Emersyn Jones
School: Knoch
Class: Freshman
Sport: Softball
Claim to Fame: Jones hit a home run and drove in two runs in a 7-0 win over Highlands on Monday, and she went 3 for 4 with a home run, a double and five RBIs in a 16-3 Section 1-4A win against Valley on Tuesday. She followed that up with a 3 for 5 afternoon with another home run and five more RBIs as the Knights (17-1, 12-0) defeated Burrell, 13-3, in nonsection play Thursday.
What positions do you play?
Shortstop, pitcher and third base. I like pitching the best because you have control over the field, and you can control the pace of the game.
Tell me about the three home runs you hit this week.
The first one I hit, I didn’t think it was going to make it over. The second one was pretty nice, and the third one against Burrell I really enjoyed because I hadn’t done much in my first few at-bats in that game.
You have been having quite a year, batting .574 with 37 RBIs and 10 home runs. What’s been the key to you swinging a hot bat all year?
Just keeping a positive attitude throughout everything and to remember to have fun.
Were you nervous at all stepping on to varsity as a freshman?
I was at first, but after my first couple of at-bats, I really got used to playing at this level.
What adjustments, if any, did you make as you made the varsity team?
I didn’t make too many adjustments. I just continued to keep that positive attitude.
What do you do to stay calm and focused before and during a game?
I like to take deep breaths. It helps me to calm down, especially in those situations that aren’t the best.
What’s been the highlight of your year so far?
The bond that the team has forged.
Are you guys looking forward to the playoffs yet?
We’re still taking it one game at a time, but we are preparing ourselves just to push through everything and hopefully make a deep run in the playoffs.
How excited are you to get the opportunity to play in the playoffs?
I’m really excited, especially because it’s my first season.
On the year the team has only given up 33 runs. What are your thoughts when you hear that stat?
It’s pretty good. Our defense and pitching have been key, and it’s always helpful to have two pitchers who can dominate in the circle.
What were the team’s goals coming into the year?
Our main goals were to have a positive atmosphere and to have fun. It’s never fun when you’re stressed out.
What individual goals did you set for yourself this season?
I also set the goal to have that positive attitude and to bat at least .350 on the season.
Do you have a favorite college softball team you like to watch?
I like to watch Tennessee, especially pitcher Karlyn Pickens. I really like to watch her pitch.
Favorite subject in school?
Math. I really love solving equations and stuff like that.
What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?
My phone.
What’s something you believe is overrated?
McDonald’s.
If you could be friends with a fictional character, who would you choose?
Katniss Everdeen from ‘The Hunger Games.’ She has a very strong and bold personality.
If you could compare yourself to an animal, what would it be?
Probably a lion.
Would you rather travel back in time or travel to the future?
I would rather travel back in time. I would really like to see how life was like without all the technology we have today.
If you had 25 hours in a day, how would you spend that extra hour?
Probably sleeping.
Jake Dombkowski
School: Plum
Class: Senior
Sport: Baseball
Claim to fame: Dombkowski helped power Plum (14-2, 9-1) to wins of 12-5 and 7-2 against Franklin Regional in a pair of Section 1-5A matchups Monday and Tuesday. He was 5 for 6 with a home run, a double, a pair of walks, scored four runs and drove in four.
What positions do you play?
I play shortstop, and I pitch a little bit.
Take me through the at-bat where you hit the home run in the first game.
It was a longer at-bat. I took the count to 3-2, and I think it was either the seventh or eighth pitch of the at-bat. He threw me two fastballs previously in that 3-2 count and then he served up a curveball that I got out in front of and it ended up over the fence.
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How did you drive in the other three runs you were credited with?
I hit a two-run double to center field and then a single up the middle in the second or third inning.
What’s played a key role in your success at the plate this year?
I haven’t been focused too much on my results this year, just more focused on the process and letting the results come off that process. If the process is good, the results you’re looking for will come.
Is there anything else you’re doing differently this year compared with last year?
Cutting down my strikeouts a bunch and just putting together better at-bats throughout the season.
Two big games against Latrobe next week, with first place on the line. How are you guys approaching those two games?
We’re approaching those games like it’s another big section opponent like Penn-Trafford or Franklin Regional. We’ve prepared all season for situations like this, and we’ll come in on Sunday ready to practice and be ready for them on Monday and Tuesday.
What were the team’s goals coming into the year?
Obviously, our goals were to win the section and go on and make a run in the playoffs.
What individual goals did you set for yourself?
I just wanted to do whatever it took to have the team win as many games as possible and ultimately win another section title. I’ve been a part of two section championship teams already in my four years, and it’s been really awesome.
Favorite baseball team and/or player?
My favorite player is Jarren Duran of the Red Sox, but my favorite team is the Pirates, even though it’s hard to watch when they’re struggling.
What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?
Baseball. It’s one of the greatest games on earth, and it’s always fun to go out and have fun and play with your buddies.
Would you rather be the funniest or smartest person in the room?
Probably the funniest. We’re always cracking some good jokes in the locker room as a team. I’m always down for a good laugh.
Favorite subject in school?
History. I like learning about the past.
What are your favorite hobbies?
I like going to work out with my brother and my friends. I also work for my buddy’s landscaping business in the summer cutting grass.
What skill would you most like to have?
I want to learn how to do a backflip. Whenever I see people do it, it always looks super cool.
What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics?
Probably sprinting. Seeing guys like Usain Bolt and how fast they can run is pretty crazy.
What two nonessential items would you want to have if you were shipwrecked on a deserted island?
My PlayStation because I like playing video games, and probably my phone.
What are your future plans?
I’m going to play baseball and study finance at Mercyhurst.
What is a piece of advice you would want to leave your teammates before you graduate?
Keep working. There is an end to it, but try to make it last as long as possible.