Scouting: Northwest suburban softball

Mid-Suburban East

Buffalo Grove

Coach: Laura Stock (17th season)

Last year: 19-15, 8-8

Graduated players: Katie Lee, Stephanie Rudolfi, Katie Kawall

Returning players: Lexi Bueno (Sr. 2B-OF), Maria Dax (So. P), Andrea DiPrima (So. P-1B), K.C. Dunne (So. CF-C), Emily Begnel (So. P-OF), Mallory Smith (So. C-OF), Danni Shapiro (So. C-OF), Meg Miller (Sr. 3B), Jill Klopke (Sr. OF)

Newcomers: Sara Penelle (Fr. OF-1B), Becca Winter (Fr. SS), Ali Levato (Fr. SS-2B), Nicole Soderholm (So. 1B-OF)

Outlook: Even though Bison are still young on paper, Stock has a more experienced team than a year ago. DiPrima (.459, 50 hits, 12 2B, 29 RBI) returns to the mound after an all-area freshman season, while Dunne (.350, 4 2B) will move to center field and catcher. "Our varsity experience should benefit our sophomores, including sophomore pitchers (Begnel, DiPrima and Dax)," Stock said. "A scrappy offense and solid defense should be keys to our success." Nine players return from last year, including Miller from knee surgery last September. Stock will be assisted by Matt Myers and Jessica Evans, a former Elk Grove and DePaul softball standout. "Three seniors (Miller, Bueno and Klopke) will provide leadership and enthusiasm," Stock said. "And three freshmen (Levato, Winter and Penelle) will work their way into the mix. Hard work, defensive versatility, and a focus on run production and offensive execution are keys to success."

Elk Grove

Coach: Ken Grams (29th season)

Last year: 30-6, 13-3

Graduated players: Kayla Mahoney, Jamie Campus, Amy Charewicz

Returning players: Olivia Roback (Jr. SS), Krystina Leazer (Sr. P-3B), Stephanie Dolce (Sr.-1B-3B), Stephanie Maday (Jr. P), Amanda Mertes (Sr. OF), Nikki Goranson (Sr. C-1B), Brittany Tranchita (Sr. OF), Kristy Ottosen (Sr. OF), Jessica Balzano (So., OF-IF), Caitlin Garrison (Sr. IF)

Newcomers: Kim Gulik (Sr. OF), Elle Avila (Sr. 1B-3B), Dani Goranson (Fr. P-IF), Megan Keegan (Fr. C)

Outlook: Lots of familiar faces greeted Grams on the first day of practice. "This is as many returning players as I've had back," he said. "We have a like amount from one other team. So this is good." In the infield, Roback (SS) and Dolce (1B) return with the battery (Maday, Leazer as pitchers and Nikki Goranson behind the plate). Back in the outfield are Balzano (right), Mertes (center) and Tranchita (left). Goranson (all-area), Balzano (all-area), Mertes, Dolce and Tranchita all hit over .300 last year. Roback hit .300 as a freshman. "Our long suit will be pitching and defense," Grams said. "I think we'll do that well. So if we can get some runs on the board, I feel confident." Last year, the Grenadiers won the East for the eighth time in nine years. Maday and Leazer have been mainstays the past two years on the mound from back-to-back 30-win teams. Dani Goranson is also a talented freshman pitcher. "So we have excellent pitching depth," Grams said. "Two successful pitchers from the past along with a newcomer with tremendous potential." Garrison was a two-time all-area player before missing nearly her entire junior year with an ACL injury. "I'm looking forward to her return, needless to say," said Grams, who has 646 wins. "She'll certainly add to what we've got to get done offensively."

Hersey

Coach: Molly Freeman (second year)

Last year: 9-22, 5-11

Graduated players: Mallory Donoghue, Danielle Gore, Lynn Lazzeretti. Melanie Standish, Maggie Tunney.

Returning players: Kim Ferraro (So. SS), Alyssa Kiefer (Jr. 1B), Aleene Morgenthaler (Sr. OF-C), Stacy Schmiederer (Jr. 3B), Sarah Laughlin (Sr. 2B), Kristy Johnson (Jr. P), Taylor Reeves (Jr. 2B)

Newcomers: Sara Jurczak (Jr. OF-C), Aubrey Fulton (Jr. P-OF), Carolyn Trom (Sr. 3B), Julia Rudesill (Jr. OF), Julie Klawitter (Sr. OF), Kari Tunney (Jr. OF-2B)

Outlook: The Huskies return five players as Freeman, a former Fremd standout, begins her second season. She will be assisted by former Hersey standout catcher Catherine Zaworski. "I'm really looking for my younger players to have the opportunity to make their name known," Freeman said. "Hersey hasn't been real respected the last few years and I feel this group of girls may have the potential to change that." Johnson will be the ace on the mound while Fulton will also have her share of time. "I've been really impressed with Kristy's confidence this year," Freeman said. "Being a year older, I'm impressed with her maturity. She brings a lot of speed and her location is getting better and better every day. Aubrey, for being her first year on varsity, has an entirely different personality. She's excited to be out there and has something to prove. She's excited to have that opportunity." Freeman liked the offense she saw from her team in its season-opening Spring Fling. "I was impressed by the way the girls have turned up their hitting," she said. "I'm excited about their swings and the power behind them. It's definitely a change in confidence from last year."

Prospect

Coach: Brenda Martin (third season)

Last year: 19-11, 11-5

Graduated players: Amy Varner, Jessica King, Sheri Weidner, Jamie Iovino, Paige O'Neil, Cyndi Becker, Alyssa Collins, Emily Logar, Mary Kate Ward, Katlyn Rath

Returning players: Lisa Dominick (Sr. 2B), Kathryn Dillon (Sr. OF), Nikki Surico (So. SS-3B), Megan Geraghty (Sr. OF-U), Allison Travis (So. IF-IN), Sam Mangrum (So. P-1B), Allison Malewig (Jr. 1B)

Newcomers: Sarah Scaccia (Fr. IF-U), Rebecca Sage (Fr. 1B), Nicole Naranjo (So. C-1B), Mary Styzek (So. OF-U), Tracey Luttrell (Jr. OF), Hanna Lythberg (Fr. P-3B-SS), Kaila Walter (Jr. OF), Elaina Groot (Jr. OF-U)

Outlook: The Knights graduated 10 seniors from last year's team which won 19 games. "As every season approaches players, we are very excited for it to begin," Martin said. "This will be a young group but a focused and competitive one. There is a ton of depth and versatility with this group of players." Varner and Becker were all-area selections last spring year and played key roles at the top of the batting order, so Martin will look for new offensive sparks this spring. "The energy this group brings makes practice so much fun because they want to learn and develop," the coach said. "It will be a developing year but we always have the same goal in mind, which is to take a trip downstate." Prospect spent the spring competing in Florida. "The trip to Florida determines a lot as far a starting lineup and the bonding experience they get from the opportunity," Martin said. " Playing in Florida really jump starts our season and direction we need to head in. Having to replace 10 seniors, we are looking forward to restructuring with the young talent we possess. The motto this year is having the right mental edge and driving toward your goals in order to achieve them."

Rolling Meadows

Coach: Tony Wolanski (sixth year)

Last year: 14-16, 8-8

Graduated players: Caitlyn Adair, Angela Mahana, Kim Liwag, Connie Porters, Bonnie Weglarz, Carissa Stewart

Returning players: Maddy Urban (Sr. SS), Libby Marsh (Sr. 1B), Mary Claire Loughery (Jr. 2B), Tierney Larsen (Sr. 3B), Leah Liston (Sr. CF), Kelly Kaiser (So. C), Kayla Mueller (So. P), Abby Matayka (So. 3B)

Newcomers: Danielle Mago (Sr. OF), Jennifer Medina (Sr. OF), Gina Holzner (So. 2B), Emily Skorin (So. OF), Josephine Suchecki (Fr. P), Natalie Cannizzo (Fr. OF)

Outlook: Urban (SS), Loughery (2B) and Kaiser (C) are returning starters. Kaiser caught the final month last year when Mahana suffered a thumb injury. Urban was an all-area selection who batted .383 and led the team in runs. "In my opinion, Maddy is the best hitter returning in the MSL," Wolanski said. "I don't think too many people would argue that." She will bat third in this year's lineup while Loughery will be in the cleanup spot. "We'll have (Suchecki and Mueller) battling for the No. 1 spot but they'll both get equal opportunities," Wolanski said. "Josephine throws extremely hard and Kayla moves the ball around and has improved from last year." Suchecki will start in the outfield when she's not on the mound. Marsh handles first base this spring after missing last season with an elbow injury. Wolanski said most of the other positions are up in the air as the Mustangs look to improve on last year's record. "We're really young," Wolanski said. The Mustangs will try to get the chemistry going on spring break this week in Orlando.

Wheeling

Coach: Beth Anderson (16th season)

Last year: 9-21, 2-14

Graduated players: Cheryl Bauer, Janelle Schroeder, Nicole Schroeder, Annemarie Spiezia, Carly Speidel

Returning players: Tori Menelle (Jr. P-2B), Becky Menelle (Jr. C-1B), Kelsi Jurik (Jr. 2B-SS), Scout Scanlon (Jr. OF) Alyson Fallon (So. 1B), Kara Giordano (Sr. OF-IF), Kristen Durbin (Sr. OF), Sarah Korecky (So. 2B)

Newcomers: Sammie Spinabella (Jr. SS), Amanda Zammatta (Fr. 3B), Brittani Sapp (So. C), Jenny Schmitt (Jr. OF), Tayulor Schroeder (So. OF), Sejal Shah (So. P-2B)

Outlook: Anderson, who will once again be assisted by Mike Caringella, said the Wildcats will be looking to find their identity. "The juniors will have to develop into leaders right away," Anderson said. "Offensively, we need the returning players to come through, and get the newcomers to continue their development." The Wildcats will have a sister act for its battery. Tori Menelle was 4-5 on the mound last spring, while her sister Becky batted .289 with 14 RBI, 7 doubles and 3 triples. "We need to execute at the plate and be more aggressive on the bases," Anderson added. "We've got to get Scout Scanlon on base and move her around if we want to be successful." Scanlon is a speedy lefty slapper who is always a threat to steal. Jurik has been showing a lot of leadership and could be a strong contributor at the plate. "Defensively, we're young and inexperienced in some key spots," Anderson said. "Ownership will be the key - what do we want to accomplish? Are we serious contenders or just out for a good time? Our tough conference leaves little wiggle room."

Mid-Suburban West

Barrington

Coach: Perry Peterson (17th season)

Last year: 31-7, 14-2

Graduated players: Devinne Wapotish, Lisa Shandley, Jessica McGurn. Michal Jane Maropis

Returning players: Kim Cygan (Sr. P), Lindsey Dulla (Sr. CF), Colleen Shandley (So. 2B), Kiersten Tinkoff (So. 1B), Kristin Kuhn (So. C), Kelsey Kuhn (Sr. OF)

Newcomers: Nora Logue (Jr. OF), Liz Owen (So. OF), Kelsey Kazmier (Fr. IF), Kiley Dolezal (So. P), Jordan Wekony (Fr. IF)

Outlook: With the graduation of four starters who enjoyed their finest season as seniors, it's a new chapter in the tradition-rich Barington softball history. Five starters, including all-area selection Cygan (30-7, 0.79 ERA in 2008), return for the Class 4A defending state runner-up. Peterson (500-121), who notched his 500th win during the first week of the season, expects his seniors to lead the way on and off the field. Dulla hit .347 with 25 stolen bases. Shandley batted .325 with 28 runs. Tinkoff had the game-winning RBI in the 2008 supersectional win over Crystal Lake South, while Kristin Kuhn had 25 hits and 15 RBI as a freshman. The Fillies have won an unprecedented six straight MSL crowns and have been downstate the last four years - also a first by an MSL team. The 2008 Fillies scored 205 runs and allowed 60. Cygan, last year's all-area captain, is the Fillies' only returning all-conference player.

Conant

Coach: CathyAnn Smith (eighth season)

Last year: 6-20, 2-14

Graduated players: Lauren Erkman, Jamie Flowers, Natalie Gierum, Christina Shelfo, Amberly Ward

Returning players: Lauren Ambrose (Jr. OF-IF), Jessica Gennuso (Jr. IF-C), Kristina Gluth (Sr. IF), Nichole Gross (Sr. IF), Georgie Kutramanes (Sr. OF), Tricia Kutramanes (Sr. OF), Vicki McGuire (Jr. IF), Hilary O'Donnell (So. OF-C), Kailee Prasbig (So. P-OF), Paige Ward (So. IF-P)

Newcomers: Dana Butler (Sr. U), Amanda Van Jacobs (Jr. IF), Hannah Depa (Jr. OF), Kim Jacobson (Fr. IF-C), Brianna Cavin (Fr. P-IF)

Outlook: The Cougars are still fairly young and will try to improve on last year's conference record with some youthful pitching. Smith has a pair of sophomores (Prasbrig and Ward), along with freshman Cavin. "Kailee pitched a majority of the games for us last spring as a freshman," Smith said. "Paige Ward will also see time on the mound as a lefty pitcher and she will also play first base. She has a strong bat that provided us some runs last year." Cavin pitched against Resurrection in the Cougars season-opening 4-2 loss. "Brianna has good speed and knowledge of the game," Smith said. Gluth possesses speed on the bases and provides tough infield defense. McGuire returns from a shoulder injury and will help in the infield and with her bat. Gennuso will be behind the plate and can help in the infield. Ambrose is another versatile returning starter. O'Donnell has speed and will contribute behind the plate as well as in the outfield. Gross will see time at third base. The Kutramanes sisters, who recently signed letters of intent to play volleyball for St. Ambrose, will provide leadership in the infield and outfield.

Fremd

Coach: Jim Weaver (eighth season)

Last year: 28-4, 14-2

Graduated players: Stacey Stitzman, Marybeth Wesoloski, Devoni Jorgensen, Brittany Borst, Mary Esposito

Returning players: Kelly Voigt (Jr. 3B), Jessica Tackett (Sr. 1B), Casey Latal (Sr. P-2B-DH), Lena Brottman (Jr. P), Lauren Zaworski (Jr. 2B), Kristine Werling (Jr. C-OF), Alexa Cinquegrani (Jr. OF), Tess Dinterman (Jr. OF), Jenny Schneider (Jr. OF)

Newcomers: Erin Kondrat (Jr. P-IF), Emily Janes (Jr. C-IF), Allie Gaeding (So. SS), Alyssa Clements (Jr. OF-IF), Jaime Esposito (Jr. U), Sammi Sprengel (Jr. 1B)

Outlook: The Vikings, who tied for first in the West with Barrington last spring, are hoping for another stellar season under Weaver (174-71-1). "We have a ton of experience returning," Weaver said. Among those back are Zaworski (.425, 8 HR, 43 RBI), Tackett (.286, 18 RBI), Werling (.450, 34 runs, 26 SB), Voigt (.463, 21 RBI, 8 2B), Cinquegrani (.389, 32 RBI, 9 2B), Dinterman (.341, 14 SB) and Schneider (. 342, 18 RBI). Back in the circle are Brottman (21-3, 0.33 ERA, 271 Ks in 168 IP) and Latal, who was 12-5 last summer while batting .327. Newcomers Gaeding (.315, 13 SB) and Clements (.289, 5 2B) enjoyed good summers, too. "We have five players back for their third varsity season," Weaver added. "And our No. 1 and 2 pitchers are back. We are very excited about the season."

Hoffman Estates

Coach: Lindsey Hamma (fourth year)

Last year: 11-20-1, 4-12

Graduated players: Jenna Pellus, Natalie Miceli, Christina Bartoszewski, Rachel Marinoff

Returning players: Alex Wulbecker (Sr. 3B), Colleen Roberts (Sr. SS), Kaitlin Walsh (Sr. P), Kaitlyn Kliver (Sr. U), Mary Hacker (Jr. OF), Melissa Wilkes (Jr. OF), Emily Fett (So. IF-OF), Kelsey Pellus (So. C)

Newcomers: Emily Allan (So. P-OF), Taylor Mann (So. IF) Courtney Case (So. IF), Linden Fick (Fr. OF)

Outlook: The Hawks return four starters - Wulbecker (3B), Roberts (SS), Walsh (P) and Pellus (C). Back in the outfield are Hacker, Fett and Wilkes. Hoffman must replace two spots on the right side of the infield where Hamma is considering Mann, Case, Fett and Kliver to take over those spots. On the left side of the infield will be the veteran all-area Roberts along with third baseman Wulbecker, who played 1B the past three years. Roberts and Wulbecker (walk-on recruit for Northern Illinois), will be the co-captains. "Alex and Colleen provide leadership to a young group with six underclassmen," Hamma said. "They have done a great job setting the tone early on in pursuit of solid senior years. Colleen is so solid at her position. I am lucky to have her to anchor our infield." Walsh returns for her fourth year on the mound. "She has been working very hard in the off-season and definitely has the potential to lead our team to our best season since we started here together four years ago," Hamma said. "This senior class was my first class. It really has a special place in my heart because I feel we have been on this journey together." Pellus returns behind the plate after a solid freshman year. "Kelsey plays well beyond her years," Hamma said. "She is the backbone of our defense. She is a leader and we look to her in our lineup, too, to come up with big hits in key situations."

Palatine

Coach: Jeff Manz (seventh season)

Last year: 20-8, 11-5

Graduated players: Bree Quaritsch, Kate Wildman, Amy Modic, Nikki Linares, Caitlin Carpenter, Steph Roto

Returning players: Kelsey Griffin (Sr. DH-OF), Sam Salomone (So. OF-2B), Katie Mnichowicz (So. SS), Joanne Jablonski (So. OF-C), Chrissy Roto (Jr. P), Heather Zimmerman (Jr. 3B), Michelle Dellamaria (Sr. OF)

Newcomers: Kelli Burke (Jr. OF), Danielle Boisvert (So. P), Katie Nawrot (Jr. 1B), Melissa Serio (Jr. OF), Alyx Ballenger (So. C-OF), Meaghan Deegan (Jr. DH-1B), Katie Scovic (So. 2B-OF)

Outlook: Manz, who is nearing 150 career victories and has led the Pirates to a pair of regional crowns, will be looking for Roto to serve as leader with her three years of varsity experience. "Chrissy is a competitor out there," Manz said. "She competes on every pitch. She won't wow you with her speed, but she can make it tough on batters with her control. She has to keep it down and hit her spots, and she has worked hard on doing that." The Pirates return all-area OF-C Jablonski (.434, 24 RBI, 3 3B, 2 HR) in the cleanup spot. Mnichowicz is a slap hitter who can make things happen on offense. She was a member of the basketball team along with Scovic, Zimmerman and Nawrot. Salomone gives Manz more versatility, as she can play outfield or infield. "We have six sophomores on the team, and five will see significant time," Manz said. "The other one is our No. 2 pitcher (Boisvert). We are inexperienced but we have very good athletes. It will take a little bit of time to get everyone comfortable playing with each other, but the kids have a great work ethic and they get along real well. Once they learn to trust each other and have faith in each other, we'll gell better as a team."

Schaumburg

Coach: Erin Malinowski (third season)

Last year: 13-18, 6-10

Graduated players: Nicole Benedict, Rachel Borgman, Meghan Fielmann, Heather Gustafson,

Returning players: Missy Anderson (Jr. P), Caitlin Becker (Sr. OF), Brittany Hill (Sr. 2B), Sarah McGinn (Sr. 1B), Nicole Chase (Jr. SS), Aly Poehlmann (Jr. C), Shannon Giovannone (So. OF-2B), Brianne Lingl (So. C-3B-OF), Theresa McGreevy (Jr. 3B)

Newcomers: Alexis Carravetta (So. OF-SS), Jessica Cook (Jr. P), Rebecca Thompson (So. 3B)

Outlook: Malinowski welcomes nine players from last year's squad that advanced to the Class 4A Rolling Meadows regional championship. That group includes Anderson, who will play at Wisconsin-Platteville next year. The all-area hurler had 124 Ks last season. "Missy understands what it takes to be a successful varsity pitcher," Malinowski said. "And she has been working hard in the off-season to get ready for her senior season." Poehlmann was an all-conference catcher last spring. "She will be our leader behind the plate," Malinowski said."She and Missy make a great combination. They work well together. Ally is an excellent hitter (batted No. 3 last spring) and will provide depth and quickness to the middle of our lineup." Becker returns for her fourth year on the varsity, while Hill and McGinn are back for their third season. McGreevy, Chase and Lingl return for their second varsity seasons. "The girls have a lot of experience at the varsity level," Malinowski said. "We have a lot of depth and versatility both offensively and defensively. They are excited to start the season."

CSL North

Maine West

Coach: Mike Murin (eighth season)

Last year: 26-8, 10-0

Graduated players: Nicole Eisenberg, Michelle Braun, Jacki Janesek, Caryn McGinley, Katie Lowe, Jillian Ellwood, Danielle Johnson

Returning players: Jenna Depa (Sr. IF), Emily Ott (Sr. P), Kelsey Hargesheimer (Sr. IF), Margo Ehorn (Sr. IF), Kaliehg McGing (Sr. OF), Kim Morales (Jr. OF), Amanda Wessell (So. IF-OF)

Newcomers: Michelle Marlega (Jr. C), Allisan Ellwood (Jr. IF), Vanessa Bagneschi (Jr. OF), Katherine Kusner (So. OF-P), Alyssa Bojarski (Fr. P), Angela Cruz (Fr. IF), Katie Fitzgerald (Fr. C)

Outlook: Murin (166-70) led the Warriors to their fourth CSL title since 2004. Before Murin's arrival, the last one was in 1977. West fell to New Trier 2-0 in the sectional championship last spring. All-area selection Ott returns after batting .422 with 43 hits, 9 doubles, 6 triples and 26 RBI last spring. On the mound, she was 9-5 with a 0.55 ERA, 13 shutouts, 245 strikeouts and 35 walks in 164 innings. McGing batted .369 and was 16-for-17 in stolen bases. Depa hit .276 with a .929 fielding percentage. Ott, Depa, and McGing were all-conference players last year. "With Emily back in the circle for her senior season, we feel very confident that we will be in every game," Murin said. "She worked diligently in the summer to improve her game and brings her desire to compete and strong leadership skills to this team again. Offensively, we graduated a lot of power from last year's team. This squad will have to find a way to score some runs early and then make all the routine plays on defense. We hope to compete for the CSL North title again. It all depends on how quickly our veterans and younger players meld into one unit, and how well we field and throw the ball."

ESCC

St. Viator

Coach: Dan Twarog (fifth season)

Last year: 7-22, 5-15

Graduated players: Danielle Sipiora, Emily Catanese, Lauren Banaszak, Lauren Caldron, Nikki Dummele

Returning players: Jessica Etchingham (Sr. SS), Julie Sweeney (So. P), Melanie Slawny (Jr. P), Amanda Presslak (Jr. 2B), Abby Dickey (Jr. 3B), Bridget Urbanus (Jr. CF), Ronnie Mack (Jr. LF), Torey Lenart (So. RF), Tayler Lenart (So. C),

Newcomers: Kristen Cozzi (So. 1B-OF), Jennie Michalick (Jr. U), Allysa Wojociak (So. U), Jenny Walesa (So. U), Angelica Dickey (So. U).

Outlook: Twarog welcomed back nine returning players, including Etchingham, who will captain the team and anchor the middle of the defense at shortstop. Sweeney and Slawny return to the pitcher's mound. "Both Julie and Melanie have improved tremendously in the off-season and look to log a lot of innings," Twarog said. "All the girls in the infield have worked hard to improve their fundamentals and collectively seek to improve the overall team fielding percentage from last year." Tayler Lenart has taken over the starting catcher position from graduating all-area selection Sipiora (team-high .389, 4 HR).

WSC Gold

Leyden

Coach: Kurt Schuett (third year)

Last year: 11-18

Graduated players: Chris Cook, Lauren Sullivan, Gina Reggi

Returning players: Alyssa Stephens (Sr. 2B-OF), Nicole Spisak (Sr. SS), Caley Murphy (Jr. OF), Cassie Nelson (Sr. OF); Dana Thomas (Jr. P-DP), Ciara Mackey (Jr. 1B-OF), Kim Giannini (Jr. C), Amanda Moran (So.-P-2B), Christina Morgan (So. OF)

Newcomers: Morgan Maize (Fr. P), Brianna Michels (So. OF), Eva Gonzalez (Jr. OF-C), Michelle Muszynski (Jr. OF), Gabby Budzon (Jr. OF-C), Ashley Doody (Jr. OF-2B), Moira Quinlan (So. 3B-OF).

Outlook: Schuett believes he has more depth at each position this spring, including pitching. Thomas and Moran return for the Eagles, while Maize is a promising freshman hurler. Maize made a relief appearance in the Eagles' opener for relief and held a dangerous Elk Grove lineup to 3 earned runs in 5 innings. "We have a lack of experience with many newcomers to this year's varsity squad, but we think we can be competitive," Schuett said. "We are optimistic. We tied for second place in the West Suburban Gold Conference last year, and we will continue to compete for the top of the conference."