A-K Valley athletes of the week: Deer Lakes’ Tia Germanich, Ryan Cochran

By: Bill Hartlep
Saturday, April 6, 2024 | 11:27 AM

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Tia Germanich

Class: Senior

School: Deer Lakes

Sport: Softball

Report card: Senior catcher Tia Germanich belted a three-run home run to lift the Lancers to a 3-1 victory over Freeport on Friday. It was the only hit for the Lancers (4-2, 1-0) in the Section 1-3A win. Germanich also hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth in a 3-1 win over Laurel on March 28 and had two hits and three RBIs in a 13-0 win over Highlands on March 21. The Mercyhurst bowling recruit finished sixth at the state bowling championships last month.

How did the team play in the win against Freeport on Friday?

Going into that game, we knew what we had to do. They are a well-coached team with a fantastic pitcher. We knew we had to play our best. Maddie (Kee) pitched a great game; she had 15 strikeouts, which helped out a lot, too. Our defense was solid.

How did it feel to hit that three-run home run?

That game was personal for me. It meant a lot for me to be able to do that. One hit can sometimes win you a game, but it doesn’t always work out like that. It would have been different if the two girls in front of me didn’t get on.

What are some things the team is doing well so far this season?

I feel like our chemistry is really good. We are very well bonded and all super close. We’ve known each other for a while. We’re a younger team. I think there’s only three upperclassmen that start: me, Maddie and Sofia Laurenza. We’re young, but we get done what we need to get done.

What are the team’s goals the rest of the way?

Our main goal is to beat Avonworth. Ever since the WPIAL game, that’s the goal. We wanted to show them we can play the way we expect to play. We just didn’t show that. We want to beat Avonworth and go and win the section and make another run for the WPIALs.

How did you get started playing softball?

I used to play baseball, and then all the boys outgrew me and my mom said it’s time to make a switch. Ever since I was 9, I was playing right field in my first rec ball game against Pine-Richland. The coach, Mike Laurent, he watched me play and asked if I’d play for his travel team. I played for him for a year and got into travel ball and have been in it ever since.

How did you feel about your bowling season?

I was very impressed with everything that has come about with that. My dad is a fantastic coach and has stuck by me the entire time. The success I had definitely goes out to him and all the hard work he put in for me. It was definitely fun. It was fun to be a part of that.

Why did you decide to continue your bowling career at Mercyhurst?

I got lessons there from Mike Shady. He’s a retired PBA Tour bowler. His brother-in-law was also on the PBA Tour. As soon as I stepped on campus, I knew that’s where I wanted to be.

What was your reaction to hearing they were moving up to Division I?

It was definitely exciting. I honestly had no idea they were planning to do that when I signed. I’m 110 percent glad I made the decision I did, and I’m confident we are going to do good.

What do you plan to study?

Business management.

What do think of the softball field renovations?

I’m thankful to be able to play on that field, especially my senior year. It’s incredible. They did a very nice job.

Who’s the team comedian?

Probably Gracie (Spagnola). Gracie always has something to say.

Do you have a favorite home-cooked meal?

My mom makes a killer meatloaf.

Do you have a favorite restaurant?

BJ’s Brewhouse.

What is something people might not know about you?

My biggest influence is the people that have doubted me.

Ryan Cochran

Class: Senior

School: Deer Lakes

Sport: Baseball

Report card: Cochran was 3 for 3 with a homer, double and three RBIs in Thursday’s 6-3 win over Freeport. He also threw a complete game, scattering seven hits with seven strikeouts to earn the victory. In Wednesday’s 5-4 loss to the Yellowjackets, Cochran was 1 for 3 with a homer. He also homered against Highlands last month. A fourth-year varsity player and Edinboro football recruit, Cochran hit .471 with 15 RBIs and two homers last season in earning second-team all-star honors from the Valley News Dispatch. He also is a three-time all-section selection.

How did the team plan in Thursday’s win over Freeport?

I think we played well as a group. We had the bats slow off the jump but got them going at the end, and it worked out well.

What felt better, the home run or the pitching win?

Home runs are fun. But getting the win for the team, you can’t beat that.

What made the difference after losing Wednesday?

Just focused mentally. We were just focused at the plate. We did a good job of that Thursday to bounce back after the loss Wednesday.

Was it tough to play in the weather conditions this week?

It was a little tough but snow in April, you can’t beat that. It’s cool to play in the snow. It was a little cold, but you get through it.

What are some things the team is doing well?

Pitching. We have 3-4 guys who can go deep in games, get you out of jams and change the momentum in games.

What are the goals for the team this season?

Make playoffs. (We just need to keep) working together as a group, hitting the baseball, fielding well, all aspects of the game. You play well as a team, you get wins.

Why did you decide to play football at Edinboro?

I love their coaching staff. It’s kind of like a home away from home up there. They’re great people. I can fish up there, maybe do a little hunting. There’s a bunch of streams, but the Edinboro Lake is good for muskie.

What do you plan to study?

Finance. I like crunching numbers.

How did you get started playing baseball?

Three years old with a Little Tikes bat in the basement with my dad throwing Wiffle balls at me.

What’s your best pitch?

The slider. I get a lot of kids swinging and missing on that.

What’s your favorite home-cooked meal?

My mom makes a mean Fettuccine Alfredo.

Do you have a favorite local restaurant?

Chipotle or Red Robin. The Royal Red Robin burger is good stuff.

Do you listen to music before games?

Not really, I just kind of visualize what I’m going to do during the game.

How many wins will the Pirates have this season?

I’m riding them. I’m thinking 80, maybe high 70s.

What is something people might not know about you?

I can juggle. I was trying to increase my hand-eye coordination for football and baseball. Juggling helps with that. I just grabbed three tennis balls and started doing it.

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: Deer Lakes