Fox Valley All-Area softball team

Caris Alan | Elgin

Elgin High's Female Athlete of the Year, this senior second baseman turned catcher did it all for the Maroons. Hit .310, and scored 14 runs. "She's such a great kid and a fierce competitor," said Elgin coach Peg Corcoran. "She was an all-conference second baseman who we needed to move behind the plate and she never once complained. She just set aside all of her personal goals. Her value to the team was incredible. She hates to lose and she's a kid who really cares about her team and her teammates." Will play basketball and possible softball at Carthage College in Wisconsin.

Rachael Anello Bartlett

Bartlett's senior first baseman also played her fair share of second base this season after coming into the program as a shortstop. Hit .361 with 1 home run and 19 RBI and helped her team to another 20-win season and a regional championship. Had a .454 on-base percentage and a .495 slugging percentage. "Rachael really rebounded from a junior year in which she struggled a little," said Hawks coach Jim Wolfsmith. "Defensively she's one of the best first basemen in the area but we've got her at second to help the team and that shows her versatility. The best thing about Rachael is her personality. She's a unique character." A Super 60 invitee.

Cassy Bencal | Jacobs

Jacobs' senior catcher showed her versatility behind the plate this season by receiving for four different pitchers and helping the Golden Eagles to a 20-13 season. Hit .365 with 1 home run and 13 RBI. Had a .442 slugging percentage and a .400 on-base percentage. "She had to catch for four different pitchers and learn them all," said Jacobs coach Jeremy Bauer. "She called some really good games and offensively, she turned it around from an average junior year to a phenomenal senior year."

Katie Berg | Cary-Grove

Cary-Grove's senior catcher was one of the most reliable backstops in the area for the Trojans this season. She hit .295 and had 12 RBI but more importantly helped a young C-G pitching staff mature. "She did an outstanding job all season for us, said Cary-Grove coach Tammy Olson. "She was very consistent hitting and catching and she showed a lot of senior leadership. We could always count on her consistency day in and day out."

Courtney Bosteder | South Elgin

Junior shortstop came into her own this season, hitting .436 with 5 home runs and 40 RBI and helping lead her team to 23 wins (through Tuesday) and its second straight regional title. "Courtney made our team stronger this year," said Storm coach Jason Schaal. She was second in the area in RBI and third in home runs and doubles. "She played great defense and was a huge run producer for us," Schaal said. "She'll be a leader for us next year."

Kristina Brockner | St. Edward

One of the most improved players in the area. this junior catcher helped St. Edward to a 19-13 season and a second straight Class 2A regional title. Hit .364 with 8 doubles and 23 RBI. Was also a rock behind the plate for the Green Wave. "She had a great season," said Wave coach Mike Rolando. "She came out of the box hitting well and was very consistent all year. She caught almost every inning for us and was very solid behind the plate. She calls her own game and works well with (pitcher) Sarah (Field). She knows situations well and just does a great job for us."

Sam Clemons | Huntley

With 72 career wins heading into sectional play, this senior right-hander is tied for 39th on the all-time IHSA wins list. This season she led her team to a regional championship with a 23-10 record and a 1.97 ERA and 166 strikeouts. A four-time all-area selection she also hit .311 with 19 RBI. "Words cannot explain what Sam has meant to our program," said Red Raiders coach Mark Petryniec. "She took on the pitching workload for us and pitched over 200 innings this year. "Over the past four years Sam has been one of the main contributors to us winning three regional titles and one conference title. Sam has set the standards high for future Huntley pitchers to measure up against. She will be sorely missed next year."

Deana DeBoscherre | Huntley

One of the top power hitters in the area, this senior third baseman hit .430 with 2 home runs and 29 RBI to help lead Huntley to a 24-12 season (through Tuesday) and its third straight regional title. Scored a team-high 28 runs and had 12 doubles. "De's value to our program has been immeasurable," said coach Mark Petryniec. "Defensively at third base she has been nothing short of amazing. Offensively she put up great numbers for us and she will leave behind some huge shoes to fill at third base. She's been a pleasure to coach for four years." Will play at Kankakee Community College, a perennial national junior college power.

Callie Dennison | Bartlett

Bartlett's junior pitcher had some huge shoes to fill this season, following in the footsteps of graduated standout Lauren Wydra, and she did a commendable job, pitching 187 innings and going 16-11 with a sparkling 1.76 ERA, allowing opponents to hit just .223 off her. Also hit .333 with 4 home runs and a team-high 30 RBI for the Hawks, who won 20 games and advanced to sectionals. "She really took it upon herself to shoulder that burden off of replacing Lauren Wydra and she's done a great job of pitching her game her way for us," said Bartlett coach Jim Wolfsmith. "We had too many miscues in the field and she has more losses than she should. And to her credit, her hitting hasn't slipped. A lot of people don't realize how much Callie has done for us." Is a two-time all-area player and has verbally committed to Butler.

Lea Diaz | St. Edward

Just a sophomore, the Green Wave shortstop became one of the better hitters in the area. She finished the season at .419, scored a team-high 33 runs and had 2 home runs and 13 RBI from the leadoff spot. Also drew a team-high 22 walks in helping St. Edward to a 19-13 season and its second straight Class 2A regional title, even though she was hurt in the postseason. "Unfortunately she got injured at the wrong time but she had an outstanding year for us," said Wave coach Mike Rolando. "She'll get better defensively and offensively she learned to be more patient at the plate. She has a lot of weapons."

Sarah Field | St. Edward

St. Edward's sophomore ace in the circle had another fine season in helping the Green Wave to a 19-13 campaign and a second straight Class 2A regional title. Was 19-9 with a 1.79 ERA and 156 strikeouts. Also hit .315 with 9 doubles and a team-high 31 RBI. "She's only a sophomore but she performs like a veteran player," said Wave coach Mike Rolando. "The best of Sarah is yet to come. She's still developing and she's got a great softball mind. She also hit the ball real well for us."

Samantha Gruner | Burlington Central

One of the top junior catchers in the area, Gruner had another strong season at the plate as well, hitting .343 with 1 home run, 6 doubles and 24 RBI. Had a .471 slugging percentage and helped her team to a 22-5 record entering sectional play Wednesday, as well as s a fifth straight conference title and a sixth straight regional championship. "Sam has been a very solid catcher for us for four years," said Rockets coach Scot Sutherland. "She has handled all the pitchers real well and calls a good game for us. At the plate she always seems to put the ball in play." Only struck out four times in 82 plate appearances.

Kaitlin Hardie | Crystal Lake South

One of the top shortstops in the area, this CL South senior rebounded from missing her junior season with a torn ACL to hit .407 with 14 doubles, 3 home runs and 23 RBI for the 20-12 Gators. Also scored 35 runs. "There's no way to replace a Kaitlin Hardie," said CL South coach Scott Busam. "She was an on the field coach. She hustles all the time and I've never met a kid who loves to practice as much as Kait does. Her attitude, charisma, leadership and effort are irreplaceable. She's probably the most prolific offensive player South has ever had." A Super 60 invitee, she will play on scholarship with her sister Megan at Winona State University, which reached the NCAA Division II World Series this year.

Megan Hardie | Crystal Lake South

After missing most of her junior season with an ACL injury, this Gator first baseman came back strong and hit .344 to help lead her team to a 20-12 season. Had 3 home runs, 25 RBI and 8 doubles. "Along with her sisters Kaitlin and Samantha, she's a poster child for overcoming adversity," said South coach Scott Busam. "Megan just had the attitude she was going to come back stronger and faster and she did. She just had a flat-out desire to work hard and get better and I think she's in the best shape of her life right now." With her sister Kaitlin, Megan will play on scholarship at Winona State University, which reached the NCAA Division II World Series this season.

Brandi Hernandez | Elgin

One of the fastest players in the area, this junior shortstop hit .340 for the Maroons, stole 18 bases and scored 27 runs. "She was the spark that got us going," said Elgin coach Peg Corcoran. "She's got good wheels and she was always a threat to steal a base. She played a solid shortstop for us and she should have a fine senior year." Has verbally committed to play at Miami of Ohio.

Elizabeth Kay | Bartlett

One of the most complete players in the area, this Illinois State signee played the outfield, infield and caught for the Hawks the past three years. She did all of those and more this season, taking on the No. 2 pitcher's role as well. At the plate, the three-time all-area choice hit .397 with 5 home runs and 24 RBI. She also had 11 doubles and struck out just 9 times in 116 at-bats. Had a .527 on-base percentage and a .690 slugging percentage. In the circle, she went 4-3 with a 2.40 ERA. "Elizabeth has been the face of Bartlett High softball through its growth," said Hawks coach Jim Wolfsmith. "For four years you knew you could count on her for anything you asked. She's carried us. She's the best player at whatever position we put her at."

Emily Mahoney | Crystal Lake South

With standout pitcher Jessica Gable graduated, the load of the pitching chores for CL South this year fell on the senior Mahoney and she came through with flying colors, going 16-9 to lead her team to a 20-12 season. Had a 1.12 ERA with 178 strikeouts in 169 innings. Also hit .265 and had 4 home runs and 22 RBI. "I wouldn't be surprised if she was the fourth Hardie somehow," joked CL South coach Scott Busam. "Emily was a girl who did about anything we asked of her. We didn't have the pitching depth this year as we did last year and sometimes we had to ask Emily to pitch 3-54 days in a row. She did it as hard and as best as she could. She had no problem taking control and being a leader." Will play at Dominican University next year.

Jenna Mychko | Huntley

Just a junior, this is Mychko's third straight year on the all-area team. An Illinois recruit, she hit .483 with 3 home runs and 34 RBI, had a .664 slugging percentage, 12 doubles, a .523 on-base percentage and only 7 strikeouts in 131 plate appearances. "Jenna is one of the area's best hitters and she had a .995 fielding percentage and threw out 11 of 17 runners that tried to steal on her," said Red Raiders coach Mark Petryniec. "Jenna has stepped up and become a leader on our team and her contributions are invaluable."

Kayla Oranger | Burlington Central

The 2008 all-area co-captain, this BC senior shortstop was a key contributor to her team's success again, helping the Rockets to a 22-5 season entering sectional play this week, a year that included the program's fifth straight conference championship and its sixth straight regional title. Hit .373 from the leadoff position and had 35 stole bases in 36 attempts. For her career, she scored 176 runs, had 207 hits and stole 157 bases. "She's been a foundation for us for four years," said BC coach Scot Sutherland. "She put up some great numbers every year. Kayla is a great competitor and very deserving of what she's accomplished." A Super 60 invitee, Oranger will play on scholarship at Texas-El Paso, making her the first Burlington Central softball player to earn a Division I scholarship. A three-time all-area player.

Kimberly Pierce | South Elgin

The honorary captain of the all-area team hit .553 with 7 homers and 43 RBI, all area highs. Also led the area with 15 doubles and 46 runs scored. No less than half a dozen times, the Indiana State signee threw runners out from center field trying to score as she helped her team to its second straight regional title and 23 wins (through Tuesday). "Kim has done it all," Storm coach Jason Schaal said. "The impact she's had on our program will be long lasting." Also a Super 60 invitee.

Brittany Priest | Burlington Central

One of the slickest fielding first basemen in the area, this Burlington Central senior also had another stellar year at the plate, hitting .405 with 23 RBI and 17 stolen bases. Also had 3 triples, a .532 slugging percentage and a .505 on-base percentage in helping her team to a 22-5 season entering sectionals, as well as the program's fifth straight conference title and sixth straight regional crown. "You can't ask for a better individual," said BC coach Scot Sutherland. "She's a great student and one of the best fielding first basemen out there. She does everything you ask of her and she's had some big hits in her career for us."

Megan Roadcap | Hampshire

In her second season in the Fox Valley after transferring from Pennsylvania last year, this senior shortstop had another outstanding season for the Whip-Purs, hitting .418 with 12 doubles and 25 RBI. Had a .608 on-base percentage and added 3 triples. "Megan was our leading hitter, run producer and a fixture at shortstop for us," said Hampshire coach Ken Bram. She works very hard and was a key contributor to our team." Has signed to play at Judson University.

Ashley Scheffler | Burlington Central

Rockets' junior third baseman had a breakout season at the plate and was the fourth leading hitter in the area at .451. Had 5 triples and 25 RBI, as well as a .634 slugging percentage and a .530 on-base percentage as the Rockets were 22-5 heading into sectional play after winning their fifth straight conference championship and sixth straight regional title. "She had a breakout year for us," said BC coach Scot Sutherland. "She was very solid at third base and had a breakout year at the plate."

Mackenzie Scott | Burlington Central

The top pitcher in the area, this Rocket senior was 17-2 with a 0.20 ERA and 240 strikeouts entering sectional play this week. Has over 60 varsity wins in her career. She also hit .388 with 2 grand slam home runs and 23 RBI in helping her team to its fifth straight conference title and sixth straight regional crown. "Mac's had four great years for us and this year was her turn to stand alone," said BC coach Scot Sutherland. "She's done a great job of carrying the team." A Super 60 invitee.

Jenna Teson | Jacobs

One of the top sophomores in the area, Teson stepped in at shortstop to replace 2008 all-area co-captain Lauren Arceneaux and did a respectable job in helping the Golden Eagles to a 20-13 season. Offensively, the Jacobs leadoff hitter put up some of the best numbers in the area, hitting .475 with 3 triples and 20 stolen bases. Had a .535 slugging percentage and a .523 on-base percentage. "She had huge shoes to fill at shortstop and she stepped in and did a great job for us," said Jacobs coach Jeremy Bauer. "She played every game at shortstop except one. Offensively she didn't have the power numbers but she had a really high batting average and on-base percentage and she only got thrown out three times trying to steal. She was hard to get out."

Lauren Vitiello | South Elgin

Senior first baseman-pitcher was a huge reason South Elgin won its second straight regional title and tied the school record for wins with 23 (through Tuesday). Hit .451 with 6 home runs and 36 RBI and was 6-1 in the circle as the team's No. 2 pitcher. "Lauren worked really hard. She wanted to improve and she did a great job at first base for us this year," said Storm coach Jason Schaal. "When we asked her to pitch she brought her A game every time. We're going to miss her." Had a .784 slugging percentage with 14 doubles, as well as a .481 on-base percentage. Will play at Grand View College in Iowa next year.

Corinne Wimmer | Larkin

Larkin's sophomore shortstop had another stellar season, hitting .422 with a .544 slugging percentage and a .505 on-base percentage. Only had 7 strikeouts in 107 at-bats, drive in 15 runs from the leadoff spot and had 12 stolen bases. "Corinne is one of those players who really has a passion for the game," said Larkin coach Larry Hight. "She eats, drinks and sleeps softball and she's what a coach looks for in terms of passion and commitment to the game. She's a quiet leader who is developing into a really good player."

<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>