Kory Wood's goal with 16 minutes left in the first half was all the Knoch boys soccer team needed in a 1-0 victory over Belle Vernon in WPIAL Class AA quarterfinal action at Penn-Trafford Thursday.

Wood's goal was assisted by Adam Sharbaugh. Goalie Cullen Hinderliter made four saves to preserve the shutout.

"Play in the first half was going our way and we felt confident it would hold up," said Knoch coach Doug Wood.

"We felt the need to put another one in. We had opportunities. It didn't happen, but still it turned out all right," he added.

With the win, the Knights (15-1-1) will make their first trip to the semifinals in the program's history.

Knoch plays Thomas Jefferson (17-2), a 5-1 victor over Keystone Oaks, at a day, time and site to be determined.

Volleyball

Freeport 3, Blackhawk 1 — Carlie Bieranowski had 15 kills, 11 service points, six digs and three blocks as the Yellowjackets captured a 25-11, 13-25, 25-19, 27-25 triumph in the first-round of the WPIALClass AA playoffs.Ashley Massart had 16 points, four kills and four blocks, and Anna Christy added 16 points, two kills and 18 assists, Madison Rotto chipped in with 16 points, three kills and two blocks, and Amanda Zahumensky had six kills and four blocks."We came out smoking," said Freeport coach Tom Phillips. "In the first game, we probably played our best game all year. Then, we hit a rut. With the big win in Game 1, we got a little complacent. We were on our heels and (Blackhawk) came at us."The Yellowjackets (15-1) were down in the third game 11-6 before Freeport picked things up."We had some real good defensive plays and turned it around," said Phillips."Freeport will advance to the quarterfinals, where it will face the Montour-Yough winner Tuesday at Plum.

Indiana 3, Knoch 0 — The Knights (9-8) lost this road playoff match by scores of 25-20, 25-9 and 25-8.Tori Lark had five blocks for the Knights and Sara Montgomery added three kills and three blocks.

<B>Bishop McCort 8, Freeport 3 — </B>The Yellowjackets fell in this PIHL Class A matchup at the Belmont Complex. No details were available.Junior High FootballButler recently ended its season at 4-4, dropping a 6-0 decision to Seneca Valley.The Golden Tornado were led defensively by Travis Reed, Claude Clark and Luke Hartung.