From left, Nick Folino, Lizzie Bittner, Anne Castagnero, Megan Bablak, Nick Hartman, Luke D'Ambrosio, Dawson Morrow, Ella Pologruto, Parker Logue, Kaitlyn Moore and Tori Read finished in third-place as Seneca Valley's mock trial team Jan. 4-5 at the University of Pittsburgh.

Seneca Valley's debut appearance at University of Pittsburgh's mock trial tournament resulted in a third-place finish out of 49 schools from across the state.

Team members include senior Lizzie Bittner and juniors Nick Folino, Anne Castagnero, Megan Bablak, Nick Hartman, Luke D'Ambrosio, Dawson Morrow, Ella Pologruto, Parker Logue, Kaitlyn Moore and Tori Read.

At the two-day tournament held earlier this month students presented their trial case regarding cyberbullying. Students were split into two teams, one representing the plaintiff side and the other the defense.

“The amount of hard work and dedication that this group of students placed on perfecting their roles within the case is inspiring,” said senior high school gifted support teacher Brie Nassan. “This achievement would not have been possible without intermediate high school gifted support teacher Deb McDermott, who previously helped to prepare this particular group of students over the past two years.”

Nassan leads the district's mock trial teams.

The group will next compete at the Butler County Regional Competition scheduled for Feb. 4 to 6.