Tigers Earn Split On Senior Day
The North Allegheny girls’ flag football teams were back in action on Sunday and came away with a senior day split. The NA Gold Team blanked Shaler, 12-0, while the NA Black team fell by the same score, 12-0, to Seneca Valley.
Despite not having senior Kyra Schmidt available to play quarterback, the NA Gold team earned an important victory that keeps the Tigers in first place in the Northern Division. Seniors Maddie Hartung and Ally Ruiz both scored touchdowns to give the team a solid lead. Hartung had a pick-six right out of the gates and Ruiz toted the football 35-yards for a touchdown. Defensively, the team has averaged three interceptions per game and had a season-high five interceptions. Hartung, Ruiz, Natalie Rak, Rylee Johnson and Shauna Maenza tallied one interception each. Six of the Tigers’ eight seniors were present for Senior Salute.
“These seniors are very special to both Coach Trocchio and I, some have been with us for 3 years and we are really going to miss them,” said head coach Michelle Ruiz.
Congratulations to Mia Fratto, Maddie Hartung, Rylee Johnson, Shauna Maenza, Natalie Rak, Allyson Ruiz, Kyra Schmidt and Bria Vivio.
In a tight game, the NA Black Team battled in a 12-0 defeat. The Tigers were shorthanded and played Seneca Valley with one player down for the entire game.
“I made sure the girls knew how proud of them I was for being good sports and giving me their best each down,” said coach Ruiz. “We came very close to scoring several times, and I’m seeing improvement in each player.”
Freshman Sahasra Maddenini had her first career interception and started to read and respond defensively. Freshman Sloane Baker was solid as both a quarterback and safety. Baker moved in the pocket, delivered the ball well and showed great leadership while guiding the team. She also had an interception in the first half. Freshman Chloe Gauntner ran the ball well with eight carries, one of which nearly resulting in a touchdown.
On the season, NA Varsity Gold improves to 6-0 overall and NA Varsity Black slips to 3-2. Both the Gold and Black teams are away next Sunday, May 5, at Seneca Valley.