The Bishop Canevin girls’ basketball team poses for pictures after beating York Catholic, 45-38, and claiming its first PIAA state championship. The Crusaders, who were the district champions for the first time as well, finished the year at 27-4 overall.

Carly Forse keeps her eyes focused on the basket as attempts to get a shoot during Bishop Canevin’s 41-36 win over Seton-La Salle. Forse fired in a game-high 17 points in the triumph.

Bishop Canevin head coach Tim Joyce and Celina DiPietro explain to the media how the Lady Crusaders were able to come back from a six-point, third-quarter deficit and defeat York Catholic, 45-38, in the PIAA Class AA girls’ basketball championship game. DiPietro scored 18 points.

Erin Waskowiak struggles for possession of the basketball with a host of York Catholic defenders. The senior point guard supplied five points, seven rebounds, all defensive, dished up six assists and collected two steals in leading Bishop Canevin to its first state banner in girls’ basketball by virtue of a 45-38 win over the Fighting Irish.

Bishop Canevin fans cheer on the girls’ basketball team as the Lady Crusaders go on to win their first PIAA state title. They defeated York Catholic, 45-38, to claim the championship.

Johnie Olkosky squares up to shoot during the Crusaders’ 45-38 win over York Catholic, Olkosky buried a 3-pointer that triggered a Canevin rally, which featured a 13-point run in the final frame. While those were the junior’s only points in the contest, she provided seven rebounds, three assists and four steals on defense.

Johnie Olkosky and Gina Vallecorsa cheer on their teammates while they catch a breath on the bench.

Gina Vallercorsa and Carolina DeFrank after the final buzzer sounded and Bishop Canevin had defeated York Catholic, 45-38, to capture the PIAA Class AA girls’ basketball title.

Erin Waskowiak charges to the basket, leaving defenders behind on the fastbreak, during Bishop Canevin’s 45-38 win over York Catholic.

Carly Forse, Erin Waskowiak and Celina DiPietro played their final scholastic basketball game of their careers and topped the occasion with a PIAA state championship trophy. In Bishop Canevin’s 45-38 win over York Catholic, Forse and DiPietro each contributed 18 points while Waskowiak dished up six assists. All will continue playing in college: Waskowiak at Duquesne, Forse at Point Park and DiPietro at Washington and Jefferson.

The Bishop Canevin girls were welcomed back home at school by a banner proclaiming them state champions. The news was already posted on the school’s marquee before the team bus arrived back in Crafton after its successful journey to Hershey.

Carly Forse, Celina DiPietro and Erin Waskowiak join in a ring of celebration after Canevin beat York Catholic to assure the Crusaders a PIAA state title.