Heat 18U squad takes aim with Decker leading the way

Under new leadership with Bob Decker taking over at the helm of the Elgin Heat 18U girls fastpitch program, the team will strive for newfound success in the weeks ahead.

The former coach of the Heat 16U team, Decker is no stranger to the program or to a number of players who worked under him at the 16U level just two years ago.

Currently boasting an 11-player roster with potential for some last minute add-ons, the Heat welcomes back nine returnees who should anchor early action.

Back in the lineup for 2008 are Larkin's Regina Cozzone, Heather Graff and Sophie Sterricker. Cozzone hit .279 this past season with the Royals recording 24 hits and 10 RBI, and she will play second base and outfield for the Heat. Graff will play both infield and outfield. Sterricker was among the area leaders during the 2008 high school campaign hitting .312 with 29 hits, 15 runs, 23 RBI, 5 doubles, 4 triples and 4 home runs.

"Sophie is going to bring some power to the lineup," said Decker. "We look forward to that."

Expected to be another strong bat is South Elgin's Rebecca French, who will be equally as powerful inside the circle. Helping the Storm to a sectional championship game at Machesney Park Harlem, French collected a 2.63 ERA, 10 wins and 100 strikeouts.

Lindsay Decker will be another force in the circle. An all-conference choice for Genoa-Kingston, Decker posted a 0.38 ERA this year fanning 184 batters.

Also from Genoa-Kingston, Brittany Giddings is a new addition to the Heat and will undoubtedly strengthen an already dominant pitching core.

"Both Lindsay and Rebecca pitched their high school teams into sectional championship games which gives us a ton of artillery in the circle," Decker said. "Brittany is another strong pitcher who should do very well."

Emma Bruderle (Burlington Central), Kristen Buck (Rochelle) and Michelle Yucuis (St. Charles East) will combine to give Decker options at third base. Each play strong in the hot corner. Bruderle brings speed to the team and is expected to hit somewhere at the top of the line-up. She will also see time behind the plate. Buck is also a second baseman, and Yucuis has been known to shag balls as an outfielder.

Mercedes Ogorek (Leyden) will cap off infield duties at shortstop, and newcomer April Harwood of Elgin High School will work as a backstop.

"A lot of these girls have played together before so chemistry will not be a problem," said Decker. "We are making small adjustments, but all of the girls are ready to go."

Despite a smaller roster, Decker doesn't have any doubts about the potential that this Heat 18U team carries.

"If they give me 100 percent, we'll do extremely well," he said. "Several of these girls had excellent high school seasons, and will look to build off of that success."

The Elgin Heat will host the Elgin Heat Tournament this weekend at the Elgin Sports Complex. The Heat 18U is slated to open tournament play at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

Elgin Heat 16s: Hosting the Elgin Heat Tournament at the Elgin Sports Complex this weekend, the Elgin Heat 16U girls fastpitch team has a lot to be excited about in the upcoming weeks.

Behind manager Chad Stonecipher and some of the area's finest young talent, the Elgin Heat anticipates one of their best seasons yet.

Having combined for nearly two dozen victories during the high school season, pitchers Kelly McCaffrey (Geneva) and Gabriella Moe (St. Charles East) will be a lethal part of the Heat attack this summer.

McCaffrey is a returning Heat talent who recorded 11 wins during her high school campaign, and Moe is a welcome new addition to the roster following her 12-win season.

"We have two stud pitchers," said Stonecipher. "There is no question that pitching will be a top strength for us."

Also new to the lineup, Megan Kowalski (Burlington Central) will see time both inside the circle and in the outfield.

In addition to solid pitching, the Heat take the diamond with six all-conference caliber choices in McCaffrey and Moe as well as infield corners Ashley Scheffler (Burlington Central) and Victoria Nino (Larkin), catcher Olivia Tilly (Wheaton Academy) and center fielder Katelyn Stonecipher (South Elgin).

Nino, who can play first and third base as well as catch, hit .422 for the Royals with 27 hits, and 14 RBI. With the Rockets, newcomer Scheffler scored 24 runs while knocking in 25 RBI and swiping 11 bases. Stonecipher helped the Storm to a sectional championship at Machesney Park Harlem hitting .364 with 31 hits, 23 runs and 10 RBI. She will captain the outfield from center field.

Middle infielders and newcomers Samantha Chowanec (Burlington Central) and Kelsey Maleski (Burlington Central) will solidify the infield along with returnee Dori Rogers of Geneva.

Maleski is a veteran player, and Rogers brings excellent bunt ability to the game.

"We have some of the best players in the area spread nicely throughout the field," said Stonecipher. "Stoney (Katelyn) has speed to burn in the outfield and Scheffler is the same way at third base."

Mari Aguilera (Elgin), Kelsey Lodge (Larkin) and Cassie Warner (Burlington Central) will combine to complete the outfield.

Aguilera is a prototypical lead-off hitter who will give the Heat two lead-off hitters in the No. 9 slot with Stonecipher hitting first. Warner can play third base and catch and will bring a power bat to the lineup. Lodge is a strong right fielder.

"We plan to be very successful," said Stonecipher. "We have a good core of girls returning and a good mix of speed and power to back strong pitching.

"Our early goals are to win at least two tournaments while compiling a better record than last year. If the kids are out there smiling, having fun and winning, that means it all right there."