Westmoreland athletes of the week: Penn-Trafford’s Tyler Horvat, Norwin’s Sydney Lokay

By: Andrew John
Tuesday, April 23, 2019 | 7:53 PM

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Tyler Horvat

School: Penn-Trafford

Sport: Baseball

Year: Senior

Claim to fame: Horvat was 3 for 4 with two RBIs and three runs to lead Penn-Trafford (11-1, 4-1) to an 8-1 win over Latrobe in Section 2-6A on April 16. Horvat allowed two hits and struck out nine in six innings.

“It was a great game. The team played really well. It was really cool to play under the lights at Latrobe and to get a win against a section opponent was great. We’ve had these expectations going in and we’re starting to show what we can do,” Horvat said.

What are your college plans for next year?

I’m committed to play at W&J next year. Coach (Jeff Mountain) was really the best, and he kept on me. He pushed to get me there, and I felt welcomed so committing there was no problem at all.

What did the team learn from the loss to Plum?

It doesn’t matter who it is, anybody can beat us because we’re going to get everybody’s best shot with our record the way it is and our reputation.

What does the team need to do to make a deeper run in the WPIAL playoffs this year?

We just need to grow from that experience last year, and we need to constantly hit the ball. We have the pitching and defense that can stack up against anyone in the WPIAL., but if we constantly hit the ball, then we’re going to be a force to be reckoned with.

What is your favorite, hitting or pitching, and why?

I love to do both. If I had to pick one, I would have to say pitching because I like the control and taking over to give my team the best chance to win.

If you had any superpower, what would it be and why?

The ability to fly because it would be cool to go anywhere you want to go.

Sydney Lokay

School: Norwin

Sport: Softball

Year: Sophomore

Claim to fame: Lokay, who is 5-1 with a 1.65 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 43 innings this season, struck out nine batters as Norwin (8-3, 7-2) defeated Seneca Valley, 2-1, in Section 2 6-A on April 18. Lokay allowed two hits and struck out eight in a 13-1 win over Fox Chapel in section play April 17.

“I think as a team and for me personally, we’ve been working really hard for moments like that. It’s been a bunch of offseason training that is paying off,” Lokay said.

What was your key to your success in the circle?

My mental game has gotten a lot stronger, and that’s a big part of what’s helping my performance this season.

What did the team learn from the losses this season?

We can’t let things outside of the game affect our play. When we play the way we know we can play, we can do amazing things.

What goes through your mind when you’re in the circle?

I make sure I’m not getting in my head. I just try to relax and believe in every pitch that I throw.

What is your earliest memory of playing softball or baseball?

When I was four, I started playing T-ball with one of my best friends and a whole team of boys.

What’s an adjective that best describes you and why?

Determined. When I was in seventh grade, I liked playing the game but I didn’t love it. I didn’t make the middle school team. Ever since then, I haven’t stopped, and I’ve achieved a lot of my goals.

Tags: Norwin, Penn-Trafford