Wilson, Karwoski back to lead CLC
Can the College of Lake County softball team continue its winning ways?
Coming off a 32-21 campaign, the Lancers are gearing up for yet another successful season. Returning are five starters, including four all-conference players, two all-state players and an All-American.
The All-American is Alyssa Wilson (Vernon Hills), who's back to secure the defense at shortstop.
In her first season with the Lancers, Wilson hit a team-best .398 with her 66 hits including 12 doubles, 6 triples and 5 home runs. She also boasted a .455 on-base percentage, scored 49 runs and stole 18 bases in as many attempts.
She and fellow all-stater Carley Karwoski (Warren), who is back behind the plate, make the middle of the defense and top of the lineup look solid.
Karwoski batted .358 with 8 doubles, 3 triples and 7 homers last season. She led CLC with a .464 on-base percentage and 29 steals in 30 attempts.
Throw in a duo of all-conference players -- first baseman Haley Myers (Warren) and 15-game winner Devon Kelly (Grayslake Central) -- plus starter Danielle Thebault (Mundelein) and the Lancers are looking mighty good.
Lake County finished its fall season with an 11-4 mark. So don't count out the freshmen who will be looking for the playing time this spring.
This group can fill in the holes quite nicely, coach Sue Garcia said. Jamie Braden (Lakes) and Alisha Cook (Antioch) look to play third base, while also helping out in the circle. Lauren Liles (Grant) will give Karwoski a rest behind the plate.
The outfield could have several different looks, with Kristina Zobrist (Zion-Benton), Jenna Capps (Grant) and Janine Peddle (Wauconda) perhaps getting the most chances.
The Lancers will be counting on production in the circle and at the plate from Alex Vikartofsky (Stevenson), who transferred from Miami of Ohio.
The Lancers will try to improve on the 34-17 school mark set by the 2005 squad.
"We were well on our way last season after finishing three-fourths of the season 28-14," Garcia said. "Unfortunately, we got into a slump and finished the year 4-7."
The 2007 Lancers finished fourth at the Region IV tournament and third in the Skyway Conference.
"It's hard to get a true feel for the game in the gym, but the defense looks tight," Garcia said. "The pitching staff is strong and accurate, and if (we) can score runs (we) will make it a race to the finish line in both conference and in the region tournament."
The Lancers' last conference championship was in 1997.
"A bit too long ago for me," Garcia said.
Unlike the conference season, the Lancers have fared well in the postseason, finishing play at the state tournament three of the last four years.
"If you follow Lake County high school softball, you have got to love our chances," Garcia said. "We'd like to do it all this season -- win conference, set a school mark in victories, and play for the state championship, with a chance to go to nationals."