High school sports roundup: Mars girls soccer beats Knoch for coach Blair Gerlach’s 400th win
Mars girls soccer opened its season with a historic win for one of Butler County’s most successful coaches in all sports.
With a 2-1 win over Knoch Friday night, Planets head coach Blair Gerlach earned his 400th career win.
“It was great to be able to celebrate tonight with the team after a hard fought game,” Gerlach said via text. “I'm excited to see what is in store for this group. A special shout out to all of the players and coaches that have poured into Mars girls soccer over the past 25 years!”
Maeve O’Leary and Miley Gratton scored Mars’ goals.
Karns City 3, Winchester 0 — It was a team effort Friday night in Karns City.
Carleigh Lucas, Phoebe Brandon and Bree O’Donnell all scored, and Giada Bonetto didn’t allow a shot by her in the net as the Gremlins blanked Winchester Thurston 3-0. Bella Shields and Sophia Bonetto provided assists.
Seneca Valley 1, Altoona 1 — Karly Majeski scored, and Seneca Valley settled for a non-section tie to open the 2025 season.
Freeport 200, Kiski Area 203 — Ethan Crooks’ 38 was not the low round of the day, that belonged to Kiski’s Max Mottura (34), but it was crucial in a three-stroke win at Willowbrook Country Club.
Max Zigo’s 39 and Gavin Tola’s 40 on the par-36 front nine also aided the Yellowjackets’ cause, as they improved to 6-0.
Mars 189, Sewickley Academy 204 — Lukas Singh carded a 34 and Jackson Geiger a 35 to lead the Planets to victory at Butler Country Club. Jack Weaver and Landon Mitro shot 39s.
Butler 188, Blackhawk 195 — Macie McLister’s 38 led the Tornado (2-4, 1-4 section) at Hiland Golf Course to its second win of the season. Butler needed every stroke from McLister and Rylee Gage (40) in a tight contest.
Mars 172, Shaler 209 — Addison Pangonis shot a 40 to lead the Planets to a comfortable victory at Suncrest Golf Course. Elise Wadas shot a 43, second on the team.
Butler 5, Knoch 0 — While the team score was not particularly close, No. 1 Singles players Laini Spohn (Butler) and Alana Moroney (Knoch) dueled for nearly three hours, according to Tornado head coach Conlan Walsh, with Spohn winning the dual 6-1, 2-6, 6-2.
Cassie Busler and Sophia Kingsley won the other singles matches in straight sets for Butler.
North Catholic 4, Mars 1 — Mars’ Gianna Kampian lost the Singles 1 match in this one 6-3, 6-1. The Planets’ lone win came in Doubles 1 by set scores of 7-5, 6-2.
Hampton 3, Seneca Valley 2 — Jenna Muenck won the Singles 1 battle over Arianna Barbera 7-6 (9-7), 3-6, 1-0 (10-7), and Ella Marley won her singles match for the Raiders.
