Sports

Walk off: Unforgettable endings make the ultimate thrill

Several baseball and softball games this spring have ended as every kid dreams about: knocking the big hit that decides the game, getting mobbed at home by teammates, making memories forever.

Villa Maria softball star balances books, heavy travel schedule

Though only a junior, Alyssa Viscardo has become adept as a student and a pitcher averaging 12 strikeouts a game. Between her travel softball team and school, “I’m always trying to stay on task,” she said.

Baseball, softball, boys’ and girls’ lacrosse standings

Although cold and rain have played havoc with spring sports schedules, the games have gone on. See our standings for Philadelphia Catholic League sports, through April 19.

Philly basketball lifer named new head coach at La Salle U

Ashley Howard's Catholic roots at Gesu School and Msgr. Bonner High School shaped his philosophy of developing the whole person, not just the athlete. An assistant for years, he's earned his first head coaching stint.

Roman Catholic wins state title the hard way, as usual

The Cahillites went on a 10-0 scoring run in the final minute to pull away decisively from Lincoln High, 92-80, for the PIAA Class 6A title, their third in the past four seasons.

Archbishop Wood’s girls end season in classy fashion, if disappointed

The two-time defending state champion Vikings fell just short, 36-33, in the final of the PIAA Class 5A girls' basketball tourney. They warmly congratulated their opponents after the game.

Neumann-Goretti boys grab 5th straight state basketball title

The string of championships for the South Philadelphia Catholic high school is the most since the state tourney began in 1920. The Saints won their eighth title in nine years thanks to a big game by Dymir Montague.

Villanova, Loyola Catholic chaplains took center court at Final Four

National media attention on Loyola Chicago's Sister Jean Schmidt and Villanova's Father Rob Hagan "highlights that yearning and longing that we all have for things that run beyond just a game and score," he said.

Villanova wins national title with blow-out win on biggest stage

Philadelphia sports fans have a new reason to cheer after the Wildcats handily beat Michigan, 79-62, April 2 in San Antonio for the NCAA men’s basketball national championship. A parade is planned for Thursday.

Neumann-Goretti’s girls win 4th straight state championship

With a second-half surge leading to a 63-46 rout of Bishop Canevin March 26 in Hershey, N-G overcame losses in the Catholic League and District 12 finals to advance in the PIAA Class 3A basketball playoffs, and ultimately prevail.