Softball: Northwest season preview

MSL EAST

Buffalo Grove

Coach: Laura Stock (16th season)

Last year: 20-16, 8-8

Graduated players: Sam Pandazides, Marie Ewald, Heather Wiest, Julie Baldassarra, Rachael Pandazides, Jessica Martin, Sam Burgeson, Renee Schroeder

Returning players: Seniors Stephanie Rudolfi (SS), Katie Lee (C-CF), Katie Kowall (1B-UT); junior Meg Miller (3B)

Newcomers: Juniors Dayna George (OF), Jill Klopke (OF); sophomores Lexi Bueno (2B-OF), Stacey Lialios (1B-OF); freshmen Andrea DiPrima (P-1B), K.C. Dunne (2B-OF), Maria Dax (P), Emily Begnel (P-1B), Mallory Smith (C-OF), Danni Shapiro (C-OF)

Outlook: Stock begins the season with a young squad that includes six freshmen. Also back are two seniors (Katie Lee and Stephanie Rudolfi) who were all-area selections last spring. Lee batted .305 last spring with a single-season school record 16 doubles and school-record tying 18 extra base hits (18). She also had 30 runs and 17 RBI. But Lee will be remembered most for a sensational leaping grab when she flung her glove out of sight over the left-center field fence to rob Elk Grove's Kayla Mahoney of a home run. This spring, Lee will move from center to catcher. Rudolfi, who will remain at shortstop, brings her timely bat back to the lineup. A clutch performer, Rudolfi led the Bison with her .375 batting average, 5 home runs, 35 RBI and .625 slugging percentage. She also collected 22 runs and 3 game-winning hits. Miller batted .318 last spring with 10 doubles 17 runs and 18 RBI while Kowall hit .250. "We have four returning players who will be a strong core," Stock said. "But otherwise we are very young with six freshmen. We will need to rely on freshman pitching, hard work, and rapid movement in order to be successful." The Bison have 10 non-conference games scheduled before they begin league play. "We will know more after those games as to whether we can be competitive," Stock said. The Bison will have three freshmen (DiPrima, Dax and Begnel) handling the pitching duties. "It's nice because they are in constant competition," Stock said. "But it's hard because it's a lot of pressure to put on freshmen. All three are doing well and it's a good dilemma."

Hersey

Coach Molly Freeman (first season)

Last year: 8-24, 3-13

Graduated players: Kim Daniel, Jessica Becker, Sarah Mazur

Returning players: Seniors Melanie Standish (OF), Lynn Lazzeretti (OF), Mallory O'Donoghue (P), Danielle Gore (C), Maggie Tunney (SS); junior Aleen Morgenthaker (OF); sophomores Kristy Johnson (P), Taylor Reeves (2B)

Newcomers: Juniors Jessie Harris (2B), Sarah Laughlin (U); sophomores Alyssa Kieffer (1B), Stacey Schmiederer (3B)

Outlook: Freeman, a former two-time all-area softball standout for Fremd who earned a scholarship to the University of Illinois-Chicago, welcomes back five seniors who played on the Huskies' varsity a year ago. "We are very excited to start the season," said Freeman, who has served as an assistant softball coach at the University of Louisiana-Monroe and Illinois. "Our team exemplifies the hard competitive spirit and desire you find in winners." Donoghue and Johnson shared the pitching duties last spring. Gore provides some power in the batting order. Lazzeretti, Standish, Tunney, Gore and Donoghue are returning seniors. Cyndi Becker, who was a three-year starter for Hersey and all-area catcher a year ago, transferred to Prospect. "We return five seniors who bring experience, knowledge and leadership to a very talented younger class made up of three juniors and four sophomores," said Freeman, who was also a two-time all-conference forward for Fremd basketball. "Together we are a committed and dedicated group with high goals. We expect an exciting season filled with great successes."

Elk Grove

Coach: Ken Grams (28th season)

Last year: 30-5, 13-3

Graduated players: Amy Johnson, Nicole Griffith, Katie Jensen, Michelle Ciric, Cindy Czarnik

Returning players: Seniors Jamie Campus (IF-OF), Kayla Mahoney (IF); juniors Stephanie Dolce (OF-1B), Krystina Leazer (P), Amanda Mertes (OF), Caitlin Garrison (IF), Amber Hane (C), Nikki Goranson (C-1B); sophomores Stephanie Maday (P), Olivia Roback (SS)

Newcomers: Senior Amy Charewicz (OF); juniors Kristy Ottosen (OF), Brittany Tranchita (OF), freshman Jessica Balzano (IF)

Outlook: Hall of Fame coach Grams, who owns 619 career wins, welcomes back 10 players from last year's 30-5 squad. It is the most starters he has returned in 29 seasons. The only graduated starters are Jensen (.361 as the Grens first baseman) and part-time catcher Ciric. Jensen is on the Dominican University roster while Ciric is playing for Lake Forest Academy. "All of our returning girls had 80-plus at-bats, which is a lot," Grams said. "And the girls who pitched all our innings last season are back, too. We have a lot of experience back from a team that did well." Maday compiled a 21-4 record with a 1.11 ERA while Leazer was 8-0, 1.15. Mahoney pitched 13 innings. "Stephanie and Krystina are pitching really well right now," Grams said. "I told them during the early part of the season they'll be sharing games. I have no complaints there." Goranson, Dolce and Garrison all could play first base if they are not somewhere else on the diamond. Hane (.390), Roback (343) and Garrison (.319) were .300 hitters a year ago. "I think offensively we're as deep as we've ever been," Grams added. "We expect good production from the whole lineup. They all had good success last year and we hope it only gets better. Some kids have two-year experience This is as deep a group as I've had." Grams believes his team will defend well. "And I have every expectation we'll pitch well," he added. "The big difference will be if we can find a way to score some runs with frequency. Then we'll have all combinations of the game. I'm certainly looking forward to this season."

Prospect

Coach: Brenda Martin (third season)

Last year: 30-5, 15-1

Graduated players: Kelly Cummings, Kiley Lythberg, Jenna Campos, Anne Sciurba, Colleen Trausch, Jamie Iovino, Aileen Garde

Returning players: Seniors Paige O'Neal (OF), Emily Logar (3B), Sheri Weidner (P), Amy Varner (SS), Mary Kate Ward (1B), Jessica King (OF), Kaitlyn Rath (OF), Lisa Dominick (2B), Jamie Iovino (OF)

Newcomers: Seniors Cyndi Becker (C), Alyssa Collins (U); juniors Jackie Gartz (P), Katie Dillon (OF), Megan Geraghty (U-P); sophomore Amanda Mlikan (U); freshmen Nikki Surico (OF-SS), Allie Travis (IF-OF)

Outlook: Coming off their winningest season in school history, the Knights have several players back who would like nothing more than to repeat their success and defend their title in the MSL East. Four-year starting shortstop Varner will be flanked by third baseman Logar and second baseman Dominick while the steady Ward begins her fourth year at first base. Weidner, who backed up all-area standout Lythberg last spring, becomes the ace while Becker, a transfer from Hersey, takes over the backstop duties, replacing all-area receiver Cummings. Becker was also an all-area catcher at Hersey. "Amy and Mary Kate have been on the team since their freshman years and they want to lead us into the final," Martin said. "And they have the talent to do so." Varner, Ward, Logar and Weidner will captain the Knights. "And we are excited to have Cyndi Becker here," Martin said. "She will do anything to help the team excel." Outfielders are O'Neill, Dillon, King, Rath and Iovino. Our outfield is going to be consistent and strong," Martin said. "Pitching-wise, Sheri Weidner will be our ace and is ready to take on the challenge." Weidner had some impressive outings last year and won 2 games in one day against Lake Zurich. "She is confident and ready to go," Martin added. "She has worked extremely hard with her summer team and during preseason to take on the lead," Martin said. She is looking forward to having some speed on the bases, too. "We continue to focus on hits and form," she said. "We want to be confident at the plate and the girls are excited about their upcoming opportunities. We also have two freshmen (Surico and Travis) who we hope will be big players, too." The Knights have nine seniors who want to carry over last year's success. "Many will start and others will be ready to contribute in other ways," Martin said. "This is such a fun group to work with because they love and enjoy playing the game. They learned a lot from the state road last year and now they want to redeem themselves (sectional semifinal loss to Palatine). Our program is very team-oriented, and I always tell the girls we excel together and fall together. Each individual needs to work to earn her spot for every game during practice, which helps keep up the competitive drive to want more from each other." The Knights open their season Tuesday in Florida against Naples High School at 7 p.m., then meet (Naples) Barron Collier High School at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

Rolling Meadows

Coach: Tony Wolanski (fifth season)

Last year: 14-22, 4-12

Graduated players: Brittany Lecates, Heather Nickrand, Kelsey Loudermilk

Returning players: Seniors Bonnie Weglarz (LF), Angela Mahanna (C), Connie Porters (3B), Carrie Stewart (P), Caitlin Adair (1B-2B); junior Maddy Urban (SS); sophomore Mary Loughery (CF-2B)

Newcomers: Senior Kim Liwag (OF-2B); juniors Leah Liston (OF), Caitlin Brown (1B), Tierney Larson (3B), Jennifer Medina (3B); freshmen Kelly Keyzer (OF-C), Kayla Mueller (P)

Outlook: The Mustangs' goal is simple -- finish over .500. They have not done that for a while and would love to get on track with a team that returns six starters. Wolanski welcomes back Urban, who batted .360 last season with 23 RBI, and Mahanna, who batted .318. Porters hit .274 with 17 RBI. They will probably form the middle of the Mustangs' order. "They will bolster our lineup," said Wolanski, who likes the way Weglarz and Adair have improved their offense. "We'll have a nice one through six in our batting order. And Caitlin is one of our best defensive players." Wolanski said ace pitcher Stewart has improved her velocity. "She is throwing a little harder and the key thing is if she hits her spot," he said. "If that happens, we'll be in good shape." Wolanski likes the nucleus of his fifth team in Meadows. "We don't have a lot of depth," he said. "We lost Libby Marsh (junior) to a dislocated elbow, which happened the week before we started practice." Loughery missed the last 12 games last spring due to an elbow injury, but she is ready to go this season in centerfield. The Mustangs have two freshmen on the roster. "Kelly Keyzer has a chance to start in the outfield," Wolanski said. "She can also play second base and serve as a backup catcher. She's had a really good preseason so far. And Caitlin Brown (freshman pitcher) is pushing Carissa on the mound but she lacks experience. She throws real hard. It will just take time." Overall, Wolanski is optimistic about this season. "We just don't have a lot of depth," he said. "So some of the younger kids will have a chance to contribute. Our goal is to get over .500 and finish in the top half of the conference.

Wheeling

Coach: Beth Anderson (15th season)

Last year: 10-21, 4-12

Graduated players: Katie Speidel, Carrie Caringella, Natalie Hoos

Returning players: Seniors Cheryl Bauer (SS-3B), Carly Speidel (P-2B), Janelle Schroeder (OF), AnneMarie Speizia (OF), Nicole Schroeder (C-1B); sophomores Kelsi Jurek (SS-3B), Becki Menelle (C-1B-OF)

Newcomers: Senior Natalie Arriola (OF); juniors Kristen Durbin (OF-2B), Gabriella Peak (OF), Kat Tyse (P-3B), Kara Giordano (OF-3B), Christine Samp (OF-P-2B), Kristen Badzioch (C-3B), Danielle Zimmerman (OF); sophomores Tori Menelle (P-2B), Scout Scanlon (OF-P)

Outlook: Wheeling's five seniors (Bauer, Speidel, Janelle Schroeder, Speizia and Nicole Schroeder) are all three-year varsity players. "So expectations are high," Anderson said. "Can we fulfill them?" Offensively, Anderson said she needs the seniors to come through and the sophomores to be more aggressive. Becki Menelle led the Wildcats with a .398 batting average and 12 of her 41 hits were for extra bases. "Becki has worked all off-season on her offense and it has shown," Anderson said. The Wildcats are hoping to improve on their 10-21 record last year and 4-12 mark in the MSL East. "We are experienced, but we have little depth," Anderson said. "With that in mind we need to play mistake-free defense, find ways to get on base, move runners around the bases and score." Anderson believes a lot will depend on the top of her batting order. "We need Speizia getting on base, Janelle Schroeder moving her over, and Nicole Schroeder and Becki Menelle providing the power," the coach said. "Jurik, Speidel and Bauer will need to reset the table and contribute." Tori Menelle and Scanlon could be surprises. "Defensively, we're young in spots, but experienced," Anderson added. "The chemistry is developing nicely and this group makes coaching fun. Leadership and ownership will be key. The seniors want to make history at Wheeling (no division, conference or regional titles) and they need to make it happen. We need to be fighters." Speidel, Scanlon, Tyse and Tori Menelle are pitchers. "Carly takes over for her sister (Katie) on the mound," Anderson said. "We need her to take over a leadership role as well. Carly is the lynchpin to our success. Tori pitched on the junior-varsity last year and has worked hard all year on her pitches and her bat. Defensively, Tori is smooth at second base. She'll make an impact right away. She has a bright future. "Tori is the sister of Becki Menelle, who will probably play first base. "Can the sisters play next to each other on the right side?" Anderson said. "Time will tell."

MSL WEST

Barrington

Coach: Perry Peterson (15th season)

Last year: 37-4, 15-1

Graduated players: Sammie Bloomfield, Claire Voris, Allie DeWitt, Emma Sander, Adena Gilden

Returning players: Seniors Michal Jane Maropis (SS), Devinne Wapotish (C), Jessica McGurn (2B), Lisa Shandley (LF); junior Kim Cygan (P)

Newcomers: Juniors Lindsey Dulla (OF), Kesley Kuhn (OF), Katie Coffman (IF), Maggie Sigwalt (C), Kelly Kantarski (OF), Allison Martin (P), Delaney Workman (1B); freshmen Kiersten Tinkoff (IF), Kristin Kuhn (IF-C), Colleen Shandley (OF-IF)

Outlook: Peterson (466-114 in 16 years, one at St. Viator) has guided the Fillies to a record five consecutive Mid-Suburban League championships. If the Fillies are to continue that remarkable run, it will be with a whole new look after they graduated five all-area players from a team that finished second in Class AA -- honorary captain Claire Voris, Allie DeWitt, Sammie Bloomfield, Adena Gilden and Maropis, a four-year starting shortstop who hit .397 in the MSL last year. Wapotish will move behind the plate. The senior had 3 of Barrington's 6 hits in the state finals last June. McGurn, who will play second base, belted 3 homers as a junior. Shandley starts her third straight year in left field while Cygan will be the Fillies ace on the mound. She belted the Fillies' game-winning homer in their 5-2 supersectional win over Carmel. She was 1-1 with 16 strikeouts and an ERA of 0.72 in 19 innings. "Our seniors will lead the way, on and off the field." said Peterson, who has won a record eight MSL titles at Barrington (the school has a record 10). "And the pitching responsibilities transfer from Claire Voris to Kim Cygan." The Fillies hope to battle for another MSL West crown. Under Peterson, they have a 206-34 record in the MSL and are 293-40 on their home field. Overall, the program is 749-289, ranking fifth on the all-time list for Illinois behind Casey, Lockport, Downers Grove South and Thornwood. Peterson and Pam Devins have been the school's only softball coaches.

Conant

Coach: CathyAnn Smith (seventh season)

Last year: 17-13-1, 8-8

Graduated players: Emma Champion, Cailtin Polzin, Sam Marvin, Allie Ancona, Julie Waite, Kailey Kassner, Nicole Lilja

Returning players: Seniors Lauren Erkman (OF), Jaime Flowers (OF), Amberly Ward (IF), Natalie Gierum (IF), Christina Shelfo (IF); junior Kristina Gluth (IF); sophomore Vicki McGuire (P-IF)

Newcomers: Juniors Julie Hatsfeld (P), Rachel Groenwald (P), Georgie Kutramanes (P-OF), Tricia Kutramanes (C-P), Nichole Gross (IF); sophomores Jess Gennuso (C), Lauren Ambrose (IF-OF); freshmen Kailee Pasbrig (P-IF), Paige Ward (P-IF), Hilary O'Donnell (IF-OF-C)

Outlook: Following a solid season, the Cougars will regroup from graduating some key seniors, including three-time all-area selection Polzin and all-area pick Kassner (team-high .463), who is now playing for the University of Memphis. Polzin was a four-year starter on the mound and struck out 323 in her career. She batted .422 last spring and is now playing for St. Ambrose. "With the graduation of Caitlin Polzin, there is a big spot to fill on the mound this year," Smith said "I have a good core group of pitchers who have a lot of talent. We will also be looking forward to strong leadership behind the plate with the loss of all-conference selection Lauren Leonardo (shoulder injury)." Top prospects for the loss of Leonardo are Gennuso, Tricia Kutramnes and O'Donnell. "Overall, we have a very young team," Smith added. "Despite our youthfulness, the girls' passion and intensity for the game exceeds all expectations and will make us competitive in the conference."

Hoffman Estates

Coach: Lindsey Hamma (third season)

Last year: 7-26, 4-12

Graduated players: Ally Minnich, Katie Wainwright, Sam Plaia

Returning players: Seniors Natalie Miceli (OF-P), Jenna Pellus (2B), Christina Bartoszewski (C-UT), Rachel Marinoff (3B-OF); juniors Colleen Roberts (SS), Alex Wulbecker (1B), Kaitlin Walsh (P); sophomore Mary Hacker (OF)

Newcomers: Juniors Kaitlyn Kliver (UT); sophomore Melissa Wilkes (OF); freshmen Emily Fett (IF), Kelsey Pellus (C-UT).

Outlook: Former Illinois softball standout shortstop Hamma welcomes back a handful of players from her first team along with some key newcomers. Wulbecker, Jenna Pellus and Roberts return to their infield spots while Marinoff and Fett will vie for time at 3B. Walsh is back on the mound for the third year in a row while Miceli can also pitch but will be expected to anchor a young outfield. "Kaitlin worked really hard in the off-season and is ready to go," Hamma said. "She had some shoulder problems last year. She definitely wants the ball in her hands and if she stays healthy, she will definitely keep us in games." Hacker will return to the outfield, too. The Hawks were 12-21-2 two years ago. "The girls know they can improve for the past two seasons," Hamma said. "They are not content with just being mediocre. They are trying to take what we have on paper and apply it to the field. They definitely have the experience. Now they must show it on the field." Hamma has two freshmen on the team with Fett and Kelsey. Wilkes and Kliver are also newcomers. "We are working with the sophomores (Wilkes and Hacker) to turn them into slappers, so we can utilize their speed, "Hamma added. "We have a good core of seniors and juniors. We can do big things if they continue to put the work in." Hamma believes the key for the Hawks is to play solid defense and limit the opposing team's runs. "The big thing is that we get some timely hitting," she added. "Last season, we couldn't always come up with the big hit. We've spent a lot of time on hitting drills and working with eye-hand coordination. We are working at having good at-bats and not chasing bad pitches."

Fremd

Coach: Jim Weaver (7th season)

Last year: 16-16, 8-8

Graduated players: Michelle Abruzzo, Michelle Gorzelle, Marisa Schullo, Katie Bluhm, Caitlin Brady

Returning players: Seniors Brittany Borst (OF), Stacey Stutzman (SS), Marybeth Wesolwoski (C-UT), Devoni Jorgensen (OF); juniors Jessica Tackett (1B), Casey Latal (P-IF); sophomores Lena Brottman (P-2B), Lauren Zaworski (P-2B), Kristine Werling (C-OF), Tess Dinterman (OF), Kelly Voigt (3B)

Newcomers: Senior Mary Esposito (UT); sophomores Alexz Cinquegrani (OF), Jenny Schneider (OF)

Outlook: Weaver has had the Vikings challenging for the MSL West crown nearly every spring he's been the head coach. And why not again as he has several talented players back, including sophomore ace Brottman, who was 11-8 with an 0.85 ERA and 153 strikeouts. Borst was an all-area outfielder who hit .337 with 7 doubles. Stutzman batted .271 with 4 doubles and will handle shortstop. Second baseman Zaworski hit .278 with 4 doubles while first baseman Tackett batted .303 this summer with 4 doubles. Voigt, who will handle third base, had 3 doubles in limited time last spring. Werling (.369 this summer) and Wesolowski will handle catching duties. Cinquegrani batted .331 this summer and will move into right field. Borst and Schneider will be in left with Dinterman in center. Jorgensen is also an outfielder as she begins her third year on the varsity. "At any given time, we can start six or seven sophomores," Weaver said. "We'll be very young with some good senior leadership. We have a lot of kids who got to play in five or six games last season with about 20 at-bats. We have a very difficult preseason schedule so that should help us get ready for the conference schedule."

Palatine

Coach: Jeff Manz (sixth season)

Last year: 23-11, 12-4

Graduted players: Kristin Krueger, Kelly Krueger, Kelli Urban

Returning players: Seniors Breanne Quaritsch (1B), Amy Modic (3B), Steph Roto (RF), Caitlin Carpenter (C), Nikki Linares (OF); junior Anne Wcislo (P); sophomore Chrissy Roto (P)

Newcomers: Senior Kate Wildman (OF); juniors Michelle Dellamaria (OF), Kelsey Griffin (OF); sophomore Heather Zimmerman (SS); freshmen Joanne Jablonski (OF), Katie Mnichowicz (IF), Samantha Salomone (IF).

Outlook: With 129 wins in his five seasons as the Pirates coach, Manz has put them among the top teams in the area each year. This spring appears no different as the Pirates return five starters to the diamond, including Quaritsch, Modic, Wcislo, Carpenter, Linares and Steph Roto. Christine Roto (4-3, 2.17 ERA) was also a starting pitcher along with Wcislo (17-8, 1.07 ERA). "We lost three good players (centerfielder Kelly Krueger, second baseman Kristin Krueger and third baseman Kelli Urban)," Manz said. "We have some good competition for the one outfield spot. Joanne Jablonski has done a nice job as a freshman. All three freshmen have looked good." Linares, a three-year starter who was a second team all-stater last year, led the Pirates with her .442 average, 33 runs and 24 stolen bases. "Nikki (played left last year) will take charge in centerfield," Manz said. "And Steph was very solid defensively in right last year." Once again behind the plate will be Carpenter, another three-year starter who was second on the team a year ago with 36 RBI. Linares will lead off this spring. "She's a huge threat when she gets on base to put pressure on the defense," Manz said. "It really all starts with Nikki. When she gets on base, we usually got her home. Caitlin Carpenter was big in helping us do that, and we're looking for Breanne to come through in the middle of the order, too." Wcislo was also one of the Pirates' top hitters last season (.386). "Amy and Steph also came on with their bats last year," Manz said. "Hitting wise, we have some good experience back." Manz said Griffin will provide some power while Dellamara and Mnichowicz are slappers who can put pressure on defenses. Manz also said he believes Jablonski and Salomone have some power from the right side. "I like what I've seen so far," he said. "I'm looking at Sam and Katie for second base." Zimmerman (SS), Quaritsch (1B), and Modic (3B) complete the infield. "Overall, we need to fill three positions in the field," Manz said. "We're talking about three kids who were three-year starters. They're big shoes to fill. We just have to get out in game situations and see what these kids can do. So far, they've proven they have caught on to everything we've taught them. It's nice to have several starters back who have played the game," Manz said Wcislo has gotten faster and has added more movement than last year. "Any time you start as a sophomore, your defining year is as a junior and we're looking forward to having a good season from Anne," Manz said. "Caitlin is a great leader behind the plate. We have three good ones in our catcher, pitcher and centerfielder and I think it all starts there defensively. And with Chrissy back, we're fortunate to have those two as our 1-2 pitchers."

Schaumburg

Coach: Erin Doyle (second season)

Last year: 11-22, 4-12

Graduated players: Amy Seamann, Kelly Mrowinski, Brittany Keenan

Returning players: Seniors Nicole Benedict (3B), Rachel Borgman (C-OF), Meghan Fielmann (OF-MI), Heather Gustafson (P-OF); juniors Missy Anderson (P), Caitlin Becker (OF-MI), Brittany Hill (MI-OF), Sarah McGinn (1B); sophomore Aly Poehlmann (C-OF)

Newcomers: Senior Angelica Hager (OF); sophomores Nicole Chase (IF), Theresa McGreevy (IF); freshmen Shannon Giovannone (IF-OF), Brianne Lingl (IF-0F)

Outlook: Former Barrington all-area second baseman Doyle begins her second season in charge of the Saxons' program. She welcomes back nine players, including pitchers Anderson and Gustafson. "Missy will be our No. 1 pitcher," Doyle said. "She has good velocity and moves the ball around well. She can hit, too. Heather will be No. 2 and she has some movement on the ball, too, that can keep batters off-balance." Doyle has seven returning starters. "We have no real standouts," she said. "We just need to work well together as a team. And manufacture runs. We're a pretty well-rounded group." Poehlmann and Becker both have the potential to steal bases. "We do have a little more speed than last year," Doyle said. "And the two freshmen (Lingl and Giovannone) who we brought up have some speed too, so we'd like to take advantage of that." With many of the same faces back for her second season, Doyle would like to see her squad improve its record from a year ago. "It's a little easier now knowing the kids," she said. "I'm excited about the season."

Leyden

Coach: Kurt Schuett (third season)

Last year: 10-25, 5-7

Graduated players: Emily Hillertz, Brittany Budzon,

Returning players: Seniors Chris Cook (1B-DP), Gina Reggi (3B), Lauren Sullivan (2B); junior Nicole Spisak (SS); sophomores Kim Giannini (C), Ciara Mackey (OF), Dana Thomas (P)

Newcomers: Juniors Cassie Nelson (OF), Alyssa Stephens (OF); sophomore Caley Murphey (OF); freshman Amanda Morton (P-OF)

Outlook: Schuett returns seven players from last year's squad, which suffered 1- or 2-run losses 12 times. Highlights of the season included a West Suburban Gold victory at Morton (regional champion), a sweep of conference rival Willowbrook and an upset win over Ridgewood. The Eagles return their battery of sophomores Thomas (pitcher) and Giannini (catcher), who threw out 71 percent of runners trying to steal last spring. Thomas threw complete games in 9 of the Eagles' 10 wins a year ago, and Sullivan (2B) and Spisak (SS) turned eight double plays. "Even though we're returning seven starters, five of our starting nine are only freshmen or sophomores," Schuett said. "We have increased depth this season and competition at each level for all our levels at Leyden." Schuett expects improved hitting strength and speed from a youthful team. "Our team goal is to get runs on the board early in the game," he said. "I expect us to be extremely competitive in and out of the conference." Schuett expects Downers Grove South (Class AA state runner-up last year), Hinsdale South and Morton to be the toughest conference opponents this spring. He also feels a new retractable batting cage located in the north gym of the east campus will greatly enhance his team's offensive hitting stations work.

Maine West

Coach: Mike Murin (seventh season)

Last year: 22-11, 9-1

Graduated players: Niki Armstrong, Stephanie Grabarczyk, Amy Orlik, Hailey Ott

Returning players: Seniors Jacki Janecek (IF), Nicole Eisenberg (OF), Michelle Braun (C), Caryn McGinley (IF-P), Katie Lowe (OF), Danielle Johnson (OF), Jillian Ellwood (1B); juniors Jenna Depa (SS), Emily Ott (P)

Newcomers: Juniors Margo Ehorn (IF), Kelsey Hargesheimer (IF), Kaleigh McGing (OF); sophomore Kim Morales (OF); freshman Amanda Wessell (P-IF)

Outlook: Since taking over the program six years ago, Murin has guided the Warriors to five 20-win seasons, three conference titles and three second-place finishes. Last year's 22-11 team finished first in the Central Suburban North, and with nine returning players, the Warriors are shooting for a repeat. Among those returnees is Ott, who was 12-6 last spring with a 0.74 ERA, 128 strikeouts, and 14 walks in 123 innings. Ott also batted .374 with a team-high 8 doubles. McGinley went 5-2 last year and Murin will also try to bring along freshman lefthander Wessell. "It's always good, pitching-wise, to have someone from the other side (lefty)," Murin said. "Amanda is very athletic and a solid defender, too." Depa, Eisenberg McGinley and Ott were all-conference selections a year ago. "We should have solid pitching and play good defense," Murin said. "Our hope is that we can hit and score some runs. Things are looking good early in our indoor practices. We hope that our returning players will lead us to continued success this year as they integrate with the new players. The girls are working hard and good things come to those who work hard." A familiar face will join Murin's staff this spring. Laura Rothstein, a former three-year starting left fielder for Prospect, will be the Warriors' junior varsity coach. Coincidentally, on April 1, Laura is scheduled to face a Maine South junior varsity team coached by her sister Holly, who was the Knights left fielder for the three previous seasons prior to Laura.

St. Viator

Coach: Dan Twarog (fourth season)

Last year: 14-20

Graduated players: Sabrina Schreiner, Katie Reschke, Amy Sroka, Katy Gannon, Sandy Bremer,

Returning players: Seniors Lauren Banaszak (LF), Emily Catanese (P-OF), Lauren Calderon (C), Danielle Sipiora (C), Nikki Dumele (OF); sophomores Bridget Urbanus (OF), Abby Dickey (3B), Melanie Slawny (P-1B)

Newcomers: Juniors Jessica Etchingham (IF-P), Kelly Semler (IF), sophomores Ronnie Mack (OF), Amanda Presslak (IF); freshmen Tayler Lenart (IF), Torey Lenart (OF), Julie Sweeney (P-1B)

Outlook: The Lions' 14 wins last spring were their most since 1993, and they hope to add to that total this spring. They will be led by senior co-captains Banaszak and Sipiora, a four-year varsity catcher who was an East Suburban all-conference selection last year. Twarog will have three pitchers on the roster. Veterans Catonese and Slawny are being joined by promising freshman Sweeney. "I see significant improvement in the area of pitching and hitting," said Twarog, a St. Viator graduate. "We may never have the same nine girls start this year. All of them are very talented and can play multiple positions. In any game, it will not matter who starts but whether all 15 players contributed positively to the outcome." Dickey, a third baseman, is the only returning starter in the infield. The remaining spots will be filled by Etchingham, Presslak, Lenart and Semler. Last year's all-area shortstop, Katy Gannon, is now playing for Miami University in Ohio. Twarog said filling her position is a top priority. Urbanus Dumele, Lenart and Mack are competing for outfield spots alongside Banaszak. "We have a young team, but these girls have worked exhaustively in the off-season to improve themselves," Twarog added. "Our senior leadership and varsity experience has already shown in the way practices have progressed. Senior Lauren Calderon is the final piece of the puzzle that will make our team very effective this year."