Alyssa Lovgren
School: Freeport
Class: Junior
Sport: Lacrosse
Claim to fame: Lovgren scored four goals and had four assists in a 14-1 win for Freeport (3-2, 3-1) over Knoch in Section 2-2A girls lacrosse Tuesday evening. She then produced three goals and had an assist in a 17-3 win over Chartiers Valley in section matchup Thursday.
How did you get started in lacrosse?
I started playing in eighth grade. One of my friends convinced me it was something for me to do in the offseason because I also play soccer. So, it was a way for me to keep up my conditioning, stay in shape.
What have you taken away from your time playing lacrosse?
I really enjoy it now. My aunt used to coach college lacrosse, so she helped me out a lot when I was first starting out. I went from playing club soccer in the spring to now I only play lacrosse because I like to focus on that in spring.
What position do you play?
I’m a midfielder.
Was there a part of your game you were looking to improve on coming into the season?
My confidence on attack is something that my coaches have been asking me to work on. I’m very much a person who likes to pass first and my coaches have been telling me to take the shot, go in and score.
How do you feel you have progressed in that area?
I fell like I have gotten better this season. My shooting in general has improved. I have a lot more goals this year than I have in previous seasons.
Which of the four goals you scored against Knoch was your favorite?
I don’t really remember a lot of my goals too much. There was one where Sophia Glass was setting up for her penalty shot and I cut right in front of the net. Sophia saw me wide open and I was able to just turn and finish it.
Which one was the most difficult to put into the net?
There was one when I had to go one on one, where you’re taking the ball in by yourself, when you drive in alone.
Can you describe the three goals you scored against Chartiers Valley?
The first one was one of those where I had to drive in alone. The second one was off a cut and I don’t remember who had the assist. The third one was also another drive in off transition.
What makes it so difficult driving in alone?
When you go on the attack by yourself, it starts off as a one on one, but once the defense realizes who is driving with the ball, they all slide in that direction, so now it’s not just one person you’re driving against, you’re going against seemingly the entire defense.
What’s the greatest number of goals you’ve scored in a game?
It was four and I accomplished that in the game against Knoch.
What’s the greatest number of points you’ve scored in a game?
Again, it might have been the eight points in that Knoch game.
What were your individual goals coming into the season?
Improving my confidence on offense and my mom is always telling me to take more shots. So, I was really looking to score more.
The team is at or near the top of the section currently. What’s the team’s outlook for the rest of the season?
Our big goal this season is to get to the first round of the playoffs. That’s something that has never been done in Freeport girls lacrosse history.
What would it mean to make the playoffs?
That would be great for us. To be the first team to do that would be such a huge accomplishment. It would also be a testament to how much the program has improved since it first started.
Do you have a specific pregame routine?
I don’t have a huge pregame routine really. I just listen to music on the bus.
What’s your favorite pregame song?
“Power Trip” by J. Cole.
Favorite hobbies?
In the winter I really like to go skiing. My brother and I have passes to Seven Springs.
Have you ever skied outside of the state?
Yes, I have been to New York and skied up in Holiday Valley.
Favorite subject in school?
Chemistry. When I took it sophomore year, I really enjoyed it. I’m looking to go into the medical field, like anesthesiology.
Have you started to look at colleges?
My mom and I have talked about touring some schools over the summer.
What are you looking forward to the most about spring?
I’m looking forward to playing lacrosse with my team. I’ve really enjoyed the games and practices, everybody is doing well, makes me excited.
Julian Danko
School: Valley
Class: Junior
Sport: Baseball
Claim to fame: Danko collected three hits and two RBIs as Valley (5-2, 1-1) came away with a 12-2 win over Derry in Section 3-4A on Tuesday afternoon. Danko then had two more hits, and three RBIs in a 11-2 win over Armstrong in nonsection play Thursday.
What were your three hits in the win over Derry?
I’m pretty sure they were all singles.
How did you drive in those two runs in that game?
When there are guys on base, my approach is to hit a backside single to score the guy in. All I’m trying to do is score runs. I’m not getting RBIs if my teammates aren’t getting on base.
Take me through the three RBIs you had in the win over Armstrong.
The first hit, there was a guy on third base, I think it was Niko Heakins and I had two strikes on me. I hit the ball past the third baseman to score him in. The other two scored on a line drive I hit over the shortstop’s head.
What is typically your spot in the batting order?
My freshman year I hit in the four spot, but these last two seasons, I’ve been hitting in the three hole. It’s more challenging because you see more off-speed pitches than you would lower down in the lineup. I like that challenge.
You’re listed as a utility fielder; do you also pitch?
Yes, I do.
What’s in your arsenal?
I throw a fastball, a curveball and a changeup.
Do you play the same position regularly or do you start in different spots depending on who you are playing or what the lineup is that day?
I can play any position a lefty can play and based on what the team needs from me that day. If Niko is pitching, I’m in center field usually. I typically play the outfield when Brady Moore pitches because it’s more beneficial to the team for me to be out there.
Which is your favorite position to play?
First base. I feel like I get the most action there. I’m always involved in every play.
What’s been a key to the team’s success early on in the season?
Starting way back in the winter, we’ve been doing live hitting in the bubble at No Offseason. We’ve been working as a team and it’s been paying off tremendously.
What has new coach Jaron Minford brought to the team this year? What’s it like playing for him?
I love him as a coach and as a person. Everyone plays without thought and is way calmer. It’s a lot better.
Was there anything about your game that you wanted to work on in the offseason?
Last year, I didn’t hit as well as I wanted to. Our team has been working a lot and as a group we’ve been hitting very well so far.
What were your individual goals coming into the season?
Make first-team all-section and to get our team in the playoffs and hopefully make a deep run.
What are some of your favorite hobbies outside of baseball?
I like to play basketball, disc golfing and regular golf as well.
Do you play any other sports at Valley?
Yeah, I’m a shooting guard for the basketball team. I play the sport because all my friends play and I like to stay in shape during the offseason.
Do you have a favorite subject in school?
English is my favorite. I’d say I’m the best at it.
Favorite pro baseball team/player?
The New York Yankees and Aaron Judge.
What are you looking forward to most about spring and the consistent warmer temperatures?
I’m excited for the team to get back at it next week. These next two games against section opponent Greensburg Salem are huge, and if we can sweep them, we can get on a pretty good roll. We need to keep our foot on the gas, keep the bats alive and keep getting wins.