34, and clinched at least a tie for the section title.

The Lady ‘Lopes were scheduled to finish section play yesterday with a game at Northgate with the results not available at press time.

01.28.11

Avonworth girls take out South Side Beaver

By JIM RUMBLE

It was business as usual for the Avonworth girls’ basketball team as they remained undefeated in section play with a 60-23 win at home against South Side Beaver this past Monday.

The Lady ‘Lopes, who are allowing the fewest points defensively in the WPIAL at 26.5 per game, continue to shut down their opponents’ top guns as they have held several lead scorers on the opposition to zero points.

"Their best scorer had no points tonight," said coach Bob Schulz after the game.

12.17.10

Lady ‘Lopes open with wins

By JIM RUMBLE

Although it may be too early to tell how good this team will be, the Avonworth girls’ basketball team is off to a great start. The Lady ‘Lopes won the Brentwood tournament last weekend before defeating Belle Vernon at home on Wednesday 52-25.

"We played well on defense tonight," said coach Bob Schulz after the Belle Vernon game.

Led by Lauren Mayernik's 21 points, the 'Lopes jumped right out of the gate, shooting 10 of 14 in the first quarter on their way to a huge lead.

"We did a great job of man-to-man defense and our offense was on fire," Schulz said.

05.28.10

Lady ’Lopes battle back in playoffs

By JIM RUMBLE

If you wanted to see a perfect example of the expression “it ain't over ‘til it’s over” played out, you should have been at the Avonworth softball team's WPIAL first round game against Bentworth on Tuesday, May 18.

The Lady ‘Lopes, who trailed by nine runs going into the final inning in regulation, managed to tie the game, but then fell in extra innings 14-13.

"I've never seen anything like that before,” said head coach Chris Knox. “These kids played a good game, showed a lot of passion, and you can't give any more than that."

05.07.10

Lady ’Lopes suffer disappointing loss

By JIM RUMBLE

The Avonworth softball team saw its three- game winning streak come to an end this past week with a disappointing 11-10 loss to Brentwood at home on Wednesday.

The same two teams were scheduled to play each other at Brentwood on Thursday, May 6, with the results not available at press time. The Lady ‘Lopes would need to win the rematch to secure third place in the section and qualify for the WPIAL playoffs.

04.23.10

Lady ’Lopes fall to nemesis

In their first meeting since falling to Vincentian in the WPIAL championship game nearly a year ago, the Avonworth softball team had intentions of turning the tables when they played on the road this past Monday.

After leading through most of the game, the Lady ‘Lopes stumbled in the late innings and were defeated 7-4.

"Its kind of the same old situation against this team," said Avonworth coach Chris Knox after the game.

01.08.10

Lady ‘Lopes remain unbeaten at 9-0

By JIM RUMBLE

The Avonworth girls’ basketball team headed into the holiday season undefeated and came out unscathed, picking up six wins to up their record to 9-0.

On Tuesday, Jan. 5, the 'Lopes hosted AAA Highlands and withstood a late charge by the Golden Rams to pull out a 46-38 win in what was probably their toughest match-up to this point in the season.

Led by Tara Gallupe's 28 points and 17 rebounds, Avonworth had to overcome 18 turnovers and missed shots from inside, but managed to lead until the fourth quarter.