It's playoff time for the final time in the 2007-08 school year, and several local teams are about to enter the most sought-after matches of their respective sports.

The boys tennis playoffs began on Tuesday, and both Franklin Regional and Penn-Trafford qualified.

Baseball and softball postseason tournaments are scheduled to commence on Monday and will feature both the Franklin Regional teams, which are among the top squads in Quad A and AAA, respectively.

On the volleyball circuit, the Norwin and Penn-Trafford teams battled through a rigorous section slate and will wrap up the regular season against each other tonight, Thursday, before opening the playoffs next Tuesday.

In track and field, the Norwin girls will attempt to defend their two-time WPIAL crown today, Thursday, in the WPIAL team championships at West Mifflin.

The girls, who graduated standouts Megan Duncan and Anna Yoney last year, look as strong as ever and are on their way to a dynasty in the track and field ranks.

Franklin Regional girls lacrosse also will make an appearance in the postseason later this month with hopes of advancing to the title game that has eluded the Lady Panthers in the past few years.

It has been two months of tightly contested games and battles on the courts and fields throughout Westmoreland County, but when this time of year comes around, all the hard work becomes worth it.

The second season is under way, and the excitement is just beginning.

Bill Hartlep can be reached at starsports@gatewaynewspapers.com.