Montour's late-season slump appeared to be carrying over into last night's Class AAAA first-round contest against McKeesport.

However, senior guard Sami Woznichak sparked a second-half rally as Montour claimed a 70-58 victory against the Tigers (18-7) at the Steel Valley gym.

After a 17-1 start this season, Montour (19-5) went into a late-season tailspin with four losses in five games. Montour appeared on its way to another loss when it trailed McKeesport, 27-17, late in the first half.

Woznichak led Montour with 27 points, including 17 in the second half. Woznichak was 9 for 9 from the free-throw line.

Montour came back from the 10-point deficit to lead 52-44 with 6:37 left in the game, but had to survive a Tiger rally. McKeesport pulled to within 57-55, then proceeded to make only one of eight shots in the final three minutes while committing two turnovers.

Class AAAA

Hempfield 47, Gateway 35: The Spartans reached the quarterfinals for the third straight season. Samantha Wanichko led with 12 points. Hempfield (22-3) is riding a 10-game winning streak.

Trinity 52, Norwin 47: Trinity won in two overtime periods. Chalise Popeck led the Hillers (17-7) with 23 points. The score was 39-39 at the end of regulation.

Class AAA

Beaver 47, Hampton 46: Elizabeth Neeley's 12-foot jumper with four seconds left provided Beaver (13-11) with the upset of Hampton (18-8) in the first round. Emily Rybak led the Bobcats with 20 points. Neeley added 15. Beaver has won eight of nine games following a seven-game losing streak.

Hopewell 57, Waynesburg 38: Freshman Becky Novacek's 17 points led the Vikings (19-7) to an easy win over the Raiders (17-8). Hopewell converted seven 3-point shots.

Moon 42, Southmoreland 17: Nia Capuano's 22 points led the Tigers (16-8) to a rout of the Scotties (15-9). Moon advances in the quarterfinals for the fourth consecutive year.

Class AA

Washington 64, Rochester 37: The Lady Prezxies outscored Rochester (11-13) in every quarter en route to a convincing first-round win. Juliet Sargent led Washington (21-4) with 15 points.

South Side Beaver 53, Beaver Falls 40: Allyson Clarke's 17 points paced the Rams (17-8) to reach the quarterfinals for the second year in a row.

Avonworth 57, Ford City 33: The Antelopes (19-6) claimed their ninth consecutive first-round victory. Kelli Costa led Avonworth with 15 points. WPIAL scoring leader Lizzie Suwala led Ford City with 25 points, five below her season average.

Shady Side Academy 50, Canevin 43: Noelle DiGioia's 15 points led the Indians (19-5) to their eighth win in nine games.

Freeport 53, Neshannock 34: Julie McCorkle's 23 points paced the Yellowjackets (20-3) to their eighth consecutive victory.

Class A

Sewickley Academy 47, Duquesne 31: The Dukes' first playoff appearance in 20 years was a short as the Panthers (16-8) prevailed. Jess DeFranco and Katarina Lackner scored 14 points apiece.

St. Joseph 41, Geibel 32: The Spartans (16-9) won the first playoff game in school history as Betta Levri led St. Joseph with 12 points and five steals. Kate Norris added nine points and 12 rebounds. It was St. Joe's first victory in four playoff appearances since 1993.

Monaca 60, Avella 58: The Indians (15-9) came back from a 23-7 deficit to shock the Eagles (21-4) who had a seven-game winning streak snapped. Brittany Gianetti led Monaca with 16 points to offset the 19-point effort by Avella's Lisa Mitchell.

City League

Schenley 70, Langley 10: The Spartans (21-3) won their 10th consecutive game by routing the Mustangs (11-12) in the quarterfinals. Ciera Johnson led Schenley with 24 points. Domonique Duck added 13 points with 8 assists. Langley only scored one point in the second half.

Westinghouse 53, Peabody 17: The Bulldogs (17-8) eliminated the Highlanders (8-14). Angie Woods led the defending City League champions with 16 points. Westinghouse will be shooting for its 17th consecutive championship-game appearance when it meets Perry in the semifinals Thursday night.

Perry 40, Allderdice 35: The Commodores (18-6) held off a rally by the Dragons (11-14) to reach the semifinals for the first time in seven years. Danielle Cornish led Perry with 12 points.

Carrick 44, Oliver 41: The Raiders (12-13) held off an upset-bid by the Bears (7-16). Jessie Tumas led Carrick with 20 points. Carrick spotted Oliver a 9-2 lead, but went on a 17-2 run in the second quarter. Oliver was led by Carrick transfer Shaniece Jennings who had 12 points and 12 rebounds. Carrick is in the semifinals for the fifth time in six years.

Girls' hot shots

Players with four or more 3-pointers: Chalise Popeck, Trinity, 6; Chrissy Ross, Oliver, 4; Nia Capuano, Moon, 4; .