Softball: Northwest all-area team

Dream Aaron ConantAaron has run the show behind the plate for the past two seasons for Conant. And her bat has provided plenty of power to the Cougars' batting order. This season, she hit a team-high 14 homers while collecting 39 RBI. "This young lady knows the game and is always ready to push herself and her teammates to the next level," said Conant coach Cathyann Smith. "Dream was a force at the plate as well as behind it, leading as our starting catcher for the past two seasons. She plays with heart. She wants the best for her team and expects nothing less of herself or them as she shared captain duties this season with senior Elisa Ambrose. Dream is someone we are glad to have again next year as a senior, knowing she will continue to push herself to get even better in every aspect of the game"

Paige Alt SchaumburgAlt, who has already committed to Georgia Coastal in Brunswick, Ga., made quite a statement on the mound and at the plate this season. Her pitching record was 21-1 and included several standout performances against top-hitting teams. At the plate, she made her presence felt with a .553 batting average that included 14 home runs and 52 RBI. "Paige has been a solid contributor to our offense," said Saxons coach Ellen Abreu. "Her intensity and passion for the game has provided a foundation for her teammates to rally behind her in this amazing season."

Alyssa Cacini ProspectCacini introduced herself to the Mid-Suburban League in grand style, batting .431 with 28 of her 44 hits going for extra base hits. The freshman shortstop/pitcher had 4 home runs and a slugging percentage of .696. Her on-base percentage was .517 (17 walks in 120 plate appearances). "This is a kid who knows the strike zone," said Prospect coach Jim Adair. "For years now, random people have been telling me that Alyssa Cacini was going to be a great player for us. After the season she had this year, I'm a believer. She is going to be a pleasure to coach for three more years."

Julia Camardo Buffalo GroveThere was no question about the person who served as the team leader for the Bison. Camardo stood tall in that category, leading on the pitcher's mound with her single-season school-record 178 strikeouts and coming through at the plate with a .433 batting average and 5 doubles. "This team looked to Julia for her leadership and guidance," said Bison coach Jamie Paul of her four-year starter. "Besides pitching all but five innings for us, she really improved offensively this year. It's a wonderful luxury to have a pitcher who excels on both sides of the ball. Julia pitched really well this year, she was consistent, and put up some very impressive numbers given the strength of the hitters in this conference. She has a very bright future ahead of her at Whitewater."

Christina Candotti SchaumburgOne of the top hitters in the northwest suburbs, Candotti has been a consistent player for the Mid-Suburban League champs. "Her versatility on the infield and behind plate has provided us with many different options when we needed them," said Schaumburg coach Ellen Abreu about the Butler recruit. "Her solid hitting performance (.478, 35 RBI, 28 runs) has greatly contributed to the amazing bats that we have on our team. Her work ethic and love for the game has contributed greatly to the success this team has seen this season."

Emily Carnes Buffalo GroveIn the fall, she is a golfer for BG. But she showed she swings a softball bat pretty well, too. Carnes hit .416 with 7 doubles and also provided steady defense behind the plate. "We were spoiled this year to have Emily behind the plate for us," said BG coach Jamie Paul. "She is a very talented catcher. She had very few passed balls and worked very hard to see her pitcher get every strike and strikeout she deserved. Along with her strong defense, she held the No. 1 spot in our lineup the entire season and was a major offensive contributor. We are lucky to have her back with us next year."

Caitlin Catino Buffalo GroveA four-year standout outfielder, Catino will be missed next spring when she is playing for Wisconsin-Whitewater. The Bison's speedy senior leadoff batter hit a team-best .539 with 13 doubles, 2 triples and 2 home runs. "Caitlin was another true leader for our team this year," said BG coach Jamie Paul. "She is such a well-rounded and talented player. The kid can literally do it all. From her very impressive offensive numbers and speed on the bases, to her ability to catch almost anything in the outfield. If she gets on base, she is a threat to score. It is amazing to have an offensive weapon like her. Whitewater will surely benefit from her talent next year."

Kenzie Craver PalatineAfter a standout season in which she hit. 451, look for Craver to be counted on as even more of a leader next spring. "She is a quiet leader and someone who I expect on the first day of practice next year to be more of a vocal leader and someone the younger players can look up to and follow," said Palatine coach Nicole Pauly of the junior whom she used all over the field. She played right field, second base, first base and catcher. Craver had 41 hits with 10 doubles, 19 RBI, 18 runs and 18 walks. "She was a consistent hitter in the middle of our lineup and a bat that we could always count on to come through in the clutch," Pauly said. "Kenzie's IQ of the game is extremely high. We have counted on her to fulfill whatever role the team needed."

Maddie Craver PalatineOnly a freshman, Craver got off to a terrific varsity start with a .506 batting average that included 53 hits, 22 RBI, 35 runs and 13 walks. "Whenever Maddie was in the batter's box, I believed she was going to get a hit," said Palatine coach Nicole Pauly. "She was a dangerous leadoff, and in the majority of our games we put pressure on other teams in the first inning to make plays because she was on base." Defensively, Craver played second, short and pitched (6-1 record with 38 strikeouts and a 1.24 ERA) "Not many groundballs got passed Maddie and she made some of the hardest plays in the game look easy," Pauly added. "She is just an athlete who learns from her prior mistakes and makes people around her play up to her level. Her passion for the game of softball drives her to be one of the hardest-working athletes I have had the chance to work with."

Kaitlyn Denten HerseyOnly a sophomore, Denten pitched and hit (. 449) like a seasoned veteran for the Huskies this spring. "Her presence on the mound got better all season," said Hersey coach Molly Freeman. "She got better with every game. Her previous game was always her best. She did a great job on field." In the batter's box, she collected 7 homers, 7 doubles, 3 triples and 23 RBI. "She works hard every day," Freeman added. "Kaitlyn is diligent about her pitching lessons and she was dominant for us in the No. 3 spot of the batting order (with an .831 slugging percentage and .505 on-base percentage)."

Keenan Dolezal BarringtonSenior Keenan Dolezal sparkled in 2015 as the Fillies' ace. With a record of 31-6, Dolezal led the Fillies to their 14th consecutive regional title and ninth trip to the state finals. In 236⅔ innings, she struck out a single-season school record 334 batters and allowed an ERA of 1.36. "Keenan is a remarkable talent," said Barrington coach Perry Peterson. "She has performed as well as any pitcher we have ever had at our school. Her teammates always believe we have a chance at victory when Keenan takes the mound, and that is all that really matters." The Loyola recruit recorded 19 shutouts, 1 no-hitter and held opponents' batting averages to .153. She is the winningest pitcher in school history (90-19) and the school's all-time best defensive player completing 249 out of 250 plays from the pitching position for a .996 career fielding average.

Jodi DuBrock LeydenLeyden coach Kurt Schuett knew of at least one Eagle he could always count on never taking a shortcut. And a lot of times her defense at shortstop made innings shorter. There were nine times where DuBrock was involved in turning a double play this spring. "Jodi is a very coachable player who puts a lot of time into working on her game," Schuett said. "She has great range at short." The sophomore also got the job done at the plate as she batted .425. Schuett said she is already getting attention from some of the top NCAA D-II universities across the country.

Kendall Duwall LeydenIf someone was driving in a run for Leyden this season, there was a pretty good chance it was Duwall. The junior pitcher, who also handled first base, possessed one of the strongest bats in the West Suburban Conference. It led to a team-best 51 RBI. "Kendall just had a very strong bat," said Eagles coach Kurt Schuett. "She was one of the top RBI leaders in the area. She had a lot of pop in her bat. And she was able to pitch or play first base for us." Duwall finished the season with a slugging percentage of more than 1.000.

Shannon Felde SchaumburgWhen it came to being a team leader, Felde was as good as anyone during the Saxons' incredible 31-2 season. "Shannon's leadership has been a key component to the success of this team," said Schaumburg coach Ellen Abreu. "She is always bringing the team together and focusing them on what they need to do to get the job done," Felde hit .471 with 7 home runs and 28 RBI. "Being our starting shortstop, Shannon's big plays and vocal leadership on the field helps set the tone and she was also solid at the plate (with 1 strikeout in 113 at-bats). Shannon always had the mission to get on base and score. Illinois State University will be receiving a great addition to their team in the fall."

Grace Feldkamp Maine WestMaine West coach Mike McGovern summed up Feldkamp's talents with simplicity. "She can throw, run, hit, steals bases and play defense," he said of the sophomore five-tool player. "She's just a phenomenal player and only going to get better as a pitcher (10-9 with 138 strikeouts and a 4.26 ERA). We didn't really play good defense behind her. That will get better." Things don't get much better offensively as Feldkamp hit .505 with a team-high 51 hits, 10 doubles, 5 homers, 23 RBI and 45 runs. She also was tied for the team lead in stolen bases (11).

Jordan Fera Hoffman EstatesFera, a junior co-captain and team MVP, earned all-conference honors for the second straight season while batting a team-best .408 with 25 runs and 25 RBI. "As our cleanup batter, she consistently came up big for us in clutch situations," said Hawks coach Lindsey Hamma of her third baseman. "She was also a rock at the hot corner, constantly shutting down opposing teams' attempts at executing their short game." Hamma described Fera as a consummate competitor who is never satisfied. "In my ten years of coaching at Hoffman, I can honestly say that Jordyn hits the ball harder than any player I've ever coached," Hamma said. "She hits lasers. We look forward to Jordyn returning as our captain and senior leader next season."

Jenna Fingerman BarringtonCommitted to hitting for a higher average than her sophomore season, Fingerman's hard work paid off as she raised her batting average by 155 points to .345. Under pressure, the offensive numbers were even better. With runners in scoring position, she batted .383 (18-for-47). One highlight was mammoth game-winning home run at New Trier at the end of May. Fingerman led the Fillies with 8 home runs and contributed 38 hits, 26 runs, 27 RBI and a. 600 slugging percentage. "Jenna was a tremendous two-way player for our team this spring", said Fillies coach Perry Peterson, "She led by example and provided positive leadership in the dugout to keep the team focused and together when we needed a boost."

Alyssa Garcia FremdGarcia was a threat to ignite a big inning for the Vikings every time she stepped to the plate. And it was awfully tough to get a ball past her in center field. Garcia batted .536 (60-for-114) with 51 runs, 32 RBI, 9 doubles, 2 triples, 1 homer and 43 stolen bases in her junior season. "Alyssa was our most dangerous hitter and the captain of our outfield," said Fremd coach Jim Weaver. "She is instant offense and can reach base in so many ways. Her 60 hits and 43 steals are just the tip of the iceberg. She was also one of our team leaders."

Lauren Grzelak ConantOnly a sophomore, Grzelak handled her duties as a second baseman and at the top of the batting order like she'd been there for years, She batted .400, with 6 home runs 27 RBI while scoring a team-high 36 runs with 9 stolen bases. She also put in some time behind the plate where she commanded respect by throwing out all four runners who attempted to steal. Grzelak also gets the job done in the classroom with a perfect 4.0 GPA for the second straight year. "Lauren is a ball of energy and will compete until the last out every time," said Conant coach Cathyann Smith. "She is someone who will continue to do great things for our program these next two years and I am happy to be able to coach her."

Krystal Harris St. ViatorHarris was a steady performer as the only senior on a young St. Viator club. "Krystal played consistently at a high level," said Lions coach John Scotillo of the senior captain, an East Suburban all-conference award-winner and the Lions' team MVP. Harris led the team with a batting average of .411. She had a team-best 44 hits and 31 runs. "As our captain, Krystal often sacrificed her personal goals for that of the team," Scotillo said. "As an example, early in the year she often was willing to forego her favorite position in the outfield and pitch until we developed another pitcher." Harris will play at St. Mary's College in South Bend next season.

Abby Iuorio FremdBatting leadoff for the Vikings, Iuorio was splendid with her .500 batting average (35-for-70). She also scored 38 runs with 2 doubles and 28 walks for a .650 on-base percentage. The junior outfielder also had 25 steals. "Abby put up crazy numbers for a leadoff hitter," said Fremd coach Jim Weaver. "She worked counts and got on base where she wreaked havoc on the basepaths. She was a threat to drive the ball to the wall or to drop down a bunt. Abby jump-started our offense."

Roxy Kakareka SchaumburgKakareka's spirit and enthusiasm during the games, both in the dugout and on the field, were the glue that helped keep the Saxons together. She is also a clutch hitter in big situations, batting .407 with 15 RBI. She also was a key contributor with her solid defense in right field. "There isn't a moment during the game when you don't hear Roxy cheering for her teammates and rallying her teammates in the fight to win," said Saxons coach Ellen Abreu.

Kelly Katis BarringtonOnly a junior, Katis provided the emotional leadership that every successful team needs, She sparked the Fillies with impressive performances game after game. Katis batted .347 with 42 hits and a team-leading 16 doubles, She also belted 3 home runs and collected 25 RBI as the Fillies' No. 2 hitter. "Defensively, Kelly was better than consistent," said Fillies coach Perry Peterson. "She was remarkable." Katis made 110 of the 112 fielding opportunities she received and was the on-field leader that glued the infield together. "Kelly is a fierce competitor and we are lucky to have her in our dugout," Peterson said. "We have asked for more from Kelly and to her credit, she has delivered. She demonstrates tremendous range on the shallow outfield pop-ups and smooth transitions turning the double play at second base. She just understands athletics and is someone you can count on when the pressure of the game reaches its highest point."

Rachel Krzysko BarringtonKrzysko's passion for softball is evident to anyone who watches her play the game. After a solid freshman campaign behind the plate when she threw out 32 percent of the runners attempting to steal, Krzysko switched her talents to right field where she displayed her rocket arm on numerous occasions. "Rachel's development as a player has been outstanding this past year", said Barrington coach Perry Peterson. "She brings the complete package to the ballpark every day." Krzysko batted .363 with 45 hits, 8 doubles, 1 triple, 5 home runs, 33 RBI and a .500 batting average with runners in scoring position. She was never thrown out on the base paths and was 13-of-13 stealing bases.

Brianna Leach Elk GroveThe Mid-Suburban East's Player of the Year was a three time all-conference and all-area selection. This season she batted .522 with an on-base percentage of .562. She also belted 12 home runs with 42 RBI. "She is a remarkably consistent hitter," said Elk Grove coach Ken Grams. "She really has never had a 'down' stretch in her three years as a starter. Brianna studies pitchers well and approaches each at-bat with a plan, has a great understanding of the strike zone and very rarely swings at a bad pitch." Grams calls Leach a "complete hitter. This year she added some power to an already impressive career," Grams said. "She has developed into an outstanding defensive player who made no errors. She has a good arm and makes excellent decisions on throws and routes."

Casey Lenski ProspectLenski was a record-breaker as a senior, becoming the school's all-time (16) and single-season (12) home run leader. She also finished as Prospect's all-time RBI leader (86) and had a single-season mark of 47 this spring. She batted .443 with a slugging percentage of .907. "Casey's performance both on and off the field this season was outstanding," said Knights coach Jim Adair. "She was an excellent role model for the rest of our team. Casey earned the respect of every person in our program this year. We're going to miss her next year and wish her well."

Rachel Macdonald BarringtonThe junior catcher followed up a standout 2014 postseason playoff run with a remarkable 2015 campaign. She batted in the third spot of the order and unloaded 15 doubles and 5 home runs. Macdonald led the team with 35 RBI. "Rachel's offensive talents provided amazing consistency for our team this spring," said Barrington coach Perry Peterson. Macdonald led the Fillies in more offensive categories than any player on the team, including batting average (.466), runs scored (36), hits (55). total bases (85), base on balls (19), slugging percentage (.720) and on-base percentage (.536). As the team's catcher, her foot speed was noticeable with 17-of-18 stolen bases. Defensively, she caught Division I pitcher Keenan Dolezal at a remarkable rate, committing only 3 errors in 371 fielding opportunities.

Alex Masnica Elk GroveElk Grove coach Ken Grams calls Masnica "simply a coach's dream." The junior outfielder/catcher batted .371 with 5 home runs and 44 RBI. "She has a terrific understanding of the game and of all of its nuances and particulars from all perspectives" Gram said. "Alex played every position this season, except pitcher, at one time or another with the complete trust and confidence of the coaching staff." Grams said that allowed for a great deal of flexibility and maneuvering as games progressed. "Alex is a very complete player both physically and mentally," he said. "She was second on the team with her 44 RBI and provided important plays and timely hits several times."

Nikki Mikosz WheelingMikosz capped a stellar four-year career at Wheeling for coach Mike Caringella by batting. 442 in the Mid-Suburban League with 19 hits from 43 at-bats. She had a .457 on base percentage and 744 slugging percentage with 5 triples, 3 doubles, 16 runs and 8 RBI. The four-year starter caught for two seasons and played short the last two years. She played every inning of every game this season. "Nikki is a offense competitor and leader," said Caringella of the Wisconsin-Whitewater recruit.

Alyssa Pegoraro Maine WestPegoraro developed into a top-notch player for first-year coach Mike McGovern as he moved her from the No. 2 hole in the batting order to No. 3 midway through the season. "Alyssa developed into a five-tool player during the final month of the season and she plays with great controlled intensity," McGovern said of the .343 hittter who 8 doubles and scored 26 runs. "We started the season with her at shortstop but then we needed help in center field." Turns out Pegararo found a true home. "It was almost like having two outfielders out there because she covers so much ground and she has a great arm," McGovern said. "And she really started hitting the ball for extra bases and RBI." Pegoraro also led the club in stolen bases. She was never caught stealing.

Kayla Pociejewski Maine WestHow valuable was Pociejewski to the Maine West club? "Every time I moved her to a new position she played unbelievable there," said Maine West coach Mike McGovern. "We had her at catcher, center field and the shortstop. Defensively, she was just phenomenal. I asked her what she would like to play next season and she said anything but pitcher." Pociejewski batted .471 and led the Warriors with 10 homers, 40 RBI and 40 runs. "She's a great hitter, has a great arm and an ultimate team player. Never once did she say anything about being moved to a new position. She was always just trying to do what was best for the team. I think there will be a lot of Division I schools fighting over her."

Sarah Pauscher Elk GrovePauscher went into the record books with single-season records of home runs (19) and RBI (60). She hit. 476 with a .532 on-base percentage. "Sarah certainly exploded offensively this season," said Elk Grove coach Ken Grams of the junior third baseman. "There were signs of progress last season and this year she brought them all together." Grams said the second-year varsity player learned to become more selective at the plate and as a result led the team in walks. "She has developed into more than a home run hitter." Grams said. "Defensively, her progress is just as evident. She possesses a truly outstanding arm and is learning and understanding the requirements of the position as she has grown into a well-above average defender."

Hailey Rothstein ConantRothstein was one of the most dangerous batters in the Mid-Suburban League, hitting a team-best .490 with 50 RBI (128 RBI in her career) despite missing her freshman year with an ACL injury. "Hailey is one of the toughest kids I have coached," said Conant coach Cathyann Smith. " She had the drive and determination to be ready to finish her Conant career at the top of her game." She also made a solid impact at first base, making impressive stretches and scoops for any throws. "Hailey made an impact at the plate and in the field at first base," Smith said. "Hailey worked hard to help her teammates score. She loves the game and her teammates. I know she will do great things next year at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. She will be tough to replace."

Reagan Schneider FremdThe first-year varsity player moved comfortably into the shortstop position and also made a big impact with her bat, hitting .400 (48-for-120) with 34 runs, 37 RBI, 16 doubles, 1 triple and 1 home run. She also stole 15 bases. "Reagan was a doubles machine and played an excellent shortstop," said Fremd coach Jim Weaver. "She hit with power in her first year and the sky is the limit for her on both sides of the ball."

Marjorie Sloan Elk GroveSloan was a four-year starter in center field and also got the job done at the plate with her .377 batting average this spring (.455 on-base percentage) with 31 RBI and 3 homers. "Marjorie has been and remains an excellent defensive outfielder," said Elk Grove coach Ken Grams. "She reads balls off the bat as well as anyone I have coached and possesses a very strong arm along with her outstanding speed." Grams called Sloan a mainstay of the outfield defense over the years. "She works very hard to improve her skills," he said. "There can't be many players who work as hard as Marjorie does. And it has paid off as she has progressed each year to become better at the plate. She was an important RBI person in our lineup." Sloan struck out only three times in 120 plate appearances.

Julia Wacker Fremd When the Vikings needed runs, they could count on Wacker. The junior first baseman, who was also a key member of Fremd's state runner-up girls basketball team, went into the school record books with a record 47 RBI. She batted .404 (40-for-99) with 32 runs, 14 doubles, 5 homers, 22 walks and a .513 on-base percentage. "After missing all of last season with an ACL injury, Julia was the power in the middle of our lineup," said Fremd coach Jim Weaver. "She put together great at-bats all season long and got clutch RBI in most every at-bat."

Katie Wingerter HerseyThis winter, Wingerter gave her parents a nice Christmas present - a scholarship to play softball at Northern Illinois. This spring, she gave the Huskies great offense. She led in every category, including her .472 batting average, .507 on-base percentage, .866 slugging percentage, 60 hits, 12 doubles, 3 triples, 9 home runs, 33 RBI and 44 runs. Oh, and she plays defense. "She is an outstanding defensive player," said Hersey coach Molly Freeman. "She was part of our only double play of the season. She was an outstanding fundamental shortstop and she played third base. She knows the game. Wherever the ball is, Katie is going to be there. She is just a great person to begin with. She was our MVP and leader on the field. She loves softball. Her heart and soul is softball."

All-area roster

Player School Pos. Yr.

Dream Aaron Conant C Jr.

Paige Alt Schaumburg P-1b Jr.

Alyssa Cacini Prospect SS-P Fr.

Christina Candotti Schaumburg 1B Jr.

Julia Camardo Buffalo Grove P Sr.

Emily Carnes Buffalo Grove C Jr.

Caitlin Catino Buffalo Grove CF Sr.

Kenzie Craver Palatine C-U Jr.

Maddie Craver Palatine P-IF Fr.

Kaitlyn Denten Hersey P So.

Keenan Dolezal Barrington P Sr.

Jodi DuBrock Leyden SS So

Kendall Duwall Leyden P/1B Jr.

Shannon Felde Schaumburg SS-P Sr.

Grace Feldkamp Maine West P So.

Jordyn Fera Hoffman Estates 3B Jr.

Jenna Fingerman Barrington 3B So.

Alyssa Garcia Fremd CF Jr.

Lauren Grzelak Conant 2B So.

Krystal Harris St. Viator P Sr.

Abby Iuorio Fremd LF Jr.

Roxy Kakareka Schaumburg RF Sr.

Kelly Katis Barrington 2B Jr.

Rachel Krzysko Barrington RF So.

Brianna Leach Elk Grove RF Sr.

Casey Lenski Prospect 1B Sr.

Rachel Macdonald Barrington c Jr.

Alex Masnica Elk Grove LF Jr.

Nikki Mikosz Wheeling SS Sr.

Sarah Pauscher Elk Grove 3B Jr.

Alyssa Pegoraro Maine West CF Sr.

Kayla Pociejewski Maine West SS Jr.

Hailey Rothstein Conant 1B Sr.

Reagan Schneider Fremd SS So.

Marjorie Sloan Elk Grove CF Sr.

Julia Wacker Fremd 1B Jr.

*Elaine Walker Schaumburg C Sr.

Katie Wingerter Hersey SS So.

* All-area team captain

Special mentionElisa Ambrose (Conant), Sammi Caputo (Leyden), DeeDee Durr (Conant), Aleece Duffy (Elk Grove), Grace Gran (Buffalo Grove), Julie Josten (Fremd), Lauren Hart (Wheeling), Lauren Hattory (Rolling Meadows), Haley Itzenthaler (Elk Grove), Cassie Kerlin (Palatine), Carly Kordich (Barrington), Ellie Kozlowski (Palatine), Haley Luczak (Barrington), Julie Magro (Barrington), Delilah Malczewski (Prospect), Jessica Mazur (Fremd), Rachael Morrison (Leyden), Sara Neuman (Conant), Megan Olsen (Wheeling), Tracy Osimowicz (Hoffman Estates), Melissa Picchi (Elk Grove), Sarah Schwind (Schaumburg), Rachel Trebswether (Prospect), Alissa Wachal (Conant), Annemarie Weber (Maine West)