Softball / Northwest all-area team
Alyx Ballenger Palatine
Despite battling a nagging shoulder injury and a head injury, Ballenger proved to be one of the top catchers in the area. She was the second-leading hitter for Palatine (.414) and led the team with 12 sacrifice bunts. Ballenger also had 22 RBI while batting second and made no errors all season. “Alyx was super solid defensively,” said coach Jeff Manz. “And she makes great contact. She really bounced back from a year ago to have her best season. She just really loves the game.”
Jessica Balzano Elk Grove
No one will forget Balzano's school-record hitting streak that lasted 42 games. And Elk Grove coach Ken Grams will remember Balzano as one of his finest four-year starters. The Loyola recruit finished as Elk Grove's all-time hits leader. She batted .386 this season with an on-base percentage of .456. “Jessica's aggressiveness and attitude as a hitter certainly set the table for the rest of our lineup,” Grams said. “That will be missed the most.”
Allie Bauch Conant
Speed, strength and range made Bauch (.408, 2 home runs, 30 runs) a standout junior shortstop for the Cougars. The three-sport athlete also carries a 3.6 GPA. “Allie is a bright spot for everyone each day at practice,” said coach CathyAnn Smith. “She is positive and motivates her teammates by encouragement and she leads by example by giving 100 percent every day.”
Briana Cavin Conant
Cavin continued to be a strong force on the mound (1.33 ERA), pitching the Cougars to their first Mid-Suburban League championship since 1974. “She is so much fun to watch,” said coach CathyAnn Smith. “Her dedication to pitching her best along with her natural abilities as our leadoff batter have made her one of the best in the area.” The Wisconsin-Green Bay recruit batted .416. She had 6 shutouts and a no-hitter against York. “Bri will continue to be a force to reckon with next season in a tough MSL schedule,” Smith added.
Miranda Cavin Conant
Cavin led the Mid-Suburban League champs with a .467 batting average, 34 RBI and 4 home runs. The sophomore catcher did not have a single passed ball all season. She was 3-of-4 throwing out runners trying to steal and no one tried in an MSL game. “Miranda was a great battery partner for her sister (Briana) again this season,” said coach CathyAnn Smith. “She knows how to read the batter and call a good game.”
Kristen Cetkovic Elk Grove
Cetkovic was a big power play in the Grens batting order. The senior center fielder had 3 grand slams in her career and belted 7 homers this season with 35 RBI. She batted .384. “Kristen showed great improvement in her plate discipline from the past season,” coach Ken Grams said. “Her batting average jumped more than 40 points. Defensively, she is a good outfielder with a terrific arm.”
Andrea DiPrima Buffalo Grove
DiPrima's .522 career batting average puts her at 16th, according to the IHSA record books. Her 227 career hits placed her seventh. “Obviously, Andrea was an offensive powerhouse for us,” said coach Jamie Paul. “She was our most consistent hitter. As great as she is a player, she was an absolute pleasure to coach.” DiPrima batted .495 with a team-high 45 hits this season and was named the Bison MVP. DiPrima, who also scored 1,000 points in a four-year basketball career, finished with 22 career homers.
KC Dunne Buffalo Grove
Dunne's stellar work at shortstop earned her the Bison “golden glove” award as the team defensive MVP. “She's such a solid defensive player,” said coach Jamie Paul. “She makes the hard plays look easy.” The four-year starter and Western Illinois recruit also excelled offensively, finishing with a career batting average of. 409 and 198 hits. This season, Dunne batted .377 with 40 hits and led the team in stolen bases. “She's an all-around naturally talented athlete,” Paul said of the three-sport athlete who also played basketball and golf.
Allie Gaeding Fremd
Speed. Defense. Bat. Gaeding had it all for Fremd. The senior shortstop set the school single-season record for stolen bases (44), breaking the mark held by Donna Werling. Vikes coach Jim Weaver calls her the best defensive shortstop he has coached (.946 fielding percentage). And at the plate, Gaeding batted a team-high .527 (59-for-112) and crossed the plate a team-high 45 times. She also collected 2 doubles, 1 triple and 11 RBI with a team-high on-base percentage of .595. “She was a rocket at the top of our order,” Weaver said. “And she is the best defensive shortstop in program history.”
Dani Goranson Elk Grove
Goranson (29-5, 0.81 ERA, 254 strikeouts in 191 innings) tied the single-season school record for wins and also batted .485 this season. The junior hit 5 home runs with 30 RBI and led the team in on-base percentage (. 560). “Dani became the focal player of a good team and handled the responsibility extremely well,” said Elk Grove coach Ken Grams. “We knew she would pitch well but her hitting advanced by leaps and bounds.”
Joanne Jablonski Palatine
Jablonski was a record-breaker in her stellar career at Palatine. Her 46 RBI were a single-season record and she owns the career mark, too. The Wisconsin-Whitewater recruit batted .405 with a .739 slugging percentage, 6 home runs, 5 doubles, 7 triples and led the team with 45 hits. “Joanne also did a great job behind the plate when we needed her to fill in,” said coach Jeff Manz. “She had great range in center field. She was a great leader in the outfield. That's why we had her in center. She's a great power hitter, one of the best we've had here.”
Megan Keegan Elk Grove
One of the most versatile girls on the team, Keegan played five different positions this season (right field, catcher, third base, first base and left field). “And she played each one well,” said coach Ken Grams. Offensively, Keegan led the Grens with 9 home runs and 36 RBI, batting .347. “Megan is just a good complete, all-around softball player,” said Grams, who will have Keegan back as one of seven returning starters from the Mid-Suburban East championship team.
Sara Kern Wheeling
Kern enjoyed a superb sophomore season, leading the Wildcats with her bat and attitude. “Win or lose, Sara's attitude was always the same,” said Wheeling coach Mike Caringella. “She was not at all about the stats. She was all about the team winning.” And Kern did her best to make that happen, batting a team-high .431 with 24 RBI, 8 doubles, 4 triple, and 3 home runs. She had a .676 slugging percentage with 44 hits in 102 at bats. “Every day was a pleasure with this young lady because she'd always surprise me with something great offensively or defensively,” Caringella said.
Kelly Keyzer Rolling Meadows
Next season, the catcher's gear will be worn by a new player for the first time in a while. Keyzer was a four-year varsity starter for the Mustangs, and capped off her career by hitting .340 with a team-high 4 home runs and 23 RBI as a senior. She was one of the best catchers in the Mid-Suburban League, throwing out 50 percent of the runners trying to steal. “Kelly was a great leader for us, on and off the field,” said Mustangs coach Tony Wolanski. “She improved every season and was a great kid to coach.”
Megan Krizanovic Christian Liberty
Krizanovic, a three-time all-conference player in the Northeastern Athletic Conference, was the power of the offense and defense for the Chargers. The junior catcher batted .667 with 42 hits, 35 runs, 12 doubles, 8 triples, 7 home runs and 40 RBI. She walked nine times and struck out only four times in 63 at bats. Defensively, Krizanovic caught 11 runners stealing and picked off 13. “Megan has been playing since she was 9 years old,” said CLA coach Dave Krizanovic. “It is the only sport she has played. She devotes all her free time to softball. She loves the game.”
Loren Krzysko Barrington
Krzysko showed power this season like no other Fillie in school history. She walloped a single-season school-record 12 home runs while batting .400. “Loren demonstrated a monster year at the plate,” said coach Perry Peterson, who watched the sophomore third baseman collect 48 hits in 120 at bats with 9 doubles and a team-high 21 extra base hits. She had team-high 45 RBI and 41 runs. Krzysko surpassed the former home run record held by Ashley Berggren (1994) and Michelle Levin (1990), who each hit 10. “The sky is the limit for Loren,” Peterson said. “With her work ethic and love for the game, she has the ability to really leave her mark on this program.”
Alyssa Lancaster Schaumburg
Lancaster did it with her pitching arm and her bat for the Saxons. The junior right-hander struck out 82 while winning many key games on the mound. She also batted .511 with 9 home runs, 11 doubles, 2 triples and a team-high 41 RBI. She struck out only three times. “Honestly, Alyssa was just a great overall player,” said first-year Schaumburg coach Ellen Stoddard. “She was a definite presence at the plate, a real intense player and a leader. It's nice to have her back for another season.”
Briana Lingl Schaumburg
First-year coach Ellen Stoddard could always count on Lingl making the opposing defense work. The senior shortstop struck out only one time in 97 at-bats. She completed a stellar career by batting a team-high .526 with 24 RBI, 4 home runs, 8 doubles and 1 triple. She also had 56 assists at short. “Briana is an all-around leader and makes everything look so easy,” Stoddard said. “She is a very fluid player and a very definite presence at the plate. Briana will very much be missed.”
Lauren Logan Palatine
Only a sophomore, Logan looked like a true veteran in her second season as a first baseman on coach Jeff Manz' varsity. She led the Pirates with her .444 batting average that included 25 RBI and 15 doubles. “Lauren is the best defensive first baseman that I've seen,” Manz said. “She had only one error all season and even that was a tough one to give her.” Logan's 276 putouts were a school record. “Lauren has been a solid player for us for two seasons now,” Manz said.
Morgan Maize Leyden
Maize did this season what no Leyden player had done, and only a handful in IHSA history had accomplished. The junior had a dream season with a school-record 18 home runs and 77 RBI. And she continued to prove she is one of the top pitchers (24-5) in the area. Among the many D-I schools recruiting Maize are DePaul, Michigan, Wisconsin, Northwestern, Toledo, Western Kentucky, Western Illinois and Colgate. Maize pitched Leyden to a 4-1 victory over Mid-Suburban League champion Conant in the regional championship, hitting a pair of 2-run homers.
Michelle Mazur Fremd
Checking in as a transfer from Ohio, Mazur made quite an addition to the Fremd lineup. The sophomore hit .393 with 30 runs, and a team-high 11 doubles, 3 triples and 42 RBI. She also belted 5 homers. “Michelle added a real punch to the middle of our lineup,” said Fremd coach Jim Weaver. “And she adapted real well to the outfield. She is really an infielder but there were no jobs available there.”
Katie Mnichowicz Palatine
Mnichowicz will hardly be forgotten in Palatine softball history. “Most athletic shortstop (86 assists and 67 putouts) that I've had here,” said coach Jeff Manz. “Katie has great range, great speed and always makes contact at the plate.” Mnichowicz struck out only four times while batting .362 with 42 hits, 42 runs (tied for single-season school record) and 22 stolen bases. “She really put pressure on the opponent's defense,” Manz said.
Hilary O'Donnell Conant
It was the versatility that O'Donnell possessed that made her such a valuable player for four years under coach CathyAnn Smith. O'Donnell (.398, 8 doubles) gradually became a leader in the outfield and at the plate for the Cougars, whether she is helping lay down a bunt or slap, or hitting a home run as she did against Elk Grove in the MSL championship game. “As a co-captain, Hilary kept the team focused on its goals all season,” Smith said. “ She will be greatly missed when she heads to Valparaiso next fall to pursue nursing.”
Liz Owen Barrington
A three-year varsity player, Owen finished on fire with an 18-game hitting streak. The two-time all-conference selection enjoyed her finest season, batting .487. She had 57 hits, 43 RBI, a team-high 11 doubles, 5 homers, and batted .481 with runners in scoring position. Owen also led the Fillies with her .504 on-base percentage. “Liz was our most consistent performer,” said coach Perry Peterson. “If the goal is to play your best softball in your final season, then Liz far exceeded her senior goals.”
Devan Parkison Elk Grove
Parkison asserted herself as one of the area's top receivers this spring. The junior batted .363 with 18 RBI while also keeping runners on their toes with her strong and accurate arm. “Devan has as good a handle about the game as you could expect from a high school player,” said Elk Grove coach Ken Grams. “She understands the finer points of the game and executes well in all situations.”
Caitlin Patenaude Fremd
You could almost always depend on Patenaude to put the ball in play. “An excellent contact hitter,” said coach Jim Weaver of his junior left fielder who hit .394 (41-of-104) and tied teammate Michelle Mazur for most doubles with 11. Patenaude also scored 20 runs with 29 RBI and 1 home run for the regional champions. “Caitlin was a base hit machine,” Weaver added. “She had many clutch at-bats.”
Kelsey Pellus Hoffman Estates
A senior captain and four-year varsity starter, Pellus led the Hawks with a .449 batting average and .500 on-base percentage in her final season. “Kelsey has been a rock behind the plate the past four seasons,” said coach Lindsey Hamma. “She was our vocal leader and challenged everyone to compete to her full potential.” Pellus produced 21 RBI and clubbed 9 doubles in the No. 3 spot. “Kelsey's work ethic, determination, positive attitude and leadership set the tone for our team the past four years,” Hamma added. “She leaves some big shoes to fill, and we will miss her.”
Colleen Shandley Barrington
The four-year varsity player (.412, 34 runs, 16 stolen bases) became one of the finest leadoff batters in program history. She broke three school records this season — hits in a career (219, which is ninth best on the IHSA list), career stolen bases (83) and single-season batting average with runners in scoring position. “Colleen shined from the leadoff position like no one else has ever in a Barrington softball career,” said Fillies coach Perry Peterson.
Josie Suchecki Rolling Meadows
When it comes to hitting, not many were better in the Mid-Suburban League than Suchecki. The junior second baseman, a two-time all-conference selection, led the Mustangs with her .443 batting average, 32 RBI and 15 doubles. She also belted 3 homers for the MSL East runnerups. “Josie continues to get better,” said Mustangs coach Tony Wolanski. “She also played excellent defense at second and is one of the top returning players in the conference.”
Nikki Surico Prospect
Surico led the Knights in nearly every offensive category, including batting average (.416), RBI (22), doubles (6), triples (2), runs (23), on-base percentage (.505) and slugging (.596). Defensively, Surico had a .932 fielding percentage from 132 chances. “Nikki is a fantastic kid and a great leader,” said Knights coach Jim Adair. “She was our team cheerleader. In our huddle she was always trying to rally the team and keep things in perspective. She's just a dynamite kid you really want in your program. She was the heart and soul of the team.”
Julie Sweeney St. Viator
Sweeney did it all for the Lions, leading with her hitting and pitching. She batted .434 with 5 home runs and 26 RBI. On the mound, Sweeney struck out 174 batters in 168 innings pitched with a 2.71 ERA. She finished her four-year varsity career at Viator with more wins (45), batters struck out (536), home runs hit (15) and lowest earned run average (2.14) in the history of the program. “Julie stood tall in this year of transition for our softball program,” said Lions coach Dan Twarog. “With six new starters around her, she kept us in every ballgame. She will make a great addition to the Dayton Flyers team next year. She was most importantly a great mentor to our younger players in the program.”
Alex Tinagalia Hersey
Tinaglia served as a reliable leadoff batter and first baseman for coach Molly Freeman. “Alex was just a real solid player, offensively and defensively,” Freeman said. “She was very fundamentally sound. She loves the game and would run through a brick wall if you ask her. Alex is an outstanding person and outstanding player.” Tinaglia led the Huskies with her .394 batting average, including 11 doubles and 3 triples and while also scoring a team-high 33 runs.
Kiersten Tinkoff Barrington
For the first time in four seasons, coach Perry Peterson will have to find a new first baseman. For the last three seasons, Tinkoff has been an all-area player. “Kiersten had an outstanding offensive season,” said Peterson, who watched Tinkoff bat .382 with 42 hits, 5 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run and 25 RBI this season. Defensively, she had a .986 percentage. “Kiersten had the ability to make her fellow infielders better with the range and catching ability she possessed.” Tinkoff will play at Wisconsin-Whitewater next season. “She has been a special player to watch the past four seasons,” Peterson said.
Alex Tuminaro Hoffman Estates
It was a breakout season for the junior third baseman, who batted .420 with a .753 slugging percentage. Tuminaro also collected a team-high 24 RBI with 5 home runs, 4 triples, and 4 doubles. “Alex came up with a number of big hits in big situations,” said Hawks coach Lindsey Hamma of the cleanup hitter who also scored 23 runs. “Her intensity, sheer determination and passion to improve make her fun to coach. I know she will continue to work hard this summer and I can't wait to see what another year of experience allows her to accomplish next season.”
Paige Ward Conant
Ward as served a solid four-year varsity player for coach CathyAnn Smith's Cougars. “She leaves big shoes to fill at first base next season,” Smith said. Ward was second on the team this season with a batting average of .446. She also hit 4 home runs, two of them being clutch home runs against Barrington and Palatine to secure the win for the Cougars. “Paige has a huge love of the game,” Smith said. Ward will continue her career next season at Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Holly Wengerski Maine West
Only a sophomore, Wengerski had a standout season for the Warriors. She was a catalyst at the top of the batting order, leading the Warriors with a .461 batting average, 41 hits, 24 runs and 18 stolen bases. “Holly has super speed,” said Warriors coach Mike Murin. “Her ability to bunt, as well as hit line drives, in combination with her quickness made her tough to defend.” During a stretch of nine games late in the season, Wengerski hit at a .742 clip (23-for-31). “Holly filled a need for us defensively at shortstop,” Murin added. “We felt comfortable that she would be in position to make every routine play, and that confidence in her play allowed everyone else to concentrate on doing their jobs well.”
2011 softball all-area roster
Player School Pos. Yr.
Alyx Ballenger Palatine C Sr.
Jessica Balzano Elk Grove 2B Sr.
Allie Bauch Conant SS Jr.
Briana Cavin Conant P Jr.
Miranda Cavin Conant C So.
Kristen Cetkovic Elk Grove CF Sr.
Andrea DiPrima Buffalo Grove CF Sr.
KC Dunne Buffalo Grove SS Sr.
Allie Gaeding Fremd SS Sr.
Dani Goranson Elk Grove P Jr.
Joanne Jablonski Palatine CF Sr.
Megan Keegan Elk Grove RF Jr.
Sara Kern Wheeling LF So.
Kelly Keyzer Rolling Meadows C Sr.
Megan Krizanovic Christian Liberty C Jr.
Loren Krzysko Barrington 3B So.
Alyssa Lancaster Schaumburg P Jr.
Brianne Lingl Schaumburg SS Sr.
Lauren Logan Palatine 1B So.
Morgan Maize Leyden P Jr.
Michelle Mazur Fremd RF So.
Katie Mnichowicz Palatine SS Sr.
Hilary O'Donnell Conant CF Sr.
Liz Owen Barrington LF Sr.
Devan Parkison Elk Grove C Jr.
Caitlin Patenaude Fremd LF Jr.
Kelsey Pellus Hoffman Estates C Sr.
Colleen Shandley Barrington 2B Sr.
Josie Suchecki Rolling Meadows 2B Jr.
Nikki Surico Prospect SS Sr.
Julie Sweeney St. Viator Sr. P
Alex Tinaglia Hersey 1B Jr.
Kiersten Tinkoff Barrington 1B Sr.
Alex Tuminaro Hoffman Estates 3B Jr.
Paige Ward Conant 1B Sr.
Holly Wengerski Maine West CF So.
* — Honorary captain
Special mention
Sam Anderson (Rolling Meadows), Dani Boisvert (Palatine), Alyssa Bojarski (Maine West), Sara Brunlieb (Rolling Meadows), Alexis Carrevetta (Schaumburg), Maria Dax (Buffalo Grove), Rachel Doering (Fremd), Mallory Eichhorn (Hersey), Kelly Farnan (Maine West), Haley Henriksen (Hersey), Kim Jacobson (Conant), Tayler Lenart (St. Viator), Hanna Lythberg (Prospect), Mandi Matsumoto (Fremd), Nicole Naranjo (Prospect), Sam Salomone (Palatine), Katie Scovic (Palatine), Krista Soesbe (Elk Grove), Sarah Thompson (Conant), Dana Sullivan (Leyden), Becca Thompson (Schaumburg), Becca Walz (Elk Grove), Ariel Valles (Maine West)
Selections and profiles by John Leusch