Alle-Kiski Valley Athletes of the Week: Highlands’ Zac Kuniak, Plum’s Jillian Durst

By: William Whalen
Tuesday, May 14, 2019 | 3:57 PM

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Zac Kuniak

School: Highlands

Class: Senior

Sport: Baseball

Report card: Kuniak picked up the save in the Rams’ 9-3 win over Section 1-4A rival Indiana and helped clinch Highlands’ first trip to the postseason since 2003. A two-year captain, Kuniak leads No. 14 Highlands (10-8) in batting average (.400) and has tallied five doubles, three triples and seven RBIs during the regular season. Kuniak also plays the forward/winger positions for the Highlands club hockey team, where he led the Rams in assists (24) and in penalty minutes last season.

How long have you been playing baseball?

I started with T-ball over at the NHBSA fields, so probably 13 years or something.

How tough was it getting back to the postseason?

We had a lot of pitching, and everyone on the team contributed hitting the ball and making defensive plays. The young pitching staff helped. We were motivated.

What does the future of the Highlands baseball program look like?

I think the senior class is leaving the team in good hands, and it should be a solid team for the next couple years.

What does it mean to you to get the program back into the postseason?

It’s a good feeling. Words can’t explain it. We weren’t in the playoffs since 2003, and Highlands was a joke.

What do you know about the Rams’ first-round matchup in No. 3 Thomas Jefferson?

We talked about it (on Monday) and they were Class 5A and dropped down to 4A this year. Their team is identical to ours. It should be a good matchup.

Who was the toughest pitcher you’ve faced during the regular season?

I’m going to have to go with with Yough pitcher Jarrett Bach (a Pitt recruit).

What is the strength of this year’s team?

We’re the underdogs. Everyone hit the ball this year and is stealing bases, too. We have 60 stolen bases this year. We’re always moving forward.

Which position do you prefer to play, shortstop or left field?

I prefer shortstop. I feel like I’m in control of the game a little bit there.

Who is the most underrated player on the team?

Junior Matt Cekada. He always had one of the weakest arms when we were younger, and, this year, he’s hitting the ball and throwing out runners, too.

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

Christian Yelich (Milwaukee). I love his swing, even though he’s a lefty. I just started to swing like him halfway through the season. I’m driving the ball a lot better than I was.

Do you think the Pittsburgh Pirates will make the postseason?

It’s gonna be close this year. Josh Bell and Cole Tucker are helping them out.

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

“Monster” by Meek Mill.

What’s your favorite subject at school?

Natural resources.

What is something interesting about you that nobody knows?

Most people don’t know that I play hockey. When I tell them that, they’re surprised.

What are your plans for after high school?

I’m going to continue studying at Slippery Rock, major in safety management and play baseball.

Jillian Durst

School: Plum

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Softball

Report card: A two-year starter, Durst hit a two-run homer to help lift Class 5A No. 2 seed Plum (15-3) past nonsection foe Freeport on May 6. The center fielder finished the regular season with .401 batting average, 22 RBIs, five homers and nine stolen bases. Durst also is a member of the Mustangs’ cross-country team, where she earned a spot at this past season’s WPIAL championships.

How long have you been playing softball?

Since I was 7 or 8 years old.

How good did your two-run homer against Freeport feel?

It always feels good hitting a home run, especially when you hit a home run to win the game when everybody is on the edge of their seats.

How does it feel to receive the No. 2 seed in the Class 5A postseason bracket?

Definitely really good. I remember at the beginning of the year, we weren’t even (ranked in the) top five or even top 10.

Plum earned a first-round bye. Would you rather keep playing or take the time off?

Actually this week, we’re supposed to have three scrimmages. It’s always good to have off.

What do you know about your potential opponents in No. 7 Shaler and No. 10 West Allegheny?

We played Shaler last year, and we beat them. I think that it was the first time Plum beat them in a long time. They’re a good team. I’ve never played (West Allegheny). I definitely want to go out and watch them. I don’t know much about them.

How tough was Section 2-5A this season?

Last year, we were in a different section. I feel like this section was not as hard as last year. There’s still good teams in it. Hampton’s a good team.

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

Definitely the Hampton pitcher, Anneliese Probeck. The first time we played them, we did not hit at all.

Plum has outscored opponents 181-48 during the regular season. What’s up with all of this offense?

Well, I’ve always said that we were a better hitting team than a defensive team. It’s like pass the bat. Once someone gets hitting, everyone starts hitting.

Last season you played third base and now you play center field. Which position do you prefer?

Center field. I run track, so I’m pretty fast, and I like chasing down balls.

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

“Dreams and Nightmares” by Meek Mill.

What does this team need to work on before its opening quarterfinals game?

I feel like there’s always room for us to practice fielding and probably communication. I feel like we struggle with that.

Who is one of the most underrated players on the team?

I’d say probably junior Alyssa Schofield. She started off a little rough, but she’s been killing the ball lately.

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

That’s hard, probably UCLA or Florida State.

Does this team have a motto?

We always say “All in” as a team.

What’s your favorite subject at school?

I like AP Psychology a lot.

What is something interesting about you that nobody knows?

I volunteer at a summer camp, “Summer Blast.” I like to work with kids. Last year, I had first- and second-graders for three weeks.

William Whalen is a freelance writer.

Tags: Highlands, Plum