Scouting Fox Valley softball teams
Bartlett Hawks
Coach: Jim Wolfsmith (7th season)
Conference: Upstate Eight
Last year: 22-15 (lost 2-0 to Naperville Central in Class 4A Benedictine supersectional)
Key returnees: Seniors Callie Dennison (P/SS), Lauren Chuchvara (OF), Kelsey Warrick (C), Allyse Taormina (OF), Megan Morales (3B), Katie Popovich (IF); juniors Nicole Beck (IF), Jacki Gulczynski (1B), Lisa Matsie (C/IF).
Key newcomers: Freshman Kaylyn Zierke (C/IF).
Outlook: An up-and-down regular season turned magical in the postseason for the Hawks last year as they made a run to the Elite Eight before losing to Naperville Central in the Benedictine supersectional. And while there are huge holes to fill from the graduation of all-area standout Elizabeth Kay (Illinois State) and the steady Rachel Anello, the Hawks do return 7 starters, including Butler recruit Callie Dennison, who was 18-12 in the circle last season, pitching over 200 innings and recording a 1.68 ERA. She also hit .333 with 4 homers and 30 RBI. Also back are veteran third baseman Megan Morales (21 RBI), starting outfielders Lauren Chuchvara (. 315) and Alysse Taormina as well as Kelsey Warrick (. 386), who will catch this season after DH'ing most of the time last season, and steady middle infielder Nicole Beck. Junior Jacki Gulczynski returns to play first base after leading the Hawks to the sectional finals in basketball and being named honorary co-captain of the Daily Herald's All-Area team. "I think we've got a lot of girls back with a good combination of speed and power," said Hawks coach Jim Wolfsmith, who is now in full softball mode after guiding the Hawks' boys basketball team to a supersectional appearance, giving him rare back-to-back supersectional appearances in different sports. "It will ultimately be defense that tells the tale of a lot of teams this season with the mound moved back." Wolfsmith said Dennison will shoulder most of the pitching load but that he has several JV pitchers he'll rotate as her backup. He also looks forward to the Upstate Eight wars as the conference appears to be better, and loaded again this season. "Our conference is one of the toughest in the Chicagoland area," Wolfsmith said.
Burlington Central Rockets
Coach: Scot Sutherland (11th year)
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Conference: Big Northern (East)
Last year: 26-6 (Big Northern East champs, 3rd place in Class 3A)
Key returnees: Seniors Samantha Gruner (SS/C), Ashley Scheffler (3B), Jet Kein (P), Megan Minehart (IF); juniors Abby Morrow (1B/OF), Katie Maleski (2B); sophomores Haley Albamonte (OF), Kaitlyn O'Reilly (IF).
Key newcomers: Juniors Cassie Warner (IF/OF), Molly Harrison (OF); sophomores Sara Kisch (C/OF), Emily Bell (IF/OF).
Outlook: There are 11 players back from last year's Class 3A third-place team but the burning question on Rocket Hill this spring will be how BC will perform post-Mackenzie Scott. The fireballing right-hander has graduated and moved on to Elgin Community College after going 21-3 last year and winning 64 games in her varsity career; that on the heels of Erica Maisto winning 76 games before her for the winningest Fox Valley area softball program covered by the Daily Herald since 1995. Also gone from the state team are shortstop Kayla Oranger (Texas-El Paso), outfielder Lindsay Lange and first baseman Brittany Priest. The pitching chores will be turned over to senior left-hander Jet Kein, who went 5-3 with a 2.50 ERA last season. Sam Gruner, Scott's catcher the last three years, will move to shortstop, while Abby Morrow and newcomer Emily Bell are battling for the first base job. Sophomore Sara Kisch becomes the Rockets' new catcher. There's plenty of offense back, including from all-area returnees Gruner (. 338, 24 RBI) and senior third baseman Ashley Scheffler (. 430, 25 RBI), as well as Morrow (. 265, 18 RBI) and sophomore center fielder Haley Albamonte (. 281, 11 RBI). Sophomore Kelsey Johnson will back up Kein in the circle. "Jet pitched real well when Mac was hurt last year and it's her ballgame now," said 11th-year coach Scot Sutherland. "We lost a lot at key positions. Mac, Kayla and Brittany are three huge losses. We've got a nice nucleus back but we're missing the biggest key to the game of softball that we had for the last 6-7 years. Jet has big shoes to fill and with the pitching distance moved back we'll have to play solid defense behind her."
Cary-Grove Trojans
Coach: Tammy Olson (17th season)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
Last year: 14-18
Key returnees: Senior Abbe Wienckowski (1B); juniors Alexis Haley (CF), Emma Gaulke (P/SS/OF).
Key newcomers: Freshmen Lindsay Efflandt (P/3B), Saea Leudo (C/3B).
Outlook: The Trojans struggled offensively last year but they do have two of their top three hitters back in juniors Alexis Haley (. 300) and Emma Gaulke (. 264). Gaulke and freshman Lindsay Efflandt will share pitching time this season as Cary-Grove hopes to contend in the balanced Valley Division of the Fox Valley Conference. "This year we expect to be very competitive in the conference," said Trojans coach Tammy Olson, the dean of area coaches who now has 269 career wins. "Our goal is to take one game at a time and build to be better each game. This year's team is stronger, quicker and more experienced than last year. We have a nice blend of new and experienced players at the varsity level." The Trojans opened the season with a win over Antioch, which many observers believe has a chance to reach the Final Four in Class 3A.
Crystal Lake South Gators
Coach: Scott Busam (5th season)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
Last year: 22-10
Key returnees: Seniors Vicki Pyan (SS), Lauren Swanson (OF), Tori Maule (OF); sophomores Liz Adams (C), Sam Golf (P).
Key newcomers: Juniors Shannon McGinnis (IF), Tori Stevenson (OF), Jamie Below (IF/OF); sophomore Hannah Mahoney (P/OF).
Outlook: Having lost the Hardie sisters (Kaitlin and Megan now play at Winona State) and Emily Mahoney (Dominican) to graduation, the Gators have some rebuilding to do. They do have some quality experience back in senior shortstop Vicki Pyan (. 347, 3 HRs, 15 RBI) and sophomore catcher Liz Adams (. 321, 16 RBI). The pitching will be young and untested at the varsity level in sophomores Sam Golf and Hannah Mahoney. "Our goal is to just get better every day," said Gators coach Scott Busam.
Dundee-Crown Chargers
Coach: Tracy Beatty (3rd season)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
Last year: 5-26
Key returnees: Junior Tiffany Rawlinson (1B/C), sophomore Melany Love (P/3B).
Key newcomers: Juniors Shelby Spujth (C), Brittany Schultz (C/2B); freshman Amanda Eissler (P/SS).
Outlook: The Chargers were winless in the Valley Division of the Fox Valley Conference last season so their first goal is to break that streak. There isn't a lot of experience back, but Love did gain valuable varsity innings in the circle as a freshman and should be better poised to keep D-C in games this season. "We graduated nine seniors so we're in rebuilding mode," said coach Tracy Beatty. "It's a brand new team. We need to learn the game. It will be a new experience every time out."
Elgin Maroons
Coach: Chad Dahlman (1st season)
Conference: Upstate Eight
Last year: 9-23
Key returnees: Seniors Kelly Patchett (P/1B), Brandi Hernandez (SS/OF), Mari Aguilera (OF), Jenna Jaynes (OF), Evelyn Boje (Utility); junior Jaclyn Navarro (C); sophomores Hannah Perryman (P/1B), Rachel Roth (IF)/
Key newcomers: Senior Lindsey Hedl (IF/OF), juniors Elizabeth Gorski (2B) and Jennifer Fulton (OF/P).
Outlook: The Maroons return 7 starters for first-year coach Chad Dahlman, a former baseball player and assistant softball coach at Larkin. Hernandez, who is signed with Miami of Ohio, hit .340 and scored 27 runs last year. An all-area outfielder last season she will play shortstop this spring. The right-handed Patchett is a four-year veteran in the circle and Perryman struck out 157 in 113 innings last season while winning 6 games. "With an extremely hardworking team we are expecting to compete with the top teams in the conference," said Dahlman. "With seven returning starters the key to our success will be playing solid defense and consistently manufacturing runs."
Hampshire Whip-Purs
Coach: Ken Bram (3rd year)
Conference: Big Northern (East)
Last year: 12-16
Key returnees: Senior Mary Bruscato (2B/OF); junior Kirsten Follman (2B/OF); sophomores Grace Jakubowski (IF/OF), Katelyn Bruscato (P/IF/OF), Tiffany Bentley (IF/C/OF), Kendall Walker (1B).
Key newcomers: Freshmen Christina Potempa (C), Jennifer Jurst (P/INF/OF).
Outlook: The Whip-Purs are as young as young can be competing in one of the toughest Class 3A conferences in northern Illinois in the Big Northern East. "We're a real young team this year, said Whips coach Ken Bram. "We only have one senior starting and a whole bunch of sophomores and freshmen. But we're excited about it." Senior second baseman Mary Bruscato is the only senior starter, while her sophomore sister Katelyn will share circle duties with freshman Jennifer Hurst, who struck out 11 in a 1-0 loss to Sandwich in her varsity debut. Sophomore Grace Jakubowski, who has been moved to shortstop from center field, hit .348 last season. Sophomore Tiffany Bentley has power potential and will catch and play third base. Bram hopes injured freshman catcher Christina Potempa can return soon. "We don't have a deep bench so we need to stay healthy," Bram said. "It's a great bunch of girls and they're working hard."
Huntley Red Raiders
Coach: Mark Petryniec (8th season)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
Last year: 24-13 (regional champion)
Key returnees: Seniors Jenna Mychko (C), Arianna Albanese (IF), Amanda Wisniewski (IF/OF); juniors Kelsey Hagan (IF/OF), Megan Flynn (OF).
Key newcomers: Juniors Taylor Larson (P/IF), Kacy Kane (P/IF), Karlie Swanson (IF); sophomores Taylor Lycos (IF/OF), Geena Ribando (OF/C), Samantha Brushaber (OF), Aryana Burgos (OF); freshman Randy Peterson (IF/C).
Outlook: The Red Raiders are coming off a Class 4A regional championship season and have plenty of offensive firepower coming back but the question will be how the pitching will perform with Sam Clemons, winner of 72 career game in the circle for Huntley. Offensively, Huntley returns Division I recruits in catcher Jenna Mychko (Illinois, .483, 3 HRs, 34 RBI) and shortstop Amanda Wisniewski (Valparaiso). "Hitting has been one of our strong points and our expectations are high for our returning players," said Red Raiders coach Mark Petryniec, who tabbed Jacobs as the preseason favorite in the Valley Division of the Fox Valley Conference. "We have a great new mix of talent at varsity this year. For us to be competitive this year we'll need strong contributions from our new players. Improving defensively is one of our main focuses." Huntley's new sophomore coach is former two-time all-area captain and Burlington Central graduate Heather Wendt.
Jacobs Golden Eagles
Coach: Jeremy Bauer (7th season)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
Last year: 20-13
Key returnees: Senior Sara Jacobson (CF); juniors Jenna Teson (SS), Kelsey Peterson (1B), Marissa Lombardo (P), Kara Arceneaux (P/Utility).
Key newcomers: N/A
Outlook: The Golden Eagles had one of the best pitching staffs in the area forming with juniors Marissa Lombardo (9-6, 2.55 ERA) and Kara Arceneaux and promising sophomore Katie Kirker (4-1, 1.40) until Kirker was lost for the season after tearing an ACL in the final minute of the final basketball game of the season. Offensively, Jacobs has some firepower with senior center fielder Sara Jacobson (. 347, 27 runs) back as well as junior all-area shortstop Jenna Teson (. 475, 20 SBs) and junior first baseman Kelsey Peterson (. 305) all back. "Our strength should be our balanced offensive lineup," said Golden Eagles coach Jeremy Bauer. "We will need our pitching staff to stay healthy in order to stay competitive."
Larkin Royals
Coach: Larry Hight (15th season)
Conference: Upstate Eight
Last year: 7-22
Key returnees: Seniors Kelsey Lodge (IF/OF), Ashley Frey (IF/C); juniors Corinne Wimmer (SS), Megan Johnson (P/IF/OF), Anna Esterino (IF/OF); sophomores Kiernan Schock (P/OF), Nikki Banks (OF), Lexi Smithberg (P/IF/OF).
Key newcomers: Sophomore Maggie Hoffman (C/OF); freshman Alex Buhrow (1B/C/OF).
Outlook: Still a very young team, the Royals do have solid varsity experience returning and hope to improve on last year's tough 7-22 finish. All-area junior shortstop Corinne Wimmer (. 422, 15 RBI) is a Division I prospect and she leads a group of eight returning starters. Both starting pitchers return from last season in junior Megan Johnson and sophomore Lexi Smithberg, and sophomore Kiernan Shock won 9 games at the JV level last season. Larkin's catching will be a bit inexperienced after returning backstop Victoria Nino decided not to play this season. "We should be better than last year's team in all areas of softball," said Larkin coach Larry Hight, who as of Wednesday needed just 14 wins to reach 300 for his career. "Our goals this year are to finish in the top half of the conference, have a .500-plus season and win the regional and advance as far as we can."
St. Edward Green Wave
Coach: Mike Rolando (3rd season)
Conference: Sububan Christian (Blue)
Last year: 19-13 (regional champion)
Key returnees: Seniors Kristi Knott (CF), Kristina Brockner (C/SS), Taylor Lundquist (OF); juniors Sarah Field (P/1B), Kelsey Richmond (3B/OF), Vernoica Rolando (2B/OF); sophomore Maddie Kerr (1B/OF).
Key newcomers: Seniors BreAunna Medinger (OF/P); junior Tara McShane (3B/C); freshman Kali Kossakowski (IF).
Outlook: The Green Wave return two of the top offensive players in the area in seniors Kristin Knott (. 330, 24 runs, 18 SBs) and all-area catcher/SS Kristina Brockner (. 364, 23 RBI) as well as third-year pitcher, all-area junior Sarah Field (19-9, 1.79 ERA, 156 Ks). The addition of senior BreAunna Medinger and junior Tara McShane, both Driscoll transfers, could give the Wave enough for a third straight regional title. "Our goal is to advance to the Final Four," said third-year coach Mike Rolando, whose 2008 team reached a Class 2A supersectional. "We want to consistenly compete in the SCC Blue Division. We have six returning starters and two starters from Driscoll so we have senior and junior leaders with several years of varsity experience. Expectations are very high for this group."
South Elgin Storm
Coach: Jason Schaal (5th season)
Conference: Upstate Eight
Last year: 23-13 (regional champions)
Key returnees: Seniors Courtney Bosteder (SS), Caitlin Stredde (CF), Katelyn Stonecipher (OF).
Key newcomers: Sophomore Sam Bolin (P/3B); freshmen Kara Rodriguez (C/OF), Victoria Watt (2B/SS).
Outlook: The Storm is coming off a school-record 23 wins and a second straight regional championship but will need to replace the offense that graduated along with all-area captain Kim Pierce (Indiana State), Lauren Vitiello (Granbd View College) and Layla Ismajlaj (ECC). Senior leadership will be in abundance from all-area shortstop Courtney Bosteder (. 433, 5 HRs, 40 RBI), center fielder Caitlin Stredde (. 330) and left fielder Katelyn Stonecipher (. 302, 13 SBs), who coach Jason Schaal has turned around to become a leadoff slapper. Sophomore Sam Bolin will step into the pitcher's circle and form one half of a young battery with freshman catcher Kara Rodriguez. "We're hoping to finish in the top four of a very tough conference," said Schaal of the rough-and-tumble Upstate Eight. "We also look to repeat as a regional champion for the third year in a row. We're a very young team. It will be a challenge."
Streamwood Sabres
Coach: Nick Baird (2nd season)
Conference: Upstate Eight
Last year: 4-24
Key returnees: Seniors Julie Alvarez (OF), Helene Eckler (OF), Delaney O'Malley (Utility); juniors Bri Bogdajewicz (IF/OF), Kelsey Johnson (P), Jen Mellenthin (C/OF), Jenna Szabo (P/IF); sophomore Amanda Patterson (P/1B/OF).
Key newcomers: Senior Julie Ranahan (IF); juniors Aubrey Gallione (OF), Allie Montemoyer (P/IF); sophomores Jackie Jastrzebski (C/IF), Audrey Lai (OF/C/P).
Outlook: The Sabres are looking to improve on last year's 4-24 record with some sold experience returning. "This year's team has a lot of experience returning in key areas," said second-year coach Nick Baird. "Last year's team had two seniors mixed with a lot of sophomores and freshmen. Toward the end of last season we started to compete with a lot of the top teams in the (Upstate Eight) conference. We are looking to finish in the top half of the conference and compete for a regional championship."
Westminster Christian Warriors
Coach: Scott Sevey (2nd season)
Conference: Northeast Athletic
Last year: 6-20
Key returnees: juniors Katie Moeller (P/SS), Hannah Graves (P/3B/SS), Emily Bickford (1B), Amanda Walsh (OF).
Key newcomers: Freshmen Elizabeth Farwell (IF), Allison Hilscher (IF).
Outlook: The Warriors hope to improve on last year's 6-20 season and have some experience back to do so. They'll also play in a new conference after being beat up in the program's first two seasons in the Private School League. Junior Katie Moeller hit .448 with 22 stolen bases last season. "We are looking to improve on last year's record, continue to better our defense and develop a more rounded offensive attack," said second-year coach Scott Sevey.
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<h2>Related documents</h2>
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<li><a href="/pdf/baseball.softball.2010/dupage.pdf">DuPage County players </a></li>
<li><a href="/pdf/baseball.softball.2010/fox.pdf">Fox Valley players </a></li>
<li><a href="/pdf/baseball.softball.2010/lake.pdf">Lake County players </a></li>
<li><a href="/pdf/baseball.softball.2010/northwest.pdf">Northwest suburban players </a></li>
<li><a href="/pdf/baseball.softball.2010/tri-cities.pdf">Tri-Cities players </a></li>
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