A-K Valley athletes of the week: Burrell’s Elizabeth Clark, Leechburg’s Cameron Curfman

By: William Whalen
Tuesday, April 23, 2019 | 6:19 PM

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Elizabeth Clark

School: Burrell

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Softball

Report card: With one out and Burrell trailing by two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, Clark sent a 2-1 pitch over the left-field fence for a three-run walk-off homer to lift the Bucs (6-2, 4-1) past Section 1-3A rival Freeport, 10-9, last week. She is hitting .321 this season with two homers, eight RBIs and nine runs. Clark is a two-year starter in left field. She also plays travel ball for Steel City Select under-16 showcase team.

How long have you been playing softball?

I’ve been playing since I was 6 years old.

Did you know your walk-off homer was heading over the fence when you hit it?

No, and that’s why I was really nervous. I saw my coach with his arms up, and that’s when I knew that it was good.

At what base did you start your home-run trot?

I think I was about to be at second base.

Was the team waiting for you at home plate?

Yes. It was so emotional, and it as such a rush. Seeing my teammates there made the win 10 times better than what it was?

Was that your first walk-off homer?

Yes.

How big was the win over Freeport?

That was a huge win. We lost to them for so long now, and finally winning was an amazing thing.

Is there a game remaining on the schedule that you have circled?

Yes. Deer Lakes. They have hitters all through the lineup, and they are just a good team.

How does last year’s Class 3A quarterfinals loss to Avonworth drive this team?

It showed us that we can’t let up. We have to play the game our hardest from the first inning to the last inning. Any team can come back.

Who is the most underrated player on the team?

I would say, coming into this year, my sister Sara. She’s having a great year and showing everyone how to be a good leader. She’s a senior.

Where does this team need to improve the most in the second half of the season?

We need to improve on coming out with our bats in the first inning. We are getting better at that.

If you could have walk-up music to the plate, what song would you use?

I would use “We Ready” by Archie Eversole.

Do you have a dream college softball school to play at?

Oklahoma.

What’s your favorite subject at school?

Math. I’m in Algebra II.

What is your favorite school lunch?

Their corn dogs are pretty good.

What is something interesting about you that nobody knows?

I’m pretty much an open book. My family and friends know everything about me.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Mine is Kit Kats.

Cameron Curfman

School: Leechburg

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Baseball

Report card: Curfman and the Blue Devils are eyeing back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time in the 2000s. He powered Leechburg (4-6, 3-2) with six hits and four RBIs during its three-game Section 3-A winning streak. The right-hander also gave up one hit and struck out four over five innings in a 10-0 win over section rival Springdale. He leads the Blue Devils in batting average (.393) and doubles (three) and ranks second in RBIs (six) and hits (11).

How long have you been playing baseball?

I’ve been playing since I was 9 years old for Leechburg Little league.

How have you changed as a player since your freshman season?

I think in hitting, I have a better approach. Instead of trying to pull everything, I’m trying hit it straight up the middle or to the opposite field if I have to.

What do you like most about baseball?

I like the battle between the pitcher and the batter.

The Blue Devils are riding a three-game winning streak in section. What’s been the secret?

I think just cutting back on all the miscues and playing mostly error-free baseball has helped us win games. Our pitching has been pretty good too.

What did this team learn from last season’s postseason appearance?

I think basically going there got us hungrier to go back again. It got us playing harder to go back this year.

Can Leechburg pick up its first postseason win since 2001 this season?

I think we can if we play to our identity of cutting down the miscues and pitching well. I think we can do it.

You play first base, left field and pitcher. What’s your favorite position?

I just got moved to left field because coach was trying to find a place for me to play. I really enjoy playing there.

Where does this team need to improve the most during the second half of the season?

I think we need to have more consistent hitting.

Who is the most underrated player on the team?

I would have to say it’s Anthony Mangee. Him catching really sets the tone on defense for us.

If you could have walk-up music to the plate, what song would you use?

“Eye of the Tiger.”

How many games will the Pittsburgh Pirates win this year?

I think if they can bat better and their pitching stays how it is, they can win around 90 games.

Who is your favorite Pirates player?

Corey Dickerson.

Which MLB pitcher do you look up to?

Max Scherzer because of the way he executes and pitches.

What’s your favorite subject at school?

English.

Do you have a favorite school lunch?

If I had to choose one, it’s probably (Smuckers) Uncrustables.

What is something interesting about you that nobody knows?

I’m terrible at golfing. I have too much of a baseball swing.

What’s your nine-hole average?

It’s in the 50s, low 50s.

What’s your favorite golf course to play?

I play Lenape Heights in Ford City.

William Whalen is a freelance writer.

Tags: Burrell, Leechburg