Carly Venanzi
School: Plum
Class: Senior
Sport: Lacrosse
Claim to fame: Venanzi put together a productive week for the Mustangs. On March 13, she scored a pair of goals and had three assists as Plum (3-1) defeated North Allegheny, 13-10. On Monday, she scored another two goals and had an assist as the Mustangs won 7-5 over Indiana. Then Thursday, Venanzi deposited two goals and dished out four assists as Plum cruised to a 19-7 win against Seton LaSalle.
How and when did you get started playing lacrosse?
I started in fourth grade when I was 9 years old. My older sister played, and she seemed to have a lot of fun and really liked it, so I decided to give it a try.
What wild weather to open the season!
Obviously, we enjoy playing in the warmer weather. In our game against Indiana, we played in the middle of a snowstorm. It was not fun.
What are your responsibilities as a midfielder?
After every point or when the quarter ends, I have to take a draw. I usually will take the draw, but mostly I’m on the outside of the circle. On defense you have to be ahead of the defense, defend the other team’s midfielders. On the attacking end, we run plays.
You typically see more assists than goals from your position. Out of the six goals you scored, which were your favorites?
On our game Thursday, I remember winning the draw and we have a play called UNC and my other midfielder cut and created a lane for me and I scored off that.
What’s the most goals you’ve ever scored in a game?
The most points I’ve ever points I had, both goals and assists, was eight. The most goals in a game was five against Canon-McMillan last year.
Was there an assist from this week you were most proud to have dished out?
Yes, there were two. Against Seton LaSalle on Thursday, there were two minutes left and we won the draw. I got the ball to one of our attackers, and it was her first goal of the season. A minute later, we won the draw again and I assisted on a girl’s first ever varsity goal.
Who do you credit for how productive you were this week?
To Coach (Colleen) Tifft and my team. Coach is really bringing the positive vibes this year. I feel our team is closer than it’s ever been, and it’s showing on the field of play. My other teammates inspire me. We got moved up a section this year, so there’s going to be a lot of tough games, but I feel like everyone is working together. I couldn’t do anything without my teammates.
Two big wins against playoff teams from last year in Indiana and the reigning Class 2A section champs Seton LaSalle. How did it feel to get those victories?
It felt really great. Last year against North Allegheny it was a really tough game and it was the same again this year, but we were excited going in. Indiana was a close game. Class 2A was our older section before we got moved up, and beating Seton LaSalle proved how good we can be, how confident we are and how proud I am of this team.
How does that confidence help the team moving forward?
There are a lot of tough teams in our section now, and with this confidence we have we can really push through the challenge and are looking forward to playing those games.
What’s been a key to the team’s early success?
Coach Tifft is our new head coach this year. She was an assistant last year and has brought a lot of positive vibes. She’s a great coach. We’re playing together as a team and are supportive of each other.
The team finished with a winning record overall last year, but struggled in section play (3-7). What are you looking to do to have a better section record?
I think we have a bigger team, a new coach and a better vibe this year. We’re on a pretty confident streak currently. We’re learning new plays, having different kinds of connections, learning new transition drills. It’s a lot of new, but I feel it can help us when it comes to section play.
What goals did you set for yourself coming into this season?
I wanted to keep a positive team vibe for every game. I also wanted to be a leader as a senior captain, and I think it would be fun to hit 100 career goals this year.
How close are you to that milestone?
I’m sitting at 90 right now. I think I can do it.
What work did you put in the offseason to improve?
I lifted, ran, did some stick work and wall ball.
What are some of your favorite hobbies outside of lacrosse?
Lifting, I work and I really enjoy cooking, baking and pickle ball.
What got you started in pickle ball?
Me and my friends go to Boyce Park every Monday.
What are your future plans after graduation?
I am attending Penn State University and majoring in biology.
Any plans to play lacrosse at Penn State?
I might look into a club team, but it depends on how my classes and the first year goes.
Dom Dunkel
School: Valley
Class: Junior
Sport: Baseball
Claim to fame: Dunkel threw six scoreless innings and allowed one hit while striking out eight in the Vikings’ 4-0 nonsection win over Ligonier Valley on March 13. On Friday, Dunkel launched a go-ahead home run in the top of the ninth to lift Valley (2-0) past Serra Catholic, 3-2, in nonsection play.
How were you feeling heading into the Ligonier Valley game?
We felt pretty good as a team, were excited to get the first game started off. I knew I would be pitching, so just had to go in with a good mindset. I knew if I threw strikes that the team would help me.
You only allowed one hit, struck out eight. What was working for you?
I felt my off-speed stuff was working for me. Mixing up pitches and different sequences for batters.
You played Ligonier Valley to open the year last year as well. Did that help in how you attacked them?
We knew a little bit about the talent they possessed, but we knew we had to go in and get a win.
What’s the most you’ve ever struck out in a game?
I think I had 12 before but that was way back in Little League, so a while ago.
Were you hoping for a complete game or a no-hitter?
Before the game, coach told me I was on a limit of 75 pitches, which makes it difficult to go seven innings. I always try to go for a no-hitter, but after I gave up that one hit, I let the defense behind me work.
Can you describe the at-bat against Serra Catholic when you hit the home run?
I saw some pitches I liked, took a couple hacks, let a few go by for balls. It was a 2-2 count, and I was looking for the fastball. I finally saw the pitch I wanted, and I crushed it.
You had gone 0 for 4 at the plate up to that point in the game. What were you thinking as you stepped into the batter’s box?
I cleared my head, took a couple deep breaths. Knew I had to stay within myself and try not to do too much. I was thinking pass the bat on to the next teammate. You have to have trust in your teammates.
You didn’t pitch in that game. Where do you play when you’re not on the mound?
Shortstop. I like both positions, but I like pitching better. I like being in control of the game.
The team has gotten off to a good start, just like you did last year. But after starting 5-1 last year, you lost seven straight. What are you looking to do different this year so that a slide like that doesn’t happen again?
No matter what, you’re going to have ups and downs in a season. We have to pick each other up when someone is having a bad game. Just be there for each other. Last year we started off strong, went through a losing streak, but we’re not looking to do that this year.
What were some lessons you learned from last year that you’ve brought into this year?
We need to play together as a team this year. When we get down in a game, we can’t quit. Keep pushing and grinding it out.
Was there anything about your game that you wanted to work on in the offseason?
Having a better approach at the plate. A lot of the guys have been putting in the work in the offseason to get bigger, stronger, faster. The whole team’s been getting after it since winter.
What was the message from new coach Jaron Minford in the offseason?
It’s been really good. He’s a teacher here at the school, so everyone was familiar with him. I think we adjusted really well to his coaching. He really got us prepared, and I think we’re ready to see how we do when section play starts up.
What goals did the team set for this year?
We want to win a section title, go as far as possible in playoffs, maybe win a WPIAL title.
What were your individual goals coming into the season?
I’m shooting for an all-section. I want to play at the next level, so I’m working on getting more college interest.
What are some of your favorite hobbies outside of baseball?
I play golf for the school, so that’s a big hobby. Just being a kid, hanging out with friends. Going to the movies, getting ice cream, stuff like that.
What’s the best round you’ve shot?
On nine holes, I think I shot a 44 one time. It’s my first year. So just starting out.
What made you go out for the golf team this year?
I wanted to get more involved with the school a little bit. I wanted to do a sport other than fall baseball.
Do you have a favorite subject in school?
Reading. ELA is up there, feel like I do well in that.
Favorite pro baseball team/player?
Favorite player I would have to say Derek Jeter. He played shortstop, so I always looked up to him. Favorite team, since I’m from Pittsburgh, I have to go with the Pirates.
What do you think about the Pirates’ offseason moves?
I feel like they have a pretty good pitching staff. Hopefully they’ll do pretty good. They made some moves here and there, so hopefully those guys produce.