A-K Valley athletes of the week: Springdale’s Molly Hurley, Burrell’s Jayson Ireland

By: Bill Hartlep
Saturday, September 9, 2023 | 5:37 PM

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Molly Hurley

Class: Junior

School: Springdale

Sport: Soccer

Report card: Hurley had two goals and an assist in helping Springdale’s girls soccer team defeat Seton LaSalle, 3-1, on Wednesday. The week before, she had a key goal and assist as Springdale (3-0, 2-0) shut out rival Greensburg Central Catholic, 3-0, in Section 1-A. The junior forward earned all-section and All-WPIAL honors and was a second-team Valley News Dispatch selection last season.

How did the team play against Seton LaSalle on Wednesday?

Overall, we played pretty well. When we started off we were a bit disorganized. We had a good halftime talk and got it together at the end, and we were able to pull it together.

What was the key to victory?

We had good commutation and were able to move more off the ball.

What are some things the team is doing well at this point in the season?

Adjusting to new positions because we did lose a few seniors and had to make some adjustments. I think a lot of us are doing really well with helping each other out and being able to communicate to make sure we’re all doing the best we can.

What are the team’s goals this season?

We definitely want to win, and we want to have great teamwork and just stay together and do our best to be successful.

What is your role on this team?

I help with getting the ball in, crossing it in and assisting. Since I’m an offensive player, I definitely try to get the ball in the back of the net.

What feels better, scoring or getting an assist?

Scoring a goal.

How many goals did you score last season?

Nine.

What are your strengths on the field?

I’m able to move around a lot, and I think I can make good runs off the ball.

How did you get started playing soccer?

All the rest of my family played. I started when I was really young. I played with my siblings and my parents. I got signed up for my Harmar team when I was really little. It just took off from there.

Are you hoping to continue to play at the next level?

I’m still thinking about that.

Are you involved in any other sports/activities at Springdale?

In the spring I do track. Last year I did the 400 and the 100-meter relay.

How much running do you do during a game?

It’s different for a lot of people. Since I’m a winger, my running is in sprinting increments. Midfield would be like jogging and then sprinting.

What is something people might not know about you?

I love to read. I love fantasy, and I love the “Hunger Games” series.

Jayson Ireland

Class: Senior

School: Burrell

Sport: Soccer

Report card: Ireland netted a pair of hat tricks this week to help the Bucs improve to 3-1 overall and in Section 3-A. He scored three goals and had an assist in a 10-2 win over St. Joseph on Tuesday and then added three more in a 6-0 triumph over Riverview on Thursday. The all-section center forward led Burrell with 12 assists last season.

How did the team play against St. Joseph and Riverview this week?

I think we did pretty good. As a team, we improved a lot with just passing the ball around and working as a team, creating open shots.

How were your goals set up?

Lots of quick passes through the midfield, passing the ball around well and just getting the defenders moving to create open space for me. My teammates always find me there.

What are some things the team is doing well at this point in the season?

We have a really skilled group of guys. That’s probably our strength: our skill. We’ve been improving as the season goes on. We’ve been finishing and getting goals on the board to win those games.

What are the team’s goals this season?

We definitely would like to get one of those top two spots in our section and make a run in the playoffs this year.

What is your role on the team this season?

My job on the field would be to stretch the field vertically, make the defenders move and keep the ball moving. Then, making those runs toward the goal on through balls.

What’s the hardest part of playing soccer?

For us, specifically, it would be finishing our chances and those tough moments when the games are close, just finishing out games.

How many miles would you say you run in a typical game?

Around five-ish.

How do you condition for that?

It starts in the offseason, working every day, preparing for this. Our coaches push us every day. It’s a mental challenge.

Have you made any plans for next fall?

Not yet. I’m definitely interested in pursuing (soccer) but not sure yet.

Do you have a favorite team to follow?

I don’t watch too much pro leagues.

What do you think the Steelers’ record will be this season?

10-7.

What’s your favorite meal?

Steak.

Do you have any favorite shows?

I like to watch football.

Do you listen to music before games?

I usually don’t listen to music before games. I just like to focus up and stay in my head.

Bill Hartlep is the TribLive sports editor. A Pittsburgh native and Point Park graduate, he joined the Trib in 2004, covering high school sports. He held various editing roles before assuming his current position in 2019. He can be reached at bhartlep@triblive.com.

Tags: Burrell, Springdale