Softball: Lake County all-area team

Emma Bartz Carmel Catholic

Bartz's blasts were impressive, but long before she developed into a longball threat, it was her speed that made her a valuable asset for the Corsairs. This year, the senior put it all together in a breakout season for the Class 3A sectional finalist. She jumped from 8 homers last year to 15 this season. She's batting .359 with 46 RBI for the Corsairs and had 2 stolen bases in their supersectional win over Sterling. "She's a late-bloomer," coach Shane Schueneman said of the three-year varsity player, who found a home in left field this season. "She struggled at times last year (in the field and at the plate)." This year, Bartz was named the Corsairs' most improved player. "She worked her butt off in travel (ball) and with her summertime hitting coach," Schueneman said. "I give her a lot of credit. A lot of kids would have given up as frustrated as she was, but she kept getting better and better, and working." Bartz signed with Northwestern before the season started. "They'll utilize her speed," Schueneman said. "But she's got so much upside with her power. She's improved a heck of a lot."

Rachel Becker Lakes

The lefty hitter at the top of the Eagles' batting order isn't a slapper. Becker, in her second season as a varsity starter, continued to hit line drives all over the field. She hit .495 with a .529 on-base percentage, and her 47 hits included 9 doubles, 4 triples and 3 home runs. She knocked in 24 runs and scored 34. "She's got incredible speed, she's got incredible power, and she has good plate awareness," coach Bill Hamill said of his sophomore shortstop and two-time all-conference selection. "She very rarely strikes out. She puts the ball in play all the time, and that's what makes her good as a leadoff hitter." Becker runs the bases well, too. "I'll be bringing her to another base, but usually she's not looking very long anyway," Hamill said. "She already knows, 'Hey, I got this.' " The Eagles got her for another two years.

Erin Bengston Grant

Don't let the 5-foot-1 frame fool you. Bengston bangs the ball. The sophomore catcher led the 18-win Bulldogs in batting average (.472), slugging (.759), hits (51), doubles (14), triples (4), home runs (3), RBI (25) and runs scored (37). Her .508 on-base percentage ranked second on the team, and she struck out just four times. She was equally impressive behind the plate, committing just 2 errors. "Erin is one of the best natural hitters I have ever seen," coach Chris Van Alstine said of the two-time all-conference player. "She holds nothing back when she swings, yet it is just as controlled as it is powerful. Erin is a product of the off season. She puts in so much time to get herself in the position she is right now. Her strength and speed have increased due to our workouts, and it shows on the field. I really feel the best is yet to come with her. The next two years are going to be very exciting."

Delaney Bowen Vernon Hills

Get ready for another four-year varsity softball run at shortstop for a Bowen. The sister of former Grayslake North star Jordyn (Northern Illinois), Bowen made a seamless transition to high school softball. The talented, clutch-hitting freshman knocked in a team-high 41 runs and took a .477 batting average and .508 on-base percentage into the sectional. She went 4-for-4 with a double and 4 RBI in the Cougars' Class 3A regional-final upset of Lakes. "I think she's just going to get better," coach Jan Pauly said. "From Day 1 in Alabama (spring-break trip), she maintained that .480-.500 batting average. That's tough for a freshman to come in and do that. She lit it up, and she was active on the bases." It didn't take Bowen long to earn the respect of her older teammates. "Great teammate. Great kid," Pauly said. "(Her teammates) accepted her coming in. She has it all."

Grace Brown Grayslake North

Having accepted the Knights' head-coaching position just before the start of the season, Lea Corcoran knew little about Brown. After seeing the freshman's mighty swing during drills, Corcoran knew Brown was coming up to the varsity. The kid didn't disappoint. She led the Knights in most offensive categories, including batting average (.506), on-base percentage (.576), home runs (7), RBI (26) and runs scored (34). She had 44 hits, in total, and played like a "seasoned veteran" at third base, Corcoran said. "You wouldn't have known she was a freshman unless you looked up our roster," Corcoran said. "She was already a sure-handed fielder and really improved her range throughout the season. Not much gets by her at third." While Brown boasts power, Corcoran hit her in the No.-2 spot to take advantage of her speed. "She has a beautiful swing," Corcoran said. "She hits the ball hard consistently. ... She works incredibly hard, as well. She's going to set some hitting records at Grayslake North over the next three years."

Karlee Busscher Mundelein

A three-year varsity starter, the senior third baseman was a consistent offensive threat. Voted team MVP, she led the Mustangs with a .426 batting average (7-for-9 in the postseason) and .500 on-base percentage. Her 49 hits included 7 doubles, 3 triples and 1 homer. She also knocked in 27 runs. While her power numbers dropped from last season, when she hit 9 homers, her offensive game might have been better. "We worked a lot with Karlee on staying on top of the ball, and she did a tremendous job," coach Brett Wilhelm said. "I think she hit the ball harder this year than she ever has. She probably could have had 10-plus home runs had she played in a different park because she hit the top of the (8-foot-high) fence at our place on line drives numerous times." Defensively, Busscher showed marked improvement. "She might have had 1-2 throwing errors on the season," Wilhelm said. "For a third baseman in softball, that's really tough, especially with the bunt game."

Julienne Egofske Warren

There might not have been a better left-handed power hitter in the county the last two years. Bound for Bucknell, Egofske takes an aggressive approach at the plate, and the softball usually gets hit hard. A repeat all-area and all-conference selection, she followed up an 8-homer campaign as a junior with 10 home runs this season in helping the Blue Devils win a fourth-straight regional championship. She also posted a .427 batting average, after hitting .429 last year, slugged at an .854 clip, drove in 34 runs and struck out only eight times in 102 plate appearances. The lefty also proved dependable defensively as a first-year starter at first base. "Julienne has really been a leader offensively for us," coach Jenna Charbonneau said. "She was a calming force for our infield. She never gives up on a ball, play, or her teammates. She is relentless and resilient. She has a bright future in her collegiate softball career."

Amanda Elert Carmel Catholic

Having decided before the start of her senior season that she would not pursue playing college softball, Elert went out with a bang. A shot here. A shot there. Another one over there. She kept banging softballs and, oftentimes, they went over the fence. A varsity star since her freshman year, she established career highs this season with 16 homers, including four in one game and 2 grand slams, and a school-record 72 RBI. She headed into the season with 20 career homers, despite missing her sophomore season due to an ACL injury. "She's gotten better each year, more powerful," coach Shane Schueneman said. "She constantly works at her craft and wants to get better." Elert caught most of the season and played some first base, too. "Players don't run on her," Schueneman said. Elert's 36 career homers rank third in Carmel history behind Jenny Behan (53) and Kathleen Felicelli (37). Her 6 career grand slams are a state record. Named the East Suburban Catholic Conference player of the year, she's hitting .504 for the Class 3A state semifinalists. Her 67 hits also include 14 doubles. "She'll go down as one of the best (in Carmel history)," Schueneman said. Elert plans to attend Wisconsin.

Carlie Gaylord Antioch

As the junior kept raising her game, she kept rising in the Sequoits' batting order. She saw limited varsity action last year but busted out this season, taking a .453 batting average into the sectional final. "She started as our (No.) 5 hitter and made her way up to third spot," coach Anthony Rocco said. "The one thing I can count on with her is she will always put the ball in play." Gaylord struck out only six times and tied for the team in sacrifice bunts. She rang up 10 doubles, 3 triples, 2 homers and 40 RBI. "Carlie was constantly driving runs in and moving runners into scoring position," Rocco said. Gaylord split her time from catcher, first base and designated player. "As a catcher, her framework was top notch," Rocco said. "Our pitchers were confident working the outside of the zone with Carlie behind the plate."

Amanda Guercio Lake Zurich

The junior catcher rediscovered her home-run stroke this spring, while continuing to sting the softball in earning all-area and all-conference honors for the third year in a row. Guercio clubbed a school-record-tying 14 homers. She parked just two last year after hitting 11 as a freshman. Her 2016 spring also saw her hit a career-best .530 with 40 RBI, 42 runs scored and 7 stolen bases. Her team-best 53 hits also included 13 doubles and 1 triple. "Amanda has been a true leader on this team for two years," coach Amanda Rodriguez said. "She is the player that you want up to bat in the pressure situation. She is the one that younger girls are in awe of. Amanda also always wants to get better. Multiple days a week she asks me to come early or stay late to help her work on things. She sets a great example for game play, mental game and work ethic." Guercio is verbally committed to Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Hannah Heraty Libertyville

The Wildcats won a school-record 29 games, and no player was more responsible for that win total than the junior ace, who led the North Suburban Conference and regional champs both in the circle and at the plate. Committed to Dayton, Heraty went 26-8, setting a school record for wins in a season, posted a 2.17 ERA and struck out 145 batters with just 27 walks in 197 innings. Offensively, the repeat all-area and all-conference selection batted .376, with her 16 extra-base hits including 7 homers. She also posted .661 slugging and .465 on-base percentages, stole 10 bases and racked up 35 RBI. "Hannah has done a great job leading us in the circle," coach Elissa Wisniewski said. "She really took on the role of the being the workhorse this year. Which brought us as a team to the next level."

Jessie Lauret Libertyville

Lauret was quite a "get" - and a major offensive threat. After earning all-conference honors for Zion-Benton as a freshman, the speedy slapper transferred to Libertyville and chalked up three more all-conference selections. Her senior season might have been her best, as the center fielder hit .540 with a .567 on-base percentage, 29 stolen bases and 31 RBI. Her spring also included hitting a grand slam and earning pitching wins over Class 3A sectional-finalist Antioch and Fremd, which was undefeated until facing Lauret. "Jess did a phenomenal job being our sparkplug this year," coach Elissa Wisniewski said. "She just sets the tone at the top of our order, and with her speed we are able to do a lot of things offensively." A two-time all-area selection, Lauret will continue her softball career at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

Taylor McCarthy Wauconda

Bulldogs coach Tim Rennels remembers seeing a devastated McCarthy leaving the high school after she got cut from the varsity as a freshman three years ago. "It touched me," Rennels said. "I learned, as I learned more about Taylor McCarthy, what a competitor she is. That just spurred her on." McCarthy served as the Bulldogs' lefty-throwing catcher the next three years and was vital in the team winning sectional titles in 2014 and 2015. A three-year all-conference selection, the senior capped a stellar career by helping lead the Bulldogs to the North Suburban Prairie title and another sectional berth. Called by Rennels "one of the best leaders you'll ever see," she hit .360 with a .441 on-base percentage, striking out only five times. Her 32 hits included 2 homers. "Definitely the most vocal person on the field," Rennels said. "In the sectional final at Resurrection, things were a little quiet, especially when (pitcher) Kayla (Wedl) went out (with a strained back) and we were 1-1. It was really Taylor McCarthy that suddenly lit a fire in the dugout. The energy started skyrocketing, and we went on to win the game solid."

Dana Meline Vernon Hills

A position change didn't change the senior veteran's approach at the plate. Meline moved from shortstop to third base this season, and kept getting on base. A four-year varsity starter and three-time all-area and all-conference selection, the slap hitter batted .427 with a .504 on-base percentage. "We just felt we were stronger with her at third this year because we were facing hitters that were going to pull the ball," coach Jan Pauly said. "We needed someone that could handle it at third. We needed her there, and she stepped up." Meline stepped up offensively, as well, as the Cougars won a regional title for the second time in her four years. "Confusing defenses a bit, that's her job," Pauly said. "She was hard slapping, soft slapping, bunting. Her role was to get on base any way she could, and she did a nice job this year of that."

Crystal Pennell Warren

The versatile veteran showed off a strong arm the last two springs on varsity. As a senior, she displayed strong bat, too. The Ball State-bound Pennell had a breakout season at the plate, batting .450 with 17 doubles and 26 RBI, while slugging at a .633 clip. She did that while playing a new position, as she moved from catcher to shortstop. She started on for the Blue Devils' state-championship team in 2014. "Crystal has worn many hats," coach Jenna Charbonneau said. "She was an outfielder, catcher, shortstop and third baseman. She has continued to improve over each of her high school years. No matter where we ask her to play or what we ask her to do for the team, she does it without hesitation."

Ally Perdue Lakes

Eagles coach Bill Hamill had to be alert when his slugging senior stepped into the batter's box. "She got me twice in the third-base coach's box," Hamill said with a laugh. A four-year varsity player and repeat all-conference selection, Perdue served as the Eagles' ace the last two years. She won 22 games this year and posted a 2.07 ERA in 188⅓ innings. She often helped herself at the plate, as she hit .396 with 14 doubles and 31 RBI. "When she hits the ball, she hits it hard," Hamill said. "She also did a nice job of taking the outside pitch (to right field). There were a lot of games this year when we had a runner on third base, and it might have been an ugly pitch on the outside, but she still dumped it on the right side to bring a run in." Perdue prevented runs from scoring too with her glove and body. "You see some pitchers that don't field anything up the middle," Hamill said. "Ally either got a glove, a leg, an arm, a shoulder or something on it. She got smoked a couple of times but never complained about it."

Claire Petrus Carmel Catholic

A lefty hitter/righty pitcher, Petrus could switch up ways to hurt the opposition. She served as the Corsairs' ace for the second year in a row and won 23 games, after also chalking 23 victories her junior year. With 53 wins, which also includes seven her sophomore year, she broke Rachel Tack's school record of 51 for a career. "She's gotten better hitting her spots, and she's improved on her changeup," coach Shane Schueneman said. Petrus also showed pop at the plate in helping the Corsairs advance to state, hitting .500 (56 hits) with a career-high 8 home runs, 11 doubles and 44 RBI in her fourth varsity season. She was less pull conscience this spring. "She really worked on going the opposite way this year," Schueneman said. "She pulled off a lot last year, and she really strove not to do that this year." Petrus will continue her softball career at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Vera Pflugradt Stevenson

The junior's season? Vera good. Again. In her third varsity campaign, the fleet-footed Pflugradt continued to excel in the field, in the batter's box and on the base paths. The Patriots' leadoff hitter/center fielder posted a .473 batting average with 4 homers, 10 triples, 14 doubles and 28 RBI. It added up to a .774 slugging percentage. "Her consistency in her game is an outstanding tribute to her hard work and ability as an athlete," coach Alex Vikartofsky said of her repeat all-area and all-conference selection. "It's hard to say whether her offense or defense is more impressive. She single-handedly kept us in game after game by robbing hits on balls in the gap and throwing out runners." How good was Pflugradt's fielding? She made 1 error in 53 total chances. "She made difficult plays looks easy," Vikartofsky said, "with her effortless speed."

Jenna Pozezinski Grayslake North

The junior homered off Grayslake North's scoreboard in the Knights' regional play-in game against Round Lake. It wasn't the first time she made noise with her bat. In her second varsity season, Pozezinski batted .431 with her 44 hits including 3 homers. The cleanup hitter also had 25 RBI. "Her average never dropped below .390 at any point this year," coach Lea Corcoran said. "She came up all season long in RBI situations and executed like an experienced varsity player. She's a great situational hitter." When Pozezinski wasn't playing first base, she was pitching. And those numbers were good too. She went 6-3 with a 2.68 ERA and 57 strikeouts in 47 innings. "She was a wall at first base (2 errors, .989 fielding percentage)," Corcoran said. "Her pitching innings were limited as she recovered from her off-season injury to repair a dislocated hip. We tried not to overdo it as she worked back to full strength. But she absolutely made the most of her opportunities in the circle."

Jessica Puccinelli Lake Zurich

A three-year varsity starter, the junior took her game to another level this season. She hit .520 with her 51 hits including 11 doubles, a team-leading 4 triples and 3 homers. She also had a team-best 41 RBI, scored 28 runs and struck out just seven times. A repeat all-conference player, Puccinelli patrolled center field brilliantly as well. "Jessica is a player that has stepped up this year as a leader," coach Amanda Rodriguez said. "Last year she was a good softball player, and this year she became a great softball player and a great motivator. Jessica has been vocal, positive, and gives 100 percent all the time. She has had a big contribution in making our team one unit. She is the leader of the outfield and the player who I want to get the ball. She also makes it impossible to pitch around Amanda (Guercio) because she is waiting in the on-deck circle."

Reagen Radke Grayslake Central

A young team (two seniors) went as its second-year ace went. And things usually went well. The Rams won 20 games, as the junior, at times, dominated in the circle. She went 18-11 with a 1.73 ERA and 280 strikeouts in 186 innings. Twice, the hard-throwing righty struck out 17 batters in a game. "She started to take the leadership role of the team," coach Jason Schaal said. "These girls are going to do what Reagen Radke does. When she has the ball and she's in the circle, I have the utmost confidence that she's going to give us her very best every single time. This year, she proved it." Radke can also hit the ball. She belted 5 home runs and batted .295 (28 hits). Schaal said she wants to play at the collegiate level. "I can easily see 300 strikeouts in a season (next year)," Schaal said. "She'll be a little stronger, and her pitches are going to move a little more. I think she can do great things in the circle and offensively as well."

Kenzie Rother Libertyville

Few corner outfielders impact a game defensively like the junior, who's been starting in right since her freshman year. "Kenzie's speed and energy really sparks us on both sides of the ball," coach Elissa Wisniewski said. "Her range in the outfield is unreal, and her ability to read balls both offensively and defensively allows us to start and stop big rallies." A two-time all-conference selection, Rother hit better than .400 (.409) for the second year in a row. She posted a .495 on-base percentage, stole 13 bases and knocked in 11 runs.

Brooke Sefcik Wauconda

A varsity starter since her freshman year, the powerfully built senior rebounded from missing her sophomore season due to back surgery to post back-to-back all-area and all-conference campaigns. A potent bat in the middle of the order, she hit .404 (36 hits) with 6 homers, including one in the regional final, and drove in 31 runs. She had .475 on-base and .730 slugging percentages and coaxed 11 walks. "She was a more balanced hitter this year," coach Tim Rennels said. "She became more disciplined at the plate. She hit a lot more line drives." The strong-armed Sefcik also was a presence at shortstop. "I know she's a natural at third, but she really came through at short," Rennels said. "Pulling the trigger, diving full-out. I know she played in pain her whole career (because of her back)." Sefcik will continue her softball career at Carthage College.

Ashley Stephens Antioch

Three varsity seasons. Three different positions. Same old hitter. The junior took over at shortstop this spring, after starting at second base last year and right field as a freshman, and didn't miss a beat. "She has excellent range and a D-I arm to make plays on faster players and throws from the 5/6 hole," coach Anthony Rocco said. Stephens was the Sequoits' No. 3 hitter in the first half of the season. "Then after some injuries, we needed her to set the table for our offense," Rocco said. Stephens did just that, batting .457 and scoring 41 runs on the season. A repeat all-area and all-conference selection, her career batting average is .420. "She is a rare combination of speed and power," Rocco said. "If she only gets to first base on a hit or a walk, she has the speed to take second base. Ashley is an impact player in all aspects of the game."

Jamie Stevens Libertyville

A knee injury kept the senior veteran off the field the first couple of weeks of the season. By season's end, she still posted her typical numbers. She hit .444 with .654 slugging and .525 on-base percentages and 35 RBI. Her 11 extra-base hits included 3 homers, and she also tallied 9 sacrifice bunts and 8 stolen bases. "Jamie is the rock of our team," coach Elissa Wisniewski said of her four-time all-conference and three-time all-area player. "We can always count on her offensively or defensively to execute or step up and make big plays. Her work ethic and competitiveness has made a big impact on our program the last four years." Stevens will continue her softball career at Division-III power Tufts University.

Sabrina Trevino Warren

After she hit a school-record 17 homers as a junior, opposing pitchers knew they had to be careful with their pitch location to her. Trevino still found a way to be productive at the plate, leading the 24-game winners in RBI with 38, while hitting .388 with 4 homers (28 in her career). A starter on the Blue Devils' 2014 state-championship team, Trevino also made the transition from third base to catcher this year and posted a .996 fielding percentage. She is a repeat all-area and all-conference selection. "She is a leader in every sense of the word," coach Jenna Charbonneau said. "Her teammates really look up to her, and she is an invaluable asset to the team from a coach's perspective." Trevino will continue playing softball at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

Annie Wagner Antioch

Sequoits coach Anthony Rocco offered up some trivia about the junior: Wagner was the team's Opening Day starting pitcher as a freshman. "A little remembered fact," Rocco said. Wagner, Stephanie Bonaguidi and Hannah Cook gave Rocco three freshman hurlers two years ago. Wagner started 14 games in the circle and went 5-2. While Bonaguidi and Cook have continued to pitch, Wagner has gone to become a slick-fielding second baseman. "She took away hits up the middle all year," Rocco said. "Annie has great understanding of defense. I think it comes from the fact that she has experience in the circle and in the outfield (starting in right field as a sophomore). And I know in a jam I can play her at third base and shortstop." Rocco can also count on Wagner's bat. She took a .394 batting average into the sectional final with 13 doubles, 2 triples, 1 homer and 40 RBI.

Calista Warmowski Grant

Lots of letters in her name, lots of game. The athletic freshman made an instant impact both at the plate and in the field for the Bulldogs, who jumped from 9 wins last year to 18. "Simply put, Calista is the real deal," coach Chris Van Alstine said. "Tough defensive plays look effortless as she covers so much ground in the outfield. As our leadoff hitter, she compares to Ricky Henderson because not only is she fast but her swing has so much power the ball explodes off her bat." Warmowski hit .466 (48 hits) with a .518 on-base percentage, scored 34 runs and stole 14 bases. The all-conference center fielder made only 1 error the entire season. "The best part about her is that she is just a freshman," Van Alstine said. "If she buys into the off-season workouts, the sky is the limit for an athlete like her."

Kayla Wedl Wauconda

Her season started with a European vacation with schoolmates, causing her to miss 3 games. Late in the season, a strained back forced her to sit out the North Suburban Conference title game and limited her effectiveness in the postseason. In between, the 5-foot-8, 131-pound senior righty was as mighty as ever. Bound for the University of Illinois at Chicago, Wedl pitched the Bulldogs to a third-straight NSC championship-game berth. She went 14-3 with a 0.93 ERA, striking out 256 batters and walking just 20 in 136 innings. She also hit .523 (46 hits) with 10 homers, 33 RBI and 38 runs scored. She struck out only once and tallied on-base and slugging percentages of .571 and 1.080, respectively. She is a four-time all-conference and all-area selection and repeat captain of the all-area team. She won 74 games and struck out 1,191 batters in her career. Said Tim Rennels, her coach for four years: "I had one of the best players you'll ever see."

All-area roster

Player School Yr. Pos.

Emma Bartz Carmel Catholic Sr. LF

Rachel Becker Lakes So. SS

Erin Bengston Grant So. C

Delaney Bowen Vernon Hills Fr. SS

Grace Brown Grayslake North Fr. 3B

Karlee Busscher Mundelein Sr. 3B

Julienne Egofske Warren Sr. 1B

Amanda Elert Carmel Catholic Sr. C/1B

Carlie Gaylord Antioch Jr. C/1B

Amanda Guercio Lake Zurich Jr. C

Hannah Heraty Libertyville Jr. P

Jessie Lauret Libertyville Sr. CF/P

Taylor McCarthy Wauconda Sr. C

Dana Meline Vernon Hills Sr. 3B

Crystal Pennell Warren Sr. SS

Ally Perdue Lakes Sr. P

Claire Petrus Carmel Catholic Sr. P

Vera Pflugradt Stevenson Jr. CF

Jenna Pozezinski Grayslake North Sr. 1B/P

Jessica Puccinelli Lake Zurich Jr. CF

Reagen Radke Grayslake Central Jr. P

Kenzie Rother Libertyville Jr. RF

Brooke Sefcik Wauconda Sr. SS/3B

Ashley Stephens Antioch Jr. SS

Jamie Stevens Libertyville Sr. SS/3B

Sabrina Trevino Warren Sr. C

Annie Wagner Antioch Jr. 2B

Calista Warmowski Grant Fr. CF

* Kayla Wedl Wauconda Sr. P/2B

* all-area captain

Honorable mentionKatie Bleim (Round Lake Sr. 3B/C/OF), Mallory Carver (Wauconda Jr. 3B), Danielle Comitor (Vernon Hills Sr. P/CF), Hannah Cook (Antioch Jr. P), Amanda Diaz (Mundelein Sr. SS), Dani DeLozier (Carmel Sr. 2B), Mic Faunce (Stevenson Jr. C), Jill Foote (Antioch Jr. 3B), Piper Foote (Antioch Fr. CF), Jen Giesey (Carmel Jr. SS), Brooke Heraty (Grayslake Central So. C), Sam Hilldale (Libertyville Jr. 2B), Lyndsey Lyon (Libertyville Jr. 1B), Hannah Nommensen (Warren Jr. P), Myra Peterson (Stevenson Sr. P), Peyton Pribyl (Mundelein So. C), Jen Reed (Lakes Jr. 2B), Karlie Rotunno (Lakes Jr. C), Sami Saliba (Vernon Hills Sr. 2B), Kenzi Sancken (Grant Sr. SS), Kayla Serio (Wauconda Fr. SS/P), Nicole Somppi (Warren Sr. CF), Jordan Swiatkowski (Carmel Fr. 3B), Jessica Vaughn (Grayslake North Sr. SS/P), Lexi Waigand (Grayslake Central So. 3B/OF)

Selections and profiles by Joe Aguilar