Softball: Scouting Lake County
Fox Valley Fox
Grayslake Central
Head coach: Abbey Tadelman (fourth season)
Last season: 4-29, 2-16 FVC Fox
Losses: OF Kara Dones, OF Marytza Barrios, SS Jordyn Bowen (transferred to Grayslake North)
Returners: Sr. C Rachel Perkowitz, Jr. P/SS Claire Brennan, Jr. P/2B Tayler Janda, Jr. LF/C Sarah Kuligowski, Jr. CF Kati Brew, Sr. 1B Stacy McAfee
Newcomers: So. 3B/OF Caitlin Flary, So. P/OF Zoe Bean
Outlook: A year after winning a Class 3A regional championship, the Rams fielded a young squad last year, and their inexperience showed. They're off to an 0-2 start this season with losses to Fremd and Libertyville. “Our team has been very dedicated to improving our level of play,” coach Abbey Tadelman said.
“We are more mature, faster and stronger than we have been in the past. Our defense has improved and we are hitting the ball a lot better in practice.” Junior veteran Claire Brennan homered and singled in the Rams' season-opening loss to Fremd. The junior started in the team's sectional semifinal two years ago, as did senior Rachel Perkowitz and junior Tayler Janda. Outfielders Sarah Kuligowski and Kati Brew started on varsity as sophomores last year.
Grayslake North
Head coach: Molly Jones (third season)
Last season: 19-17, 12-6 FVC Fox
Losses: OF Ashley King, OF Mindy Runge
Returners: Jr. P/IB Kristina Gandy, So. C/3B Kelsey Borders, Sr. OF Brianna Leon, Jr. C/IF Brooke Tracy, Sr. 2B/OF Raquel Ness
Newcomers: So. SS Jordyn Bowen (transfer from Grayslake Central), Fr. P/1B Nikki Livengood
Outlook: The Knights posted a school-record victory total last season, collecting seven more wins than they did the previous season. They could flirt with 20 wins again this spring considering they return their talented battery of junior pitcher Kristina Gandy and sophomore catcher Kelsey Borders.
Gandy was an all-area choice last season in her second on varsity, winning 16 games and hitting a team-best .417 with 9 doubles and 33 RBI. Shortstop Jordyn Bowen, who played varsity as a freshman for Grayslake Central last year, will help.
East Suburban Catholic
Carmel Catholic
Head coach: Jason Raymond (ninth season)
Last season: 13-27, 6-14 ESCC
Losses: P Rachel Tack, C Meg Grady
Returners: Sr. P Sam Gallagher, Sr. 3B/DP Julia Hart, Jr. CF Kelley Dodge, Jr. 1B Sally Snarski, Jr. LF Madeline Felipez, So. 3B Danielle Pullano, So. C Skyler Zak, So. P Erika Schoenfeld
Newcomers: Fr. SS Kathleen Felicelli, Fr. 2B Amy Abel, Fr. RF Abby Andrejek, Fr. P Nicole Bitter, Jr. OF Abbey Monsalud, Jr. 3B Crishelda Green
Outlook: The Corsairs are looking for a new ace after the graduation of four-year all-area pitcher Rachel Tack, who won a school-record 51 games. “We are a very young team, but we are experienced with a core of returning varsity players,” coach Jason Raymond said. “We have a talented group and the coaching staff is really excited to watch this team evolve.” Sophomore Erika Schoenfeld pitched when Tack didn't last season and assumes the No. 1 pitching spot. “Erika did a real nice job backing up Rachel Tack,” Raymond said. “With the addition of freshman pitcher Nicole Bitter, they will give us a nice 1-2 punch on the mound this year.” Sally Snarski, Madeline Felipez and leadoff-hitter Kelley Dodge all return for their third year on varsity. “They bring a wealth of experience and we are looking forward to seeing their progression this year,” Raymond said. Snarski was 2 for 4 with a homer and 2 RBI in the Corsairs' season opener against Cary-Grove last Saturday. “She is second to none defensively at first base and provides a big bat in the middle of our lineup,” Raymond said.
“Junior newcomers Crishelda “Mookie” Green (3B) and Abbey Monsalud (OF) add depth. Danielle Pullano and Skyler Zak return for their second year on varsity. Pullano had 2 homers as a freshman on varsity last year and “has made big strides,” Raymond said. Zak moves from shortstop to catcher. “She has a really nice bat and overall game,” Raymond said. Raymond is carrying four freshmen in Bitter, Amy Abel, Abby Andrejek and Kathleen Felicelli. “Our four freshmen come in with really good skill sets and softball instincts,” Raymond said. Raymond notes that Felicelli will be following in the footsteps of some very good Carmel shortstops, including Kelli Maguire and Kelly Cook. Felicelli went 2 for 4 with a double against C-G. “She is a smooth/take control infielder and a fine overall player,” Raymond said. “She will be a lot fun to watch.” Abel was 2 for 3 in the season opener. Bitter struck out three in 3 2/3 innings. “She has nice command and some pop on her fastball,” Raymond said. Andrejek will be playing right field. She and DP Julia Hart both swing a good bat. Senior Sam Gallagher has been battling various injuries throughout her Carmel career and missed last season after having foot/Achilles' heel surgery. She is battling the same injury with her other foot this spring. “Both of our seniors, Julia (Hart) and Sam (Gallagher) exemplify strong leadership,” Raymond said, “and are the glue to keeping our young team together.”
North Suburban Lake
Lake Zurich
Head coach: Michaela Towne (second season)
Last season: 24-12, 10-2 NSC Lake
Losses: SS/2B Amanda Orchard (volleyball), 3B Erin Sweeney, 1B Ella Aslan, OF Kelli Blume
Returners: Sr. P Megan Mattera (Miami Ohio), Sr. C/OF Paige Goldberg, Sr. IF Tab Bohac, Jr. OF Kelly Neises, Jr. OF/C Alli McGinnis
Newcomers: Fr. 2B/OF Katie Brown, Fr. 3B/IF Carlee Parsons, Fr. IF Maria Schroeder, Fr. OF/C McKenna Larson, Jr. 3B/OF Ashley Pettinger, So. 1B Kasey Roe
Outlook: The reigning North Suburban Lake Division champs return more than half of their starting lineup, including a great one. Megan Mattera was the captain of the Daily Herald's Lake County All-Area team after a junior season in which she slammed 14 home runs and knocked in 63 runs, while posting a .496 batting average. The Miami (Ohio) recruit also won 21 games in the circle, striking out 229 batters. The Bears return her all-area batterymate, too, as catcher/lefty slapper Paige Goldberg batted .385 in her second season as a varsity starter.
All-area infielder Amanda Orchard is focusing on volleyball this spring, but the Bears don't lack ability. Outfielder Kelly Neises, another lefty hitter, shined last year. Coach Michaela Towne has three freshmen and a sophomore among her first-year varsity players. The Bears have represented the Lake division in the NSC championship game five straight years, losing to Antioch the last two. “We will be young and inexperienced,” Towne said. “However, the newcomers are not without talent. They are fast, athletic and softball savvy. We will use a combination of our leadership and talent to grow throughout the season and hopefully make a nice run in the postseason.”
Libertyville
Head coach: Mary Tiegs (sixth season)
Last season: 4-8 NSC Lake
Losses: 3B Brittany Schick, OF Nicole Smith, IF Erika Teitz, OF Athena Cocallas, P/OF Mandy Vogg
Returners: Sr. SS/3B Liv Wilcox, Jr. OF Samantha Bone, Jr. P/OF Andie Grant, Sr. C/OF Lisa Cooper, Sr. 1B Toni Kintzel, Sr. 2B/OF Danielle Kaczmar, Jr. P/3B Calley Kaluzny, Jr. C/OF/3B Nicole Kruckman
Newcomers: So. Isabel Alesna, Jr. 3B/SS Maggie Meyer, So. C/IF Haley Hoeksel, Jr. OF Amy Sleep, Jr. P/OF Emilie Teitz, Jr. OF/2B Emily Gilbert, Jr. OF/1B Lauren Vogg
Outlook: The Wildcats have showed steady improvement the last couple of years and got their 2011 season off to a good start by shutting out Grayslake Central 9-0 on Monday. Sophomore newcomer Emilie Teitz earned the win, while four other varsity rookies — sophomore Haley Hoeksel, sophomore Isabel Alesna, junior Lauren Vogg and junior Maggie Meyer — each had 2 hits. Veteran Toni Kintzel went 2-for-4 with a double. She and junior Nicole Kruckman are two of the better power hitters in the conference. Besides Teitz, the Wildcats feature a pair of varsity-tested pitchers in Andie Grant and Calley Kaluzny.
Mundelein
Head coach: Ted Juske Jr. (second season)
Last season: 7-25, 2-10 NSC Lake
Losses: OF Katy Durr, IF Jessica Bjerning
Returners: Sr. 2B/SS Kate Wallen, So. P/3B Erin Kennelly, Jr. 2B Taylor Pieklo, Sr. P/3B Hillary Bunnelle, Sr. OF Justina Doll, Sr. SS/P Deanna Wise, Jr. C/1B Alex Hemmer, So. OF/1B Haley Morelli
Newcomers: So. OF Chloe Peterson, So. OF Emily Panitch, So. OF Ashton Fields, So. 2B/3B Alexis Shanahan, Fr. C/1B Caity Hanscom, So. SS/2B Andrea Funteas, So. OF Nikki Zaprzalka, Fr. 2B/OF Lauren Fairweather, Fr. 1B/OF Abbey Rosenow
Outlook: The Mustangs are young, just as they were last spring. Freshmen and sophomores will get ample opportunities to show that they can play at the varsity level. Coach Ted Juske Jr. has some solid veterans in Kate Wallen, Hillary Bunnelle, Justina Doll and Deanna Wise.
Stevenson
Head coach: Larry Friedrichs (24th season)
Last season: 19-17, 6-6 NSC Lake
Losses: P Allie Micucci (Trinity International University), 3B Genny Duffy (University of St. Thomas), SS Rebekah Ozga (Cornell College), 1B Amanda Jaegers, LF/P Jordan Willis
Returners: Sr. C Megan Felz, Sr. 3B/OF Ashley Niedermayer, Sr. 1B Heather Cohen, Sr. 2B Alyssa Vechiola, Sr. SS Emma Patrash, Jr. 2B/OF/C Lara Horwitz
Newcomers: Jr. OF Nicole Alesi, Jr. OF Alison Castriano, So. P/OF Sam Feder, Sr. OF Allies Jobes, So. 3B Morgan Manka, Sr. OF Bridget Poetker, Jr. OF/2B Cailin Rubenstein, Fr. P Katherine Trotter
Outlook: Ashley Niedermayer's athleticism, versatility and leadership qualities will come in handy. The three-sport athlete, who's anchored center field for the varsity the last two springs, started at third base in the Patriots' season opener against Loyola on Monday. “She's certainly a very solid athlete,” coach Larry Friedrichs said. “Ashley can play everywhere.” Niedermayer, a star field hockey player in the fall and starting frontcourt player on the basketball court in the winter, put together an all-area softball campaign last spring. She jacked a school-record 8 home runs, with 2 grand slams in one game, while driving in a team-high 36 runs. But with the graduation of 3B Genny Duffy and inexperience in the circle, Friedrichs has moved Niedermayer to the hot corner, at least for now.
His Opening Day starting outfield featured three newcomers in Nicole Alesi (left), Cailin Rubenstein (center) and Bridget Poetker (right). Senior Emma Patrash, who had an inside-the-park homer against visiting Loyola on Monday, takes over as the Patriots' starting shortstop. Veteran second baseman Alyssa Vechiola is recovering from ACL surgery last fall. Senior Heather Cohen, who was the team's designated player last year, starts at first base. Niedermayer, Patrash, Vechiola and Cohen were all called up as sophomores two years ago. Senior catcher Megan Felz is playing her fourth spring on varsity. “It's her turn to help bring along the young pitchers,” Friedrichs said. Sophomore Sam Feder earned her first varsity win Monday. She got 1 varsity start in the circle last spring. The Patriots' other pitcher is freshman Katherine Trotter. “They both have good control, decent speed and move the ball around pretty well,” Friedrichs said. “And they have a lot of room for growth. That's the exciting thing. We have a good group of pitchers (throughout the program).” Junior Lara Horwitz can also play multiple positions and played varsity last spring. “It's a versatile group,” Friedrichs said. “Although we graduated five (starters), we have a lot of varsity experience.”
Warren
Head coach: Carri McGahan (fifth season)
Last season: 28-8, 10-2 NSC Lake
Losses: P Kayla Hurd (Grand Valley State University), CF Alex Booker (University of Illinois), SS Sarah Clauser (Aurora University), 2B Lindsay Horwitz (Heidelberg University), 3B Kaiti McKeon, C Nikki Ponticelli
Returners: Sr. 1B Abby Anderson, Sr. 3B Paige Dombrowski, Jr. LF Lexi Leneau, Jr. RF Sarah Shanders, Sr. P Marcee Olvera, Sr. OF Amanda Reed, Sr. IF Stephanie Zblewski
Newcomers: So. CF Megan Sowa, So. SS Jill Fox, So. C Sam Belletini, Sr. 2B Allie Schultz, Jr. C/OF Taylor Boyke, Jr. P/IF Jessica Demski, Jr. OF Kelli Layton
Outlook: When the Blue Devils pulled up center fielder Alex Booker, shortstop Sarah Clauser and pitcher/infielder Kayla Hurd as freshmen in 2007, they anticipated 2010 being potentially special. It proved just that. Warren earned a share of the NSC Lake championship, won 28 games and captured a regional championship. The Blue Devils' three four-year varsity players are gone, as are three other starters, but the returners include slugging first baseman Abby Anderson, who put together an all-area season as a junior with a school-record 7 HR, .467 batting average and 35 RBI. All three categories led the team
. The Blue Devils also return corner outfielders Lexi Leneau and Sarah Shanders, while senior Marcee Olvera assumes the No. 1 pitching spot from Hurd. “We have an excellent outlook on our 2011 season with great experience, depth and new talent taking the field this year,” coach Carri McGahan said. “We have girls throughout our program who have the will to win and are determined to repeat and beat last year's success.” The Blue Devils opened the season by finishing second to the host school in Barrington's Spring Fling. “Perseverance is how I would describe our performance in Barrington last week,” McGahan said. “The energy was contagious and everyone on our entire 14-player roster was involved in the (championship) game either physically or mentally. We battled back after being down 6-0 after the first two innings to almost tie the game in the bottom of the seventh inning with a runner on third with two outs. The players' determination to win was hard-fought, and we stepped up to the plate against a very tough Barrington opponent. We have another hard working group of eager young ladies who want to learn and improve their game to take our program to the next level.”
North Suburban Prairie
Antioch
Head coach: Jeff Tylka (third season)
Last season: 32-6, 12-0 NSC Prairie
Losses: CF Samie Seamon (University of Wisconsin-Whitewater), SS Allie Anttila (Georgetown University), 3B Lauren Moore (Loyola University), OF Jessica Ploss (volleyball)
Returners: Sr. P Olivia Duehr (Northwestern University), Sr. 2B Jess Liszka, Sr. 1B Cat Dinklenburg, Jr. C Amber Mysliwiec, Jr. OF/P Sam Kozenski
Newcomers: So. SS Katie Keefe, So. 3B Kaylene Ressler, So. OF/IF Maddie Adler, So. OF Amber Larson, So. OF Katie Phillips, Fr. OF Mackenzie Olesak, Fr. OF/IF Lexi Ivins
Outlook: They captured the Class 3A third-place trophy at state and hit a state-record 51 home runs last season. Four players who parked a combined 37 homers are gone, but that doesn't mean the Sequoits won't be powerful this spring. Fact is, any team with Olivia Duehr should be good. Coach Jeff Tylka expects excellence from his team, too. Tylka has coached the Sequoits to back-to-back 32-win campaigns. Duehr, the ace the last two seasons, has signed with Northwestern. She won 21 games and hit 8 homers last season
. Duehr, senior second baseman Jess Liszka (all-area last year), junior catcher Amber Mysliwiec (4 HR), senior first baseman Cat Dinklenburg and senior outfielder Sam Kozenski (2 HR) were all in Tylka's starting lineup downstate. The only seniors are Duehr — who opened this season by no-hitting Cary-Grove, only to lose — Liszka, Dinklenburg and Kozenski. Against C-G, Tylka started sophomores Amber Larson (LF), Katie Phillips (CF), Kaylene Ressler (3B) and Katie Keefe (SS), as well as freshman Mackenzie Olesak (RF). The Sequoits' nonconference schedule is again strong. Getting through the first couple of weeks of the season could be key.
Grant
Head coach: Mike Dolezal (sixth season)
Last season: 21-15, 8-4 NSC Prairie
Losses: P Brie Brugioni (Trinity Christian College), LF Morgan Liles, RF Chris Wilson
Returners: Jr. P/3B/IB Rachel DePouw, Jr. C Amber Smith, Jr. 2B Molly Smith, Sr. CF Kelly Kucharski, Sr. SS Hannah Graham, Sr. OF Sarah Defries, Sr. C/OF Tiffany Vann, Sr. IF Lindsey Lohtka, Sr. OF Kali Bachofner
Newcomers: Fr. 3B Jamie Reiser, Sr. 1B/P Nikki Nazario, Jr. OF Jessica Katinella, Jr. OF Vanessa Valadez
Outlook: At least one person didn't expect the Bulldogs to win 21 games last season. That person? Their coach. “I was kind of surprised,” Mike Dolezal said with a laugh. With a young team around her, veteran ace Brie Brugioni needed to dominate in the circle, and she often did. Her stellar season (14 wins, 1.21 ERA, 223 strikeouts) helped explain the Bulldogs' success. Dolezal, in truth, expected that from his star, who also delivered at the plate (.500 batting average, 6 HR, 41 RBI). But Brugioni graduated after four varsity seasons. “We're going to have to be tougher defensively without Brie,” Dolezal said. “Other teams are going to hit a little more.”
Dolezal does have confidence in junior Rachel DePouw, who's coming off an all-area season and has been the Bulldogs' No. 2 pitcher since her freshman year. DePouw hit .365 with 3 HR and 25 RBI last season. “She looks better all the time,” Dolezal said. “Every year she gets a little better.” Her improvement as a pitcher will be a key to the Bulldogs' 2011 season. “Rachel's ready to take over,” Dolezal said. “We just got to be better defensively, and I think we will be.” Also back are the Smith twins, Amber (catcher) and Molly (second base), all-NSC shortstop Hannah Graham, and center fielder Kelly Kucharski. Dolezal is going to give freshman Jamie Reiser a chance to be the team's everyday third baseman. “We should be OK,” Dolezal said.
Lakes
Head coach: Bill Hamill (third season)
Last season: 21-14, 6-6 NSC Prairie
Returners: Sr. P Shannon Cooley, So. C/3B Meghan Milewski, JKr. 3B/1B Sara Braden, So. 3B/SS/OF Jessica Bruggen, So. 2B Kaela Bryant, Jr. SS Jamie Dykstra, Sr. OF Taylor Newby, Jr. OF Megan Massie, Sr. OF Jasmine Rivera, Sr. OF/2B Jessica Quinn, Sr. OF Jenelle Christiansen
Newcomers: So. 1B Kim Olson, Fr. 1B/P/3B Taylor Dishinger, So. C Lindsay Meverden
Outlook: Back-to-back seasons of 20-plus wins doesn't mean the Eagles are satisfied. So coach Bill Hamill has beefed up his team's schedule. The Eagles, who are scheduled to leave today to Myrtle Beach, S.C., after spending Spring Break in Florida last year, will play perennial state power Barrington next month. Hamill also scheduled games against NSC Lake foes Warren and Stevenson. The Eagles did not graduate any players from last season's squad. How should the Eagles fare this season? “Ask me in May,” Hamill said with a laugh. “If we can play as a team and stay together, we can be all right.” Shannon Cooley should make the Eagles better than all right. A three-time all-area player, she knocked in 63 runs and hit 19 doubles last year, while also serving as the team's ace in the circle again. “She's looking good,” Hamill said. “She's got a little more movement on her pitches. That's a good thing, because unless you're throwing 200 mph, you're going to get hit if you're throwing straight.”
Sophomore Meghan Milewski is back to catch Cooley again. Junior third baseman Sara Braden starts for the third varsity season in a row. Junior Jamie Dykstra is back after missing last season with an ACL injury. “She's got good range,” Hamill said. “She probably doesn't have the strongest arm, but she gets rid of the ball quickly, and she's not afraid to get dirty. That's a good person to have at shortstop.” Hamill jokingly calls his outfield his “senior citizen group.” It features veterans Jasmine Rivera (who played some shortstop last year), Taylor Newby, Megan Massie and Jenelle Christiansen. Freshman Taylor Dishinger might start at first or third base, and she can also pitch.
Round Lake
Head coach: Travin Kozel (third season)
Last season: 5-30, 2-12 NSC Prairie
Losses: 1B Shaila Sanchez, P Melissa Larson, 2B Sarah Abelseth
Returners: Sr. IF Lauren Dilollo, Sr. 3B Sydnee Miller
Newcomers: So. CF Mikayla Brown, Fr. P/1B Kristin Pierce, Jr. P Jocelyn Hernandez, Jr. C Lourdes Delarosa, Jr. 2B Sara Plasencia, Jr. SS Clarissa Trujillo
Outlook: Five wins last season. Maybe more high fives this season. Coach Travin Kozel says his Panthers are younger and more athletic than they have been in years. “However, many of the girls play multiple sports throughout the summer, so they are lacking game experiences,” Kozel said. “They do possess a wonderful energy and work ethic. The goal is to make sure they each become a better, more knowledgeable softball player each day.”
Vernon Hills
Head coach: Steve Korney (first season)
Last season: 15-18, 5-7 NSC Prairie
Losses: OF Sara Doerhoefer, OF Christina Oberrieder, Sr. IF Bridget Munoz
Returners: Sr. 1B/OF Becca Feld, Jr. P Megan Meline, Jr. 1B/3B Anya Mollenhauer, Jr. SS/2B Michelle Harris, Jr. C Sami Freibrun, Jr. C/SS Nicole Wagner, Jr. 2B/SS Carly Alm, So. 3B/P Jenn Claussen, So. OF/P Jordyn Comitor
Newcomers: Sr. Neha Manchanda, Jr. Kelly Alm, So. Caitlin Sernett
Outlook: Fresh off a sectional championship in 2009, the Cougars fielded a young squad last season and struggled all season to play consistently. The end result was one of their least productive seasons in terms of wins. Longtime assistant Steve Korney replaces Paul Weber and inherits a club that still has one of the county's best players in athletic junior Megan Meline. She put together an all-area campaign as a sophomore, hitting a school-record .439 with 3 homers and 13 stolen bases.
In the circle, she struck out 153 batters in 116 innings and posted a 1.32 ERA. Meline is one of eight returning starters. She and fellow veteran Jenn Claussen each had 2 hits in the Cougars' season-opening, 11-9 win over Palatine last week. Sophomore Caitlin Sernett had a nice debut, going 3 for 3 with 3 RBI and 3 stolen bases. Korney said his team hopes to build on the experience gained last year toward improved overall and division records. The Cougars will spend Spring Break in Kentucky, where they are scheduled to play five games in four days.
Wauconda
Head coach: Tim Rennels (12th season)
Last season: 21-14, 9-3 NSC Prairie
Losses: SS Kate Martino (Trinity Christian College), CF Kendra Wedl (Waldorf College), P Kayla Stos, 1B Alex Manusos, 2B Stephanie Olson, DP Rachel Hughes, RF Michelle Meyer
Returners: Sr. SS/3B/C Cara Nance, Sr. P/1B Brittany Ehmann, Sr. OF Kasey Kruckenberg, So. 2B Kennedy Wright, So. C Alex Kinnamon
Newcomers: Sr. C/IF/OF Alexis Lopez, Sr. 2B Katie Schneider, Sr. 1B Kristen Rasmussen, Jr. OF Jessica Kinder, Jr. 3B Shannon Moorehead, Jr. P/OF Lauren Thomas, Jr. 1B/OF Jessica Grens, So. SS Emily Holub, So. P/OF Lexie Rebmann
Outlook: The Bulldogs graduated one of their best senior classes in years, but expectations have not plummeted. The Bulldogs have won 44 games the last two years and last season captured a regional championship for the first time in the program's history. Is a third straight 20-win season possible? “Absolutely,” coach Tim Rennels said. “We're not going to set our sights any lower.” While seven regulars graduated, the returners include senior Cara Nance, who's making another position change. A varsity starter since her freshman year, Nance has been an all-conference choice at both catcher and third base (last year). Rennels thinks she can be an all-NSC shortstop this spring.
Senior pitcher Brittany Ehmann got her third varsity season off to a great start last Saturday, pitching 10 scoreless innings in a doubleheader sweep of Woodstock. She opened with a five-inning no-hitter. “She looks strong,” Rennels said. “She was really on (against Woodstock).” Sophomore catcher Alex Kinnamon was a big hit after being called up early last season. Her 2-run single in the Bulldogs' regional final against host Vernon Hills nearly cleared the fence for a grand slam. Senior Kasey Kruckenberg is back to patrol left field, while sophomore Kennedy Wright moves from second base to the outfield. Rennels went with a veteran lineup that included six seniors in the season opener. “We got a lot of talent, a lot of athleticism,” he said. “We got a little more speed than we've had before.”