Softball: Scouting Lake County
NORTH SUBURBAN PRAIRIE
ANTIOCH
Coach: Anthony Rocco (fourth season)
Last season: 19-18, 7-5 in NSC Prairie, won Class 3A St. Viastor regional, lost to Wauconda in Ridgewood sectional semifinal
Key losses: 1B Sage Keyes, 2B Mackenzie Thomas
Returning players: Sr. SS Jessica Pedersen, Sr. C Jessica Tyrell, Sr. CF Hannah Skoog, Sr. OF Taylor Schiltz, Sr. 1B Madeline Hart, Sr. 1B/C/3B Amanda Costain, So. 2B/SS/OF Ashley Stephens, So. P/2B/OF Annie Wagner, So. P/OF Hannah Cook, So. 3B/OF Jill Foote, So. P/OF/2B Stephanie Bonaguidi
Newcomers: Fr. 1B/3B Jill Everett, Sr. 1B/OF Morgan Yankee
Season outlook: The Sequoits fell a win shy of 20 last season and should enjoy similar, if not better, success this season. They graduated only two starters and return three all-conference seniors in center fielder Hannah Skoog, shortstop Jessica Pedersen and catcher Jessica Tyrell, all of whom have been on varsity since their freshman year. "I'm excited," coach Anthony Rocco said. "With the amount of speed and hand cannons we got, we're capable. We're position flexible. Last year, we had only 2-3 kids that we could move around the field. This year we got a lot of kids that really put in the hard work to strengthen their arms and speed." Gone is the right side of the infield with the graduation of first baseman Sage Keyes and second baseman Mackenzie Thomas. Besides Pedersen at shortstop, sophomore slugger Jill Foote returns at third base. Four girls are competing for the starting first-base job: senior Madeline Hart, senior Amanda Costain, senior Morgan Yankee, who was the JV's best player last year, and freshman Jill Everett, who was on the varsity basketball roster. Either Ashley Stephens or Annie Wagner, both of whom were up last year, figures to start at second base. Senior Taylor Schiltz returns in left field to flank Skoog. Rocco used three freshmen in the circle last season and all of them, including ace Hannah Cook, return this spring. Wagner was the No. 2 pitcher, while Stephanie Bonaguidi won the Sequoits' regional semifinal against Amundsen. "The amount of progress every kid made (last summer) was huge," said Rocco, whose roster does not include any juniors. "I had two kids go up 9 miles an hour on their overhand throws. The sophomores made good jumps and so did the seniors. It's been really competitive. I think they know that we got a chance to do something special here. We got a lot of talent."
GRANT
Coach: Mike Dolezal (10th season)
Last season: 24-10, 9-3 in NSC Prairie, lost to McHenry in Class 4A McHenry regional final
Key losses: P Caitlyn Moran (Milwaukee School of Engineering), C Bri Dreschler, 2B Kaitlyn Wold, 1B Jamie Reiser (Concordia University Wisconsin), 3B Deanna Rodriguez
Returning players: Jr. SS McKenzie Sancken, So. IF/OF Bekah Wold, Sr. OF/C Sarah Ayala
Newcomers: Sr. OF Jenna Wilson, Sr. OF Brianna Smith, Sr. OF Shelly Uhwat, Sr. 3B Sidney Dawson, Jr. P Hannah McCall, Fr. C/IF Erin Bengsten, Fr. IF Maddie Nourigate, So. IF Keyana Linbo
Season outlook: The Bulldogs are starting over after graduating a senior group that helped them win the NSC championship two years ago. The Bulldogs are not completely devoid of talent, though, as junior shortstop McKenzie Sancken returns after hitting .430 with 19 extra-base hits in an all-conference campaign last season. Coach Mike Dolezal said Sancken committed to Northern Iowa in the off-season. "Her fielding just gets better and better," Dolezal said. "She's probably the best fielding shortstop that I've ever had." The Bulldogs' only other returning starter is sophomore Bekah Wold, who figures to move from outfield to infield. "We're starting from scratch," Dolezal said. "We're pretty young." Under Dolezal, the Bulldogs have had their share of quality pitchers, including Brie Brugioni, Rachel DePouw and Caitlyn Moran in recent years. Junior right-hander Hannah McCall takes over in the circle after Moran put together back-to-back all-area seasons. McCall pitched on the JV last spring. "I'm learning more about her," Dolezal said. "I worked a little with her last summer. She's working hard. She's got three pitches." Two more varsity newcomers are freshman catcher Erin Bengsten and freshman infielder Maddie Nourigate. Senior newcomer Jenna Wilson will play center field. Returning senior Sarah Ayala plays outfield and catcher. Wilson and fellow senior outfielders Brianna Smith and Shelly Uhwat, as well as senior third baseman Sidney Dawson, all played JV last year. Sophomore infielder Keyana Linbo played varsity basketball this winter. "It's quite a rebuilding," Dolezal said. "We're going to work on a learning curve at the beginning of the year and see what happens."
LAKES
Coach: Bill Hamill (seventh season)
Last season: 21-15, 7-5 in NSC Prairie, won Class 3A Vernon Hills regional, lost to Grayslake Central in Ridgewood sectional semifinals
Key losses: CF Kate Hohenstatt, P Taylor Dishinger, 1B Violet Dinger
Returning players: Jr. SS Cassidy Schaar, Jr. P Ally Perdue, Jr. OF Ashley Horner, So. C Karlie Rotunno, So. 3B Jen Reed, Sr. OF Michelle Houghton, Sr. OF Lauren Clark, So. 1B Melanie Grupka
Newcomers: Fr. 2B Rachel Becker, Fr. OF Polly Dietz, Fr. OF Georgia Ohren, Sr. P Erin Kelly, Sr. UT Lauren Zeeb, Sr. UT Andrea Kline, Sr. UT Emily Marison, Sr. UT, Sr. UT Julia Bobeng
Season outlook: As long as the Eagles stay healthier than their coach, they could have another healthy season. They won 21 games and their first regional championship last spring. After suffering a heart scare last year, coach Bill Hamill underwent surgery on his rotator cuff and biceps in January. He won't be allowed to toss a ball until June. "This is tough," Hamill. "Sometimes in practice I put a sling on because I'm a guy and don't want to do anything stupid like pick up a ball and try to throw it." The returnees are led by all-conference junior shortstop Cassidy Schaar and junior pitcher Ally Perdue, who's been on varsity since her freshman year and last spring shared time in the circle with Taylor Dishinger, who graduated. Senior Erin Kelly gets her shot as Perdue's backup after three seasons on the JV level. Sophomore Karlie Rotunno returns behind the plate. Sophomore Melanie Grupka looks to take over at first base, while sophomore Jen Reed moves from second to third base. Hamill will begin the season with three freshmen in his starting lineup: Rachel Becker (second base), Polly Dietz (left field) and Georgia Ohren (right field). Becker is a lefty hitter with speed and gap power. Dietz and Ohren will flank junior Ashley Horner, who replaces two-time all-area selection Kate Hohenstatt in center field. "Strong arms, young, good gloves, good sticks," Hamill said of Dietz and Ohren. Hamill thinks his team can build on last season's regional title. "We got some hitters," he said. "I'll be ducking (in the coach's box). ... If we can keep the ball down, we'll be tough."
ROUND LAKE
Coach: Patrick DeDina (first season)
Last season: 9-19, 3-9 in NSC Prairie, lost to Grayslake North in Class 4A McHenry regional play-in
Key losses: RF Kristin Pierce, P Heather Aviles
Returning players: Sr. 1B Hayley Steinberg, Sr. C Kylie Bart
Season outlook: Patrick DeDina inherits a club that flirted with double-digit wins last season. The Panthers return all-area/all-conference senior first baseman Hayley Steinberg as well as senior catcher Kylie Bart, who earned honorable mention all-NSC honors last season. The Panthers will be looking to build on some momentum from last season.
VERNON HILLS
Coach: Jan Pauly (first season)
Last season: 7-26, 4-8 in NSC Prairie, lost to Ridgewood in Class 3A Vernon Hills regional semifinals
Key losses: OF Nikki Goldstein
Returning players: Jr. SS Dana Meline, Jr. P Carly Stern, Sr. OF/2B Izzy Cirone, So. OF/3B Anna Cirone, Jr. P/1B Danielle Comitor, Jr. C Rose Ferolo, So. OF/IF Jess Salerno, Jr. 2B Sami Saliba, So. C/3B Sara Lenzi
Newcomers: Fr. 1B Tatiana Guletsky, Fr. 1B/3B/C Nicole Pieper, Fr. OF/IF Mia Morin, Fr. OF/SS Sammi Hansen
Season outlook: Jan Pauly takes over a young squad after Steve Korney stepped down following last season. A former travel coach in Lake County, Pauly (Wamser) played at Libertyville (Class of 1982) and Eastern Illinois. This is her first time coaching at the high school level. Her top returning player is all-area shortstop Dana Meline, a slap hitter who posted a .443 batting average as a sophomore and second-year varsity starter last season. The Cougars also welcome back both of their starting pitchers from last season, juniors Carly Stern and Danielle Comitor. Junior Rose Ferolo returns behind the plate, with sophomore Sara Lenzi looking to get playing-time too. Lefty-throwing freshman Tatiana Guletsky, whose sister Anastasia once starred for the Cougars, is a candidate to start at first base and has power. Freshman utility player Nicole Pieper is the daughter of Glenbrook North football coach Bob Pieper. Freshman Mia Morin can play outfield or infield. Another freshman, Sammi Hansen, will patrol center field. "I expect the (four) freshmen to contribute significantly," Pauly said. "They've got great attitudes, they're hustling and they put the effort in." Junior Sami Saliba is back at second base, while Izzy Cirone, the only senior on the roster, figures to play the outfield. Sophomores Anna Cirone and Jess Salerno played on varsity last season. "It's a different philosophy this year," Pauly said. "It's a new team and new way of doing things. I expect a lot of work from them. It's going to be a challenge. They won 7 games last year. The biggest challenge is trying to get them to figure out what it takes to win and to be hungry for that win. I expect them to do better. I expect them to have a little more fire."
WAUCONDA
Coach: Tim Rennels (16th season)
Last season: 29-9, 12-0 in NSC Prairie, lost to Lake Zurich in NSC championship, won Class 3A Elmwood Park regional, won Ridgewood sectional, lost to Sterling in Barrington supersectional
Key players lost: SS Lauren Nee (Elmhurst College), 2B Jena Heck, 1B Angie Exline, 3B Alyssa Wagner
Returning players: Jr. P Kayla Wedl, Jr. C Taylor McCarthy, Sr. CF Paige Motley, Sr. OF Anna Wisniewski, Jr. 3B Brook Sefcik, So. OF Hayley Redmann, So. SS Sarah Ricci, So. 1B Alexandra Steffens
Newcomers: So. 3B Mallory Carver, So. 2B Hailey Davenport, Fr. OF Shannon Grobelny, So. OF Taylor Lambert, Fr. OF Alyssa McCarthy, Sr. 2B Ashley Phillips, Jr. SS Willow Schanz, Jr. C/OF Dana Wasicke, Fr. P/1B Kelly Weller, So. OF Natalie Weller
Season outlook: The Bulldogs went to their first supersectional two years ago and returned to the destination last spring. Next week, they go somewhere new again. For the first time, the Bulldogs are traveling out of state to get some competition. They leave next Wednesday to Tennessee, where they're scheduled to play five games. "We're looking for (good competition), and we're looking to answer questions," coach Tim Rennels said. "I'm carrying a little larger group (18 on the roster), but I've got a lot of talent and versatile players." The Bulldogs will defend their NSC Prairie title this season with two-time all-area selection Kayla Wedl in the circle for the third year in a row. She amassed 339 strikeouts as a sophomore and then in the off-season verbally committed to the University of Illinois-Chicago. She won 24 games with a 1.56 ERA last season, while also being a force at the plate (. 466 BA, 9 HR). "Don't be surprised if she's even better this year," Rennels said. Wedl won't need to pitch every game, as Rennels likes the potential of freshman Kelly Weller, who stands about 6 feet. Wedl's batterymate, lefty-throwing Taylor McCarthy, returns behind the plate. Both Wedl and McCarthy were all-conference selections last season, as was senior center fielder Paige Motley (.415 BA), who recently signed with Rock Valley College. And then there's slugging junior third baseman Brooke Sefcik, who enjoyed an all-NSC season as a freshman before missing last season with a back injury. "Every day she's stretching the envelope a little bit," Rennels said. "We're trying to slow her down and be cautious, but she's getting to that point where she's getting her full range back and starting to show us that she's not just a solution at third but a star at third." Sophomore slapper Natalie Weller is the cousin of Kelly Weller, while McCarthy's sister Alyssa is a freshman outfielder. Besides Motley, who injured her knee late in the basketball season, the experienced outfielders include sophomore left fielder Hayley Redmann and senior right fielder Anna Wisniewski. Strong-armed sophomore Sarah Ricci moves from right field to shortstop. Sophomore Alexandra Steffens, who was up last season, could play first base, while sophomore Hailey Davenport is a candidate to play second. Natalie Weller and sophomore Taylor Lambert give the Bulldogs two new slap hitters. "I'm nothing but optimistic," Rennels said. "We wanted to improve. We have. We added a lot of speed."
NORTH SUBURBAN LAKE
LAKE ZURICH
Coach: Amanda Rodriguez (second season)
Last season: 27-5, 10-2 in NSC Lake, won NSC championship, won Class 4A Glenbrook South regional, lost to Warren in Stevenson sectional final
Key losses: 3B Maria Schroeder (Bradley University), P Olivia Schneider (Alverno College), CF Vivian Juarez, RF McKenna Larson, 1B Mallory Parsons, OF Katie Brown, SS Carlee Parsons, 2B/OF Maddie Minneci
Returning players: So. C Amanda Guercio, Jr. CF/SS Vanessa DiVincenzo, Jr. P Katie Malek, Sr. 2B/OF Brittney Pettinger, Sr. OF Rachel Dawson
Newcomers: So. OF Tara Wilkes, Jr. SS/2B Melissa Klein, So. OF/C Jessica Puccinelli, Fr. 1B/3B McKenna Zobel, Sr. 3B/OF Maggie Hilton, Jr. SS/2B Melissa Goldberg, So. 1B/OF Sarah Schnecker, Jr. 3B/2B Marin Allgood, Sr. P/1B Aine Mattera
Season outlook: The Bears took a big hit with graduation, but one big hitter returns. Sophomore catcher Amanda Guercio batted .443 with 11 home runs and 9 doubles in 2014, helping the Bears win the NSC championship as well as a regional title. The Bears' graduation losses included three-time all-area and four-year varsity starter Maria Schroeder (.593 BA in 2014) as well as fellow all-area choice Mallory Parsons (.402 BA). Guercio is part of a talented sophomore group that also includes newcomers Jessica Puccinelli, Sarah Schnecker and Tara Wilkes. In the Bears' season-opening 2-0 win over Maine West on Monday, their Nos. 3-4-5 hitters were Guercio, Schnecker and Puccinelli. "My sophomores on this team are pretty big hitters," coach Amanda Rodriguez said. "I expect big things from them. And they know that." Junior Katie Malek backed up ace Olivia Schneider last season and is in her third varsity season. Malek four-hit Maine West in a complete-game effort. "I have really high expectations for her," Rodriguez said. "I think now is her time to shine, and I hope that she can rise to the challenge. She's a pitcher that's very relaxed." The Bears are carrying one freshman, McKenna Zobel, who's already played varsity volleyball and basketball. Listed on the roster as a corner infielder, Zobel did not play in the season opener. "My goal is to eventually have her hit," Rodriguez said. "She's powerful. If she learns to use her hips, she'll be hitting for me." Rodriguez's opening-day lineup featured junior Vanessa DiVincenzo in center field, flanked by senior Rachel Dawson in left and Puccinelli in right. Senior Maggie Hilton was at third, junior Melissa Goldberg played short, senior Brittney Pettinger patrolled second and Schnecker handled first. Guercio caught. The newcomers include senior pitcher/first baseman Aine Mattera, who's the sister of former Bears ace Megan Mattera.
LIBERTYVILLE
Coach: Elissa Wisniewski (fourth season)
Last season: 28-9, 9-3 in NSC Lake, won Class 4A Carmel regional, lost to Lake Zurich in Stevenson sectional semifinals
Key losses: C Andi Katz, 2B Tayler Oberman (Winona State University), P Haley Alban, OF Taylor Zoellick, OF/P Carlie Haraden
Returning players: Sr. CF/P Michaela Mooney, Sr. 1B/OF Madi Dembinski, Jr. OF/SS/P Jessie Lauret, Jr. 3B/SS/OF Jamie Stevens, So. OF Kenzie Rother, So. 2B/OF Sam Hilldale
Newcomers: Fr. 2B/OF Emily Hilldale, So. P/SS/OF Hannah Heraty, Fr. P/SS Frannie Quenan, Fr. C/SS Sarah Hoyer, So. C/1B Lyndsey Lyon
Season outlook: Former Stevenson pitching star Elissa Wisniewski has built a winning program in her short time at LHS, and last season the Wildcats enjoyed the kind of success that they hadn't seen in years. They won their first regional title since 1988, while their 28 wins matched the school record total set in 1994 under coach Box Fox. Now, the Wildcats will look to keep it going with a group that returns plenty of talent, including junior slapper Jessie Lauret, who committed to Purdue in the off-season. Three-time all-area infielder Tayler Oberman graduated. "We're going to approach our season the same way we did last year," Wisniewski said. "We're going to keep working hard, keep making adjustments and hopefully work on some of the stuff that got us in the end last year." In her first season as a Wildcat, after playing varsity for Zion-Benton as a freshman, Lauret batted .492 with a .530 on-base percentage in earning all-area and all-NSC honors. Senior center fielder Michaela Mooney signed with Truman State in the off-season. The Wildcats also boast experience at the corner infield spots with junior Jamie Stevens and senior Madi Dembinski, who had 4 RBI in the team's sectional-semifinal loss to Lake Zurich. Stevens' all-area/all-conference campaign included a .479 batting average and 43 RBI. A middle-of-the-order bat, this is Stevens' third varsity season. The Wildcats graduated pitcher Haley Alban, but Wisniewski has lots of pitching options, including sophomore Hannah Heraty, Lauret and freshman Frannie Quenan. "I think it will be pitching by committee this year," Wisniewski said. "I think Jessie will pitch, Hannah will pitch and Frannie will pitch. None of them have a ton of experience at the varsity level, so while they're getting their feet wet, they will be splitting pitching duties. Then we'll see how they develop and go from there." Sophomores Sam Hilldale and Kenzie Rother both saw time in the outfield last season. Sophomores Heraty and Lyndsey Lyon were late-season call-ups last spring. Lyon or freshman Sarah Hoyer figures to replace the graduated Andi Katz behind the plate. The Wildcats head to Florida - the third year in a row they're playing in Disney - on March 28. "We have a great group of kids," Wisniewski said. "It's amazing how well they're already jelling with so many underclassmen. We're really, really fast this year. Which is nice. All the speed that we lost with Tayler (Oberman) and Andi (Katz), we were able to replace."
MUNDELEIN
Coach: Brett Wilhelm (fourth season)
Last season: 24-12, 3-9 in NSC Lake, lost to Warren in Class 4A Loyola regional final
Key losses: 1B Abbey Rosenow (Aurora University), OF Lauren Fairweather, OF Danielle Beelow
Returning players: Sr. SS Maddie Zazas, Sr. 2B Maria DeVito, Sr. C Maggie Mahar, Sr. 1B/P Jamie Hemmer, Sr. OF Hannah Bulgart, Jr. P Nicole Parney, Jr. OF/IF Amanda Diaz, Jr. 3B Karlee Busscher, So. OF Jordyn West, Jr. OF Victoria Avis
Newcomers: Fr. P/3B Brianna Adams, So. C/IF/OF Megan Ehemann
Season outlook: A veteran team will be get a boast from a veteran coach, as former Stevenson head coach Larry Friedrichs has joined Brett Wilhelm's staff. Friedrichs is no doubt familiar with the Mustangs' roster, as the team returns more than its share of varsity experience. "The best thing about our team is the experience coming back," Wilhelm said. "A lot of girls have seen a lot of varsity time. With that said, I think we can do some really nice things." Senior shortstop Maddie Zazas (.484 batting average, 17 doubles in 2014) is back to patrol shortstop for the fourth season in a row and recently committed to Concordia University Wisconsin. Lefty-hitting Maria DeVito moves back to second base, where she played as a freshman and sophomore, before starting last season at third. DeVito (.533 BA, 12 HR) plans to be a preferred walk-on at Eastern Illinois. Senior outfielder Hannah Bulgart will play next spring at Augustana College. She missed most of last season with a shoulder injury. The other veterans back include senior catcher Maggie Mahar and senior first baseman Jamie Hemmer. The Mustangs also return junior pitcher Nicole Parney and welcome freshman pitcher Brianna Adams, who also plays third base. Hemmer pitches, too. "It's very competitive," Wilhelm said of his team's pitching situation. "Parney, Hemmer and Bri have all done a very good job in the off-season getting ready." Hemmer will replace all-area player Abbey Rosenow at first base. Either Adams or junior Karlee Busscher, who played in the outfield last year, will be at third. Besides Bulgart, who will play a corner spot, the outfielders include juniors Amanda Diaz and Victoria Avis and sophomore Jordyn West. "It's going to be exciting," Wilhelm said of the season. "Obviously we play in a real competitive conference, so we'll see."
STEVENSON
Coach: Alex Vikartofsky (first season)
Last season: 19-16, 6-6 in NSC Lake, lost to Zion-Benton in Class 4A New Trier regional semifinal
Key losses: 3B Dana Morgan, 1B Abby O'Connor, 2B Jordan Cortesi, LF Lexi Yonkovic, DP Kat Trotter
Returning players: Sr. SS Taylor Koenigs, Jr. C/OF Trisha Porzycki, Jr. P Myra Peterson, Jr. P Ruby Mankus, So. OF Vera Pflugradt, So. 2B/OF Emma Oriatti, Sr. OF Molly Thon
Newcomers: Sr. OF Rayray Tsai, Sr. IF/OF Jillian Olson, Sr. C/1B Kayleigh McGovern, So. IF/P Alyssa Pauly, So. C/2B/OF Alana Labaschin, So. 1B/3B/OF Hannah Epstein
Season outlook: Way back when, Alex Vikartofky's parents joked that one day she'd come back to her high school alma mater to coach and teach. After eight seasons, including seven in Ohio, as a travel coach, it's a reality. Vikartofsky was the captain of the Daily Herald Lake County All-Area team in 2006 after serving as the ace on a 30-win Patriots team. She then pitched at Miami (Ohio). After Stevenson decided not to bring back hall-of-fame coach Larry Friedrichs, who won 515 games, the school named Vikartofsky as his replacement. She coached Stevenson's JV team last spring. "Everything just fell into place," said Vikartofsky, who has a masters degree in education. "Then I got a job at Stevenson to go along with it. It was crazy how everything fell into place." Vikartofsky's first squad features senior shortstop Taylor Koenigs, who last season set school records for hits (59), runs scored (50) and home runs (9) in a single season. She hit .522 with 12 doubles and 11 stolen bases, as well, and earned repeat all-area and all-conference honors. "She's got a killer swing, great glove," Vikartofsky said. Koenigs plans to attend Auburn but will not play softball in college, Vikartofsky said. Also back for the Patriots is junior all-conference catcher Trisha Porzycki (.382 batting average, 10 doubles, 14 stolen bases in 2014). "She's got a cannon for an arm," Vikartofsky said. "She's an amazing athlete." Sophomore slapper Vera Pflugradt hit .405 with 13 extra-base hits in 9 stolen bases last season. Juniors Ruby Mankus (10 wins in 2014) and Myra Peterson (9 wins) return to handle the pitching duties. Vikartofsky coached seniors Rayray Tsai, Jillian Olson and Kayleigh McGovern and sophomore slap hitter Alyssa Pauly on JV last spring. Pflugradt, Pauly, Emma Oriatti, Alana Labaschin and Hannah Epstein give the Patriots five sophomores. "We're really going to pride ourselves on our defense this year," Vikartofsky said. "We're going to be defensively smart and defensively strong. Pitching-wise, we're looking for a lot of groundball outs. We're looking for our pitchers to hit spots and to pitch with a purpose. (Offensively), we're going to be aggressive, and we're going to be smart. We're going to try to get as many extra bases as we can."
WARREN
Coach: Jenna Anderson (first season)
Last season: 28-9, 8-4 in NSC Lake, won Class 4A Loyola regional, won Stevenson sectional, won Barrington supersectional, defeated Sandburg in state championship game
Key losses: P Jana Wagner (Palm Beach Atlantic College), OF Jaz Bonke, C Jodie Hurd, 3B Megan Scott, LF Michelle Vasen, P Jenny Carpenter
Returning players: Sr. SS Shannon McKeon, Sr. 1B Rachele Belletini, Jr. 3B Sabrina Trevino, Jr. C Crystal Pennell, Sr. 2B Amber Leneau, Sr. C Emily Partlow, Sr. OF Jensen Plata, Sr. OF Brooke Sowa
Newcomers: So. P Hannah Nommensen, So. CF Emily Hudgins, Jr. DP Julienne Egofske, Sr. UT Kimberly Gumino, Jr. OF Mollie Peter, Jr. OF Nicole Somppi, Jr. P Sage Staranowicz
Season outlook: The Blue Devils will defend their Class 4A state championship with their fourth coach in four years as former Blue Devils star Jenna Anderson replaces Bryan McNulty, who stepped down to focus on his head-football job at the school. Anderson graduated from Warren in 2008 and went on to play at Millikin University. The Blue Devils finished third in the NSC Lake last season but enter this season with the proverbial target on their back after their perfect postseason run. "We've talked about it a little bit, but this is a new team, new year," said Anderson, who assisted McNulty last season. "We're trying to take a lot of the things we worked on last year and work on them this year. We're moving forward." The Blue Devils welcome back five starters in senior shortstop Shannon McKeon (.320 batting average, 11 doubles in 2014), senior first baseman Rachele Belletini (.342 BA), junior third baseman Sabrina Trevino (team-leading 6 home runs), junior catcher Crystal Pennell (.275 BA) and senior second baseman Amber Leneau (.325 BA). McKeon signed with the University of San Diego in the off-season. Anderson is carrying two sophomores and both will play significant roles. Lefty-hitting Emily Hudgins is batting leadoff and against Lake Zurich on Tuesday showed that she can do more than slap-hit, as she hit a two-run homer to left-center. She's starting in center field. "She's a jack-of-all-trades," Anderson said. Sophomore Hannah Nommensen, a 5-foot-11 righty, takes over in the circle, replacing two-time all-area choice Jana Wagner. Both Wagner and fellow pitcher Jenny Carpenter earned all-conference honors last season. The other newcomers include juniors Nicole Somppi, Mollie Peter and Julienne Egofske, whose 2 homers led the victorious Blue Devils in the championship game of Barrington's Spring Fling this week. Junior Sage Staranowicz will serve as the No. 2 pitcher. Senior Brooke Sowa is the sister of former Warren star Megan Sowa. Senior Jensen Plata provides fast legs off the bench. "We got a lot of speed in the lineup, and we got our power back with Sabrina and Rachele," Anderson said. "I think we're a good mixture of both."
EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC
CARMEL
Coach: Jason Raymond (13th season)
Last season: 18-17, 8-10 in ESCC, lost to Libertyville in Class 4A Carmel regional final
Key losses: SS Kathleen Felicelli, RF Amy Abel
Returning players: Sr. 3B Jenny Behan, Jr. C Amanda Elert, Sr. C/DP Madilyn DeMarco, Sr. P Mia DiCara, Jr. 1B Claire Petrus, Sr. 1B Sarah Koesser, Jr. 2B Dani DeLozier, Jr. OF Annie Poll, Jr. OF Erin Warzecha, Jr. OF Taylor Ganan, Jr. OF Emma Bartz, Sr. IF Caley O'Brien
Newcomers: So. IF/OF Lauren Caffarelli, So. IF/OF Karina Falkstrom, So. SS Jennifer Giesey, Jr. Hanna Trychta
Season outlook: One slugger is gone, but one of the state's best is back. Four-year varsity shortstop Kathleen Felicelli graduated after hitting a school-record 37 home runs. That mark could go down the first week of the season, as third baseman Jenny Behan enters her senior year with 36 career homers. A varsity starter since her freshman year and two-time all-ESCC selection, Behan, who signed with James Madison University during the off-season, hit a school-record 18 long balls as a junior and was the captain of the Daily Herald Lake County All-Area team. Junior catcher Amanda Elert, who hit 10 home runs on varsity as a freshman, returns after missing last season with an ACL injury. Carmel belted 51 homers in 2014, and with Elert's power potentially replacing Felicelli's, the Corsairs figure to be homer-happy again this spring. They have another strengths, too. "We return varsity experience at every position in the lineup," coach Jason Raymond said. "Experience will definitely be a key for us this year. Defense will be a priority of ours all year." Raymond said junior Claire Petrus (7-9 last season) will be the No. 1 pitcher. "She relies on multiple pitches, with her screwball probably being her nastiest," Raymond said. "Her changeup has improved steadily through the last year and will be another effective pitch for her." Senior Mia Dicara was 10-7 last year. "Both pitchers return with a wealth of experience and will be aided with an improving defense," Raymond said. Senior first baseman Sarah Koesser hit 5 home runs in 2014 after starting as a sophomore too. Sophomore Jennifer Giesey, a transfer from Marian Central and the daughter of Carmel baseball coach Dann Giesey, will start at shortstop. Junior Dani DeLozier returns at second base. The all-junior starting outfield will have Taylor Ganan in center field flanked by Annie Poll in left and Emma Bartz in right. "The lineup will be balanced with a blend of speed and power," Raymond said. "I have been really impressed with the togetherness of this group throughout the off-season and practices so far. They seem to have a family-type relationship, and we are all looking forward to spending a lot of time together on the softball field this spring."
FOX VALLEY FOX
GRAYSLAKE CENTRAL
Coach: Jason Schaal (second season)
Last season: 23-13, won Class 3A Grayslake Central regional, lost to Wauconda in Ridgewood sectional final
Key losses: P Brittany Brown, 1B Jamie Brew, 2B Shelby White, OF Theresa Curtis, OF Kaleigh Snyder
Returning players: Sr. 3B/P Brandy Heraty, Sr. SS Juliana Frusolone, Sr. C Katie Strickland, So. P Reagen Radke, Sr. OF Skyler Long, Sr. IF/OF Emma Eiserman
Newcomers: So. OF/3B Lindsay Brust, Sr. IF Rachel Drogos, Sr. OF Danielle Celeslie, Sr. IF Melissa Obis, Jr. C/IF/OF Maddie Marshall
Season outlook: The new brick wall behind home plate on the Rams' field is nearly complete. "They keep improving our facility," coach Jason Schaal said. "We want it to be one of the best around." Schaal wants his program to keep improving too, and the Rams made great progress in his first season, jumping from 14 wins in 2013 to 23, while reaching a sectional final. The Rams return a pair of all-conference players in senior third baseman/pitcher Brandy Heraty, who batted .385 with 6 homers and 35 RBI last season. Senior shortstop Juliana Frusolone, a three-sport athlete, also hit 6 homers (.290 BA). Also back are senior center fielder Skyler Long, senior catcher Katie Strickland and sophomore pitcher Reagen Radke, who will be the Rams' ace. "I like the talent level we have," Schaal said. "I think we got people in good spots. We just got to fix a couple of other things." The losses to graduation included three-year varsity starter Brittany Brown, who was the team's ace the last two years, and first baseman Jamie Brew. "What we need to find is the leadership that Jamie Brew brought," Schaal said. "We're working on it." The Rams leave Monday to Florida, where they hope to play three doubleheaders. Game experience is what the group needs. "It's going to be a good group," Schaal said. "They're good kids. Once we get a couple of the kinks worked out and get through the first couple of games, we'll get into the rhythm of playing and we'll know exactly where we're at and what we need to do."
GRAYSLAKE NORTH
Coach: Molly Tomlinson (seventh season)
Last season: 19-14-2, lost to McHenry in Class 4A McHenry regional semifinal
Key losses: P/1B Nikki Livengood (College of Lake County), SS Mariah Gentile, OF Maddie Terlap
Returning players: Sr. OF Allison Szramek, Sr. 2B/SS Kayla Switalla, Sr. OF Cassie Cowperthwaite, Sr. C Jenny Moore, Jr. P/SS Jessica Vaughn, Jr. OF/P Danielle Runyon
Newcomers: So. P Jenna Pozezinski, So. IF/OF Becca Sosa, So. OF Brooke Phillips, So. 2B Lauren Olsen, So. OF Katie Moats, Fr. C Lindsea Spiewak
Season outlook: Same coach, new look. "I'm about five months along," said coach Molly Tomlinson, who's expecting her first child in August. "Our plan is, I'm going to be coaching first base and still giving signs." Her players are excited about the season. They're more excited for their coach. "I'm just so lucky with the group of girls that I have," Tomlinson said. "They're super. They're just kind and respectful. They're really looking out for me already." Wins should help Tomlinson's mood, and the Knights are used to winning. They've won 19 games in each of the last two seasons, after advancing to a Class 3A supersectional in 2012. They return several veterans, including senior outfielders Allison Szramek and Cassie Cowperthwaite, senior middle infielder Kayla Switalla, senior catcher Jenny Moore, junior pither/shortstop Jessica Vaughn and junior outfielder/pitcher Danielle Runyon. Vaughn and sophomore newcomer Jenna Pozezinski both pitch and are both looking great, Tomlinson said. Vaughn pitched a lot in relief last season. Counting Pozezinski, there are five sophomores on the roster. The others are infielder/outfielder Becca Sosa, center fielder/slap hitter Brooke Phillips, second baseman Lauren Olsen and outfielder Katie Moats. "We got a solid group of sophomores," Tomlinson said. Freshman Lindsea Spiewak also earned a varsity spot and will catch. The Knights head to Florida next week for the second year in a row. "I'm really excited about the group of varsity players we have this year," Tomlinson said. "We've got a combination of younger players and veterans. The four seniors are not only experienced but they've been really good about building camaraderie and welcoming the newcomers." The Knights' versatility is another plus. "I think we can do a lot of different things with our batting order," Tomlinson said. "We have a lot of options and a lot of speed on the bases."