A-K Valley athletes of the week: Kiski Area’s Megan Andree, Leechburg’s Corey Kerecz

By: William Whalen
Wednesday, May 2, 2018 | 10:27 PM

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Megan Andree

School: Kiski Area

Class: Junior

Sport: Softball

Report card: Andree epitomized Kiski Area's perfect 3-0 week last week, capping the final week of April by throwing a perfect game in the Cavaliers' 4-0 win over Section 1-5A foe Gateway. Andree sat the Gators down in order through seven innings, striking out 10 batters; she also went 2 for 3 with two singles. Andree has tallied 103 strikeouts this season for the Cavaliers (7-6, 6-6), holds a 5-4 record and carries a .309 batting average.

How did it feel to pitch a perfect game?

It felt good. I don't think I really understood what was going on, and I didn't know that I pitched a perfect game until the coach from the other team told me. This has been the first perfect game I've been a part of, pitched or seen.

Did you feel any drama as the game went on?

No. The game was a really fun game. I knew the other team's coach, and there was no stress or anxiety to prove myself to the other team.

Did your team keep it a secret the entire way?

Yeah. Neither of my coaches told me, and my catcher (Alayna Mintz) almost told me in the sixth inning but didn't want to jinx it.

What pitch was working for you?

I stayed with my changeup and my screwball.

Did you wake up the morning of the game feeling “perfect?”

I knew it was a big game because it was a game that would put us in the playoffs. I was mentally prepared for the game.

How tough is the section this year?

Our section definitely changed a lot from last year. This year, everybody is competitive. You never know what's going to happen.

Where does this team need to improve the most before the postseason?

Confidence. We struggle a lot with confidence.

Who is the most difficult pitcher to face in the section?

In my opinion, it's probably (Franklin Regional's) Angalee Beall.

What is the strength of this team?

A lot of us have played together for the last seven years of our lives. We have so much fun on the field and that keeps us together as a team.

Who is the most underrated player on the team?

Kelsey Sofaly. She's a center fielder and doesn't get a lot of attention, but she's one of the best players that I‘ve played with.

What is your dream softball school to go and play at?

Stevens Institute of Technology. They're Division III, but they're a really good engineering school.

Does this year's team have a motto?

Every year we have a different word to pick, and this year is “Believe.”

What actress should play you in a Hollywood movie?

Jennifer Lawrence. She's my favorite.

What's your favorite subject at school?

AP calculus.

What is something interesting about you that nobody knows?

More than anything, I hate fishing. I hate all seafood.

What's your favorite food?

A cheese quesadilla from Moe's Southwest Grill in Murrysville.

Corey Kerecz

School: Leechburg

Class: Senior

Sport: Baseball

Report card: Kerecz helped propel Leechburg (4-8, 4-5) back into the Class A postseason picture with his 10-strikeout performance in the Blue Devils' 3-2 come-from-behind win over Section 1 rival St. Joseph. He also drove in the game-winning run. Kerecz has a .462 batting average. He also started at point guard for the basketball team and started in the No. 2 spot for the Leechburg boys golf team.

When did you begin playing baseball?

When I was around 4 years old.

The Blue Devils have clinched a spot in the postseason. What does Leechburg need to do to advance past the first round?

We definitely have to cut down on the infield errors and hit the ball with runners in scoring position.

Is there a team you hope to play in the postseason?

We've been able to hang with Eden Christian, so I'm pretty confident that we'd be able to hang in the first round of playoffs.

How did the Blue Devils bounce back from the 32-2 loss to No. 1 Vincentian?

That was a very rough game in general. I feel like that was a statement to the team that we can't be messing around. It was a rude awakening.

You play three sports; which is your main sport?

Baseball is definitely my main sport.

What is the strength of this year's team?

I feel like it is our starting pitching has been solid, and the top of the order is pretty strong.

Does this year's team have a motto?

We do. Our motto has been, “Why Not Us?”

Who is the most underrated player on the team?

I definitely feel like its our center fielder, Roman Yurjevich. He's lightning quick on the bases and in center field.

Is there an MLB player's swing that you try to emulate?

I'd definitely say Ken Griffey Jr.

Do you think the Pirates will make the postseason?

I don't feel like they're going to go to the postseason, but I feel like they can put up a fight for a wild card toward the end.

Who is your favorite Pirates player?

Josh Harrison. I love how he carries himself as a player and how professional he is.

Do you have a dream college to go and play baseball at?

That would definitely be Vanderbilt.

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

“Look Alive,” by BlocBoy JB and Drake.

What three words best describe you?

Athletic. Witty. Outgoing.

What's your favorite subject at school?

Math. I'm a math nerd.

What is something interesting about you that nobody knows?

A lot of people don't know that I'm actually adopted. That's a cool fact about me.

What are your plans for after high school?

I plan to attend Pitt-Greensburg for one year, then go to main campus for mechanical engineering.

— William Whalen

William Whalen is a freelance writer.

Tags: Kiski School, Leechburg