Devault, PA - May 8, 2019 In what was the final round of league play for all but one division, this past weekend's matches were a make or break for many of the clubs. With a spot in the playoffs on the line, players stepped up to ensure their team’s seasons weren’t over.

In the High School Girls Division 1, the right to the #2 seed is still in the balance. With Moon Area among the teams in the mix, it was important that they take home maximum points against West Shore. Playing out of position at Flyhalf, Sofia Mancini made her presence known while setting the pace for the Moon Area attack. She crossed the line three times to score a hat trick, and also made a number of important tackles in defense. Moon would go on to win the match 40 - 7.

Sofia started her rugby career with the Moon Area team and has been playing since she was a freshman. She plays club 7s in the summer and fall for the West Pittsburgh Foxes. Sofia has attended multiple Atlantis tours, played for the Allegheny Rugby Union Select Side, and the PA All-Stars. Sofia is just beginning her college search and definitely plans on playing at the next level.  Academically, she is leaning towards something in the animal sciences field. Sofia has earned multiple varsity letters in basketball and track.

On the boys side, there were few matches bigger than that of West Shore vs. Bishop Shanahan. West Shore needed to secure a victory or two bonus points to clinch the final Division 1 Club playoff spot. Facing the Valley Forge Conference Champion Shanahan was always going to be a daunting task. Luckily, Senior Jack Quesenberry was up for the challenge.

Jack was perfect off the tee on the day, going 5 for 5 on penalty kicks and 2 for 2 on conversions. Each of his 19 points proved vitally important as the final score of the match was West Shore United 29, Bishop Shanahan 28. Jack has been playing rugby for nine years and started in the Cumberland Valley Youth program. He has continued his playing career for West Shore United when he started high school at Cedar Cliff. Jack will be continuing his education at Bowling Green University where he will major in Flight Technology. Jack is the only member of West Shore United to fly an airplane!

Sofia and Jack are among the last contenders for our Player of the Year awards, which will be given out at the end of the season. They will also receive invitations to the All-State Selections Camp on May 25th, where they’ll have a chance to prove they are among Pennsylvania’s best.