Softball: Northwest all-area team

Caitlin Adair, Rolling Meadows

A three-year starter, Adair hit .370 with a team-leading .417 on-base percentage and 18 runs. Adair played second and center field. "She was one of the best defensive players in the Mid-Suburban League," said coach Tony Wolanski. "Caitlin was the key to our team. Her play on the field and her leadership on and off the field were impressive. She is a great kid who battled many injuries throughout her career to become a very good softball player."

More Coverage Links All-Area captain Kim Cygan

Missy Anderson, Schaumburg

Anderson's pitching made the Saxons competitive with everyone, beating Maine West and Prospect back-to-back before losing 3-1 to state qualifier Lake Park. She finished with 124 strikeouts. "Missy took the lead this year as our number one pitcher, and she kept us in most of the games," said coach Erin Doyle. "She is a phenomenal student-athlete. Not only is she a leader on the softball field, she also excels in the classroom. Missy's hard work, determination, and dedication to the game of softball have propelled her to success."

Jessica Balzano, Elk Grove

This rookie hardly went unnoticed while making her debut as a freshman in the Mid-Suburban League. The daughter of former Prospect all-area shortstop Denise Terzic batted .380 with 29 RBI, 18 extra-base hits and 8 triples. "Jessica simply had a remarkable year," said coach Ken Grams. "To come in as a freshman and be a consistent, productive hitter at the varsity level of play is no small accomplishment."

Lena Brottman, Fremd

Sophomore jinx? No way with Brottman. All she did was put together a 21-3 record with an 0.31 ERA, a Fremd record 271 strikeouts, 18 walks and 74 hits in 168 innings. Brottman finished with 17 shutouts and a perfect game against MSL East champ Elk Grove. "Lena has taken the next step in her development this year and the results have been fantastic," said coach Jim Weaver. "She is a composed, mature competitor who leads our team from the circle with a quiet confidence."

Cyndi Becker, Prospect

After an All-Area campaign for Hersey, Becker transferred to Prospect and played a key role in an 18-win season. She batted .360 with 13 RBI, 4 doubles, and 2 triples. "We were fortunate to get her in our program," said Knights coach Brenda Martin. "Cyndi worked well with Sheri (Weidner, the Knights' ace). Her consistent play, strong throwing arm and drive for the game was outstanding. She was the type of player that always gave that extra effort before, during and after practices."

Caitlin Carpenter, Palatine

After playing shortstop as a sophomore for coach Jeff Manz' Pirates, Carpenter moved behind the plate the next two years and became one of the top catchers in the area. Carpenter's strong right arm threw out 16 base runners and she committed only 1 error. She led the team with 27 RBI. "Caitlin is one of the hardest workers I have ever coached," Manz said. "She has a true passion and love for the game." Carpenter will play at Illinois Wesleyan.

Alexa Cinquegrani, Fremd

Cinquegrani was always a threat to reach base, bating .404 with 42 hits, 21 runs and 32 RBI. "Alexa is a pure hitter," said coach Jim Weaver. "She has some of the best pure hands of any player to come through Fremd (along with Kelly Voigt)." Cinquegrani led the team with 14 extra-base hits and was also the most difficult player to strike out. "She combines great speed with incredible power to stretch singles into doubles, and doubles into triples," Weaver added. "She has played a great right field and also has the speed to steal a base."

Andrea DiPrima, Buffalo Grove

DiPrima made a terrific impact in her freshman season, batting a team-high .459 with 15 doubles, 29 RBI, and 50 hits, just 4 shy of the all-time record by Lindsey Hamma in 2001. On the mound, DiPrima won 8 games and compiled a 1.38 ERA. "Andrea is a very dedicated player who works hard all the time," said coach Laura Stock. "She even puts in extra time on her game." DiPrima also had 2 home runs and 4 game-winning hits.

Nicole Eisenberg, Maine West

This senior outfielder was truly a leader in her final season. "Niki was one of our captains that helped lead this team to an undefeated conference record (10-0)," said coach Mike Murin. "When inserted into the cleanup spot in the eighth game of the year, she responded by hitting a home run. From that point on, Niki was an offensive force for us." Eisenberg hit .330 and led the team with 27 RBI while playing solid defense.

Nikki Goranson, Elk Grove

Goranson, only a junior, accomplished a rarity with her bat this spring. She hit a nifty .407 with 27 RBI and 14 extra base hits. "Over all the years, Elk Grove has had just a handful of players who have been able to hit .400 or better," said coach Ken Grams. "Nikki now becomes one of them. She is an extremely disciplined and consistent hitter who hits the ball well and hard in just about every at bat. She most certainly was a productive contributor to offense."

Joanne Jablonski, Palatine

Only a freshman, Jablonski earned herself a spot in the cleanup spot for the Pirates. She batted .434 with 24 RBI, including 3 triples and 2 homers. "Joanne worked hard this year," said coach Jeff Manz. "She has an excellent eye at the plate with excellent power as well. She also has a great arm and can play anywhere defensively." Jablonski's average and RBI were second best on the team. "She was a big part of our success this season," Manz said. "She had a great attitude and was very coachable."

Jacki Janecek, Maine West

A versatile senior second baseman, Janecek played a key role offensively and defensively for the Central Suburban North champs. "Jacki's consistency and knowledge of the game really helped solidify our infield defense," said coach Mike Murin. "Her ability to hit from both sides of the plate was a successful weapon for us as well." Janecek batted .337 with 34 hits and was 11-for-11 in stolen bases. "Jacki matured as a player this year, both physically and mentally," Murin said.

Katie Lee, Buffalo Grove

A four-year starter and three-time All-Area selection. Lee was called the "glue that held our team together" by coach Laura Stock. Lee led the Bison with 28 runs while batting .358 with 19 RBI. She made one of the all-time great leaping catches over the centerfield fence last year to take away a home run and was moved to catcher. Lee picked more people off first and third base than any catcher in school history. "We wanted her to have a more immediate impact on the game," Stock said of the switch to catcher.

Nikki Linares, Palatine

Linares seemed to get around the bases as quickly as you could bat an eye. The three-year starter even had a slap inside-the-park homer this spring. "Nikki is one of those very rare players who was athletic enough to be turned into a slapper as a sophomore and master it," said coach Jeff Manz. "She was one of the toughest outs I have ever seen. She could slap for a hit, hit for power, bunt, or drag bunt. She would take whatever the defense gave her as an option." Linares led the Pirates in career runs scored (83) and steals (62) and was second in career batting average (.419).

Stephanie Maday, Elk Grove

Only a sophomore, Maday pitched the Grenadiers to the Mid-Suburban East title. After a stellar rookie season, she came back with another fine campaign (19-5 record, 1.17 ERA, 155 IP, 188 strikeouts, 26 walks and 103 hits). "When the year began, I told Stephanie that we should not measure her season by comparing her statistics to those of her freshman year, that it would be difficult to match those numbers," said coach Ken Grams. "But she did match her numbers of last year and she progressed in other areas."

Kayla Mahoney, Elk Grove

A solid leader for the Grenadiers, Mahoney batted .302 with 25 RBI and 5 home runs. "Kayla has been a three-year starter at third base while batting in the middle of the line-up in each of those years," said coach Ken Grams. "She is the prime example of a run producer, having driven in over 70 runs during her career." Mahoney's 5 home runs were the second most by a Grenadier in a single season. "And perhaps her most important contribution was in the form of the senior leadership that she provided," Grams said.

Michal Jane Maropis, Barrington

The three-year varsity starter, Maropis will be remembered for her dramatic 2-run homer that tied Monday's supersectional game against Crystal Lake South in the 10th inning. She is batting .307 with 6 doubles and 6 home runs. Maropis leads the Fillies with 30 RBI and a .535 slugging percentage. "Defensively, MJ has shined at shortstop," said coach Perry Peterson. "Her arm strength and knowledge of the game will certainly be missed in the years to come. She is always a leader by example and has provided our younger girls with direction and encouragement."

Jessica McGurn, Barrington

McGurn, the last of three sisters to play varsity softball for Barrington, batted .356 in the Mid-Suburban League with 31 hits, 7 doubles, 3 home runs and 5 stolen bases. The senior second baseman was 3-for-4 in Barrington's supersectional victory. "Jessica's vibrant personality and positive attitude have helped mold the team into a championship squad," said coach Perry Peterson. "Jessica played an instrumental role in getting us to where we're at."

Emily Ott, Maine West

Ott did it all for the Warriors. She is an elite pitcher (19-5, 245 strikeouts, 0.55 ERA) and also possesses one of the toughest bats. "Emily was outstanding for us all year, not only when pitching, but also at the plate," said coach Mike Murin. Ott led the Warriors in batting average (.422), hits (43), runs (27) and slugging percentage (,627). She had a 27-game hitting streak. "Emily's hard work over the summer to improve her speed and stamina really paid off," Murin said.

Colleen Roberts, Hoffman Estates

Roberts anchored the infield at shortstop for the Hawks this season while also leading the team with a .368 average. The junior was a consistent threat on the base paths, leading the Hawks in steals (16-of-17). Her on-base percentage as the team's lead-off hitter was a stellar .477 and she hit .368. "Colleen did it all for us this year," said coach Lindsey Hamma. "She led by example with her phenomenal instincts and range at shortstop, and she definitely was the hardest out to get in our lineup this year."

Lisa Shandley, Barrington

Coach Perry Peterson could always rely on this steady varsity performer, who was a three-year starter in left field. As a senior, Shandley led the Fillies with 41 hits while batting .369. She scored 25 runs and stole 6 bases for the Class 4A state semifinalist. "From the outfield, Lisa displays a strong arm and vocal leadership," Peterson said. Shandley committed only 1 error. "That was a remarkable accomplishment," Peterson added.

Danielle Sipiora, St. Viator

If you looked behind the plate the last four years, you saw the same person. Sipiora was a four-year starter for the Lions and a two-time East Suburban Catholic Conference all-conference player. She led the team in batting in three of her four years. "She has not missed one conference game in four years," said St. Viator coach Dan Twarog. "And has caught both games of numerous conference double-headers." Sipiora served as a co-captain this spring and ended the year with a team-high batting average of .389 and 4 homers and led the Lions in RBI.

Maddy Urban, Rolling Meadows

A two-time All-Area player, Urban produced another solid season as she led the Mustangs with a .383 average and tied for the team lead with 18 runs scored. "Maddy has been our best player the last two seasons," said coach Tony Wolanski. "She has improved at short and is one of the best hitters in the area. Maddy is definitely one of the top five players returning in the MSL next year."

Amy Varner, Prospect

It will very different in the Prospect infield next season. Varner was a four-year starter at shortstop and one of the best in school history. This season, she led the Knights with her .370 average. As the leadoff batter, Varner had a team-high 40 hits and 24 runs. She also collected 14 RBI, 5 doubles and 2 triples and stole a team-high 19 bases. "What a kid," said Prospect coach Brenda Martin. "She will be missed dearly. Her dedication, leadership and enthusiasm for the game were tremendous."

Kelly Voigt, Fremd

When it came to steady, reliable offense, Voigt was at the top of the list for coach Jim Weaver. "Kelly has been our most consistent hitter all year long," Weaver said "In addition to playing a near flawless third base, Kelly worked hard this year to increase her power numbers." The sophomore hit .484 and had a .557 on-base percentage. She collected 44 hits, 34 runs, 21 RBI, 10 extra base hits and 16 steals. "She is a great base runner with good speed," Weaver said. "There was rarely a time when Kelly didn't give us a great at-bat."

Devinne Wapotish, Barrington

Batting No. 3 in the order Wapotish came through in a big way. She was the top hitter for the Fillies, batting .375 with 39 hits and a team-high 31 runs. She also belted 9 doubles and 4 home runs while collecting 29 RBI. Defensively, she was a top catcher in the area as she threw out 35 percent of runners trying to steal. "Devinne's toughness and determination really helps make my job easy," said coach Perry Peterson. "She is determined at what she does and does a lot of things well both in the field and batter's box."

Anne Wcislo, Palatine

Wcislo missed the first few week with an injury, but upon her return, she had batters missing a lot. Wcislo struck out 100 hitters while compiling a record of 15-5 with an ERA of 1.55. "Anne worked very hard to come back from a broken bone in her foot early in the season," said coach Jeff Manz, who also saw his junior ace collect 11 RBI and 4 doubles while batting .367. "She is a very good athlete who is a very good hitter as well as pitcher. I am excited to have her back next year."

Kristine Werling, Fremd

Werling, only a sophomore, was one of the most dangerous leadoff batters in the area. "Kristine ignites our offense at the top of the order," said coach Jim Weaver. The catcher-outfielder batted .470 with 49 hits, 34 runs, 8 extra base hits, 15 RBI and 26 stolen bases. "She has worked very hard to become a top offensive player for us at Fremd as she sets the table for the power in the lineup behind her," Weaver said. "She puts a ton of pressure on the defense once she's on base with her tremendous speed. And she has also gotten a ton of clutch RBI hits from the leadoff spot."

Lauren Zaworski, Fremd

What a sophomore season for Zaworski, who was also coming off a fine basketball campaign. Zaworski broke the single-season and career school record with 8 home runs while batting .431. The Vikings' second baseman and clean-up hitter collected 44 hits, 28 runs, 43 RBI (3 off the school record) and 3 doubles. In two games, she had 2 home runs. "'Z' has been a dominant hitter in the middle of our lineup all season," said coach Jim Weaver. "She is a clutch RBI kid as well who loves to hit with runners on base. She has also played a terrific second base this year. She's a threat to hit the ball off the wall or over it in every at bat."

Special mention

Jenna Depa (Maine West), Tess Dinterman (Fremd), Stephanie Dolce (Elk Grove),Mallory Donoghue (Hersey), Lauren Erkman (Conant), Danielle Gore (Hersey), Kristin Kuhn (Barrington), Katie Lowe (Maine West), Angela Mahanna (Rolling Meadows), Kaliegh McGing (Maine West), Caryn McGinley (Maine West), Connie Porters (Rolling Meadows), Bre Quaritsch (Palatine), Gina Reggi (Leyden), Stephanie Rudolfi (Buffalo Grove), Colleen Shandley (Barrington), Christina Shelfo (Conant), Jenny Schneider (Fremd), Carly Speidel (Wheeling), Annemarie Spieza (Wheeling), Nicole Spisak (Leyden), Lauren Sullivan (Leyden), Dana Thomas (Leyden), Kiersten Tinkoff (Barrington), Stacey Stutzman (Fremd), Kaitlin Walsh (Hoffman Estates), Mary Kate Ward (Prospect), Sheri Weidner (Prospect)