Scouting DuPage County softball
Addison Trail
Coach: Mark Olson
Last year: 20-16, 7-5 in West Suburban Gold, fourth place; lost in Class 4A regional semifinals to St. Charles East.
Top players: Ari Renc, sr., CF; Kelly Delawder, sr., OF; Carla Muell, jr., C; Rachel Baumgartner, sr., IF., Alex Disilvio, sr., IF., Alyssa MacMahon, jr., IF.
Scouting report: The Blazers are coming off their most successful year in a decade, having reached the 20-win mark last spring. The program has improved in wins the last two seasons, making a big jump last year from 11 victories in 2013. Addison Trail returns six starters yet will have to replace three key hitters from the heart of the order and last season's No. 1 pitcher. The key to this season will be the pitching of Baumgartner and MacMahon as well as some young additions in the infield.
Benet
Coach: Jerry Schilf.
Last year: 30-3, 17-1 in East Suburban Catholic Conference; first place. Lost in Class 4A regional finals to Bolingbrook.
Top players: Steph Abello, sr., C.; Emily York, sr., 1B; Jessica Brown, sr., CF; Megan Stoppelman, jr., P.; Brooklyn Baccega, jr., OF; Allie Goettsch, fr., SS.
Scouting report: The Redwings were hit hard by graduation as six seniors moved on, including four-year starters Marissa Panko (SS), Julianne Rurka (3B) and Molly Moran (P), all of whom are playing in college. That said, Benet still returns two of the best hitters in the area. Abello, signed with Illinois, hit .481, belted 22 HR, drove in 63 runs and scored 48 times. York, signed with Florida Institute of Technology, batted .509, with 11 HR, 45 RBI and 51 runs. Schilf said Stoppelman, who has gone 13-5 the last two years at the varsity level, will carry the load on the mound, while the Redwings young starting lineup will feature two sophomores and two freshmen this spring.
Downers Grove North
Coach: Eric Landschoot.
Last year: 28-3-1, 11-1 West Suburban Silver, first place; Lost to Downers Grove South in sectional semifinal.
Top players: Emma Varsbergs, sr., 3B; Zoe Varsbergs, fr., 1B; Jaclyn Pasakarnis, jr., SS; Katie Polaski, so., 2B; Hannah Mrazek, sr., C; Kayelee Newstrom, jr., CF; Megan Ramsden, sr., P.
Scouting report: Four all-conference players, including the 2014 Daily Herald All-Area Captain Dale Ryndak (now pitching at Arizona State) have departed, yet the Trojans return six position payers and expect to be a force again. Emma Varsbergs, who signed to play for the University of Indianapolis, hit .322 last year while her sister Zoe batted .369 with 20 RBI as a freshman. Pasakarnis, a varsity shortstop since her freshman year, hit .358 last year, and her double-play partner Polaski returns at second base after she batted .324 and scored 24 runs from the leadoff spot. Ramsden, was 6-1, with a 1.92 ERA, in 51 innings, while striking out 54 and walking just 3 walks allowed. Freshman Savannah Rodriguez and senior Erinn Casey also will pitch for Downers North this spring.
Downers Grove South
Coach: Ron Havelka. Last year: 33-3, 12-0, West Suburban Gold, first place; lost to Naperville Central in Class 4A sectional finals.
Top players: Caroline Hedgcock, jr., P; Payton Buresch, so., P; Zahrya McFarland, sr., OF; Kristen Bialek, jr., 2B; Nicole Bowman, jr., OF; Megan LoBianco, jr., SS; Rebekah Ondracek, sr., Kristin Lea, jr., 1B/OF.
Scouting report: The Mustangs topped 30 wins and bested their cross-town rival Downers North before falling to a Naperville Central team that they had defeated in the regular season. With six starters back on the diamond plus both pitchers from last spring, Downers South will again be one of the top teams in the area. "We had a good run, but we came up short that one day," Havelka said of the loss in the sectional title game. "Hopefully, we can get on a little bit of a roll this year. We've got a lot back." Hedgcock, a lefty, was 18-3 with a 1.62 ERA while earning all-conference honors last year, and the right-handed Buresch was 15-0, with a 0.86 ERA. McFarland paces a potent attack that batted .393 as a team in 2014, and leadoff hitter Bialek swiped 33 bases. LoBianco moves from third to shortstop, while Ondracek and Lea also return after big campaigns. Several players are committed to Division I programs, and the Mustangs have gone 55-14 over the last two years.
Fenton
Coach: Dave Mello.
Last year: 19-18, 3-9 in Metro Suburban Conference, sixth place; lost in Class 3A regional final to Grayslake Central.
Top players: Dana Fritz, sr., P/OF; Diana Pikul, jr., 3B; Ellie Gonzales, jr., SS/2B; Jill Mrugacz, jr., OF; Courtney Susmarski, jr., C/1B; Alex Stoklosa, jr., C/OF; Jocelyn Souvannasy, jr., 2B; Jenna Geraci, so., P/1B; Ellie Wassmann, so., SS/OF.
Scouting report: The Bison return nine players from last year's team but graduated three players who each batted between .426 and .510. All four pitchers from last season return as the team will rely more on pitching and improved defense to keep them in games until the offense gets rolling. "We are really trying to stress the importance of team this season. We have told them that we need to have all 14 girls pulling on the same side of the rope in order for us to be successful," Mello said. The Bison will face new challenges in the first season of the expanded MSC, including state power Glenbard South, returning MSC member Riverside-Brookfield, and now Aurora Central Catholic, ICCP, St. Edward and Wheaton Academy. "We are really looking forward to competing with everyone on our schedule this season and as always, we will go out there and give it our best shot."
Glenbard East
Coach: Nikki Simpson.
Last year: 10-26, 2-12 in Upstate Eight Conference, eighth place; lost to Lake Park in the first round of the Class 4A regionals.
Top players: Kelli Tyler, sr., C; Marissa West, jr., 2B; DoniBrooke Ross, jr., SS; Kailey Lyons, jr., OF.
Scouting report: Last year was a rebuilding year for the program as Simpson took over as coach. This spring the Rams return five starters who will be the core of the team as it looks to continue to make strides. "This year we will have the opportunity to compete at a higher level than in the past," Simpson said. "Our offense will give us the ability to produce runs, but our defense will be our strength. I believe that it will carry us and give us a good chance to win games."
Glenbard North
Coach: Josh Sanew.
Last year: 31-6, 12-2 in DuPage Valley Conference, tied for first place; third place in Class 4A.
Top players: Sarah Petzold, sr., CF; Stephanie Campos, sr., 3B; Kayla Quanstrum, so., SS; Abby Paragon, sr., 2B; Casey Boland, sr., P; Mariah Roman, sr., OF; Emma Carlson, sr., OF.
Scouting report: Last year's magical season, which ended with a state trophy, featured seven seniors (five who play now in college). Even so, this year's roster includes nine seniors, including Boland on the mound. "We should be a good all-around team," Sanew said. "Our offense should be strong. If we are solid defensively we should be very competitive and tough team overall." Future Division I college players Petzold and Campos return to the middle of the order.
Glenbard South
Coach: Julie Fonda
Last year: 25-9, 11-1, Metro Suburban Conference, first place; lost in Class 3A sectional finals to Montini.
Top players: Payton Carli, jr., OF; Taylor Carli, sr., P/1B; Ashley Cohen, jr., SS/P; Mina Marra, sr., C; Arianna Mora, sr., 1B; Holly Taylor, sr., DP/OF; Tricia Weigand, sr., 2B.
Scouting report: The Raiders look to continue to build on the strong tradition of softball at the school, and their strength this year will be defense and speed. "We will look to create havoc on the bases and play solid defense behind our quality pitching staff," Fonda said. "This group has a lot of seniors that are wanting to improve on last year's season. They are hungry and know what it takes to succeed." Payton Carli, an All-Area selection last spring, hit .479 and had 20 stolen bases, while Weigand was next on the team with 14 steals.
Glenbard West
Coach: Mary McGrane
Last year: 17-18, 7-5 in the West Suburban Silver, tied for third place. Lost to Bartlett in the first round of Class 4A regionals.
Top players: Shelley Warmolts, sr., C; Rachel Terwilliger, sr., SS; Caylin Potter, sr., P.
Scouting report: The Hilltoppers return just three starters from last year's team, but they will be strong at two of the most important positions on the diamond with the Denison-bound Warmolts behind the plate and Grand Valley State recruit Terwilliger at short. "We are young in terms of varsity experience but have an energized group that is eager to win," McGrane said. "We will depend on the leadership of the three seniors to help the younger players fill their positions and compete on the field." Terwilliger batted .307 with 19 RBI and Warmolts hit .310 with 16 RBI last spring.
Hinsdale Central
Coach: Lee Maciejewski
Last year: 13-10, 6-6 in the West Suburban Silver; fifth place; lost to Sandburg in the Class 4A regional finals.
Top players: Faith Koffron, sr., C; Annemarie Tracey, sr., CF/P; Emma Day, sr., RF; Annie Bruns, so., SS; Riley Burr, so., 3B; Courtney Berlin, jr., P.
Scouting report: The Red Devils made big strides last spring and now return a trio of fourth-year varsity players in Koffron, Tracey and Day, along with Berlin, who will handle the varsity pitching for a third year. "They're very good leaders, very caring kids that do anything for their teammates and are really fun to be around. They really embrace what's important about softball," Maciejewski says of his veteran leaders. Bruns, all-conference as a freshman, and Burr, return to man the left side of the infield.
Hinsdale South
Coach: Kelly Van Hout
Last year: Last year: 3-26, 3-13 in West Suburban Gold, sixth place; lost 10-5 to Richards in first round of Class 4A regionals.
Top players: Holli Jones, jr., C; Sarah Hanson, jr., 1B/3B; Morgan Majcen, sr., OF.
Scouting report: Seven freshmen are on the Hornets roster this spring, meaning returners Jones, Hanson and Majcen will be counted on for leadership and guidance early on. Jones, an all-conference catcher, batted .345 and led the team in RBI. "So when I say young, we're young," said Van Hout, who expects two of her newcomers to handle some of the pitching duties. "We're looking to get better and to keep building. They're great kids and they work really, really hard. I think we may take our lumps at the beginning, but by the end we should be there with everyone else."
IC Catholic Prep
Coach: Frank Reaber.
Last year: 21-16, 8-8 in Suburban Christian Conference Blue, third place; Lost 2-0 to Westmont in Class 2A sectional final.
Top players: Jessica Conenna, sr., P; Gabby Curran, sr., SS; Melissa Gonzalez, jr., C; Anjella Farmer, jr., 1B; Kaitlyn Falduto, so., 3B; Lindsey Montoya, sr., CF; Taylor Salvi, jr., OF; Vanessa Godinez, jr., 2B; Kasey Carver, jr., OF.
Scouting report: ICCP won its first regional title since 2003 and the Knights return eight starters, led by NIU-bound pitcher Conenna, who won 14 games with a 2.32 ERA and 198 strikeouts and batted a team-leading .570 with 37 RBI. Curran and Gonzalez add more pop the lineup, while freshman IF/C Josie Lytton will be added to an already talented line up. ICCP joins the Metro Suburban Conference this year. "After a disappointing end to our season last year, the girls have a goal of going downstate. We need to take things one step at a time, challenge for the conference title, then take each challenge one game at a time," Reaber said. "We are the smallest school in the new conference, which should help challenge us and get us ready for a deep run in the playoffs."
Lake Park
Coach: James Chellson
Last year: 13-21, 7-7 in DuPage Valley Conference, fourth place; lost in Class 4A regional semifinals to Conant.
Top players: Maria Zepeda, sr., SS/CF; Elisabeth Brown, sr., P; Taylor Barton, sr., 2B; Marianna Colucci, sr., C; Marissa Catalano, sr., C; Julia Caesar, jr., 3B; Dina Falk, jr., OF.
Scouting report: The Lancers transitioned into a strong DVC conference from the Upstate Eight in 2014 and finished in the middle of the pack behind Glenbard North and supersectional qualifier Naperville Central. Injury plagued the team with the lost of two junior starters Zepeda and Colucci (season-ending knee injuries). A young 2014 team had to step up and learn on the fly against a strong schedule. Now healthy, the senior-led Lancers look to improve on their 13-win season with the help of juniors Caesar and Falk, who came up big last spring. The Lancers look to make a strong push for a conference title this year on the shoulders of senior pitcher Brown. Rounding out the lineup are seniors Barton and Catalano, who look to continue contributing with strong defense and consistent clutch hitting.
Lisle
Coach: Jen Pomatto.
Last year: 11-13, 4-11 in Interstate Eight Conference North Division, fifth place; lost in the Class 2A regional championship game.
Top players: Melissa Ericson, jr., P/SS/CF; Erica Krause, jr., C; Bella Daly, jr., 3B; Megan Carlson, jr., 2B; Catherine Coppin, so., 1B; Julia Ulmann, so., OF/ SS.
Scouting report: The Lions will be young this year, without any seniors on the team, however the squad is full of experience. Ericson, a junior, and sophomore Ana Palicka will share pitching duties. Newcomers include juniors Jennifer Cail and Lisamarie Pereira; sophomores Tiffany Harmon, Palicka and Jordyn Stack; and freshman Maddie Smith.
Metea Valley
Coach: Kris Kalivas.
Last year: 8-22, 7-12, fifth in Upstate Eight Conference Valley; lost to Batavia in regional quarterfinal.
Top players: Kara Leckinger, jr., C; Katie Kennedy, sr., OF; Elise Titiner, jr., P; Megan Arcivar, Jr., 1B/3B/P; Megan Archey, so., SS/OF/2B; Lisa Harrington, so., 3B/1B/C; Peyton Voights, sr., OF/P; Monica Jauch, sr., 3B/1B/C.
Scouting report: The Mustangs have plenty of experience returning in the infield, outfield and at the plate. However, depth at pitching is a concern. "How well we perform this season will depend heavily on our pitching. Most of our position players are returning and have grown in the off-season. However, due to our shortage of pitchers players will be asked to play different positions and fill different roles than they may be used to," Kalivas said. Leckinger, the team's starting catcher, hit .355 last season with 18 RBIs.
Montini
Coach: Mike Bukovsky.
Last year: 27-11, 16-0, Suburban Christian Conference Blue champion; lost to St. Ignatius in a Class 3A supersectional.
Top players: Lauren Trojnar, sr., P; Morganne Evans, sr., 3B; Tacia Mesina, sr., RF; Isabell Alexander, jr., CF; Alyssa Sclafani, jr., C; Amy Bukovsky, jr., 2B; Emily Lezcano, jr., LF.
Scouting report: Bukovsky returns to the Broncos' helm after being an assistant coach the last two seasons and coach in 2009. He will lead an experienced squad this season that includes eight returning starters. Trojnar, the SCC Player of the Year, was 20-6 with a 2.22 ERA and hit .422 as a junior. Amy Bukovsky was 5-2 with a 2.10 ERA as a sophomore and returns to anchor the infield at second base. Scalafani, Lezcano and Evans provide power at the plate, while Alexander stole 23 bases out of 23 attempts in 2014. A tougher schedule will help the Broncos prepare for this postseason, according to Bukovsky.
Naperville Central
Coach: Andy Nussbaum.
Last year: 28-8, 12-2 DuPage Valley Conference, tied for first place; lost to Sandburg in supersectional.
Top players: Lindsey Gonzalez, jr., 2B; Julie Kestas, sr., P; Lisa Tassi, sr., SS; Katie Lamich, sr., OF.
Scouting report: It was another great season for the Redhawks that ended just one win shy from the state finals. Some players who made that possible have graduated and moved on to play in college, including outfielder Maddi Doane, starting at Syracuse University. So what's left in the Redhawks' cabinet for 2015 - more players good enough to play in college and help Naperville Central in their final high school season. Kestas is heading to Bradley, Tassi to Dayton and Lamich to Northern Illinois. "I feel good about the players coming back and the new girls coming in," Nussbaum said. "I'm not sure we'll be as intimidating as last year, but we'll have opportunities to put runs on the board." Kestas moves into the No. 1 pitcher slot. "Julie always had great stuff, but she's doing a better job of hitting her spots," Nussbaum said.
Naperville North
Coach: Jerry Kedziora.
Last year: 22-13, 9-5, second in DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Bolingbrook in regional semifinal.
Top players: Alexis Solak, sr., SS; Rachel Martin, sr., 1B; Rachel Aiardo, sr., 3B/C; Bailey Engel, sr., 2B; Kelsey Warren, jr., OF; Alex Hanselman, jr., P/1B; Dani Biesiada, jr., P/OF; Maddie Vassar, so., OF.
Scouting report: The numbers add up for another experienced Naperville North squad to try and improve upon its success of a year ago. "With four seniors set to play college after high school with 15 letters between them, and a few more in the process of deciding, our starting lineup with be experienced. Basically eight returning starters with another year of experience are set for another season," Kedziora said. Hanselman finished 2014 winning eight of her last nine games on the mound. Solak, who will play college softball at Pittsburgh next year, hit .464 with 43 RBI last season to earn all-DVC honors and a second-team all-state selection. Martin hit. 392 with 33 RBI. Aiardo, Warren, Biesiada and Vassar all hit over .300.
Neuqua Valley
Coaches: Mandy Dunham and Laura McCarthy.
Last year: 20-13, second in Upstate Eight Conference Valley; lost to Downers Grove North in regional final.
Top players: Molly Price, sr., P; Julia Huebner, jr., IF; Jennifer Budds, sr., OF; Elizabeth Gale, sr., P/IF; Aryana DiBernardo, sr., IF/OF; Jessie Boudreau, jr., IF; Dominica Lange, sr., IF; Nicole Drendel, sr., C/IF.
Scouting report: Interim coaches Dunham and McCarthy have eight players returning from last season's 20-win squad. Defensive versatility is a big asset for the team. A number of players can play multiple positions. Pitching is also deep with four pitchers each with different skills. Speed and power boost a deep lineup offensively. Three .300-plus hitters return in Price, Huebner and Budds. Neuqua wants to make the most of its last season in the UEC Valley before heading to the DuPage Valley Conference next season.
St. Francis
Coach: Ralph Remus
Last year: 25-6, 12-2, second in Suburban Christian Conference Blue; lost to Montini in Class 3A sectional final.
Top players: Carley Pasquale, sr., RF; Ali Dittrich, sr., 1B; Janie Smith, sr., SS; Fiona Summers, jr., C; Emma Chapman, sr., P.
Scouting report: Remus believes the Spartans can continue to be successful, but the defense will have to improve and the offense will have to find a way to make up the difference as Dittrich recovers from shoulder surgery. "The key to our season will be if we can keep our defense at a consistent high level, while showing we can score more runs as we go deeper into the season," Remus said.
Timothy Christian
Coach: Aaron Moore.
Last year: 6-22, seventh in Metro Suburban Conference; lost to Evergreen Park in Class 3A regional semifinal.
Top players: Caitlyn Gehrke, sr., 1B; Emily Giffore, so., P/IF; Hope Zastrow, so., C/3B.
Scouting report: With just one senior on this year's roster, the Trojans are looking to their younger players to help boost their way up this spring. "Players are forced into playing right away. We could have a good year if people step up and compete. It could be a negative because we are so young," Moore said. Gehrke, the team's lone senior, hit .282 with 15 RBI in 2012. Giffore hit .294 and Zastrow hit .283.
Waubonsie Valley
Coach: Val Wood.
Last year: 27-8, 16-3, Upstate Eight Conference Valley champion; lost to Naperville Central in Class 4A regional final.
Top players: Shannon Hohman, sr., P; Jordan Kurth, sr., P; Layne Thresh, sr., SS/2B; Christina Pembrook, sr., OF; Audria Wagenknecht, sr., OF; Sabrina Calabrese, jr., 3B.
Scouting report: It was a big season in 2014 for the Warriors with the 27 wins and a conference title. Some who contributed to that success are gone. However, Wood is pleased that who is returning and younger players are capable of keeping that success going. Hohman, who will ply in college at Miami of Ohio, hit .400 and finished with a 1.50 ERA in 147 innings and struck out 162. Kurth, heading to Western Michigan University, hit .311 and also finished with a 1.50 ERA in 87 innings and struck out 99. Thresh hit .333. "Offensively, we will be solid through the lineup. We have a nice mix of players that can hit for power. Hopefully, we can improve the short game," Wood said.
West Chicago
Coach: Kim Wallner.
Last year: 12-21, 7-12, lost to Downers Grove North in Class 4A regional semifinal.
Top players: Jenna Foreman, sr., P/CF; Amy Goldsmith, sr., P; Tatiana Rich, sr., SS., Ellie Braun, sr., C.
Scouting report: Wallner believes that the Wildcats' experience will help them be competitive with every opponent on their schedule. "We return both starting pitchers, our catcher and shortstop. The other five seniors got valuable playing time and improved their skills," she said. Foreman, headed to Butler University, was an all-conference selection. She hit .458 with 18 RBI and stolen 51 bases. Goldsmith struck out 147 batters in 123 innings last spring. Rich, another all-conference pick, led the team with 24 RBI.
Westmont
Coach: Jason Bolden.
Last year: 22-11, 10-6, second place in the Interstate Eight Conference; lost to Beecher in a Class 2A supersectional.
Top players: Kristen Skala, sr., P/DP; Skyler Poel, sr., C/OF; Kiera Aldridge, so., 1B/SS/P.
Scouting report: The Sentinels graduated six starters from last season's supersectional appearance and are young for 2015. But the veteran battery of Skala and Poel, both four-year varsity starters, return and senior Alana Pace is back after a strong year last season at second base. Aldridge will move to shortstop from first base this season. Skala was an all-conference pick last year for the third year in a row and she was a second-team all-state choice. She hit .380 with 35 RBI. Skala was 17-10 on the mound with a 1.57 ERA with 240 strikeouts. Poel was also all-conference and a second-team all-state selection after hitting .420. Aldridge was all-conference as a freshman and hit .415.
Wheaton Academy
Coach: Norbert Pivaronas.
Last year: 14-11, 9-7, third in Suburban Christian Gold; lost to Rosary in a Class 3A regional semifinal.
Top players: Jessica Bosse, sr., C; Meghan Gagliano, so., OF; Angie Graff, jr., OF; Bridget Koehler, sr., OF; Andi Pivaronas, so., P; Autumn Ratliff, sr., 1B.
Scouting report: Pivaronas, in his first year at the helm, will have plenty of experience to put in the Warriors' lineup. Two-time all-state catcher Jessica Bosse is back after hitting .392 as a junior with 23 RBIs. Ratliff will head to DePauw University to continue playing next year and Gagliano returns after missing all of last season with a knee injury. She is already committed to Charleston Southern. Two-time all-SCC player Koehler is also expected to be a major contributor. She hit .390 last season. The program is also boosted by what's considered one of the school's most talented freshman classes in recent memory.
Wheaton North
Coach: Danielle Soraghan.
Last year: 9-25, 3-11, seventh in DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Glenbard North in a Class 4A regional semifinal.
Top players: Kelly Thornton, sr., SS; Maggie Will, jr., CF; Rosie Craine, sr., C.
Scouting report: "We have a young team this year that is very energetic and willing to work hard for the good of the team," Soraghan said. "The team looks forward to the season and competing at a high level." Thornton hit .350 last season and Will .295. Soraghan also spoke of the importance of the Falcons' group of seniors that also includes Olivia Duguay, Paige Grittner and Alex Adams.
Wheaton Warrenville South
Coach: Jeff Pawlak.
Last year: 13-15, 7-7, fifth in DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Neuqua Valley in a Class 4A regional semifinal. Top players: Ariana Caldarone, sr., OF; Maya Keazting, jr., SS/2B; Catie Hohnstein, sr., 3B/2B; Madison Briggs, sr., P/3B; Jenni Mindock, sr., 1B; Viv Coix, sr., C.
Scouting report: Pawlak is looking to the five seniors and one junior listed above for the experience the team needs to move up in the DVC. "These returning players bring a solid amount of leadership to the team. We also have an infusion of juniors who are creating competition in almost every area of our team. We've got some speed threats this year and we should be more versatile," he said. "Our hope is that the combination of speed, coupled with consistency with our middle of the order hitters, will provide a great base for our offense this year." Caldarone led the way in 2014 on offense with a .333 batting average.
Willowbrook
Coach: Rachel Karos.
Last year: 21-11, 8-4, second in West Suburban Gold; lost to Glenbard North in a Class 4A regional final.
Top players: Sam Schmidt, sr., SS; Alyssa Ressinger, sr., 1B; Zoe Dannenberg, jr., P; Erin Sporer, sr., 3B; Cheyenne Brunig, sr., 2B; Delaney Pelsor, sr., P; Alex Kassal, sr., C; Jordan Marczewski, jr., OF.
Scouting report: The Warriors enjoyed a strong year in 2014 and are in a good position to improve upon it this season. "I've had most of these girls on varsity since their sophomore year. They have experience, they have chemistry, they can hit, and we will be a solid defensive team. This year we have a mix of power and speed in our lineup and hopefully we can look to be even more aggressive at the plate," Karos said. Schmidt, who will play at Northern Illinois University, was an all-state first-team selection last year after hitting .583 with 16 homers and 51 RBI. Ressinger hit .484 with 10 home runs and 40 RBI.
York
Coach: Jenna Bode.
Last year: 23-13, 8-4, third in West Suburban Silver; lost to Trinity in a Class 4A sectional semifinal.
Top players: Sarah Milkowski, sr., C; Abby Solem, jr., 3B/C; Gabby Magnifico, jr., IF; Amanda Karnatz, jr., OF.
Scouting report: The Dukes return nine experienced varsity players and are aiming for a conference title, a fourth straight regional championship and another deep trip into the postseason. Seniors Brook Bandy and Audrey Kosman both return to the mound. Milkowski hit .488 last season, Solem hit .413 with 9 home runs and Karnatz was .342 at the plate. First-year coach Bode also expects contributions on offense from seniors Laura Lahey, Isabella Jaeger along with juniors Gabby Magnifico and Sarah Maciejewski.