Softball: Fox Valley all-area team

Liz Adams Crystal Lake South

Crystal Lake South's sophomore catcher emerged as a budding star this season, hitting .407 with 4 home runs, 23 RBI and a .704 slugging percentage. Also stole 13 bases for the Gators. "Liz is our best all-around player and if she doesn't go we don't go," said CL South coach Scott Busam. "She's a couple minor upgrades to her game away from being a dominant player offensively and defensively. She can do it all."

Kara Arceneaux Jacobs

Jacobs' junior third baseman moved into the infield this year and helped the Golden Eagles go 22-12 and advance to a sectional final for the first time. Hit .473 with 3 home runs., 21 RBI, 6 doubles and 9 triples. Also had 24 stolen bases and struck out only 9 times in 110 at-bats. "Kara has the softball intelligence you look for and she understands a lot of the subtilties of the game," said Jacobs coach Jeremy Bauer. "She knows how to adjust and be productive. She's willing to help out the team in any way she can.

Courtney Bosteder South Elgin

A repeat all-area selection, South Elgin's senior shortstop had another stellar season, hitting .344 with a home run and 20 RBI. Also tied her twin sister Rae for the team lead in with 9 doubles and only struck out 8 times in 96 at-bats. "Courtney had another solid season," said South Elgin coach Jason Schaal. "She's really been a rock for us at shortstop and she was among our team leaders in hits and RBI. She did a great job and it's been an honor to coach her." Will continue her career at Elgin Community College.

Rae Bosteder South Elgin

Coming off a knee injury her sophomore year, this South Elgin senior anchored first base for the Storm this season as well as hitting .400 with 2 homers and 25 RBI. Tied with her twin sister Courtney for the team lead in doubles with 9. "Rae had a knee injury her sophomore year and then caught last year for us and that was tough on her," said Storm coach Jason Schaal. "She did an outstanding job at first base for us this year." With her sister, she will continue her career at Elgin Community College.

Kristina Brockner St. Edward

Senior standout for the 20-15 Green Wave switched from catcher to shortstop at midseason and didn't miss a beat. Hit .358 with 2 homers and 24 RBI. Was a four-year varsity starter and a team captain this season. "She was a leader on and off the field and a kid who led us in many different ways," said St. Edward coach Mike Rolando. "We needed her leadership, experience and maturity. She's a great kid who is very coachable." A repeat all-area selection.

Lauren Chuchvara Bartlett

The anchor in center field for the 24-11 Hawks, this senior emerged as one of the better outfielders in the Upstate Eight Conference as she helped Bartlett to a second-place finish in the league. Hit .318 with 20 RBI. "Very seldom would she let anything get by her in center field," said Hawks coach Jim Wolfsmith. "She also came up with many clutch hits for us. It was a pleasure to have her and she was a big part of our program."

Callie Dennison Bartlett

The honorary co-captain of the all-area team, this Bartlett senior proved to be the most well-rounded player in the area. A defensive gem at shortstop, she was Bartlett's No. 1 pitcher this season, amassing a record of 20-8 with a 1.63 ERA and 158 strikeouts for the 24-11 Hawks, who finished second in the Upstate Eight Conference. Also hit .402 with 4 home runs and 31 RBI from the leadoff spot. "It's been an honor to coach her and I have tremendous respect for what she's accomplished," said Hawks coach Jim Wolfsmith. Dennison, a three-time all-area player, will continue her career at Butler University.

Lindsay Efflandt Cary-Grove

The honorary co-captain of the all-area team, this savvy freshman pitcher took the area by storm in leading her team to a 32-6 record going into Wednesday's Class 4A supersectional against Elk Grove. The right-hander was 28-3 heading into the super and had an ERA of 1.04 and 207 strikeouts. Also hit .379 with 3 homers and 27 RBI. "The kid surprises me all the time," said Trojans coach Tammy Olson. "Coming in as a freshman we didn't really know what she was but she turned out to be so solid."

Sarah Field St. Edward

The mainstay in the circle for St. Edward, Field went 17-10 with a 1.80 ERA and 145 strikeouts. Also hit .371 with a home run and a team-high 29 RBI for a team that went 20-15. Also rapped out a team-high 10 doubles and struck out just 6 times in 105 at-bats. "Sarah was our workhorse this year," said St. Edward coach Mike Rolando. "She's the ideal pitcher because she never gets rattled and she always wants the ball." A repeat all-area choice.

Emma Gaulke Cary-Grove

Cary-Grove's junior shortstop was solid defensively and one of the leading hitters for the Trojans, who were 32-6 heading into the Class 4A supersectional against Elk Grove on Wednesday. Hit .357 with 6 homers and 29 RBI for the Fox Valley Conference Valley Division champions. Also had a .609 slugging percentage and was 3-2 with a 1.47 ERA as the team's No. 2 pitcher. "Emma was solid at shortstop for us all year," said Trojans coach Tammy Olson. "She's held our infield together and she's just been outstanding."

Samantha Gruner Burlington Central

A repeat all-area selection, this senior moved from behind the plate to shortstop this season for the Rockets. She hit .377 with 17 RBI and struck out just 5 times in 86 at-bats. "She loves catching and she's a catcher at heart but she did what we needed her to do this year to be a stronger team," said acting Rockets coach Lowell Oranger. "She's a good kid who knows how the game of softball is to be played."

Kelsey Hagan Huntley

Huntley junior outfielder had a solid campaign for the 22-13 Red Raiders, hitting .406 with 5 homers, 29 RBI and 8 doubles. Had a .634 slugging percentage and struck out only 9 times in 101 at-bats. "I'm very happy with the year Kelsey had," said Huntley coach Mark Petryniec. "If she continues at this pace there will be a lot of good things to come next year."

Alexis Haley Cary-Grove

Speedy junior center fielder hit .494 with a home run and 23 RBI for Cary-Grove team that was 32-6 heading into the Class 4A supersectional against Elk Grove Wednesday night. Also had 10 doubles and a team-high 5 triples as well as a .765 slugging percentage, also a team-high for the Fox Valley Conference Valley Division champs. "Alexis is both and offensive and defensive powerhouse player," said C-G coach Tammy Olson. "She comes up with some beautiful catches and she's made great strides offensively. She is just so fast, she's always a threat on the bases.

Brandi Hernandez Elgin

Making the move from center field to shortstop and retaining her spot as the team's leadoff hitter, Hernandez led Elgin to its first regional championship since 1995. The Miami of Ohio recruit hit .496 with 60 hits in 121 at-bats. The two-time all-area choice also had 34 stolen bases, scored 41 runs and struck out just 7 times while making only 6 errors. "Anyone who hits .500 at the top of the lineup gives you an opportunity to score runs and she did that all year for us," said Elgin coach Chad Dahlman.

Sara Jacobson Jacobs

Senior center fielder was a key player for the Golden Eagles, who went 22-12 and advanced to a sectional final for the first time. Hit .532 with 3 home runs and 34 RBI. Also had 8 doubles and 8 triples, a .798 slugging percentage and struck out just 7 times in 124 at-bats. "She was a four-year starter and we'll definitely miss her," said Jacobs coach Jeremy Bauer. "She put together one of the best offensive seasons anyone's ever had at Jacobs. She could definitely track down balls in the outfield and she made some really good catches." Will continue her career at Division I Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne.

Grace Jakubowski Hampshire

Hampshire sophomore played both shortstop and behind the plate this season for the Whip-Purs. Hit .475 with 1 home run, 24 RBI, 4 triples and 10 doubles. Struck out just 4 times in 80 at-bats and had a .725 on-base percentage. "Grace was an excellent player for us," said Hampshire coach Ken Bram. "She had an excellent season. She's got some power in her bat and she's a fine defensive player."

Tarah McShane St. Edward

Junior catcher/infielder transferred to St. Edward from Driscoll and made an immediate impact, hitting .457 with 4 homers and 27 RBI for the 20-15 Green Wave. Also had 8 doubles and 20 walks while striking our just 9 times in 105 at-bats. "Tarah was an awesome addition to our program," said Wave coach Mike Rolando. "She's a great kid and a hard worker. She led us in just about every offensive category and was just an awesome all-around player and a great one to build on for next year."

Bre Medinger St. Edward

Senior outfielder/pitcher who transferred from Driscoll, Medinger helped St. Edward to a 20-15 season by hitting .356 with 3 home runs and 28 RBI. Also spent some time in the circle for the Green Wave, going 3-5 with a 0.94 ERA. "Bre was another great addition to our program offensively and defensively," said Wave coach Mike Rolando. "She had a strong arm and good speed and she got better and better as a pitcher with every outing. She's a very fun kid to coach who takes everything you say to heart." Will continue her career at Elgin Community College.

Jenna Mychko Huntley

A 4-time all-area player, Huntley's senior catcher was one of the toughest outs in the area. The Illinois signee hit .531 with 7 homers and 34 RBI despite missing the final two weeks of the season with an injury. Also had 13 doubles and a .951 slugging percentage and struck out just 4 times in 108 at-bats. Hit .502 for her career with 15 home runs, 144 RBI and a career .757 slugging percentage with just 32 strikeouts in 424 at-bats. "What can you say about Jenna's offensive production the last four years," said Huntley coach Mark Petryniec. "She leaves some huge shoes to fill. She definitely set the standard for hitting for future Huntley players."

Hannah Perryman Elgin

Elgin's sophomore left-handed pitcher had a productive season with 11 wins and 128 strikeouts in 137 innings. Also hit .352 with 5 home runs and 26 RBI in helping the Maroons to their first regional championship since 1995. "She was a workhorse for us," said Elgin coach Chad Dahlman. "When she was on she could beat any team. She pitched real well for us. With Hannah on the mound we were competitive in every game."

Ashley Scheffler Burlington Central

A repeat all-area selection, this senior was Burlington Central's rock at third base again this season. She hit .475 and had 1 home run and 14 RBI, striking out just 6 times in 95 at-bats. Also stole 12 bases. Will continue her career at Elgin Community College. "She was our foundation," said acting Rockets coach Lowell Oranger. "Her and Sam (Gruner) are the last of our four-year varsity players. She's a good kid who just wanted to see 100 percent from her teammates and herself. Ashley's really a kid a coach can rely on."

Caitlin Stredde South Elgin

South Elgin's senior center fielder showed her versatility this season by also playing in the infield and catching. Hit .346 with 10 RBI and 6 doubles and only 5 strikeouts in 78 at-bats. "I was very happy with Catie's senior year," said Storm coach Jason Schaal. "She did an outstanding job for us for four years. She was versatile enough to play wherever we needed her and she never complained. She's a special kid, a great leader and I was proud to coach her." Stredde will continue her career at McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill.

Jenna Teson Jacobs

A 3-year starter and repeat all-area selection, this Jacobs junior was one of the best defensive shortstops in the area who also turned herself into a power hitter as well as a speedy slapper. Hit .470 with 3 doubles, 5 triples and 13 RBI from the leadoff spot for 22-12 team that advanced to a sectional final for the first time. Had 19 stolen bases and struck out only 6 times in 132 at-bats. "She can cause teams a lot of trouble at the top of the lineup," said Jacobs coach Jeremy Bauer. "She's really turned into a well-rounded hitter who has speed and can hit for power. She's going to be a player to watch next year."

Corinne Wimmer Larkin

A repeat all-area choice, Larkin's sophomore shortstop was the bright spot in a tough season for the Royals. Hit .468 and had an on-base percentage of .520. Also had 13 stolen bases. "She had another good season," said Royals coach Larry Hight. "She increased her batting average and improved in quite a few categories. She has a great work ethic and is one of the best listeners I've ever seen. She has a lot of passion and loves the game."

Amanda Wisniewski Huntley

Senior shortstop was a key ingredient to Huntley's 22-13 season, hitting .382 with 5 home runs and 21 RBI as well as 7 doubles and a .652 slugging percentage. "We're going to miss her power numbers and she definitely leaves a void at shortstop," said Huntley coach Mark Petryniec of the Valparaiso recruit. "She leaves some huge shoes to fill offensively.

Honorable mention

Bartlett - Megan Morales (Sr., 3B), Nicole Beck (Jr., SS)

Burlington Central - Jet Kein (Sr., P), Abby Morrow (Jr., IF/OF), Sarah Kisch (So. C)

Cary-Grove - Abbe Wienckowski (Sr., 1B), Taylor Dunne (So., OF), Amy Palminteri (Sr., 2B), Eleni Polites (Jr., OF)

Crystal Lake South - Vicki Pyan (Sr., IF)

Dundee-Crown - Melany Love (So., P/IF)

Elgin - Samantha Doty (Sr. 3B)

Jacobs - Kelsey Peterson (Jr., 1B), Marissa Lombardo (Jr., P)

Huntley - Arianna Albanese (Sr., 1B)

Larkin - Lexi Smithberg (So., P/IF), Alex Buhrow (Fr., C)

South Elgin - Sam Bolin (So., P), Kara Rodriguez (Fr., C/OF)

Streamwood - Bri Bodajewicz (Jr., IF)

St. Edward - Kristi Knott (Sr. OF)

Westminster Christian - Katie Moeller (Jr. SS)

Captains Honor Roll

1996 - Elizabeth Waller (Elgin)

1997 - Heather Wendt (Burlington Central)

1998 - Heather Wendt (Burlington Central)

1999 - Stacy Nagel (Larkin) and Jackie Brittain (St. Edward)

2000 - Tami Potter (Larkin)

2001 - Kim Dean (Larkin) and Kelli Gallas (Cary-Grove)

2002 - Lauren Morstad (Larkin)

2003 -Lindsey Hall (Larkin)

2004 - Tracy Korth (Larkin) and Candace Warren (Burlington Central)

2005 - Lissa Fehlman (St. Edward) and Erica Maisto (Burlington Central)

2006 -Corinne Dennison (Bartlett) and Caitlin Herina (Cary-Grove)

2007 -Christine Holthus (Burlington Central) and Sarah Waylock (Cary-Grove)

2008 - Lauren Arceneaux (Jacobs) and Kayla Oranger (Burlington Central)

2009 - Kimberly Pierce (South Elgin)

2010 - Callie Dennison (Bartlett) and Lindsay Efflandt (Cary-Grove)

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<h1>More Coverage</h1>

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<h2>Related documents</h2>

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<li><a href="/pdf/foxsoftballfront10.pdf">Fox Valley all-area team Page 1</a></li>

<li><a href="/pdf/foxsoftballteam110.pdf">Fox Valley all-area team Page 2</a></li>

<li><a href="/pdf/foxsoftballteam210.pdf">Fox Valley all-area team Page 3</a></li>

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