Cook County All-Area softball team

Missy Anderson | Schaumburg

Schaumburg softball players always knew one thing. If Anderson was on the mound, the Saxons were in the game. "Missy has been a tremendous pitcher for us over the past three years," said Saxons coach Erin Malinowski. "She returned this year to have the best season of her high school career," Anderson finished with 205 strikeouts (more than 400 for her career) and an ERA of 1.45. "Missy was a leader both on the field and off," Malinowski added. " Her hard work and determination proved to be the key to her success this season."

Alyx Ballenger | Palatine

After graduating two-time all-area catcher Caitlin Carpenter, that position was a big question this spring for the Pirates. But Ballenger answered the call in stellar fashion as she batted .290 with 29 hits and 15 RBI, both second most on the team. Her ability was a strong suit, too, as she threw out or picked off 21 runners and made only 1 error. "My concern was her arm strength coming into the season but Alyx really worked on it in the offseason," said Pirates coach Jeff Manz. "And that solidified her game." Ballenger started every game and batted No. 2 in the order as a slapper. "It's kind of unusual for a catcher to be a slapper but being a lefty she perfected that art," Manz said. "Alyx really wanted to be our catcher and did everything in her power to make that happen.

Jessica Balzano | Elk Grove

In only her second year on the varsity as a sophomore, Balzano was one of area's top leadoff batters. She led the Grenadiers with a single-season school record 8 home runs, 4 triples and 20 extra base hits while finishing second in RBI (27), runs (30) and hits (49). The right fielder batted .405. "Jessica stepped right in as a freshman to be one of the more dominant offensive player for us last year and she didn't miss a beat this season which was every bit as good as last," said Elk Grove coach Ken Grams. "She certainly improved on her power numbers."

Lena Brottman | Fremd

Brottman (18-3) has already put her name into the Fremd record book, becoming the school's all-time leader in career strikeouts with more than 610. The best part for Fremd coach Jim Weaver is that his ace (0.72 ERA, 233 strikeouts, .170 batting average for opponents) is only a junior. Brottman had an 8- inning no-hitter against Schaumburg, and several 1-hitters. She also posted 8 shutouts this year. "Over the past 2 seasons, Lena has averaged 12 strikeouts per 7 inning games," Weaver said. "She is a strong presence in the dugout and a great teammate. She is, quite simply, the most dominant pitcher in Fremd softball history."

Briana Cavin | Conant

Cavin hardly competed as though it were her first year pitching and hitting in the Mid-Suburban League. You would have thought this freshman had been around for a while. The composed ninth-grader (12-12) compiled an ERA of 1.67 with 238 strikeouts in 184 innings. On offense, she batted a team-high .312 with 2 triples, and 2 homers. "I think Briana is beyond her years in terms of skills and knowledge because she does not easily get rattled," said Conant coach CathyAnn Smith. "She has a very good sense of the game. She pitches with her heart and soul." Cavin is also capable of switch hitting. "She is just an all-around solid and talented athlete, and it shows." Smith added. "On the mound, she gets faster as the game goes on."

Kim Cygan | Barrington

One year after pitching Barrington to second place in the Class AA state tourney, Cygan has come back and put other another terrific season both on the mound and the batter's box. She has posted a record of 28-3 with 18 shutouts, 0.78 ERA, .182 opponents batting average, 215 strikeouts and 35 walks in 1881/3 innings. Offensively, she batted .314 with 33 hits, 7 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run, 23 RBI and a .302 batting average with runners in scoring position. Cygan has a 59-11 career record for the Fillies. "Kim's passion for this sport is mind-boggling," said Barrington coach Perry Peterson. "She will do whatever it takes to constantly improve her game and perform to the best of her capabilities. This approach has solidified another wonderful season."

Andrea DiPrima | Buffalo Grove

Only a sophomore, DiPrima became BG's all-time leader for most hits in a season as she collected 65, shattering the former record of 54 held by former all-stater Lindsey Hamma. DiPrima's .542 batting average was the second best in school history. DiPrima's 29 extra base hits and 23 doubles this spring are also school records. "Andrea is a real hard worker and she takes a lot of pride in her hitting," said BG coach Laura Stock about the Bison pitcher. "I thought Andrea might have a harder time batting this season after we graduated some of our top hitters, but she was still able to put together an outstanding season."

Lisa Dominick | Prospect

Speed was the big asset for Dominick as she scored nearly 30 percent of the Prospect runs this spring. The fleet-footed senior scored a team-high 27 runs while also stealing 15 bases. Dominick also led the team with her .322 batting average and 37 hits. "Lisa was a big driving force in terms of motivating the kids to score and get them going," said Knights coach Brenda Martin. "She kind of set the tone. She did her best to lead a young group. She always stayed positive and understood the big picture. She has improved tremendously since sophomore year so it was great to see her shine this spring and lead the team."

Lindsey Dulla | Barrington

A four-year varsity player, Dulla has enjoyed her finest season. The senior center fielder is hitting .396 with 44 HITS, 32 runs and 16 stolen bases from 19 attempts. Dulla also had a triple and 13 RBI. "Lindsey offers strong vocal leadership for her teammates," said Barrington coach Perry Peterson. "She has committed only 1 error in 35 games which is a remarkable accomplishment. It is difficult to match the shear speed and grace that she displays in our outfield. And she has a strong arm. We ask her to run down fly balls from left-center to right-center and she does exactly that."

K.C. Dunne | Buffalo Grove

Dunne's 62 hits were second on the team behind Andre DiPrima, who set the school record with 65. Dunne, a sophomore center fielder and catcher, struck out only 6 times in 132 at bats and she also collected 31 runs and 25 stolen bases. She hit safely in 31 of 36 games. "K.C. was our catalyst in the leadoff spot," said BG coach Laura Stock. "She is a natural right-handed hitter. When she got on base, she scored a lot. She was great in the leadoff spot because she struck out only 6 times. She set the tone for us all season."

Dani Goranson | Elk Grove

Elk Grove coach Ken Grams could not have asked for a better rookie season from Goranson, who added depth to an already solid pitching cast. The freshman compiled a record of 11-1 with an ERA of 0.45, striking out 138 batters in 81 innings. She did not give up a run in 42 innings of Mid-Suburban League play. "What I was most impressed about with Dani was her positive demeanor on the mound for being brand new to high school softball," said Elk Grove coach Ken Grams. "This was a highly impressive start for what we hope will be a solid four years on the mound."

Nikki Goranson | Elk Grove

This three-year varsity player, who last year was one of only a handful of batters to hit .400 in school history, duplicated that feat again. The senior receiver hit .417 for the Mid-Suburban League champs. She also collected 4 home runs and team-high 35 RBI. Her 50 hits made her only the second Grenadier to accomplish 50 or more hits in a season. "I think Nikki showed her most growth leading the team behind the plate which is critical to any team," said Elk Grove coach Ken Grams. "And her offensive numbers were a carbon copy of last year."

Kristin Kuhn | Barrington

Some clutch hitting by Kuhn helped the Fillies win the Mid-Suburban West. The sophomore catcher had game-winning hits against Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg which helped lead the team to the MSL West title. Defensively, Kuhn threw out runners trying to steal at a remarkable 32 percent, allowing only 17 total stolen bases in 35 games. "Kristen's ability to successfully receive all-area pitcher Kim Cygan has really assisted in our success," said Barrington coach Perry Peterson. "Kristin's toughness and determination to improve her game really helps make my job easy. She is determined at what she does and she does a lot of things well both on the field and in the batter's box."

MaryClare Loughery | Rolling Meadows

Loughery batted cleanup for the Mustangs this season and helped them to their best finish (second) in the Mid-Suburban League this decade. The junior second baseman had the second-highest batting average on the team (. 390) with 15 RBI and a .469 on-base percentage. "She has been a three-year varsity player who has gotten better every year," said Meadows coach Tony Wolanski. "She has a great bat. She just hits. And she has a good glove." Loughery will serve as a captain next spring. "It will be great to have her back," Wolanski added. "She will have to take over the leadership role for Maddy (Urban, graduated all-area senior shortstop)."

Stephanie Maday | Elk Grove

Maday played a key role for third straight year on the mound. She won her 60th game this spring, which places her among the top five of all time at Elk Grove. In addition to her mound prowess, Maday (17-3 with a 0.12 ERA) also supplied the Grenadiers with some key offense this season. She belted 3 homers while batting .383. "Stephanie is a model of consistency," said Elk Grove coach Ken Grams. "With Stephanie on the mound, we know we have chance to win every game we play. She has worked very hard for three years and there's no reason to expect it to be any different next year."

Sarah McGinn | Schaumburg

McGinn was considered the Saxons' unsung hero by coach Erin Malinowski, who watched her senior first baseman lead the team with 24 RBI. "Sarah came up with clutch hits in many of our close games," said Malinowski, who saw McGinn hit a home run which proved to be the difference in a dramatic come-from behind win over Palatine. "Sarah could always be counted on to give her best effort." McGinn, who had 28 hits and 5 home runs, made only 9 errors out of 252 attempts for a .965 fielding percentage. "Not only was Sarah a huge offensive threat, but she shined this year at first base," Malinowski added. "Sarah has been a leader by example for the younger players on our team."

Amanda Mertes | Elk Grove

When it came to slap hitting, Mertes was one of the best around. The senior center fielder batted a school record .479 while reaching base 46 times in 96 at bats. The speedy four-year varsity player also stole a team-high 19 bases. "She probably would have set the record for hits in a single season, however, she was sidelined toward the end of the season with a hamstring injury," said Elk Grove coach Ken Grams. "Amanda prepared so well for her final season, both physically and mentally. A coach could not ask for anything more."

Katie Mnichowicz | Palatine

Mnichowicz made the transition from second base to shortstop this year and hardly missed a beat. "Shortstop is the most important position so there was a lot of pressure on Katie," said Pirates coach Jeff Manz. "But she worked so hard on it." She also worked as hard as anyone in the batter's box where she batted .318 with 34 hits, 27 runs while batting .421 in the conference. She also was 22-of-22 stealing bases. "Katie stole a lot of bases for us and never got caught," Manz added. "As Katie went, we went. She is just a great athlete. She's really come a long way in two seasons and she has two left, which is great."

Emily Ott | Maine West

Although she was able to pitch for only half of the season (10-3 with a 1.88 ERA) due to a back injury, Ott was still able to lead the Warriors with her bat (team-high .511 average) and fine glove at first base. She broke several school records in three years as a varsity starter. Her 47 hits, 32 runs 6 triples and .511 batting average this season were all single- season school marks. She has also thrown 5 no-hitters and was 42-14 for her career. "Because she bats left-handed and pitches right-handed, her back injury did not affect her hitting," said West coach Mike Murin. "From the time of her injury to the end of the season, she hit. 652. (30-for-46). She focused herself on other aspects of the game and became our catalyst on offense. Emily's athleticism, knowledge of the game and solid work ethic made her the player she is and her output and leadership will be hard to replace."

Aly Poehlmann | Schaumburg

Coach Erin Malinowski, a former Bradley and Barrington High School standout, has seen a lot of high school softball hitters. But she believes Poehlmann is one of the best. "She is one of the most consistent and disciplined hitters I have ever seen," the coach said. "Every at bat is a good at bat for Aly. She is a tough out." Poehlmann finished with a team-high 50 hits and .431 batting average. "Aly was the heart and soul of our offense," Malinowski added. " In addition to leading our team offensively, Aly was the leader on the field from behind the plate." Poelhmann threw out 7 runners trying to steal bases. "Aly has matured mentally and physically this year," Malinowski said. "Her knowledge of the game and her enthusiasm are unparalleled.

Olivia Roback | Elk Grove

Roback's infield play and her offensive skills made her a valuable entry for the Grenadiers MSL championship season. The three-year starting shortstop batted .300 while collecting 3 home runs and 20 RBI. "Olivia is just a complete players," defensive she makes play after play and ha has been a constant for the last three season," said Elk Grove coach Ken Grams. "I am looking forward to another season of leadership from her at shortstop."

Colleen Roberts | Hoffman Estates

Roberts, a co-captain and two-time all-conference, all-area selection, produced a stellar four-year varsity career at Hoffman. Roberts's .406 on-base percentage and .300 batting average were testaments to her ability to ignite her offense. "Col has been a rock at shortstop for the past three years," said Hoffman coach Lindsey Hamma. "Furthermore, she consistently provided a spark in our lineup from the leadoff spot. She leaves some big shoes to fill and we will miss her."

Jenny Schneider | Fremd

Batting No. 2 in the lineup, Schneider has been a major threat all season. The junior outfielder has 51 hits in 112 at bats while batting .455. She has also scored 30 runs with 7 doubles, 1 triple, 2 home run and 24 RBI. "Jen has had an amazing season," said Fremd coach Jim Weaver. "Fifty hits for any player is a huge milestone, and when coupled with a .455 batting average, that's sets up for an amazing season," Schneider has not only hit for a high average, but for power as well, with a .589 slugging percentage. "Jen has truly amazingly quick hands and has only struck out a handful of times this season,"Weaver said. "And she has driven in 24 runs from the second spot in the order."

Colleen Shandley | Barrington

Not only does she lead the team in hitting with her .447 batting average, Shandley also has been a leader with positive encouragement. "Colleen's vibrant smile and positive attitude have helped mold us into a championship team," said Fillies coach Perry Peterson. The sophomore second baseman has 55 hits, 34 runs, 10 RBI and a team-leading .477 on base percentage while stealing 24 bases in 27 attempts. She has hit safely in 30 of the Fillies' 35 games.

Julie Sweeney | St. Viator

Sweeney did it all for the Lions, who enjoyed their winningest season in 16 years. The sophomore pitcher and first baseman recorded 8 wins on the mound with 92 strikeouts, a .2.53 ERA and 4 shutouts. Her .400 batting average led the team and was third best in the East Suburban Catholic Conference. She hit 3 home runs, 3 triples and 14 doubles for a .652 slugging percentage that resulted in 33 RBI. Her 46 total hits is a school record. "Julie worked very hard in the off season to improve her pitching and hitting skills," said Lions coach Dan Twarog. "She is a dedicated team player and a leader. Her quiet confidence motivates the players her around to her to work harder and put their best effort forward at bat and in the field."

Jessica Tackett | Fremd

No one hit the long ball better than Tackett this spring. The senior first baseman, who will study at Northwestern University, belted 7 home runs this spring to set the school's record all-time record of 10. She also batted .388 with 11 doubles, 23 runs, 33 RBI, 12 walks and a .452 on base percentage. "Jessica is our senior leader and has excelled in that role all season," Weaver said. "She has also had the best overall power hitting season in Fremd's history. She has coupled that with a high average and on base percentage as well. She plays an excellent first base as well, serving as one of the leaders of the infield, and is the rock that keeps us all together."

Kiersten Tinkoff | Barrington

Only a sophomore, Tinkoff has been a valuable contributor both on offense and defense. The sophomore first baseman is batting .316 as the Fillies cleanup hitter with 36 hits, 11 doubles, 4 home runs and a team-high 31 RBI ands .518 slugging percentage. At first base, Tinkoff has been solid compiling 271 of the 272 fielding opportunities which she has had for a .996 fielding percentage. "Kiersten's ability to make her fellow infielders better with her range and catching ability has made a huge difference for us," said Fillies coach Perry Peterson. "Her improvement from freshman to sophomore year has been remarkable. We are really pleased with the direction her game is going."

Maddy Urban | Rolling Meadows

Meadows coach Tony Wolanski said at the start of the season he felt Urban was as good as any hitter in the area and she did nothing to change his mind. The senior shortstop batted a team-high .402 with a team-high 41 hits, 25 runs, 14 stolen bases and .471 on-base percentage. "Maddy has a great competitive drive and great ability to compete," Wolanski said. "She worked hard every year to get better and make herself the player she is today. She owns six records for Meadows. "We are definitely going to miss her. She's batted first or third for the last three years. You can't replace her. She developed into a great shortstop, too."

Kelly Voigt | Fremd

Solid with the glove and steady with the bat, Voigt served as a valuable weapon for coach Jim Weaver. She is batting .393 with 23 runs, 4 doubles, 20 RBI, 9 walks, 12 stolen bases and .446 one base percentage. "Kelly is the final piece of our four straight .400 hitters in the middle of our lineup," Weaver said. " She is our toughest player to strikeout in our lineup and after getting off to a slow start due to a preseason injury that held her numbers down a bit she has been hitting close to .450 over the second half of the season. She is an RBI machine and has played an unbelievable third base, making only 2 errors all season."

Kaitlin Walsh | Hoffman Estates

Walsh led the Hawks to their best record in her high school career this season with a 1.39 ERA. "Kait gave her teammates the opportunity to win every game this season by challenging hitters with a strong mix of pitches," said Hawks coach Lindsey Hamma, who started her job four years ago when Walsh came in as a freshman. "Her work this season ranks her among the best in the Hoffman record book in many categories. Kait gave her teammates the opportunity to win every game this season by challenging hitters with a strong mix of pitches; she had a competitive spirit and presence on the mound that rivaled the best in the area." Walsh set the single-season school record with 170 strikeouts this spring. Walsh will attend Benedictine University next fall and decide if she wants to continue her softball career.

Alex Wulbecker | Hoffman Estates

Wulbecker capped off an impressive career as a four-year starter this spring and was voted MVP by her teammates. The Hoffman Female Athlete of the Year (she also played volleyball and basketball) made the switch from first to third this season in softball. Wulbecker batted .337 with a .506 slugging percentage. The Hawks benefitted from her fearless short game defense on the hot corner. "Alex's team-first attitude, leadership, determination and heart make her a coach's dream," said Hoffman coach Lindsey Hamma said. Wulbecker will attend Northern Illinois University where she will compete for the Huskie softball team. "We can never replace a player like Alex," Hamma added. "And I can't wait to follow her success at the next level."

Lauren Zaworski | Fremd

Before the season began, Zaworski committed to Loyola University. She continued to show why the Ramblers want her in their program. The junior second baseman is batting .404 with 40 hits, 30 runs, 26 RBI, 25 walks, 11 doubles 2 triples, 1 home run and a .516 on base percentage. "Lauren has put up huge numbers this year," said Fremd coach Jim Weaver. "Coming off last year's 8 home runs, people have pitched around Lauren all year long, as evidenced by her 25 walks. Her .520 on base percentage is off the charts for a right-handed power hitter." Zaworski has more extra base hits this year than she had last year. "She has made a great adjustment to how people have been pitching her," Weaver added. "She is still second in all time career homers in Fremd history with 9. She has also played a great second base making only 2 errors all year."

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>All-Area Teams</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Cook County</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=298406"><B>Softball</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298405">Softball captain: Nikki Goranson</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298398"><B>Baseball</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298397">Baseball captain: Jon Carlson</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298403"><B>Girls soccer</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298402">Soccer captains: Laura Mayer, Mary Kubiuk</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298401"><B>Boys volleyball</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298400">Volleyball captain: Chris Falknor</a></li> </ul> <h2>DuPage County</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=298388"><B>Softball</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298392">Softball captain: Hannah Santora</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298388"><B>Baseball</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298582">Baseball captain: Jack DeAno</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298391"><B>Girls soccer</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298394">Soccer captain: Leah Fortune</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298390"><B>Boys volleyball</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298393">Volleyball captain: Joe Kelly</a></li> </ul> <h2>Fox Valley</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=298676"><B>Softball</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298362">Softball captain: Kimberly Pierce</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298660"><B>Baseball</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298356">Baseball co-captain: Brian Brauer</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298355">Baseball co-captain: Craig Lipp</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298658"><B>Girls soccer</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298361">Soccer captain: Cori Wronski</a></li> </ul> <h2>Lake County</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=298410"><B>Softball</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298408">Softball captain: Olivia Duehr</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298407"><B>Baseball</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298396">Baseball captain: Chas Evans</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298404"><B>Girls soccer</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298409">Soccer captain: Courtney Levy</a></li> </ul> <h2>Tri-Cities</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=298385"><B>Softball</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298379">Softball captain:Stephanie Becker</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298383"><B>Baseball</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298380">Baseball captain: Matt Milroy</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298382"><B>Girls soccer</B></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=298378">Soccer captain: Emily Hinchman</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>