Published: September 06, 2008 12:16 am            

Local sports briefs9/6

HOCKEY

Chiefs re-sign defenseman

The Johnstown Chiefs announced today that they have re-signed defenseman Mike Knight.

“We are pleased to have Mike back in a Chiefs uniform,”coach Ian Herbers said. “He was a leader at the back end for us last season. We expect him to continue being an offensive defenseman, who is physical and defensively responsible. He will stabilize our defensive core as he keeps developing his game.”

Knight had his most productive campaign, in terms of offensive numbers, as a professional last year. The Toronto, Ontario native finished second among Chiefs defensemen with 34 points (9G, 25A) in 55 games. He also produced an assist in six Kelly Cup Playoff games. His play with Johnstown led to two different call-ups to the AHL.

Knight joined the Chiefs last season after spending a year playing with Merano in Italy during the 2006-07 season, and is happy to be back with the Chiefs and Herbers.

“I’m comfortable with Ian as a coach, and he’s comfortable with me as a player, so it makes for a good fit,” said Knight. “Ian is also a real good judge of talent and character in his players, and I’m looking forward to being a part of the team that is being put together for this season.

“Last year, when we were fully healthy, we had the best team in the league,”Knight said. “And I think it should be the same way this season.”



SOCCER

Late goals lift Geneva over UPJ

Geneva College’s Jake McCracken scored twice in the final 11 minutes to beat Pitt-Johnstown 2-1.

McCracken beat UPJ keeper Craig Neff on a penalty kick in the 79th minute. The Golden Tornadoes (3-1-0) then notched the game-winning goal with 1:03 to play when McCracken took a cross from Joshua Mann and found the back of the net.

Jason Swope gave the Mountain Cats a 1-0 lead off of Joe Cronan's direct kick in the 32nd minute.



VOLLEYBALL



Lady Cats post pair of victories

Junior outside hitter Nicole Houser collected 16 kills to help lead Pitt-Johnstown to a pair of three-game sweeps over Central State (Ohio) University and Lincoln University to open the Davis & Elkins (W.Va.) College Tournament.

UPJ(3-2) defeated Central State 25-8, 25-11 and 25-11. Houser had seven kills, while sophomore outside hitter Taylor Hrescak had seven kills and two service aces, and junior middle hitter Kristin Irwin chipped in six kills, five blocks and three aces.

Merissa Lasrrew had 16 assists and Taylor King added nine assists.

Senior defensive specialist Katie Shadron had five services aces in the victory.

The Lady Cats closed Friday's action with a 25-20, 25-10, 25-8 sweep of Lincoln. Houser gathered nine more kills and Irwin had seven kills, and two blocks. Coach Linda Renzi also got six kills from senior Kayla Lape and three aces from junior Abbey Gearhart.

FOOTBALL

Rooney to talk about book

CAMP HILL – After watching the Pittsburgh Steelers kick off their regular-season opener on Sunday afternoon, football fans can tune into PCN later that evening for stories on the gridiron and more.

Art Rooney Jr., son of the late Art Rooney Sr., founder of the Pittsburgh Steelers, will sit down to discuss his book, “Ruanaidh”on the next edition of “PA Books” set to air at 9 p.m. Sunday on the statewide television network.

A replay is scheduled for 8 a.m. Monday.

During the hour-long discussion, Rooney will talk about the book, which offers a personal look into the author’s life as well as that of his father.

The author will also share life experiences in Pittsburgh and in the world of football.

        

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