Lake Zurich in search of new head softball coach

Lake Zurich's softball team is seeking a new head coach again.

Dann Giesey will not return for a second season. The Bears went 14-16 under Giesey, a former baseball head coach at Carmel Catholic and Johnsburg. He suffered a heart attack late in the season, and assistant Alex Block coached the team the final two weeks. The Bears reached the Class 4A Mundelein regional final, before losing to top-seeded Warren.

Giesey was Lake Zurich's fifth head coach in the past 15 years.

ICA all-state:

Grant senior third baseman Erin Bengston was named Illinois Coaches Association Class 4A first team all-state. Bengston, who has signed with Holy Cross, slashed .565/.629/1.091 with 11 homers and 50 RBI. She hit a Lake County-record 22 home runs as a junior.

Grayslake North junior third baseman Grace Brown and Lake Zurich sophomore third baseman/catcher Elizabeth Chialdikas were named second team. Third-team selections included Grayslake North sophomore shortstop Faith Standerski, Libertyville senior catcher Sarah Hoyer, Lake Zurich junior pitcher/third baseman Stephanie Keefe, Grayslake North freshman outfielder Jess Pozezinski and Lake Zurich junior shortstop Julia Zaucha.

The Class 3A all-state second team includes Antioch junior shortstop Piper Foote, Grayslake Central junior first baseman Elisa Koshy, Lakes senior shortstop Rachel Becker, Lakes junior catcher Camryn Jones and Vernon Hills junior shortstop Delaney Bowen. Third-team selections include Antioch junior outfielder Megan Lawrence, Antioch senior catcher Deighton Butenschoen, Grayslake Central junior pitcher/outfielder Grace Bradley, Grayslake Central senior catcher Brooke Heraty, Lakes senior first baseman Molly Dietz, Lakes junior second baseman Kelsey Ulrich and Vernon Hills senior second baseman Nicole Pieper.