Softball: Lake County preview

NORTH SUBURBAN LAKE

Lake Zurich

Coach: Becky Lewandowski (third year)

Last season: 22-11, NSC Lake champs, NSC champs

Key players graduated: 1B Melinda Jackson (Eastern Illinois), SS Nicki Ekstrom, 3B Brittany Baumgart,

Returning players: Katie Buczynski (Sr. P), Coryn Schmit (Sr. C), Brittany Stezskal (Sr. 3B), Chrissie Wichmann (Sr. P-OF), Kyra Boyer (Jr. OF)

Newcomers: Alex Block (Jr. 2B), Kim Lacke (Jr. OF), Jessie Borre (Jr. OF), Stephanie Hoff (Jr. P-OF-2B), Laura Yapelli (Jr. IF), Brianna Welbourn (So. SS), Ella Aslan (So. 1B), Amanda Wright (Jr. OF), Ashley Wright (Jr. OF)

Outlook: There are new names, but like that of the coach, things really aren't that different from last year. Becky Woodman married fellow teacher/coach Joe Lewandowski last July 28. Fortunately for the new Becky Lewandowski, the names of her starting pitcher and catcher haven't changed. That means the defending conference champs should win a lot again this spring. Katie Buczynski dominated in the circle for the second straight year, winning 13 games and striking out 242 batters in 127 innings pitched, while also batting .448 with 11 doubles and 4 home runs. Fellow senior Coryn Schmit belted 8 homers in her first season as a full-time varsity catcher, and it was her walk-off RBI double that gave LZ a 6-5 win over Antioch in the NSC title game. Veteran Brittany Stezskal will start at third base and will be joined by three newcomers in the infield -- junior second baseman Alex Block, sophomore shortstop Brianna Welbourn and sophomore first baseman Ella Aslan. The starting outfield is up in the air, but the Bears appear to have decent depth. Besides Buczynski, Schmit and Stezskal, Lewandowski also returns Chrissie Wichmann and Kyra Boyer. "They're a lot of fun," Lewandowski said of her 2008 group. "It's going to be a growing year, but at the same time we have a good foundation with the five (players) coming back."

Libertyville

Coach: Mary Tiegs (third year)

Last season: 15-16

Key players graduated: P Shannon Wilkins, OF Lauren Formica, 1B Carol Kruckman, OF Amber Bryant

Returning players: Kat Bernard (Sr. P-OF-1B), Ali Haws (Sr. SS-2B), Leanne Kaczmar (Sr. 2B-3B), Katie Larson (Sr. C-OF), Amanda Pecucci (Sr. OF), Katy Pfund (Sr. 1B-3B), Megan Wood (Sr. OF)

Newcomers: Julie Gilkison (Jr. 3B-OF), Jenna Mosconi (Jr. P-OF-1B), Mackenzie Haws (So. OF), Toni Kintzel (Fr. 3B-OF-1B), Danielle Kaczmar (Fr. P-2B)

Outlook: The Wildcats boast a pair of four-year varsity players -- plus five other seniors. "I like the experience that we have," coach Mary Tiegs said. "It's a good core group of girls that want to win. It's just a matter of instilling confidence that will come as we go." Tiegs' daughter, Katie Larson, is a two-time all-conference and all-area catcher who was great defensively last season in addition to hitting at a .350 clip. Senior Katy Pfund also returns for her fourth varsity season and will play mainly first base, as well as some third again. Pfund will also bat cleanup again. "She's our power hitter," Tiegs said. Senior lefty Kat Bernard was the Wildcats' No. 2 pitcher last season behind all-conference hurler Shannon Wilkins. Tiegs has another left-handed pitcher in junior newcomer Jenna Mosconi, as well as righty Danielle Kaczmar. "Being a senior, she'll get the ball (as the No. 1 starter)," Tiegs said of Bernard. "But we have a lot more flexibility, especially with the righty-lefty combination. That's going to be an interesting thing to play around with." Danielle Kaczmar, whose older sister Leanne is one of the returning seniors, is one of two freshmen on the roster. Toni Kintzel, a corner infielder-outfielder, is the other. "She's a hitter, and so is (Danielle) Kaczmar," Tiegs said. "They consistently put the bat on the ball." Tiegs' other senior veterans are volleyball/basketball star Ali Haws, Amanda Pecucci and Megan Wood. Haws' sister, sophomore Mackenzie, also figures to contribute. "We'll be competitive again," Tiegs said.

Mundelein

Coach: Ted Juske (fourth year, eighth overall)

Last season: 20-14-1

Key players graduated: P Lauren Ott (Butler University), OF Erica Harries (University of Dubuque), C Nicole Golden, 3B Katie Scott

Returning players: Leslie Harshey (Sr. P-1B), Katie Randau (Sr. SS), Jordan Lundsten (Jr. C), Michelle Mitchem (Jr. 2B), Kaitlin Yoder (Jr. OF-IF), Kuhsali Rami (Jr. 1B)

Newcomers: Ashley Castro (Sr. 2B-OF-P), Hillary Hamblin (Jr. 3B-OF), Kim Krause (Jr. P-OF), Carla Wilson (Jr. OF), Jessica Bjerning (So. C-1B), Deanna Wise (Fr. 3B), Justina Doll (Fr. 1B)

Outlook: The Mustangs typically have one or two freshmen who come in and make an impact. They didn't last year. This year, they do. Or at least Mundelein could have a couple of impact freshmen. Coach Ted Juske has promoted Deanna Wise and Justina Doll, and the two ninth-graders could be his starting corner infielders. Wise plays third base, Doll first. "Both freshmen just have a go-hard-all-the-time attitude, and I couldn't leave them down," Juske said. The Mustangs' returnees include Leslie Harshey, whose .382 batting average and stellar defensive work at first base helped earn her all-conference and all-area honors as a junior. The three-year varsity player should be the Mustangs' No. 1 pitcher this season, replacing standout Lauren Ott (1.25 ERA, 222 Ks in 2007). Harshey pitched a little last season. "Harshey doesn't have the speed that Lauren Ott had, but Harshey has very good location," Juske said. Like Harshey, senior shortstop Katie Randau has been playing varsity since her freshman year. Juske expects junior Michelle Mitchem to have a good season, as well. "Those three (Harshey, Randau and Mitchem) are really good softball players when it comes to technique and everything," Juske said. "They have the arm, the glove, the bat, the confidence and the ability to play at the varsity level. Those things make them special players." Also back is junior Jordan Lundsten, who figures to do the bulk of the catching after an all-conference season last year.

Stevenson

Coach: Larry Friedrichs (21st year)

Last season: 21-13

Key players graduated: C Brit Vipham, 1B Kate Thompson, P Katie Wilkinson, CF Jenna Eisenberg, RF Courtney Murtha, DP Cassie Incerto, SS Sam Day, P Christy Praljak

Returning players: Traci Africk (Sr. 2B), Tovah Schwartz (Sr. 3B), Courtney Belcastro (Sr. SS-OF), Rebekah Ozga (So. SS-OF), Erica Castriano (Sr. OF-IF), Katie Loerch (Jr. P), Allison Micucci (So. P)

Newcomers: Jordan Willis (So. P-OF), Gennie Duffy (So. P-3B), Claire Kirchner (Sr. 3B-2B), Amanda Jaegers (So. 1B), Annalise Docel (Jr. C), Megan Felz (Fr. C-OF), Nicole Duda (Jr. OF), Jamie Finkle (Jr. OF)

Outlook: Coach Larry Friedrichs had a good reason for carrying a whopping 17 players on his roster last spring. With nearly 10 seniors, he didn't want to leave this season's team too thin on varsity experience. No wonder he was inducted into the hall of fame in February. The Patriots' returnees include all-conference third baseman Tovah Schwartz, plus second baseman and fellow senior Traci Africk and sophomore shortstop-outfielder Rebekah Ozga. The Patriots were hoping to have pitcher Christy Praljak back, but she graduated early. With Katie Wilkinson also having graduated, after earning all-NSC and all-area honors, Friedrichs will look to sophomore Allison Micucci, who threw 43 varsity innings last year. Sophomores Jordan Willis and Gennie Duffy and junior Katie Loerch also can pitch. Friedrichs is carrying five sophomores in Micucci, Willis, Duffy, Ozga and first baseman Amanda Jaegers. "Those five sophomores are tough kids," Friedrichs said. "It'll be great to watch the five of them grow." Junior Annalise Docel will likely catch after focusing on volleyball last spring and not going out for softball. Freshman Megan Felz also catches. Friedrichs likes the work ethic of his team and witnessed it in practice this week. "There was like no idle chit-chat going on," he said. "This group is just real task-oriented. Which is great. Hopefully it will equate into something."

Warren

Coach: Carri Nichols (second year)

Last season: 16-18

Key players graduated: P Alissa Groeninger

Returning players: Jenna Anderson (Sr. C), Alex Booker (So. CF), Sarah Clauser (So. SS), Sam Berrios (Jr. P), Kellie Kraft (Sr. 1B-C), Megan Carlyon (Sr. 2B), Nicole Bohn (Sr. 2B), Julie Evans (Sr. RF), Kayla Hurd (So. P-IF)

Newcomers: Jessica Capko (Jr. P-OF), Kaiti McKeon (So. 3B), Kathleen Trychta (Jr. LF), Jeanette Henry (Jr. 3B-OF), Stephanie Youngman (Jr. OF), Emma Zupec (So. C-IF), Nikki Ponticelli (So. C-OF)

Outlook: They're young … but experienced. The Blue Devils could be a dark horse in the North Suburban Lake, considering they return nine regulars, including exciting center fielder Alex Booker, hard-hitting Jenna Anderson and shortstop Sarah Clauser, who like Booker, shined on varsity as a freshman last year. Both Anderson and Booker were named all-conference and all-area last year. With the graduation of Alissa Groeninger, Sam Berrios should anchor the pitching staff. The junior certainly got off to a great start Tuesday in Warren's 2008 opener, shutting out Glenbrook North, as the Blue Devils won 5-0 in eight innings. "Sam brings experience and determination to lead our team to victories," coach Carri Nichols said. Booker batted .333 with 24 stolen bases last season, while the senior Anderson, who moves from left field to catcher, led the Blue Devils with a .343 batting average, 37 hits (14 doubles) and 21 RBI. Clauser's numbers included a .314 batting average, 33 hits and 19 RBI. Nichols also returns senior infielders Megan Carlyon and Nicole Bohn, senior right fielder Julie Evans, senior first baseman Kellie Kraft and sophomore pitcher-infielder Kayla Hurd. Clauser and Kraft were honorable mention all-NSC last season. Junior newcomer Jessica Capko also pitches. There are six sophomores on the roster. "This group of girls has realistic goals it would like to meet this year and is training very aggressively to reach its individual and team aspirations," Nichols said. The coach loves her players' energy and selflessness, as well. "They feed off of each other's spark and keep the team pumped up throughout all seven innings," Nichols said.

NORTH SUBURBAN PRAIRIE

Antioch

Coach: Mary Easton (first year)

Last season: 21-10

Key players graduated: P April Mysliwiec (Cardinal Stritch University), IF Alisha Cook

Returning players: Jen Precht (Jr. OF), Lindsay Callanan (Sr. CF), Melisa Ori (Sr. C-IF), Angela Marescalco (Jr. C-IF), Sammie Seamon (So. OF), Ashley Mysliwiec (Jr. P-IF), Candice Schmidt (Sr. 3B-SS), Allie Anttila (So. P), Ann Bruce (Jr. C), Lauren Collette (Jr. RF)

Newcomers: Jamie Villalobos (Jr. P), Kelsey Bradshaw (Sr. 3B), Kaley Lindstrom (So. C), Shayna York (Jr. CF), Alyssa Cook (Sr. P)

Outlook: Her last name is on bats and fielding gloves, but she won't bat, nor field. Too bad for the Sequoits, since new coach Mary Easton's softball skills allowed her to play for Tremper High (Class of 1999) in Kenosha, Wis., and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (Class of 2003). Easton, who coached Antioch's JV team the last three years, replaces Fred Colon, who coached the Sequoits to back-to-back division titles in his two seasons and is now the baseball coach at Round Lake. Easton takes over a team that likely has serious aspirations of a "three-peat" in the NSC Prairie. Antioch, which lost to Lake Zurich in the conference championship game, returns seven starters, including center fielder Lindsay Callanan and third baseman-shortstop Candice Schmidt, both of whom earned all-conference and all-area honors last year. Callanan batted .385 and almost always made contact, while Schmidt hit. .330 with 19 RBI. "We have many returning starters, which is great because so many of them know what to expect at the varsity level," Easton said. "Our defense is very strong and we are working on being more aggressive on offense."

Grant

Coach: Mike Dolezal (third year)

Last season: 19-12

Key players graduated: 2B Kariann Hill (basketball at Converse College), 1B Ashley Haselow, SS Ashley Capps, CF Jenna Capps, 3B Stephanie DeLuca, LF Kristi Durlak

Returning players: Heather Ruetsche (Sr. P-SS), C.J. Hill (Jr. C), Brianna Brugioni (So. P-SS-OF), Emily Winograd (Sr. 3B), Jamie Swanson (Sr. 1B), Megan Weber (Sr. OF)

Newcomers: Alyssa Pasiewicz (Jr. SS), Amanda Villagomez (Sr. OF), Courtney Joerns (Jr. OF-1B), Ashley Schweiss (Sr. OF), Amber Jepsen (Sr. P-OF), Stephanie Verjinski (Sr. C-OF)

Outlook: No Kariann Hill means the Bulldogs could have a tough hill to climb. "We're going to be down a little bit, so we're going to have to figure things out," coach Mike Dolezal said. While Grant graduated Hill, the captain of the Daily Herald's Lake County All-Area team after a hitting .460 with 12 homers, the team returns two quality pitchers in senior Heather Ruetsche and sophomore Brianna Brugioni. "I think we'll do OK with the pitchers," Dolezal said. "They'll keep us in games. We just got to find some runs." Ruetsche and junior catcher C.J. Hill, Kariann's kid sister, both earned all-conference honors last season. While Brugioni is the only player on the team who's not a senior or junior, the Bulldogs will field a relatively inexperienced team. There is some athleticism with girls such as Ruetsche and Swanson (all-area basketball players), fellow basketball players Hill, Alyssa Pasiewicz and Amber Potts, and bowling-star Brugioni. "It's going to be a work in progress," Dolezal said. "It's a great group of girls, though."

Lakes

Coach: Tia Martinez (first year)

Last season: 13-21-1

Key players graduated: C-P Jamie Braden, 2B-OF Janae LeBaron, P-3B Claire Seaver, 1B Cali Behrendt, SS-C Ashton Pfeiffer

Returning players: Hannah Karstedt (Sr. 3B-OF), Andrea Fullerton (Sr. 1B), Nora Kenney (Sr. OF), Maddie Riordan (Jr. SS), Jeanna Dudley (Jr. OF)

Newcomers: Shannon Kofoed (Sr. 3B-OF), Naomi Tesar (Jr. 2B-SS), Maddie Nelson (So. C), Devin Ksioszk (So. P-1B-C), Nicole Speck (Fr. OF-C), Shannon Cooley (Fr. P), Janelle Christiansen (Fr. OF), Jasmine Rivera (Fr. 2B)

Outlook: Two seasons as a varsity program. Two double-digit win seasons. The Eagles, who went from 10 victories in their inaugural campaign two years ago to 13, will look for even more improvement in Year Three. They'll do so under Tia Martinez, who replaces Julie Sexton after three seasons as JV coach. "We're young, but we have a lot of good talent," Martinez said. "Since Lakes opened, this is, by far, the most talented team I've seen." Martinez will give freshman Shannon Cooley the opportunity to be the Eagles' No. 1 pitcher. "She's impressed since the first day of camp," Martinez said. "She's got four or five different pitches and knows how to change it up a little bit." Cooley has good velocity, too. "She's definitely the hardest thrower we've had," Martinez said. The Eagles will support her with a group that includes veterans Hannah Karstedt, Andrea Fullerton, Nora Kenney, Maddie Riordan and Jeanna Dudley. Besides Cooley, Martinez is also carrying three other freshmen -- Nicole Speck, Janelle Christiansen and Jasmine Rivera. The team's two sophomores -- Maddie Nelson and Devin Ksioszk -- are also newcomers.

Round Lake

Coach: Kristin Vogt (second year)

Last season: 5-29

Key players graduated: none

Returning players: Karla Muldowney (Sr. C), Jamie White (Sr. OF), Erika Fragoso (Sr. OF), Amanda Houghton (Sr. 3B), Debbie Russ (Jr. P)

Newcomers: Kelsey Crecchio (Jr. SS-C), Amanda Horcher (Jr. OF-3B), Ashley Miller (Jr. 1B), Gina Oliphant (Jr. 3B-1B-P), Brittany Baum (Jr. 2B-OF), Erin Steele (So. SS-2B)

Outlook: The Panthers' two-game improvement in the win column last season might not sound like much, but coach Kristin Vogt was encouraged by that, as well as her team's performance in its regional-opening loss to Johnsburg. "We played very well (against Johnsburg) and we're hoping to take that momentum into this season," Vogt said. The Panthers have only 11 players on their roster, but senior catcher Karla Muldowney gives them a legitimate all-conference candidate. She'll be starting for the fourth year. "Karla's just a naturally gifted athlete all around," Vogt said. "She can hit for power -- she's our No. 3 hitter -- and behind the plate I think she's one of the best defensive catchers I've seen in our conference." Muldowney again will catch junior Debbie Russ, who learned a couple of new pitches in the off-season, Vogt said. Senior Jamie White moves from right field and center. Erika Fragoso and Amanda Houghton are the team's only other seniors. Junior Ashley Miller is a 6-footer who will provide a big target at first base. The other newcomers include sophomore middle infielder Erin Steele. "I really am excited," Vogt said. "This is the most talented team I've seen in my four years here. They're very athletic."

Vernon Hills

Coach: Paul Weber (fourth year)

Last season: 21-12, 9-3 in NSC Prairie

Key players graduated: 3B Jackie Howard, 1B Elizabeth Abboreno, OF Jessica Acevedo, P Anne Unterfenger

Returning players: Jackie Allen (Sr. P), Marci Pasquesi (Sr. 2B-P), Heather Gray (Sr. SS-2B), Anastasia Guletsky (Sr. LF), Alyssa Dougherty (Sr. CF), Megan Kubacki (Jr. 3B-OF), Adriana Longobardi (Jr. C)

Newcomers: Anna Christensen (Jr. 1B-SS), Erin Christensen (Jr. OF), Charlotte Hoffmann (Jr. OF-P), Amanda Zusman (Jr. 1B-P), Alyssa Szarabajka (So. 3B-C)

Outlook: As "winter" continued into this week with cold, damp weather , the Cougars could at least look forward to a reprieve. For the second straight year, they'll head to Florida, where they hope to get in several games in 75-80-degree weather. The team is expected to fly out Saturday. "I don't know if I can handle the heat," coach Paul Weber said with a laugh. When the Cougars return, don't be surprised if they put together a hot stretch at some point. Weber's squad, after all, should win a lot of games again this spring. The Cougars return seven starters, including all-conference selections Heather Gray, Anastasia Guletsky and Adriana Longobardi. Gray, a two-time all-area middle infielder who batted .340 last season, will be starting for the fourth straight year. Left fielder Guletsky (.342 batting average in 2007) will be playing varsity for the fourth straight season, as well. Longobardi, a junior catcher, hit a team-best .375 in her first full varsity season last year. Senior center fielder Alyssa Dougherty and senior pitcher Jackie Allen will be playing their third varsity season. Senior Marci Pasquesi and junior Megan Kubacki, both of whom hit close to .300 last year, are also back to play the infield. Pasquesi should pitch, too, but Allen figures to throw the majority of innings. "She certainly has an excellent opportunity to be a main cog in the wheel," Weber said. "She's got about five or six pitches and has real good location. She moves the ball around a lot. She's a good pitcher." The newcomers include twins Anna and Erin Christensen, both of whom played a little varsity last year as sophomores, and sophomore third baseman-catcher Alyssa Szarabajka. "I think we're going to be real good defensively," Weber said. "Pitching, fielding, hitting -- we should be competitive with pretty much everybody."

Wauconda

Coach: Tim Rennels (ninth year)

Last season: 10-19

Key players graduated: P Beth Eklund

Returning players: Katie Born (Sr. C), Marie Nebgen (Sr. DH), Janell Donahue (Sr. IF), Sara Super (Jr. P), Amanda Pausa (Jr. CF), Samantha Palucska (Jr. 2B), Kate Martino (So. SS), Rachel Hughes (So. 3B), Alex Manusos (So. 1B)

Newcomers: Kendra Wedl (So. OF), Kayla Stos (So. P), Stephanie Olson (So. SS-OF), Michelle Meyer (So. 3B-OF), Cara Nance (Fr. OF-C)

Outlook: Bulldogs coach Tim Rennels went out to Barrington's Fields of Dreams on Wednesday for the Spring Fling tournament just because he "had to watch some softball," he said. This spring, his own softball team figures to be worth watching. The Bulldogs won 10 games with a very young squad last season and should be even better this year. They return a pair of talented sophomores in third baseman Rachel Hughes and shortstop Kate Martino, both of whom earned all-conference honors last year. Rennels calls Martino "a gamer with a capital 'G.' " And as for Hughes. "She has one of the best swings I've ever seen," Rennels said, "and she's just a vacuum at third." After serving as the Bulldogs' No. 2 pitcher behind Beth Eklund last spring, junior Sara Super figures to be the ace. Sophomore newcomer Kayla Stos will throw too. Senior catcher Katie Born provides another quality, middle-of-the-order bat. Freshman Cara Nance is the sister of former four-year starter Amanda Nance. "We're really excited," Rennels said. "The freshmen we had out last year got through that nervous phase. Now they're hardened veterans."

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC

Carmel Catholic

Coach: Jason Raymond (sixth year)

Last season: 21-17

Key players graduated: 1B Jordyn Gaza (University of Wisconsin-Whitewater), 2B Erin Heatherman, OF Caitlin Trevillyan (Saint Louis University), OF Katie Gray

Returning players: Kelly Gerli (Sr. C), Kelly Cook (Sr. SS), Rachel Tack (So. P), Katie Cornell (Sr. 3B), Caitlin Hendricks (Sr. 2B), Courtney Ryan (Sr. P), Michelle Winegard (Sr. OF), Nicole Bersani (Sr. OF), Erin Reilly (Sr. 1B)

Newcomers: Claire Anastos (Jr. OF), Shea Crowley (Jr. C-1B), Meg Grady (So. 1B), Jocelyn Gravel (So. P-OF), Chelsea LaValle (Jr. OF-P)

Outlook: Last season whet the Corsairs' appetite. They won a school-record 21 games and their first regional and sectional championships, and manufactured a 10-game winning streak before losing in the Mundelein supersectional to Barrington, which finished second in the state. Thing is, the Corsairs aren't satisfied. Despite the graduation of standouts Jordyn Gaza, Erin Heatherman and Caitlin Trevillyan, the Corsairs have big expectations. And rightfully so. "On paper, we are one of the most talented teams we have had at Carmel," coach Jason Raymond said. "We are focusing on becoming one of the top teams in our conference. We want to seriously contend for a conference championship this year. A big obstacle for us is to be able to defeat the likes of (traditional ESCC powerhouses) Marist, Marian Catholic and Joliet Catholic." Carmel returns batterymates Kelly Gerli and Rachel Tack, and that combo should help the team carry last season's momentum into this spring. Gerli, a senior catcher and three-year starter, led the Corsairs with a .406 batting average (50 hits). As a freshman last year, Tack emerged as the ace of the pitching staff about midway through the season and wound up winning 19 games and posting a 1.30 ERA. She focused primarily on pitching last season but will get the chance to hit this year. Raymond's other top returnees are senior shortstop Kelly Cook, another three-year starter, and senior second baseman Caitlin Hendricks. The left-swinging Hendricks was primarily the Corsairs' designated player last year but this year replaces Heatherman in the infield. Strong-armed senior third baseman Katie Cornell and senior outfielder Michelle Winegard are three-year varsity regulars, as well. Among the newcomers, sophomore first baseman Meg Grady is a name to watch. "Remember this name," Raymond said. "She will hit a lot of bombs in the next three years."

FOX VALLEY FOX

Grayslake Central

Coach: Abbey Tadelman (first year)

Last season: 11-20

Key players graduated: 3B Stephanie Hosford, SS Cristina Hughes, CF Stephanie Richter

Returning players: Mary Karol (Sr. C), Kristin Dobson (Sr. OF), Shannon Curtis (Jr. OF)

Newcomers: Monika Wedick (Jr. P), Alison Johnson (Sr. OF-P), Kelly Silver (Jr. SS-C), Tory Dohm (Jr. 3B), Abbie Goetsch (Jr. 1B), Riley Bresnahan (Jr. IF), Laura Claussen (Jr. IF), Alyssa Dorlack (Jr. IF-OF), Jamie Jay (Jr. P-OF), Suzee Skwiot (Jr. OF), Anika Williams (Jr. P-IF)

Outlook: Catcher Mary Karol. Everything else? New. New coach. New field. New players -- lots of them -- including a former soccer player and a new pitcher, who just arrived. New uniforms. New scoreboard. Well, at least the new uniforms and scoreboard are supposedly coming. Rams fans might not recognize their softball team this spring. New coach Abbey Tadelman replaces Steve Reitman, who stepped down after two seasons, and takes over a team whose field received a major makeover. The Rams' varsity diamond features a new fence, new dugouts and a newly installed warning track. "We're excited to play on it," Tadelman said. The new coach is a Fremd graduate who played second base and center field on teams that played at state in 2000 and 2001. She's in her second year as a health and physical education teacher at Grayslake Central. Her Rams feature only one returning starter in Karol, but the team did get some good news just recently, when junior pitcher Monika Wedick transferred in from Evergreen Park. Wedick enrolled at Grayslake Central just in time to be eligible for the spring season. "We're really excited to have her here," Tadelman said. Senior Alison Johnson is a newcomer who could make an impact, while junior Tory Dohm is out after playing soccer last spring. Dohm, a good athlete who's also a volleyball player, will play third base. Tadelman calls junior first baseman Abbie Goetsch a solid hitter. Shannon Curtis, who will play center field and is another volleyball player, saw some brief varsity action last year. "We're a little inexperienced, but the girls are working hard," Tadelman said. "So I expect to see success this spring."

Grayslake North

Coach: Stacy Selle (second year)

Last season: 9-24

Key players graduated: none

Returning players: Carly Borders (Jr. P-1B), Jamie Breitweiser (So. P-3B), Samantha Fletcher (Jr. SS), Stefanie Gerfin (Sr. 2B), Nicole Klima (Sr. OF), Hillary Kuhl (Sr. OF-C), Amanda Leon (Sr. OF), Samantha Meyers (So. 1B-OF-P), Kelly Noesen (Sr. OF)

Newcomers: Jacquelyn Damore (So. 2B-OF), Cassie Johnson (Jr. C-OF), Elizabeth Phillips (Sr. 1B-OF), Mindy Runge (So. 1B-OF-P)

Outlook: North's arrow? It's pointing north. The Knights experienced moderate success in their inaugural season last spring and return with a primarily veteran group. There's some talent, too. Coach Stacy Selle's returning starters are junior Carly Borders, sophomore Jamie Breitweiser, junior Samantha Fletcher, senior Hillary Kuhl, senior Amanda Leon and sophomore Samantha Meyers. Borders will be the Knights' No. 1 pitcher again this season, but Breitweiser and Meyers will also throw. Selle likes her depth in the circle and believes her team will be solid defensively, as well. "With the help of the six returning starters," Selle said, "the team has a great work ethic, and their experience and leadership have already been seen daily in practice."