Softball/Fox Valley All-Area team

Liz Adams CL South

A repeat all-area choice, this Crystal Lake South junior is one of the more solid catchers and pure hitters in the area. This season she hit .415 with 2 home runs, 11 doubles, 2 triples and 24 RBI for the 18-11 Gators. Also struck out just one time in 106 plate appearances. “Liz Adams was the heart and soul of our team,” said CL South coach Scott Busam. “Not only is she a fierce competitor but she is also an amazing teammate. Her positive attitude and work ethic are contagious and she manages to make her teammates better. She’s a coach on the field and she’s made an effort to improve some part of her game each year.”

Haley Albamonte Burlington Central

Rockets’ junior was one of the most versatile players in the area, playing third base and catching before settling into the outfield for her 17-16 team. Hit an even .500 for the season with 6 home runs, 31 RBI, 13 doubles and a triple. Had an .830 slugging percentage and .519 on-base percentage. “Haley was our most consistent player day in and day out,” said BC coach Cray Allen. “She was the well we went to each day and she delivered. Her success was a key to our team and her attitude and personal expectations each day in practice were a great role model for our young team. She is a big-time player who I appreciate more than she knows.” Drawing some Division I interest, including from Tennessee Tech.

Kara Arceneaux Jacobs

A repeat all-area selection, this Jacobs senior moved to center field this season to help solidify the Golden Eagles’ defense. She also continued her career of productivity from the plate, hitting .402 with 20 RBI and a .484 on-base percentage in helping her team to a 21-12 record and a regional championship. “We asked her to do a lot of different things for us this season,” said Jacobs coach Jeremy Bauer. “She led off some, we moved her from third base to center field and she’s really a multidimensional player who helped a lot of the younger girls get confident with the team.” Will play on scholarship at Morehead State in Kentucky.

Nicole Beck Bartlett

A four-year starter for the Hawks, Beck became one of the more solid shortstops around as well as a consistently tough out at the plate. This season she helped the young Hawks to a 17-17 record by hitting .337 with 4 home runs, 24 RBI and 10 doubles while striking out just eight times in 104 at-bats. Also scored a team-high 32 runs. “Nicole was an unquestioned leader for this team on and off the field,” said Bartlett coach Jim Wolfsmith. “She took on any role we asked of her for four years and I’m going to miss her laugh and unique sense of humor. She really put together a great senior year and was consistently one of our top run producers on the bases and at the plate.” Will play at Central Missouri State next year.

Emily Bell Burlington Central

Junior first baseman was one of the top power hitters in the area as well as a rock in the infield for the 17-16 Rockets. She hit .392 with 8 homers and 40 RBI as well as 12 doubles and one triple. “EBell is a great example of hard work, passion and dedication paying off,” said Rockets’ coach Cray Allen. “She is a tremendous offensive force and has become a very polished defender. Emily was all business during each practice and that approach really led our inexperience team this season. Each and every Rocket player got better this season by witnessing how she approached the game each day. She is going to be a great addition to a college program one day.”

Bri Bodjaewicz Streamwood

Streamwood hasn’t had an all-area player in a number of years in softball but this senior shortstop/outfielder was an easy choice. One of the best slappers in the area, she hit .400 for the season while playing solid defense. “She’s probably the hardest working player in the program,” said Sabres coach Nick Baird. “She never played softball before high school and she turned into a Division II scholarship player. The best part about her game is her defense. She made catches this year that were far from routine and she made them look routine. She turned herself into a slap hitter and I think she was the best defensive outfielder in the area.” Will play for Regis University in Denver.

Sam Bolin South Elgin

Storm’s junior pitcher tied St. Edward’s Sarah Field for second most wins in the area with 16. Had a 16-12 record and a 2.72 ERA for the 20-15 Storm with 114 strikeouts and 5 shutouts. Also hit .308 with 2 home runs and a team-high 29 RBI and 9 doubles. “Sam has done an outstanding job for us,” said South Elgin coach Jason Schaal. “As she continues to work and improve she has a legitimate shot at being a 20-game winner next year. She[s going to leave her name all over the South Elgin record book and she’s a fun kid to work with.”

Shannon Conway South Elgin

One of the most improved players in the area, Conway played a solid third base for the 20-15 Storm and became a hitter to not overlook. She finished the season hitting a team-high .413 with 2 homers, 23 RBI and 15 doubles, which was second in the area. “What Shannon’s season proved this year is that you have to stick with it,” said South Elgin coach Jason Schaal. “She never gave up and her hard work really paid off. She’s a fantastic team player and I’m really proud of the way she stuck with it and became the player she did for us. We’ll miss her.”

Taylor Dunne Cary-Grove

Cary-Grove’s senior left fielder was one of the top all-around players in the area in helping the Trojans to a 30-2 season and a berth in the Class 4A sectional finals, as well as a 15-0 Fox Valley Conference Valley Division campaign. Hit .420 with 1 home run, 23 RBI and 9 doubles. “What Taylor brings to the game is a lot of enthusiasm and drive,” said Cary-Grove coach Tammy Olson. “She works really hard and was much more consistent this year. She was a huge part of our success.”

Lindsay Efflandt Cary-Grove

The honorary co-captain of the all-area team for the second straight year, this Cary-Grove sophomore picked right up where she left off last season, going 27-2 with a 0.86 ERA and 249 strikeouts. In two years she is now 59-8 with 456 strikeouts. This season she also hit .337 with 6 homers and 33 RBI as her team went 30-2, advanced to the sectional finals and had a 15-0 Fox Valley Conference Valley Division season. “She did a great job again,” said Cary-Grove coach Tammy Olson. “She was much more consistent this year through the entire lineup.”

Anna Eckholm Elgin

Elgin’s freshman third baseman emerged as one of the top all-around players in the area this season, helping the Maroons to their first 20-win season since 1999. Finished the season hitting .358 with 2 homers and 13 RBI. “Anna earned her way into a starting spot at the beginning of the season,” said Elgin coach Chad Dahlman. “Once she got into the starting lineup she never let up. Anna has a great attitude and will do whatever is asked of her. She has a very bright future.”

Sarah Field St. Edward

A three-time all-area selection, this St. Edward senior overcame a slow start in the circle to go 16-10 and help her team to a berth in the Class 2A sectional finals. She had a 2.44 ERA and 170 strikeouts this season and finished her career with 60 wins and 520 strikeouts. She also hit .407 with 2 homers, 21 RBI and 8 doubles this season. “Sarah has been a huge contributor to the success of this program for the last four years,” said St. Edward coach Jaci Corn, noting Field played on three regional championship teams as well as a supersectional squad. “Her pitching ability, her offensive production and her leadership skills make her a great teammate and a tough competitor.”

Emma Gaulke Cary-Grove

A senior leader for the 30-2 Trojans, Gaulke hit .385 with 5 homers, 33 RBI and a .615 slugging percentage in helping her team to a berth in the sectional finals as well as a 15-0 Fox Valley Conference Valley Division season. “I can’t say enough about Emma,” said Cary-Grove coach Tammy Olson. “She was the rock of the team and the most even-keel player we have on the team. She expanded her range defensively and we needed that.”

Kelsey Hagan Huntley

A repeat all-area choice, Huntley’s senior third baseman hit .280 with 5 homers, 23 RBI and 10 doubles. Had a .492 slugging percentage. “We couldn’t have been happier with the contributions Kelsey has given our program over the last four years,” said Huntley coach Mark Petryniec. “She will be leaving some big shoes to fill at the third base position.”

Alexis Haley Cary-Grove

Even though her offensive numbers were down some, this Cary-Grove senior center fielder was one of the top defensive players in the area who also came in strong at the end of the season with the bat as the Trojans finished 30-2 and made it to the sectional finals after a 15-0 Fox Valley Conference Valley Division season. Finished hitting .282 with 20 RBI and made only 1 error in center field all season. “Even though her average was down her overall production was up,” said Cary-Grove coach Tammy Olson. “When people were on base and she needed to get things done she got things done. Her defense was amazing. She made some tremendous catches for us.”

Kali Kossakowski St. Edward

St. Edward’s sophomore shortstop had a breakout season, hitting .419 with 8 doubles and a team-high 14 stolen bases in helping the Green Wave to an 18-10 season that ended in a Class 2A sectional final loss to Final Four qualifier Lisle. “Kali has been a key to the success of this team and one of the most consistent players offensively and defensively,” said St. Edward coach Jaci Corn. “She is a rock at shortstop and truly developed her skills as a leadoff hitter. Her expectations and passion for the game make her a good role model for this team. I am honored to coach her another two years.”

Alyssa Lach Jacobs

The top freshman to emerge in the Fox Valley area this season, this Golden Eagle third baseman burst into the scene by hitting .468 with 3 home runs, 48 RBI, 17 doubles and a .706 slugging percentage. And, she only struck out once — against Cary-Grove’s Lindsay Efflandt — in 109 at-bats in helping her team to a 21-12 record and another regional championship. “She definitely turned a lot of heads,” said Jacobs coach Jeremy Bauer. “She’s the complete player, hitting and fielding. She doesn’t back down from any challenge and she’s just a rock-solid player. We’re definitely looking forward to good things for her in the future.”

Marissa Lombardo Jacobs

Senior pitcher was consistent winner for the 21-12 Jacobs team that won another regional championship. She finished the season 13-6 with a 2.75 ERA and also hit .360 for the Golden Eagles. “She improved again this year,” said Jacobs coach Jeremy Bauer. “She made that transition from 40 to 43 feet last year and had to work on her movement. She did a good job this season of making the proper adjustments and she did a good job of game planning.” Will attend the University of Illinois to study Music Education.

Lisa Matsie Bartlett

Senior third baseman who transferred from Driscoll prior to her junior year, Matise helped the Hawks to a 17-17 season by becoming a rock at the hot corner. She also hit .333 with 3 home runs and a team-high 30 RBI and 7 doubles. Had a .524 slugging percentage. “If anything good can come from the closing of a great school it’s that I got to know and coach Lisa Matsie,” said Bartlett coach Jim Wolfsmith. “This year we moved Lisa from catcher to third base and she was a wall there. She was our leading RBI producer and just a great young woman. You always knew you were going to get a solid effort from Lisa.”

Tarah McShane St. Edward

The Green Wave’s senior catcher, who transferred from Driscoll before her junior season, helped her team to a 18-10 season and a berth in the Class 2A sectional finals. The Valparaiso recruit was the second leading hitter in the area with her .518 average. A repeat all-area selection, she also had an area-leading 8 triples as well as 10 doubles, 8 home runs and 44 RBI, the latter two also second in the area. Had a 1.106 slugging percentage and a .612 on-base percentage. Only struck out once in 86 at-bats. “Tarah is a hard worker and a great leader,” said St. Edward coach Jaci Corn. “She has a mental edge unlike any player I’ve ever met and is one of the most talented players I have had the pleasure of coaching.”

Hannah Perryman Elgin

Elgin’s junior left-handed flamethrower had another productive season in earning all-area honors for the second straight year. She went 10-5 with a 2.09 ERA and had 183 strikeouts. Also hit .337 with 9 homers (3 grand slams) and 35 RBI. Had a .684 slugging percentage in helping the Maroons to their first 20-win season since 1999 Now has over 500 career strikeouts. “She came up big for us all year, whether it was a big pitch or a big hit,” said Elgin coach Chad Dahlman. “Hannah matured a ton in the circle and at the plate from her sophomore year and I’m looking forward to having her back next year.”

Eleni Polites Cary-Grove

Cary-Grove’s fleet senior right fielder and leadoff hitter had an especially productive season in helping the Trojans to a 30-2 campaign that ended in the sectional finals, as well as a 15-0 Fox Valley Conference Valley Division season. Hit a team-high .491 with 16 RBI and an area-high 27 stolen bases as well as a .583 on-base percentage. Hit .586 in FVC play. “Eleni is just a firecracker,” said Cary-Grove coach Tammy Olson. “She has so much energy and pushes herself so hard to get on base. She threw runners out at first base from right field on a regular basis and could also go deep for the ball. She did a phenomenal job for us.”

Lexi Smithberg Larkin

One the most improved players in the area hit .390 with 15 RBI and 12 sacrifice bunts as well as being Larkin’s most effective pitcher before having her season cut short by a thumb injury. “If I had a most improved player award it would go to Lexi,” said Larkin coach Larry Hight. “She really increased her batting average and was our most valuable player on defense. She led our team in ERA and fielding percentage and can really play anywhere. Lexi is what you call all a true softball player who always gives you positive production. She has the best work ethic of any kid I’ve had in a long time. She never missed an offseason workout or a practice.”

Katelyn Stonecipher South Elgin

The honorary co-captain of the all-area team, this four-year starter in center field for the Storm was one of the best defensive outfielders to play in the Fox Valley area in years. Her reaction, speed and accuracy over the last four years saved the Storm many runs. This season she also hit .403 and was second in the area in hits (54) and runs scored (39). Only struck out 11 times in 134 at-bats and had 17 stolen bases. Was voted the Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division’s Most Valuable Position Player. “She matured and turned into an outstanding senior leader this year,” said South Elgin coach Jason Schaal. Will attend the University of Iowa to study business and will attempt to walk-on the Hawkeyes’ softball team. Also a Super 60 selection.

Jenna Teson Jacobs

A four-year varsity starter for the Golden Eagles, Teson turned into one of the more solid shortstops and consistent leadoff hitters in the area. This season she hit .390 in helping her team to a 21-12 season and another regional championship while earning her third straight all-area nod. “She was a four-year starter for us and she played tremendous defense for us,” said Jacobs coach Jeremy Bauer. “Jenna does everything with a smile and she really developed her game. She could bunt, slap or hit away. She was a real leader for us at the top of the order.” Will play at Division III Augustana College in Rock Island.

Corinne Wimmer Larkin

A three-time all-area choice, Larkin’s senior shortstop and leadoff hitter was the third leading hitter in the area with her .516 average. Also had 7 doubles, 2 triples, 1 home run and 12 RBI. Struck out only 8 times in 106 plate appearances. “I’ve never had a faster player,” said Larkin coach Larry Hight. “Her speed caused a lot of trouble. She was a four-year varsity player who improved every year in every category. She had great attendance in the offseason and was an anchor for our team.” A Super 60 selection, Wimmer will play for Division III Dominican University next year.”

2011 Fox Valley All-Area Softball team

Player School Yr. Pos.

Liz Adams CL South Jr. C

Haley Albamonte Burlington C. Jr. OF

Kara Arceneaux Jacobs Sr. OF

Nicole Beck Bartlett Sr. SS

Emily Bell Burlington C. Jr. 1B

Bri Bodjaewicz Streamwood Sr. SS-OF

Sam Bolin South Elgin Jr. P

Shannon Conway South Elgin Sr. 3B

Taylor Dunne Cary-Grove Sr. OF

*Lindsay Efflandt Cary-Grove So. P

Anna Eckholm Elgin Fr. 3B

Sarah Field St. Edward Sr. P

Emma Gaulke Cary-Grove Sr. SS

Kelsey Hagan Huntley Sr. OF

Alexis Haley Cary-Grove Sr. OF

Kali Kossakowski St. Edward So. SS

Alyssa Lach Jacobs Fr. 3B

Marissa Lombardo Jacobs Sr. P

Lisa Matsie Bartlett Sr. 3B

Tarah McShane St. Edward Sr. C

Hannah Perryman Elgin Jr. P

Eleni Polites Cary-Grove Sr. OF

Lexi Smithberg Larkin Jr. 2B

*Katelyn Stonecipher South Elgin Sr. OF

Jenna Teson Jacobs Sr. SS

Corinne Wimmer Larkin SS

* Honorary co-captain

Honorable mention

Bartlett — Jacki Gulczynski (Sr., 1B), Tori Burke (Jr., P)

Burlington Central — Bekah Harnish (Fr., C), Rebecca Roscher (Fr., P)

Cary-Grove — Sarah Leudo (So., C), Sara Markelonis (So., 3B)

Crystal Lake South — Sam Golf (Jr., P), Shannon McGinnis (Sr., OF)

Dundee-Crown — Melany Love (Jr., P/IF), Amanda Eissler (So, P/SS)

Elgin — Jaclyn Navarro (Jr., OF), Kelley Bremer (Fr., C), Jennah Perryman (Fr., P/3B)

Hampshire — Jennifer Hurst (So., P)

Huntley — Randi Peterson (So., C/SS), Brittany Koss (Fr., IF/OF)

Jacobs — Kelsey Peterson (Sr., 1B)

Larkin — Alex Buhrow (So. C), Kiernan Shock (Jr., P), Megan Johnson (Sr., P)

St. Edward — Kelsey Richmond (Sr., 3B)

South Elgin — Sara Irving (Jr., 1B), Alyssa Buddle (Fr., C)

Westminster Christian — Katie Moeller (Sr., SS/P), Hannah Graves (Sr., IF/P)

Captain’s 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)

2011 — Lindsay Efflandt (Cary-Grove) and Katelyn Stonecipher (South Elgin)