Westmoreland athletes of the week: Penn-Trafford’s Ava Hershberger, Nick Turowski

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, September 2, 2023 | 4:39 PM

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Ava Hershberger

Class: Senior

School: Penn-Trafford

Sport: Field hockey

Claim to fame: Hershberger, a standout who will play collegiately at Ohio State, scored her 100th career goal when the Warriors defeated Norwin, 5-1.

She had a hat trick in the victory.

The midfielder has nine goals this season and 105 for her career.

She had to go to the hospital Thursday after she was hit in the face with a stick during a match against Shady Side Academy.

Field Hockey Final

PT 5 Norwin 1
Ava Hershberger scored her 100th career goal! pic.twitter.com/rE3dKauP2r

— Penn-Trafford Athletics (@PTWarriors) August 29, 2023

“Ava always impresses me,” Penn-Trafford coach Cindy Dutt said. “She is a competitor, through and through. After her face injury, she was checked out and bandaged and went back in the game with the blessing of the trainer and her dad.”

What was the moment like when you reached the milestone?

It was cool. Coach Dutt called a timeout, and we got a few pics with some signs.

Do you feel less pressure now that you’ve reached 100?

I just go out and play. I love field hockey.

How has Penn-Trafford looked so far?

Penn-Trafford is becoming stronger by the day. We only had a few returning starters, but everyone is really stepping up. I see the team looking strong for years to come.

Is the team built to make a run at an eighth straight WPIAL title?

My older sister has four WPIAL medals, and I really can’t have her having anything up on me, so yes, we will build this team to win an eighth.

How are you after getting hit with a stick?

I am OK. I took a stick to the forehead, but thankfully I just had to get it glued and no stitches.

Do you have a most memorable goal?

My most memorable goal was when I broke the school record sophomore year with my two friends Madison Keenan, who plays at Allegheny, and Delaney Lentz, who plays at Lindenwood, and my sister, who plays at Ohio University.

How does Ohio State look in field hockey this season?

The Buckeyes started off their season at 2-0 and are looking very strong this year. I can’t wait to join them in the spring for their exhibition season after I graduate high school early.

Any plans for Labor Day?

I plan on catching up with school work, working at Pasqualino’s, where I work in the kitchen, and maybe relaxing with my friends and family.

How has it been getting settled into a new school year?

I am really enjoying my senior semester. I have classes at the high school, and then I take a few classes at WCCC. I am looking forward to OSU in January.

Do you obsess over school supplies?

Not really. I definitely like to be prepared, but I wouldn’t say I obsess.

Did you get a new backpack?

I actually have had the same back pack since middle school. I try to only ask my parents for new field hockey sticks.

What is your favorite subject so far?

I love math. I always have.

How do you think the Steelers will do this season?

The only games I really watch on Sundays are the OSU field hockey games and Gwen’s OU games.

Nick Turowski

Class: Senior

School: Penn-Trafford

Sport: Golf

Claim to fame: The Warriors senior won his second Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association Golf title by shooting a 4-under-par 68 Thursday at the Latrobe Elks Golf Course. He was a WPIAL Class 3A champion in 2021, the same year that he won his first WCCA title. He finished second in both events as a junior. He’s looking to win his second WPIAL title later this fall, and he hopes to challenge for a PIAA title.

What were some of the big events you were in this past summer?

I didn’t win anything, but I did place second in the C.R. Miller Invitational, finished in the top five at the AJGA Southpointe tournament and I finished second in the U.S. Juniors qualifier and got to play at Daniel Island, S.C.

What sold you on West Virginia?

I absolutely love the place. They have a great coach (Sean Covich), it’s close to home, they play at an amazing golf course (Pete Dye, Bridgeport) and the team is going to be good. We have a lot of great players.

Who got you started in golf and at what age?

My dad (Don) got me in to it. I really wasn’t a fan of golf, but I played because my brother (Alex) played. But my dad entered me in a U.S. Kids event when I was 9 at Shannopin, and I won. After that I loved golf.

Who is your favorite golfer?

Justin Thomas. I just like the way he handles himself, how honest he is and his persona.

Who would you chose to be your partner in a 2-Ball event?

Gregor Meyer. He’s the best putter I’ve seen.

What’s in your bag?

I’m a Ping guy. I was recently given a Taylor Made M2 driver from Mike Komarny, and I love it. I’m bombing drives more than 300 yards. It’s staying in my bag for now.

What’s your favorite club?

My driver. It’s my main weapon and best club in the bag. I’m killing it.

What golf ball do you use?

I play a Pro V1 X.

What’s the best golf course that you’ve played?

It has to be Laurel Valley Golf Club in Ligonier. It’s beautiful, and the greens are perfect. It’s just a great facility with great history.

What’s your most memorable moment in golf?

It’s when I made a birdie putt on No. 18 at Manor Valley Golf Course to set the course record of 63. It was witnessed by my best friend, Bryce Williams.

Have you ever recorded a hole-in-one?

No.

What are your favorites (golf movie, movie, meal, and vacation spot)?

My favorite golf movie is “Greatest Game Ever Played.” My favorite movie is “Inception.” My favorite meal is chicken and rice, and my favorite vacation spot is Myrtle Beach.

What would your dream vacation spot and car be?

I’d like to vacation in Australia and own a Tesla.

Who would you like to have dinner with, and what would you talk about?

It would be Jesus. I’d ask him about all the challenges he faces and thank him for forgiving our sins.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Penn-Trafford