Softball all-area team / Lake County

Jenny Behan Carmel Catholic

Behan belted bombs, bullets. Bunts? Well, when you hit 18 home runs in one season, you don't have to worry about bunting the ball. Nominated for Gatorade's Illinois player-of-the-year honor, the junior third baseman is the captain of the Daily Herald Lake County All-Area team. She established the single-season school record for homers, batting average (.504) and on-base percentage (.552), while driving in 55 runs. She slugged at a 1.110 clip and was 21-for-33 (.636 batting average) with runners in scoring position. "Day in and day out, you can count on her to be at the top of her game," coach Jason Raymond said. Behan committed to James Madison University during her sophomore year.

Maria DeVito

Did DeVito ever deliver. In her third varsity season, the junior emerged as one of the top hitters in Lake County, batting a robust .522 with her 66 hits including 12 home runs (2 grand slams), 7 doubles and 4 triples. She also drove in 53 runs, stole 10 bases and struck out only 10 times. Coach Brett Wilhelm saw the third baseman/second baseman get physically stronger during the off-season, which helped her mature as a hitter. "I just think her mental approach and everything with that (made her a better player)," Wilhelm said. "She's the type of player that likes to work hard, and she's going to keep getting better because of it."

Bri Dreschler Grant

She didn't hit just home runs. She hit big home runs. The senior belted 9 homers, including shots against Wauconda and Lake Zurich, the two teams that played each other for the North Suburban Conference title. "We're talking about big games," coach Mike Dolezal said of Dreschler's home runs. "She hit in some big spots and she really hit at the end." Dreschler batted .410 with 30 RBI. After starting in left field for the NSC champs last year, she moved to catcher, where she had played in the past. "She really did a great job this year behind the plate," Dolezal said.

Kathleen Felicelli Carmel Catholic

There might not have been a better three-sport athlete in Lake County the last couple of years. A varsity starter in softball since her freshman year, the senior graduated with a school-record 37 home runs. She belted 11 homers this season to along with a .445 batting average (49 hits), 44 runs scored, 32 RBI, 15 walks and .500 on-base percentage. A standout on the tennis and basketball courts, as well, she was 11-for-23 with runners in scoring position and was named to the All-East Suburban Catholic Conference team for the third year in a row. "Her bat and glove will be hard to replace," coach Jason Raymond said. "Her competitiveness and attitude will be sorely missed. She always played as hard as she could on the diamond and prepared equally as hard off the field. I have said this before, 'Imagine if Kathleen focused on only one sport.' " Felicelli will attend the University of Michigan, where she does not plan on playing competitive sports.

Mariah Gentile Grayslake North

The big sister of Knights football/baseball star Merrick Gentile has game too. Gentile had a bust-out senior season, leading the Knights with a .476 batting average. Her 39 hits included 5 triples, and she stole 9 bases. A three-year varsity player, she patrolled center field, where her speed and quickness came in handy. "It's been great to see her grow over these last four years," coach Molly Tomlinson said. "She's just gotten better and better each and every year. Last year she struggled at the plate a little bit, but she worked a lot individually on softball. She really came back with vengeance. She's been a great leader in center field and great leader up at bat."

Amanda Guercio Lake Zurich

When all-area catcher Kaylee Grant moved back to Texas during the winter, it left a Texas-sized void behind the plate for the Bears. No worries. In stepped the freshman Guercio, who socked 11 home runs, while batting .443. She also had 9 doubles and 2 triples. Her efforts helped the Bears win the North Suburban Lake and conference championships. In the Bears' sectional-final loss to Warren, she became just the seventh player ever to hit a home run over the fence at Stevenson.

Brandy Heraty Grayslake Central

Heraty had a knack for playing hero. Note her sixth-inning grand slam against Huntley and her 2-run homer against Lakes in the sectional semifinals. "Offensively, I do not know if you can ask more from someone in the middle of your lineup," coach Jason Schaal said. "She produced in some of the biggest wins this season. When we needed the big hit, Brandy was always there and delivered so many times this year." The junior third baseman batted .385 (40 hits) with 6 home runs and 35 RBI. She slugged at a .615 clip. Besides third base, she also saw time at first base, center field and in the circle. "Brandy did so much for our team," Schaal said. "Brandy brings a great work ethic to the program and is someone the younger kids look up to. I look forward to working with her for her senior season. She has set the bar high but expects to exceed this year's numbers next spring."

Kate Hohenstatt Lakes

The Eagles' leadoff hitter endured a late-season slump - and yet still finished the season with a .350 batting average. Her 15 extra-base hits included 8 triples and 2 homers. A repeat all-area player, the senior played a great center field, too. "Kate is a great ballplayer that has all the tools to play at the next level," coach Bill Hamill said. "She has been a leader for two years in the outfield. She has also been a great mentor to the younger girls coming up and playing outfield with her. She never turned her back on any challenge and was willing to do whatever was asked of her. She was also a phenomenal leadoff hitter for us."

Andi Katz Libertyville

Aptly named for being a Wildcat, Katz hit a whisker below .400. The senior catcher batted .388 with a .452 on-base percentage. She slugged at a .661 clip, pounding 22 extra-base hits, including 5 homers, while totaling 44 RBI. "Andi was the glue that held this team together," coach Elissa Wisniewski said. "She not only stepped into the starting catcher role, but also was one our team's vocal and emotional leaders. No matter what the situation, Andi was always right there to pick up a teammate or get them pumped up and then was able to turn around and execute on the field."

Taylor Koenigs Stevenson

Missing four games at the start of the season due to college visits hardly ruined the junior shortstop's spring. "She settled in and had a great season, and I would anticipate even bigger numbers from her next year," coach Larry Friedrichs said. "She's a great kid, hard worker and very talented." Repeating this season's numbers might be difficult even for Koenings, who set school records for hits (59), home runs (9) and runs scored (50). She also had 12 doubles and 5 triples. A repeat all-area selection, she boasts both speed and power. "She didn't always have to be swinging for the fences, although she could do that, as well," Friedrichs said with a laugh. "Sometimes you get these kids who are quick that don't hit for power, and people don't have to respect them, but they really had to respect Taylor."

Jessie Lauret Libertyville

The Wildcats will take a transfer like Lauret every year. The sophomore slapper, who played varsity ball for Zion-Benton last spring, made an instant impact for the Wildcats as a speedy top-of-the-order hitter and middle infielder. She boasted a .492 batting average and .530 on-base percentage. She had 22 RBI and 14 stolen bases. "Jessie was like our second sparkplug at the top of the order," coach Elissa Wisniewski said. "Not only was she able to set the tone, but she was also able to score runs and keep innings going. She is such an amazing athlete. We are really going to rely on her versatility next year."

Nikki Livengood Grayslake North

When her Knights were short on players during a game this season, coach Molly Tomlinson turned to - who else? - Livengood to play second base. A four-year varsity regular who started on the Knights' supersectional team in 2012, Livengood provided Tomlinson plenty of lineup flexibility. Besides her brief stint at second base, Livengood played third base, pitched (5 wins, 92 strikeouts) and even saw time at first base. Tomlinson will miss Livengood's "powerful swing," which produced 5 home runs, 12 doubles, 28 RBI and .378 batting average this season. "When she comes up to bat, I'm really confident that she's going to put the ball in play," Tomlinson said. "I'm really going to miss that. And I'll miss her ability to play more than one position."

Dana Meline Vernon Hills

Her sister Megan starred for the Cougars. Now, it's her turn. A slap hitter who led off and played shortstop, Meline batted .443 with 4 triples and 11 stolen bases, despite missing six games due to an injury. "She set the table for our offense by getting on base," coach Steve Korney said. "She always runs hard on the bases and frequently puts pressure on the other team as a result. She didn't have a stellar year defensively, but she's the type of player who can make the tough play look easy."

Caitlyn Moran Grant

Her 234 strikeouts in 194 innings suggest she blew away hitters with a heavy fastball. Not necessarily. Coach Mike Dolezal said his two-year all-area ace again used her smarts and location to be one of the top pitchers in Lake County. "She was effortless about it," Dolezal said. "And she was a great fielder." The winning pitcher in last year's North Suburban Conference championship game and a three-year varsity performer, Moran was a great softball player for the Bulldogs. As Grant's leadoff hitter, she posted a .398 batting average. She will continue her softball career at Milwaukee School of Engineering.

Dana Morgan Stevenson

Her varsity softball career was delayed due to a torn ACL her freshman year. By her sophomore season, she was starting at third base, and she never stopped improving. The senior enjoyed a breakout 2014 campaign, tying the school record with 13 doubles. "She just seemed to be able to put that ball in the gap and get two bases," coach Larry Friedrichs said. Morgan batted .378 with her 45 hits also including 3 triples. She had 35 RBI and struck out only 10 times. "She was probably the best (No.) 5 hitter somebody could have," Friedrichs said. "She did a nice job."

Paige Motley Wauconda

If she wasn't hitting, she was stealing hits for the Class 3A sectional champs. "Best center fielder I ever had," coach Tim Rennels said of the junior, a former catcher. "Unbelievable range. Gun of an arm. She's got to get her footwork down a little bit. She was off on a couple of throws to the plate this year, but as far as covering the area, she was just amazing. She made it look effortless." Motley also pound the softball. Her 2-for-3 effort in the Bulldogs' supersectional loss to Sterling gave her a .415 batting average with 2 home runs, 5 doubles, 5 triples and 27 RBI. She knocked in the team's only run with a line-drive single.

Lauren Nee Wauconda

The small kid put together a giant senior year. After an all-area season in basketball, the 5-foot-1 1/2 Nee continued hitting shots. She batted .358 with 4 homers and 31 RBI, while playing stellar shortstop for the Class 3A sectional champs. "She became fearless," coach Tim Rennels said of his three-year varsity starter. "She came in as a sophomore and she was a shy little girl. As a junior, she started playing the position (shortstop) and playing it right. As a senior, she brought a little swag. I think her basketball season gave her such confidence." Nee had 2 homers and 5 RBI against Antioch in the sectional. In the final against Grayslake Central, she nearly threw out a batter with a throw from her knees, from the hole. "The plays she made were just amazing," Rennels said. "She was stellar, especially for her size. I was real happy with her and her leadership." Nee plans to play basketball at Elmhurst College.

Tayler Oberman Libertyville

With her speed, ability to both slap and hit for power, she was Tayler-made to bat leadoff. A three-time all-area selection, the senior, who moved from shortstop to second base this season, batted .457 with a .566 on-base percentage. Her 19 extra-base hits included 5 homers. She drove in 33 runs and stole 22 bases. "Tayler was once again the spark at the top," coach Elissa Wisniewski said. "Her speed and versatility won us some big games, especially toward the end of the year. She did a great job in her new role at second base and really stepped up in helping our freshman learn our system." Oberman will continue her softball career at Winona State University.

Abby O'Connor Stevenson

Oh, yes, O'Connor produced "O." Note her school-record 46 RBI this season. But when the Patriots heated up in the second half of the season, it was O'Connor who stepped up with not only her bat, but her first baseman's mitt, too. "Defensively, she's one of the best first baseman that I've had," coach Larry Friedrichs said. "We struggled early, but as things picked up and the team got going after that third week of April, I think a lot of that had to do with the kind of work she was doing defensively." A repeat all-area player, the senior batted .345 with 10 doubles, 4 triples and 4 home runs. She also drew a team-high 15 walks.

Mallory Parsons

A big hitter on the volleyball court, the senior smokes softballs, too. Parsons hit .402 for the North Suburban Conference champs, knocking in 28 runs. Her 4 home runs included a grand slam against Warren. She plans to play volleyball for Carthage College.

Jessica Pedersen Antioch

Pedersen pounds pitches. Note her 11 strikeouts - in three seasons as a varsity starter. Coach Anthony Rocco said his junior shortstop "has improved every year defensively and offensively." Pedersen batted .469 this season with 9 doubles, 9 triples and 1 home run. She had 46 RBI, slugged at a .708 clip, scored 34 runs and stole 12 bases. " She is our team leader by example, whether she does it at the plate or on the field," Rocco said. "At the plate, she is a tough out. On the field, she makes plays and does a great job of communicating, especially with our freshmen playing in the infield this year."

Abbey Rosenow Mundelein

Since her freshman year on varsity, the left-handed hitter continued to get better in the batter's box. That wasn't her focus following last season, however. "Last year she struggled a little at first base," coach Brett Wilhelm said. "This year, her main focus was to be a way better defensive first baseman. And she was." Rosenow also put together her best offensive season. She pounded out 54 hits, batting .422 with 7 homers, 11 doubles and 5 triples. She had 50 RBI and struck out only eight times. "She's really improved her agility, quickness and lateral movement," Wilhelm said. "She got so much stronger in the off-season with her lower half. She really drives her back hip through the ball very well. Her bat speed is so much better than a lot of girls her age." Rosenow will continue her softball career at Aurora University.

Maria Schroeder Lake Zurich

The crazy, loud, fun kid just kept putting up silly numbers. How do like a .593 batting average? Bradley University is getting more than a huge personality. The Braves are getting a softball player who dominated as a senior. Schroeder's other eye-popping numbers included 18 doubles, 6 homers, 5 triples, 42 RBI and 45 runs scored. She walked 16 times and struck out just twice. She is a three-time all-area choice and four-year varsity starter at third base.

Hannah Skoog Antioch

Skoog can scoot. Sock, too. The junior center fielder and slap hitter hit .460 with 5 doubles and 7 triples. She also had 35 RBI, 35 runs scored and 21 stolen bases. "Hannah Skoog did a great job setting the table for us this year," coach Anthony Rocco said. "As a slap hitter, she is hard to defend because she has the power to hit the ball deep and the speed to drop the ball down with a bunt. Even if a team walks her, or gives up only a single, she has the speed to turn that into a double with a stolen base. She will be one of the most dangerous offensive players in Lake County next year."

Hayley Steinberg Round Lake

The fastball hit her flush on the left leg, smarting a smart girl. Steinberg hobbled to first base, heeding the words of her coach who told her, per hardball protocol, not to rub the ache. The A student listened, of course, after getting hit by a pitch in the Panthers' state tournament opener. Consider it just one more reason to like her. A junior first baseman, Steinberg hit .450 in helping the Panthers put together one of their better seasons in years.

She wields a pencil well, too, scoring a 31 on her ACT. "Team leader. She's the glue," coach Travin Kozel said. "She's the kid who has fun at practice, who everybody loves to be around, who brings all the good energy."

Jamie Stevens Libertyville

The sophomore third baseman showed a flair for the dramatic, delivering a walk-off homer against Stevenson and walk-off single against Mundelein. A quiet kid had a not-so-quiet season. Stevens hit .479 with .538 on-base and .684 slugging percentages. She had 16 extra-base hits (3 homers), 43 RBI and 11 stolen bases. "Jamie backed up her freshman season with a phenomenal sophomore run," coach Elissa Wisniewski said. "She doesn't say a lot in words, but she speaks volumes on the field. She was our rock at third base and stepped into the role of cleanup hitter. It was so great to watch her develop into such a gutty, confident player that is up for any challenge."

Michelle Vasen Warren

She flourished batting second in the batting order last season behind Megan Sowa, who was the captain of the Daily Herald Lake County All-Area team. So when his offense needed a spark about two-thirds into this season, coach Bryan McNulty moved the speedy Vasen back to the No. 2 hole. The senior flourished, again. She boasts a team-best .469 batting average for the Class 4A Barrington supersectional champs. Her team-high 60 hits include a team-best 14 doubles. She's also knocked in 21 runs. "She's just a hard-nosed kid, an all-nice kid," McNulty said. "You never hear too much out of her. She just goes out and does her job, and she seems to do very well at the right time, which is usually crunchtime."

Jana Wagner Warren

An all-area pitcher last season, the senior right-hander didn't put up quite the same numbers. But once again she pitched the Blue Devils to a sectional championship and, this season, the Blue Devils advanced to state. "She's had a great season, especially in the postseason," coach Bryan McNulty said. "Jana's been great in clutch time." Warren's top pitcher since her sophomore year, Wagner boasts a 14-3 record and has struck out 140 batters in 120 2/3 innings. She will continue her softball career at Palm Beach Atlantic College in south Florida.

Kayla Wedl Wauconda

The growth was more than physical. The sophomore sprouted a couple of inches from last season, when she dominated in the circle as the Bulldogs won their first sectional title. This season, the 5-foot-7 ace saw her pitching and hitting statistics soar. She was the best pitcher in Lake County, posting a 24-7 record with 339 strikeouts and just 21 walks in 211 innings. She had a 1.56 ERA for the North Suburban Prairie and Class 3A sectional champs. At the dish, Wedl led the Bulldogs in batting average (.466), home runs (9) and RBI (35). "I don't know what she's going to do next year," coach Tim Rennels said of his repeat all-area selection. "I was amazed at how far and beyond she went at her craft and how excellently she approached her job every time. Her numbers are astounding and might not be touched by a Wauconda pitcher again."

Kaitlyn Wold Grant

As coach Mike Dolezal and his assistants watched the senior swing the bat this spring, they witnessed the maturation of a hitter. "She was catching up with faster pitchers," Dolezal said. "She hit a lot of top pitchers." Wold hit a lot of pitchers, period, finishing the season with a .411 batting average. Her 44 hits included 12 doubles, 1 triple and 1 home run. She was a hit at second base, as well. "She really was the heart of the team," Dolezal said. "Her defense was outstanding all year. She made some incredible plays."

Maddie Zazas Mundelein

Mundelein might want to give her the second-base bag after she graduates next year. With 17 doubles this season, the junior became the Mustangs' all-time doubles leader with 42. A three-year varsity starter at shortstop, Zazas hit .484 (60 hits), striking out only four times in 148 plate appearances. She also had 8 triples and 3 homers. She scored 52 runs and knocked in 29, despite leading off most of the season. "Maddie does a great job of making a pitcher really have to work to get her out," coach Brett Wilhelm said. "She's not a girl to take strike three. She's going to swing the bat. The best thing about Maddie is, when she swings the bat, she puts the ball in play, and she makes it hard to make a play because she hits the ball so hard."

All-area roster

Player School Yr. Pos

*Jenny Behan Carmel Catholic Jr. 3B

Maria DeVito Mundelein Jr. 3B/2B

Bri Dreschler Grant Sr. C

Kathleen Felicelli Carmel Catholic Sr. SS

Mariah Gentile Grayslake North Sr. CF

Amanda Guercio Lake Zurich Fr. C

Brandy Heraty Grayslake Central Jr. 3B

Kate Hohenstatt Lakes Sr. CF

Andi Katz Libertyville Sr. C

Taylor Koenigs Stevenson Jr. SS

Jessie Lauret Libertyville So. SS/2B

Nikki Livengood Grayslake North Sr. 3B/P

Dana Meline Vernon Hills So. SS

Caitlyn Moran Grant Sr. P

Dana Morgan Stevenson Sr. 3B

Paige Motley Wauconda Jr. CF

Lauren Nee Wauconda Sr. SS

Tayler Oberman Libertyville Sr. 2B/SS

Abby O'Connor Stevenson Sr. 1B

Mallory Parsons Lake Zurich Sr. 1B

Jessica Pedersen Antioch Jr. SS

Abbey Rosenow Mundelein Sr. 1B

Maria Schroeder Lake Zurich Sr. 3B

Hannah Skoog Antioch Jr. CF

Hayley Steinberg Round Lake Jr. 1B

Jamie Stevens Libertyville So. 3B

Michelle Vasen Warren Sr. LF

Jana Wagner Warren Sr. P

Kayla Wedl Wauconda So. P

Kaitlyn Wold Grant Sr. 2B

Maddie Zazas Mundelein Jr. SS

* captain

Honorable mentionAmy Abel (Carmel Catholic Sr. RF), Emma Bartz (Carmel Catholic So. OF), Jamie Brew (Grayslake Central Sr. 1B), Brittany Brown (Grayslake Central Sr. P), Jenny Carpenter (Warren Sr. P), Taylor Dishinger (Lakes Sr. P), Angie Exline (Wauconda Sr. 1B), Lauren Fairweather (Mundelein Sr. DP/OF), Jill Foote (Antioch Fr. 3B), Juliana Frusolone (Grayslake Central Jr. SS), Vivian Juarez (Lake Zurich Sr. CF), McKenna Larson (Lake Zurich Sr. RF), Maggie Mahar (Mundelein Jr. C), Taylor McCarty (Wauconda So. C), Shannon McKeon (Warren Jr. SS), Kristin Pierce (Round Lake Sr. OF), Vera Pflugradt (Stevenson Fr. SS), Trisha Porzycki (Stevenson So. C), Jamie Reiser (Grant Sr. 1B), Deanna Rodriguez (Grant Sr. 3B), McKenzie Sancken (Grant So. SS), Cassidy Schaar (Lakes So. SS), Megan Scott (Warren Sr. 3B), Ashley Stephens (Antioch Fr. RF/2B), Kayla Switalla (Grayslake North Jr. SS), Shelby White (Grayslake Central Sr. 2B)

Selections and capsules by Joe Aguilar