Softball / Lake County all-area team
Abby Anderson Warren
The senior saw her single-season home run record fall this season. She broke it. After knocking a school-record seven balls out of the park last year, Anderson did one better with 8 homers. She also delivered a school-record 51 RBI to lead the team in that category for the second straight year, as well. The big-bopping Blue Devil batted .479 with .872 slugging and .543 on-base percentages. She scored 25 runs, and her 45 hits also included 9 doubles and 2 triples. Defensively, the first baseman was equally impressive, boasting a .983 fielding percentage. “Abby came through in the clutch in numerous instances,” coach Carri McGahan said of her No. 3 hitter and repeat all-area and All-North Suburban selection. “She’s an excellent defender at first base. She made great scoops and stretches to help out her teammates.” A team captain who’s also exceptional in the classroom (4.19 overall GPA) and earned a spot on the academic all-conference squad, Anderson will continue her softball career at Kalamazoo College.
Claire Brennan Grayslake Central
When Claire swings, clear out. The junior takes ferocious cuts in the batter’s box. Brennan belted 7 home runs and 13 doubles (47 total hits), while posting a .443 batting average, scoring 26 times and driving in 22 runs. She led the club in all of those categories. She also slugged at a .764 clip and posted a .516 on-base percentage. “Probably one of the most explosive swings in the (Fox Valley) conference,” coach Abbey Tadelman said of her all-FVC pick. A three-year varsity starter who transitioned smoothly to shortstop this season, after playing outfield the last two springs, Brennan also served as the Rams’ No. 2 pitcher. She could play any position, her coach said. “She has so much knowledge of the game,” Tadelman said. “You can tell she’s been playing all of her life.”
Hillary Bunnelle Mundelein
If the pitching doesn’t improve, the ballclub doesn’t either. Bunnelle, coach Ted Juske Jr. said, got better every year. No wonder the Mustangs leapt to 16 victories and a .500 season, after winning just seven games last year. “She carried the load for us,” Juske said of his two-year varsity ace. “She could locate, change speeds.” The right-hander went 12-12 in the circle, striking out 139 batters (49 walks) in 155 innings, while posting a 2. 17 ERA. Opponents hit just .193 against her. “There were games when she didn’t have her best stuff,” Juske said. “But every time she went out there, she gave us a chance to win every softball game that we could.” Bunnelle did more than pitch effectively. She also was a solid middle-of-the-order hitter, batting .367 with 8 doubles, 3 home runs and 24 RBI. She struck out just seven times in 90 at-bats. A member of the All-North Suburban and academic all-conference teams, she will continue her softball career at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio.
Shannon Cooley Lakes
She struck out 10 batters in the Eagles’ season opener — and walked 10. Before long, however, Lakes was in the midst of a 13-game winning streak and its senior right-hander was receiving 10s — double high fives. Cooley won 14 of her last 16 decisions, finishing with a 17-8 record. She struck out 144 batters in 148⅔ innings, and posted a 2.09 ERA. “She started slow, but it wasn’t all Shannon’s fault either,” coach Bill Hamill said. “She really buckled down. ... She got more focused and started hitting her strike zone. The defense started coming around.” Meanwhile, Cooley, a four-year all-area and perennial All-North Suburban choice, did her best to keep hitting the softball. She finished with a .393 batting average, .450 on-base percentage and .712 slugging percentage. Cooley clubbed 11 doubles, 3 homers and 1 triple, and drove in 18 runs. Those were numbers were more like it.
Rachel DePouw Grant
She didn’t throw BBs like BB — Brie Brugioni — did, but the junior more than adequately filled the role as the Bulldogs’ ace. And like Brugioni did a year ago, DePouw pitched well in a regional-final loss to powerful Cary-Grove. DePouw replaced the graduated Brugioni in the circle and delivered another All-North Suburban and all-area campaign, winning 12 games for a squad that captured 13 victories. “She was the anchor, the heart and soul of our team,” coach Mike Dolezal said. “Every time she pitched, she gave us an opportunity to win.” A three-time all-NSC selection who played primarily third base last year, DePouw relied more on a drop curve than heavy fastball to retire hitters. “She learned that she didn’t have to blow people away (to get outs),” Dolezal said. “She kept the ball on the outer half at the knees. ... She became a smart pitcher.” DePouw had power at the plate, too, socking 8 doubles and 4 home runs, to go along with a .305 batting average. She and catcher Amber Smith were named co-MVPs of the team.
Kelley Dodge Carmel Catholic
The Corsairs’ version of Dodge-ball called for the junior to throw and hit. Dodge did. The speedy lefty slapper led Carmel in hits (47) and runs scored (24) and tied Sally Snarski for the team’s best batting average at .402. “Kelley has worked extremely hard to make herself into one heck of a player,” coach Jason Raymond said. “She has so many great attributes. She leads by example, she does a great job of setting the table offensively for us with her bat and speed, and defensively she is developing into a fine center fielder.” A three-year varsity starter in center field, Dodge led off most of the season but also batted in the No. 2 slot so Raymond could take advantage of her bunting skills. Once on base, she was a threat to steal, swiping nine bases in a row during one point in the season. She excels both in the classroom and on the field. “She is very intelligent,” Raymond said. “What makes Kelley special as a player is her ability to be challenged and to still succeed.”
Justina Doll Mundelein
The Mustangs always brought their popular Doll to play time. As a result, the Mustangs had fun. They won games, too. “We went as she went,” coach Ted Juske Jr., whose Mustangs went 16-16, said of his leadoff hitter. “If she led off the game, got on and got us going, the rest of the team followed.” A four-year varsity starter, Doll enjoyed a breakout season, leading the Mustangs with a .430 batting average and 24 stolen bases. She pounded 8 doubles, a triple and 2 homers. And talk about a contact hitter. Doll struck out just three times in 98 at-bats. Defensively, she anchored center field the last two years, using her great speed to chase down many flyballs. “Every year she continued to work and get better,” Juske said. “She’s one of those kids that had the work ethic. She plays all year round — summer, fall, through the winter — and gave up other sports to play softball.” Doll’s softball career isn’t over. An All-North Suburban and academic all-conference selection, she’ll play for Lewis University next year.
Olivia Duehr Antioch
What a career, that Olivia Duehr. “Great career,” coach Jeff Tylka said of his Division I recruit and three-year varsity superstar. “She’ll do well. Hard worker. Student of the game. Always (thinking), ‘How can I improve at this? How can I do this better?’ Just a great kid.” Just an absolutely superb player. The Sequoits’ ace the last three years, Duehr was also one of the county’s most-feared sluggers. The captain of the Daily Herald All-Area team as a sophomore and co-captain of this year’s squad with Lake Zurich’s Megan Mattera, she is a three-time all-area and All-North Suburban selection. She concluded her senior year by hitting .467 with 9 home runs and 45 RBI. Her other offensive numbers included 9 doubles, 3 triples, 12 stolen bases (nothing runs like a Duehr), a .546 on-base percentage and .867 slugging percentage. In the circle, the right-hander went 18-6 with a 1.66 ERA and 219 strikeouts in 143⅓ innings for the North Suburban Prairie Division and Richmond-Burton regional champs. Next up: Northwestern University, where Duehr starts a new career.
Kristi Gandy Grayslake North
As the Knights have continued to develop, improving their win total in each of the junior’s three varsity seasons, their star has done likewise. Gandy pitched the Knights to a school-record 21 wins and sectional-final berth this season. The right-hander won 15 games and posted a 2.32 ERA. “She’s really grown as a pitcher over the last three years,” coach Molly Jones said. “Once she gets on that mound, she demands control. She demands control of the game. ... She’s a really smart pitcher. She knows what to throw and who to throw it to, but she doesn’t overthink it. She just pitches her game.” Gandy takes charge at the plate, too. The repeat all-area choice led the Knights with a .412 batting average, poking 8 doubles, 3 home runs and a triple, while knocking in 16 runs. An All-Fox Valley pick, she also played first base.
Paige Goldberg Lake Zurich
Opponents might have had difficulty reading the Bears late in the season, because they were missing an important Paige. Goldberg, the team’s two-year starting catcher and an all-area performer since she was a starting outfielder as a sophomore, missed three weeks with an ankle sprain. She returned for the regional final, and with the sweet-swinging slapper back at the top of their order, the Bears rolled all the way to the supersectional. Coach Michaela Towne said Goldberg and Kelly Neises formed a “dynamite” combination at the top. Goldberg carried a .405 batting average into the postseason with 17 stolen bases. The perennial All-North Suburban choice not commit an error behind the plate.
Danielle Kaczmar Libertyville
Kaczmar was consistent, catching softballs hit to her and creaming those pitched to her. A four-year varsity starter and two-time All-North Suburban selection, the second baseman batted .409 with 36 hits. Wildcats coach Mary Tiegs moved the senior up to the leadoff position midway through the season, and the decision proved to be a good one. “Disciplined at the plate,” Tiegs said. “Intelligent situational hitter.” Kaczmar is intelligent, period. She was named to the academic all-conference team and will continue her softball career at North Central College.
Katie Keefe Antioch
Katie Keefe rarely K’d. A late-season call-up during the Sequoits’ march to state last year, Keefe was a keeper. The sophomore slid over to first base this spring after veteran Cat Dinklenburg tore her ACL in midseason, and Keefe provided creditable glove work. She also proved dependable with the bat as the Sequoits’ No. 2 hitter, earning All-North Suburban honors. “Katie is a great contact hitter with good hands and the ability to drive the ball whether it’s inside or outside,” coach Jeff Tylka said. “She was a player who got better at the plate all year and also could move runners with a bunt or groundball behind the runner.” Keefe hit at a .330 clip, with 7 doubles, 3 homers and 29 RBI. She struck out just 14 times, drew 15 walks and led the team with 10 sacrifices.
Lexi Leneau Warren
Everyone knew Leneau could hit — jump shots. This spring, the basketball star stroked softballs. A varsity athlete in both basketball and softball since her freshman year, the junior elevated her softball game this spring. The All-North Suburban pick batted .409 with 10 doubles, 3 home runs and 19 RBI. She also drew a school-record 18 walks and stole 7 bases. Her athleticism also came in handy in the outfield, where she could run down many balls. “Lexi has improved drastically since her freshman year,” coach Carri McGahan said. “She hit for power throughout most of the season and was moved all around the lineup.” Wherever Leneau batted in the Blue Devils’ order, she hit. Leneau, a versatile athlete? Everyone knew.
Megan Mattera Lake Zurich
At the Bears’ banquet, on the eve of their supersectional game against New Trier, coach Michaela Towne spoke about her superstar. Towne didn’t need to mention any of Mattera’s season or career stats, which would impress anyone. “I said, ‘In the four years that I’ve known her, I don’t think anybody has worked more on softball — worked harder — than Meg,’ ” Towne said. “I mean, she’s going to hitting lessons in like Timbuktu (Minooka, actually). ... (taking) pitching lessons. She just loves, loves, loves the game.” Mattera’s numbers? Gotta love ’em. The senior, who captained last year’s all-area team and shares the honor this season with Antioch pitcher and travel-ball teammate Olivia Duehr, belted her 10th home run in the Bears’ supersectional loss to New Trier. Mattera took a .408 batting average into last week’s Warren sectional and finished the season with 32 RBI. In the circle, the Miami (Ohio) recruit won 21 games and struck out 184 batters, posting a 1.67 ERA (as of last week). Towne fought back tears while talking about her special player following the Bears’ supersectional loss. “I see so much of myself in her,” said Towne, a former collegiate player. “We’ll miss her.”
Alli McGinnis Lake Zurich
The junior is gentle, easygoing. Opponents made her get serious by often intentionally walking or pitching around superstar Megan Mattera to pitch to her instead. Guess what happened? McGinnis got dead serious and often delivered killer hits. “She’s clutch,” coach Michaela Towne said. “We always joke that she’s got to go up to the plate, get the wiggles out and just play really relaxed. She did a great job hitting behind Meg and protecting her.” McGinnis took a .375 batting average into last week’s Warren sectional, went 2-for-3 in the title-clinching win over Fremd and lined an RBI double in the Bears’ supersectional loss to New Trier. In LZ’s 7-6 win over Antioch in the North Suburban Conference championship game, the lefty hitter delivered game-tying RBI in the seventh and ninth innings. Her season also included 2 homers, 6 doubles and 23 RBI, while playing multiple positions (first base, outfield, catcher). “She really stepped up,” Towne said of the all-NSC pick, “and became a reliable hitter.”
Megan Meline Vernon Hills
MM was mighty good. M’M good. Meline motored and mowed down batters, putting together undoubtedly the best season ever for a Vernon Hills softball player in leading the Cougars to 25 wins. Besides being dominant in the circle, going 19-7 with a 0.99 ERA and school-record 240 strikeouts (35 walks) in 177 innings, the junior stole a school-record 37 bases. “I’m not (surprised),” said first-year coach Steve Korney, aware that Meline (a volleyball starter, too) is an exceptional athlete, “because we were more aggressive this year.” Meline mashed, as well. She hit .495 with her 53 hits including 10 doubles, 7 triples and 3 home runs. She also knocked in 37 runs, scored 44 times, walked 27 times and posted on-base and slugging percentages of .597 and .804, respectively. She led the Cougars in virtually every offensive category. The hard-throwing righty has been the team’s ace since her freshman year and is a repeat all-area and All-North Suburban choice. She no-hit Grant. “I would put her up there against any pitcher in Lake County,” Korney said.
Amber Mysliwiec Antioch
No Sequoit was louder vocally. No Sequoit was louder offensively. The junior catcher’s bat screamed. Mysliwiec batted a robust .529 with 7 home runs and 54 RBI in her second season as a varsity starter. The All-North Suburban selection also pounded 12 doubles and a triple. She slugged .873 and boasted a .597 on-base percentage. In Antioch’s sectional-semifinal loss to Marengo, Mysliwiec went 4-for-4 with a double and 2 RBI to give the Sequoits a chance. “I think she’s had the best offensive season ever at Antioch High School,” coach Jeff Tylka said of his cleanup hitter. Tylka made that statement knowing the Sequoits have produced several Division I talents. “It’s a pretty impressive list,” he said. Mysliwiec is an impressive player. “She’s a very energetic kid,” Tylka said. No disputing that.
Cara Nance Wauconda
After getting knocked around repeatedly during a basketball game last winter, only to immediately bounce back on her feet, the senior credited her resiliency to all the hard knocks she’s absorbed playing catcher over the years. “She’s got to be one of the toughest kids I’ve coached,” coach Tim Rennels said of his four-year varsity softball starter. “She’s a gritty kid.” The tough girl was also a tough out. She hit .409 during the regular season, then went 4-for-5 with a homer and 2 doubles in the Bulldogs’ 10-inning, regional-opening win over Grayslake Central. Nance also scored the winning run. She anchored primarily third base the last two seasons, but also caught and played shortstop during her stellar four-year career. “She’s just a great leader,” Rennels said of his perennial All-North Suburban selection. Nance will continue her softball career at Bowie State University in Maryland.
Kelly Neises Lake Zurich
Neises’ slap-hitting? Nice. That high-ankle sprain that sidelined Neises late in the regular season? Not so nice. “But when she was healthy, she was dynamite,” coach Michaela Towne said. The speedy junior center fielder/little lefty batted .411 with 39 hits, providing the North Suburban Conference champions a huge spark at the top of the batting order. “We missed her a lot (in the state tournament),” said Towne, whose Bears came 6 outs away from advancing downstate. A second-year starter and first-time All-North Suburban selection, Neises scored 23 runs and stole 16 bases. “A leader in the outfield,” Towne said, “and so reliable when up to bat.”
Ashley Niedermayer Stevenson
She sizzled in center as a sophomore and junior. She cooled opposing bats at the hot corner as a senior. Niedermayer swung a hot bat again, too. A field-hockey star in the fall and a rock-solid basketball player in the winter, the senior excelled again on the softball diamond. After patrolling center field the last two springs on varsity, she moved to third base and earned all-area and All-North Suburban honors for the second year in a row. “Ashley is such a natural athlete,” coach Larry Friedrichs said. “She has the ability to play anywhere on the field — great defensive instincts and pure speed on the bases. Not only could she hit the long ball, but she could play the short game, as well.” Niedermayer batted .425 and posted a .553 on-base percentage. Her 37 hits included 7 doubles, 3 triples and 4 home runs. “Ashley seemed to thrive on being in pressure situations with runners in scoring position,” Friedrichs said, “and came through in the clutch many times during her three-year varsity career.” Niedermayer could have played either of her three sports in college. She chose basketball and will attend Cornerstone University in Michigan.
Emma Patrash Stevenson
Patrash, a popular Patriot, patrolled. A pattern: Patrash on a base path. “Whenever Emma led off an inning, I felt as if we would score,” coach Larry Friedrichs said. “Her ability to get on base and make things happen was one of the keys to our season.” A three-year varsity player and good all-around athlete, who played field hockey in the fall, Patrash showed good stick work by hitting .380 with a .486 on-base percentage. The All-North Suburban selection led the Patriots in walks (18), triples (7), runs scored (35) and stolen bases (8). “(She) exhibited great instincts on the bases,” Friedrichs said. Patrash’s 35 hits and 13 extra-base hits ranked second on the Patriots. She moved from outfield to shortstop this season and became “the defensive leader in the infield,” Friedrichs said. She played multiple sports during her Stevenson career. “Emma can be intense,” Friedrichs said, “yet has the ability to help loosen everyone up.”
Jasmine Rivera Lakes
“Jazzy” jazzed things up at the top of the Eagles’ batting order. “Great set of eyes,” coach Bill Hamill said. “Starts here (handle of the bat in front of home plate) and is quick enough to bring the bat back and (hit). ... You can’t ask for much more in a hitter.” These were the All-North Suburban hitter’s numbers: .458 batting average (44 hits), .536 on-base percentage, .844 slugging percentage, 9 doubles, 8 triples, 4 home runs. Rivera also scored 41 runs, knocked in 19, walked 15 times and totaled 9 stolen bases. She was a four-year varsity starter and played errorless ball in center field until late in the season. Jump-starting the Eagles’ offense might have been her biggest attribute. She made a habit of making pitchers throw several pitches each at-bat. “She is a great hitter,” Hamill said. “A great leadoff hitter.” Rivera will continue to hit. She’s off to play at Calumet College in Indiana.
Maria Schroeder Lake Zurich
She danced while waiting to bat, swung her hips rhythmically between pitches, and rolled around in infield dirt after the Bears won the North Suburban Conference title. She made her teammates laugh. Her approach at the plate was anything but a joke. Call her the “team comedian,” as coach Michaela Towne did, but also call Schroeder a “true baller.” Towne did. The freshman third base delivered clutch hits and big extra-base smashes all season. She took a .385 batting average into the Warren sectional. Her game-tying RBI triple in the seventh was the key hit in the Bears’ sectional-final win over Fremd. Schroeder finished the season with 9 triples, 19 RBI and 12 stolen bases, earning All-North Suburban recognition. “She was extremely impressive in her first year,” Towne said. Seriously.
Sarah Shanders Warren
Ample “H’s” in her name, ample “H’s” in the score book for the junior, who simply hit and hit. While Shanders moved from outfield to second base, and even played some shortstop and third base, what remained consistent was her bat. The lefty slapper poked 41 hits, 39 of which were singles. She batted .427 with a .495 on-base percentage, stealing 19 bases and scoring 32 runs for the 21-game winners. Her play also earned her a spot on the All-North Suburban team. “Sarah has come a long way,” said coach Carri McGahan, who played Shanders up on varsity as a sophomore. “She’s a very versatile, athletic player.”
Sally Snarski Carmel Catholic
Sweet-swinging Sally Snarski slugged softballs. Snarski snagged ’em, too. The junior first baseman enjoyed a breakout season in her third year as a varsity starter. Sally tallied school records of 10 homers and 46 RBI, while hitting .402 (105 points higher than last year) and slugging at a .794 clip. The All-East Suburban Catholic choice also smoked 10 doubles. “Sally is the complete package,” coach Jason Raymond said. “She hits for average and power, she is a big-time run producer who gets the job done in the clutch, and is a tremendous first baseman blessed with great hands and feet.” Snarski was more than just a great hitter and fielder. “She has a positive impact in so many different ways for our team,” Raymond said. “Not only does she excel on the field, she has also become a strong leader for our young squad off the field.” As such, Snarski will be a team captain next year.
Megan Sowa Warren
Sowa’s season? So ... wow. The sophomore center fielder, varsity rookie and little lefty played the role of leadoff hitter to perfection. She hit .558 with a hefty 63 hits, including 14 doubles, a .920 slugging percentage and .651 on-base percentage — all school records. In 113 at-bats, Sowa struck out just four times. She also scored 47 runs, knocked in 38 runs, ripped 6 triples and 6 home runs, drew 10 walks and stole 8 bases. Sowa — so special. “An extremely talented hitter,” coach Carri McGahan said. “She’s very relaxed at the plate.” She’s dedicated, too. McGahan said her All-North Suburban pick had “perfect attendance” for all off-season conditioning sessions and all practices and games. Sowa was a hit in the classroom, as well. Her spring GPA: 3.71. So ... wow.
2011 Softball all-area roster
Player School Pos. Yr.
Abby Anderson Warren 1B Sr.
Claire Brennan Grayslake Central SS/P Jr.
Hillary Bunnelle Mundelein P Sr.
Shannon Cooley Lakes P Sr.
Megan DePouw Grant P/1B Jr.
Kelley Dodge Carmel Catholic CF Jr.
Justina Doll Mundelein CF Sr.
* Olivia Duehr Antioch P Sr.
Kristi Gandy Grayslake North P/1B Jr.
Paige Goldberg Lake Zurich C Sr.
Danielle Kaczmar Libertyville 2B Sr.
Katie Keefe Antioch 1B So.
Lexi Leneau Warren LF Jr.
* Megan Mattera Lake Zurich P Sr.
Alli McGinnis Lake Zurich 1B/C Jr.
Megan Meline Vernon Hills P Jr.
Amber Mysliwiec Antioch C Jr.
Cara Nance Wauconda 3B/C Sr.
Kelly Neises Lake Zurich CF Jr.
Ashley Niedermayer Stevenson 3B Sr.
Emma Patrash Stevenson SS Sr.
Jasmine Rivera Lakes CF Sr.
Maria Schroeder Lake Zurich 3B Fr.
Sarah Shanders Warren 2B/RF Jr.
Sally Snarski Carmel Catholic 1B Jr.
Megan Sowa Warren CF So.
* — co-captain
Honorable mention
Amy Abel (Carmel Catholic, Fr., 2B), Kelsey Borders (Grayslake North, So., 3B), Sara Braden (Lakes, Jr., 2B), Ali Castriano (Stevenson, Jr., OF), Jenn Claussen (Vernon Hills, So., 3B), Jordyn Comitor (Vernon Hills, So., DP), Jessica Demski (Warren, Jr., P), Kelley Dodge (Carmel Catholic, Jr., CF), Jamie Dykstra (Lakes, Jr., SS), Brittany Ehmann (Wauconda, Sr., P), Kathleen Felicelli (Carmel Catholic, Fr., SS), Alex Hemmer (Mundelein, Jr., C), Lara Horwitz (Stevenson, Jr., 2B), Tayler Janda (Grayslake Central, Jr., P), Sam Kozenski (Antioch, Sr., LF), Nicole Kruckman (Libertyville, Jr., 3B/C), Meghan Milewski (Lakes, So., C), Anya Mollenhauer (Vernon Hills, Sr., 3B), Carlee Parsons (Lake Zurich, Fr., 2B), Katie Phillips (Antioch, So., CF), Kaylene Ressler (Antioch, So., 3B), Caitlin Sernett (Vernon Hills, So., OF), Amber Smith (Grant, Jr., C), Molly Smith (Grant, Jr., 2B), Deanna Wise (Mundelein, Sr., SS), Kennedy Wright (Wauconda, So., SS), Skyler Zak (Carmel Catholic, So., C)
All-area selections and capsules by Joe Aguilar