A-K Valley athletes of the week: Fox Chapel’s Chase Villani, Freeport’s Lauren Lampus

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, November 15, 2017 | 10:12 PM

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Lauren Lampus

School: Freeport

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Volleyball

Report card: Lampus turned in one ace, 16 service points, eight kills and eight digs in Tuesday's 3-1 PIAA Class AA semifinal win over Beaver as Freeport avenged its loss in the WPIAL championship match. The win put Freeport (24-3) in the PIAA championship for the first time in school history. The Yellowjackets will face District 3 champion Delone Catholic at 1 p.m. Saturday at Richland High School. In the quarterfinals, the 5-foot-7 outside hitter laid down the winning kill to close out defending PIAA champion Corry's season, 3-1. Lampus also competes in track and field, where she qualified for the WPIAL championships in the high jump as a freshman.

How long have you been playing volleyball?

I've been playing volleyball since I was in fifth grade. Down at Pittsburgh Elite. Fifth year. Big Valley summer four on four summer league.

What did the Yellowjackets learn about themselves following the loss to Beaver in the WPIAL championship game?

I think we learned that we can't go into matches too confident, and we have to keep playing 100 percent of the time.

How big was the revenge factor going into Tuesday's semifinal rematch against Beaver?

It was huge. That's all we've been talking about since we found out that we were going to be playing Beaver.

What are your thoughts on playing for a state championship this Saturday?

It's great. I'm so excited, and the whole team is excited.

How was the bus ride home?

It was so energetic. We were all singing and cheering the whole ride home.

What's more difficult to win, a WPIAL or PIAA championship?

I think the PIAA because you have more teams coming around, and you don't know what to expect from them.

What's been the secret behind Freeport's long-term volleyball success?

We like to focus on defense a lot and keeping the ball off the floor. And, playing as a team.

You're a little undersized for an outside hitter. Do teams often underestimate your ability?

I think they do. I think, until they see me jumping and see me putting the ball down, they don't think too much of me.

Where do you get your jumping ability from, your mother or father?

Both my parents played volleyball, but my dad is a really high jumper.

When people look back on this season, what will they remember most?

I think they're going to remember the team as a whole. No individual players are going to stand out.

What three words best describe you?

Thoughtful. Athletic. Humorous.

What actress would play you in a Hollywood movie?

I think Jennifer Lawrence should play me in a Hollywood movie. I think she's really funny and she can be really laid-back at the same time.

What three people would you like to have dinner with?

Gabbie Douglas (Olympic gymnast), Demi Lovato and Justin Bieber.

What do you reach for first at the Thanksgiving dinner table?

Mashed potatoes. I just think they're the best thing on the whole table.

What is something interesting about you that nobody knows?

I did taekwondo when I was little and I have my first-degree black belt.

What's your favorite class?

Math.

Chase Villani

School: Fox Chapel

Class: Senior

Sport: Hockey

Report card: After spending the past two years at neighboring Shady Side Academy, Villani returned to Fox Chapel to become another scoring threat for the Foxes. The 6-foot-3, 203-pound Villani is coming off a hat-trick performance against Class A foe Blackhawk. Villani, a center, ranks second on the team in goals (five) and third in points (eight). On the gridiron, Villani rushed for 277 yards and two touchdowns this season and led the Foxes in tackles (96) from his middle linebacker position. He was named first-team all-conference in the Allegheny Nine.

How long have you been playing hockey?

Since I've been about 6 or 7. I started football when I was 5.

What is your favorite part about playing hockey?

There's no sport like it. My brother (Rick) played it too, and I looked up to him my whole life.

Who has been the most difficult goaltender you've gone up against so far?

I think the Blackhawk goalie (Matthew Bibbee) is pretty good. He stopped a lot of pucks. The Westmont Hilltop goalie (Kenny Vought) was pretty good. He gave us a hard time.

When did you decide that forward/center was the right position for you?

I always played forward. It's just a natural fit for me.

Why do you wear the No. 91?

I did have 24 when I was a freshman. My letterman (jacket) still has No. 24 on it.

Who is your favorite NHL player and team?

Penguins and Sidney Crosby.

What is your favorite hockey movie?

“Miracle.”

Are you more of a hockey player or a football player?

I'm looking to go to college for football. I've always said it depends what season I'm in.

What three words best describe you?

Funny. Athletic. Nice.

What actor should play you in a Hollywood movie?

George Clooney.

What three people would you like to have dinner with?

Sidney Crosby, Morgan Freeman and Snoop Dogg.

What do you reach for first at the Thanksgiving dinner table?

Sweet potato casserole. I gotta go for it first, when it's warm.

What is something interesting about you that nobody knows?

I can water ski.

What are your plans for after high school?

Hopefully play football in college. I got a couple looks, no offers yet.

— William Whalen

Tags: Fox Chapel, Freeport