Scouting Tri-Cities softball teams

Aurora Central Catholic

Coach: Kim Troutman.

Last year: 9-22, 6-9 in the Suburban Catholic Conference.

Key returners: Kendra Bradley, sr., SS; Katie Callahan, so., C; Crysta Hoffman, jr., CF.

Promising newcomers: Miranda McCain, fr., 3B; Samantha May, so. P.

Outlook: First-year coach Troutman comes to Aurora Central after playing experience at Glenbard South High School, College of DuPage and National Louis University, and coaching travel ball with the Northern Illinois Thunder. "I have coached many different levels in the past," Troutman said. "I like the small, family-like atmosphere of ACC. I'm grateful for the opportunity to coach and look forward to a fun and competitive season." The Chargers welcome back Bradley, last year's team MVP who led the team in RBI and made all-conference. "Overall hitting and defense should improve over last year's averages," Troutman said. "The young pitchers have been working very hard to adjust to varsity. (We) lost two very good pitchers last year to graduation. Defensively the team has great chemistry. Strengths will be hitting and defense."

Aurora Christian

Coach: Mike Morris.

Last year: 6-21, 5-10 in Private School League.

Key returners: Shannah Morris, sr., SS/C; Steph Perik, sr., 2B; Naomi Haas, sr., P.

Promising newcomers: Courtney Thomas, fr., 3B: Sarah Morris, fr., P.

Trading card galleryOutlook: Changes are coming this spring for Aurora Christian, who begins play in a new conference with a new coach. A new coach, but one who is quite familiar with the Eagles. Morris, who has been coaching baseball since 1985 and softball since 2001, is the 18-U coach for the Aurora Raiders travel team. He has been an assistant coach at Aurora Christian the past three years. "It has been challenging but rewarding as I have seen this year's seniors progress since freshman year," said Morris, the father of Shannah and Sarah Morris, who said he thinks his team "will fit in the middle," of the first Suburban Christian race. The Eagles have a star to build around in Shannah Morris, who hit .478 last year with 4 home runs and 25 RBI last season. She will play at Wheaton College next year. Perik batted .367 last season to earn the team's most improved player, and she will continue with softball in college at Grace College in Indiana. A pair of freshmen, Sara Morris and Thomas, will be counted on to contribute immediately. Coach Morris expects the team to hold is own against schools its size but will have their hands full against some of the larger teams in the SCC. "It will be a challenge against powerhouse teams," Morris said.BataviaCoach: Leon Pedraza.Last year: 15-15, 9-5 in Western Sun (third).Key returners: Brooke Nelson, jr., P; Emily Dorjath, jr., C; Katie Luetkens, sr., SS; Christine Lynam, jr., 3B.Promising newcomers: Sammi Villarreal, fr., 2B; Katie Neubauer, so., P/SS. Outlook: Batavia went from 9 wins in 2008 to 15 last year - another 6-game jump would allow the Bulldogs to pass the 20-win mark. They return several key players, including Nelson who already has plenty of experience in her first two years on varsity. Dorjath also is back behind the plate, and both players made the Western Sun all-conference team last year. Luetkens begins her fourth year on varsity and moves to shortstop, where she takes over for All-Area performer Alexa Schofield. "We are looking to continue to improve on our 500 record from last season," Pedrazza said. "We're looking to finish first in conference this year after finishing third last season." To get there Batavia will need a more consistent offense after the Bulldogs slumped at the plate in some key late-season games against top-flight competition last year. GenevaCoach: Greg Dierks.Last year: 16-18, 7-7 in the Western Sun (fourth place).Key returners: Melissa Barber, jr., SS; Kristyn Ruitenberg, sr., P/1B; Kelly McCaffrey, jr., P/1B; Dori Rogers, jr., OF/2B/SS; Clare Sribbling, so., C; Stacy Cladis, sr., 1B/C.Promising newcomers: Julie Orwig, jr., 2B/OF; Elena Wright, so., 3B/ 2B/OF; Kirsten Searcy, fr., 3B/OF.Outlook: The Vikings hope to make a move up the Western Sun standings to give perennial power Glenbard South a run for its money. To get there, coach Greg Dierks knows it starts with defense. "In order to compete with the best teams on our schedule, the first improvement we have to make is with our defense," Dierks said. "We made too many errors last year and the unearned runs piled up as a result. We have been working hard and I think we have the ability to make this improvement." Dierks likes the chemistry and the flexibility with girls who can play different positions. One certainty is Barber back in the third spot of the lineup after an All-Area season as a sophomore when she hit .337 and led the area with 16 doubles. Rogers will be another key in the lineup while Sribbling is back behind the plate. Dierks said Cladis will play an increased role, while Geneva also is experienced in the circle with Ruitenberg - who had the lead in the school musical last weekend - and McCaffrey. Dierks said they will continue to share the pitching duties. "I am confident that they will give us a chance to win every time they take the field," Dierks said. Now it's time to see if Geneva can make that move up the standings. "Glenbard South remains king of the hill until someone proves otherwise," Dierks said. "I expect the rest of us are all hoping we can be the ones (to challenge) and I don't expect that there is a whole lot that separates the rest of the field." KanelandCoach: Brian Willis.Last year: 26-10, 11-3 in Western Sun Conference (second).Key returners: Delani Vest, so., P; Rilee Vest, jr., C; Andrea Dimmig-Potts, jr., 3B/C; Brittany Davis, sr., INF; Jordan Hester, sr., OF; Kristen Stralka, sr., INF. Promising newcomers: Allyson O'Herron, fr., SS; Taylor Velaquez, fr., 3B.Outlook: Willis takes over a Kaneland program used to winning a lot of games and making noise in the postseason, and this year's group should be no exception. Delani Vest is coming off a freshman season when she hit .385 at the plate with 2 home runs and 14 steals, and she was even better on the mound with a 17-6 record and an 0.50 ERA. Her sister Rilee and Dimmig-Potts will join Delani as cornerstones of the offense, which also will look to Davis, Hester and Stralka in their senior seasons. The Knights also have a mix of youth with two freshmen, O'Herron and Velaquez, ready to man the left side of the infield. "We'll be very young with a whole new coaching staff," Willis said. "Hopefully we'll be competitive game in and game out. I know our youth will haunt us at some points of the season." Willis said his team's attitude has made the transition to head coach easier for him. "The enthusiasm from the girls is great," Willis said. "I believe we have constructed a very solid coaching staff that will get the most out of our girls. Our one goal is to get better every game and be ready for regionals. From that point, we'll just have to let the chips fall. We will be ready, that I'm sure of."RosaryCoach: John Kazmierczak.Last year: 13-18, 5-8 in the Suburban Catholic Conference (fifth).Key returners: Brenda Rocha, jr., SS; Lauren McNally, sr., 2B/3B; Alli Keenum, jr., 1B; Emily Meyer, jr., INF; Cassi Zachmann, sr., INF; Brittany Sikora, sr., OF; LeighAnn Thomas, sr., C/DH; Tara Pfeiffer, jr., P/OF; Audrey Ruddy, jr., P/INF.Promising newcomers: Chelsey Frieders, sr., U; Mackenzie Astling, sr., OF; Danielle Reder, jr., U; Ariana Stone, so., U; Madeline Merritt, so., U.Outlook: After spending the last four years as a Royals assistant, Kazmierczak moves into the head coaching job this spring. He's got talent to work with, starting with a pair of three-year starters McNally and Keenum. Sikora will play at Carthage next year while Rocha is coming off a season that she hit .356 with 29 steals. The Royals won their first regional title in 15 years in 2009. "They are hungry to repeat and get to the next level," Kazmierczak said. "Hopefully we are quick to the ball and play solid defense. If pitching comes around we'll be competitive." In the new Suburban Christian Blue division, Kazmierczak looks at St. Francis and St. Edward as the front-runners. Rosary won the SCC two years ago. "We're a young team but I think our kids have played a lot of ball," Kazmierczak said. St. Charles EastCoach: Kelly Horan.Last year: 24-10, 15-5 in the Upstate Eight (2nd).Key returners: Jenny Niemiec, sr., INF; Casey Driessen, sr., OF; Steph Roan, sr., OF: Katie Stengler, sr., P; Claire Desrosiers, sr., OF; Bethany Carrignan, sr., OF; Rae Anne Payleitner, jr., C; Mary Kate Brooks, sr., OF; Kayla Brooks, sr., 1B.Promising newcomers: Dani Asquini, jr.; Lindsay Vellaga, jr.; INF; Ally Schweizer, jr., P/INF; Julie Sobieski jr., INF.Outlook: Some things have changed since we last saw the upstart Saints battling the cross-town North Stars for the Upstate Eight championship. Their coach Kelly Barnett got married, now Kelly Horan, and they graduated some of their key players like All-Area shortstop Rebbeca Reinbold. But many other things are the same - namely this is still a talented, scrappy team that expects to win big again. After making a 15-game jump in wins last year and netting their first regional victory since 2002, the Saints look to keep the program moving forward behind a slew of veterans. Payleitner leads the way, an All-Area catcher who led the area with 7 home runs last season. There's also Niemiec, a four-year starter and team captain. Roan, who hit. 308 with 10 doubles, will play at Kankakee Community College next year. She'll see some time on the infield this year after playing left field last season. Horan calls Driessen her best defensive outfielder and Desrosiers the best arm in the outfield. Mary Kate Brooks, the team's leadoff hitter who batted .323 last year and will play college softball at Carthage, returns while Kayla Brooks (Lindenwood University) is the first baseman and a team captain. Two strong arms return in the circle. Katie Stengler went 8-4 with a 1.60 ERA and 89 strikeouts last season, and Gaby Moe finished 14-6 with a 2.07 ERA and 95 strikeouts. "We should battle in most games," Horan said. "Our pitching should be our driving force with veteran Moe and crafty Stengler, who looks for more innings and will get them. We are looking to make the right play and timely hitting. There is a lot of battling for playing time right now." Playing smart softball is a must. "I think a strength will be our athleticism," Horan continued. "If we can make the smart plays and continue to work hard the girls will leave the season successful." Horan expects another dogfight in the Upstate Eight. "The conference schedule will be a war again this year. I think the team standing at the end will be the team that can stay the healthiest and gel as a team."St. Charles NorthCoach: April Stary.Last year: 27-10, 18-2 in the Upstate Eight (first).Key returners: Kristin Damm, sr., C; Amanda Engel, sr. P; Amanda Ciran, jr., P/INF; Annie Korth, jr., C/INF/OF; Natalie Capone, jr., INF; Loren Cihlar, jr., OF; Taylor Russell, jr., 3B; Sydney Russell, jr., 2B; Juliaclaire Plezbert, jr., 1B; Ashley Seering, jr., CF; Emily Watts, jr., P/INF/OF.Promising newcomers: Caitlin Khoury, jr., INF/OF; Jenna Trusso, jr., INF/OF.Outlook: The North Stars enjoyed a dream season in 2009, winning Upstate Eight and regional championships and doing it with nearly an all-sophomore starting lineup. That certainly bodes well for this year and next, and coach April Stary knows this team has the potential for not just another conference title but a shot at making the state tournament. Several players committed to colleges in the off-season, including Damm (Millikin College), Ciran (Wright University), Korth (Loyola), Capone (Indiana) and Cihlar (Ball State). Several others are still weighing their college offers. Even with all that talent, the Upstate Eight always is a difficult conference to win, and the North Stars know they will face a stiff challenge from St. Charles East, Lake Park and Neuqua Valley, among others. "This is going to be a hugely talented team this year as well as a senior heavy team next year," Stary said. "It will be fun to see how they do this year and next." When it comes to the postseason, Stary said the team isn't shying away from where it wants to end up. "They are a great bunch of kids who are focused on what they want to do this year," Stary said. "They are gearing up for the season and are itching to get started with games. I think they have a ridiculous amount of talent. I think they have what it will take to go the distance this year and that's what we have our goal set at this year. We always want to do better than we did the previous year and this year that means getting past sectionals and heading to Peoria."West AuroraCoach: Dave Zine.Last year: 17-17, 5-9 in the DuPage Valley (fifth).Key returners: Maribeth Vasquez, sr., C; Devin Vaughn, sr., SS; Christina Hunger, jr., P/INF; Ali Hoffman, sr., OF; Alyssa Reimers, jr., 2B; Lari Mitchell, so., CF.Promising newcomers: Francesca Evischi, jr., P/INF; Domonique Gacek, sr., P; Julianna Evischi, fr., INF; Erin Pike, sr., 3B; Jamie Avery, jr., C.Outlook: Life after Becker - Stephanie Becker - begins this spring. The Blackhawks' left-handed ace and two-time All-Area captain has left for Mississippi State, taking the West Aurora all-time records for wins and strikeouts with her. "We need our pitchers to step up, throw strikes, and keep the hitters off stride," Zine said. "Pitching has never been an issue at West; being able to score enough runs to support our pitchers has been the challenge for us in the past and will be our challenge this season. With all of the quality pitching in the DVC we will definitely have our hands full. Hopefully our girls will be up to the challenge." Mitchell gives the Blackhawks a good place to start after leading the team in nearly every offensive category last season, finishing with 36 hits, a .330 average, 11 RBI and 11 steals. Zine said he might have the best 1-2 catching combo in the area, starting with Vasquez and Avery backing her up. Three-sport standout Vaughn is back at shortstop as she puts the finishing touches on a high school career that will end with 11 varsity letters. She hit .303 last year. "Devin has the most fundamentally sound pair of hands for a shortstop I have coached at West," Zine said. As far as taking Becker's spot? Hunger, junior Francesca Evischi and Domonique Gacek are all in the mix. Zine is excited about his freshman class, which includes Julianna Evischi battling for a starting infield position. West Aurora is preparing for the rigors of DVC play with Geneva, Burlington Central and then a 5-game trip to Cincinnati. "Offense has always been the key to the success of this program," Zine said. "If we hit, we will be able to compete. If we struggle offensively, we will put pressure on our pitchers to shut down the opponent inning after inning. This begins to wear a staff down." <div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Related documents</h2> <ul class="morePdf"> <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> </ul> </div> </div> </div>