Scouting DuPage County softball
Addison Trail
Coach: Mark Olson.
Last year: 10-20, 2-10 in West Suburban Gold (sixth place); lost to Elgin 4-1 in Class 4A St. Charles North regional quarterfinals.
Top players: Marie Baumgartner, sr. IF-P; Jessica Bach, sr. 3B; Sophia Hawkins, soph. C-CF; Ally Pohlad, soph. P-IF; Vincenza Zaccaro, jr. OF; Kathleen Lacni, jr. OF; Gianna Trippiedi, jr. C-IB; Gianna Sarli, jr., 2B.
Scouting report: The Blazers return eight starters, yet only three are seniors. "We had a little baptism by fire last year. We're hoping that pays some dividends, although we're still young," Olson said. Baumgartner is a four-year starter who with Pohlad will rotate pitching and infield duties. Bach is a three-year starter. Trippiedi will split time catching with Hawkins, the other 2016 starter as a freshman. "For us it's going to be doing the little things," Olson said. "When we do it, we've been successful, but that'll be the ultimate challenge."
Benet
Coach: Jerry Schilf.
Last year: 5-21, 2-12 in East Suburban Catholic Conference (seventh place); lost 8-4 in Class 3A regional final to St. Francis.
Top players: Kiara Gallagher, sr., 1B/CF; Alexis Potapczak, jr., 3B; Allie Goettsch, jr., SS; Meagan McCormick sr., C/3B; Elena Stevensen, soph., P/2B; Danielle Bernicky, sr., RF; Nina Hulet, sr., LF.
Scouting report: A young Redwings squad may look to as many as six freshmen to deliver key contributions this spring, but seven starters are back from 2016. Team Offensive MVP Gallagher is back after earning all-conference honors as a junior. "We struggled last year, finished seventh in conference," Schilf said. "But a lot of young players got experience last spring." Freshmen pitcher/1B Megan Seranko and infielder/utility player Allison Forney are in line to start.
Downers Grove North
Coach: Eric Landschoot
Last year: 24-6, 10-2 (second) in WSC Silver, lost in Class 4A sectional semifinal.
Top players: Zoe Varsbergs, sr., 1B/OF; Katie Polaski, sr., 2B; Rae Meents, sr., C; Savanah Rodriguez, jr., P-1B; CeCe Miglio, sr., 3B; Renee Bielawa, jr., OF; Madison Christ, jr., P/OF.
Scouting report: With seven returning starting position players and a strong pitching staff, the Trojans figure to challenge reigning state champion Oak Park for the Silver title. Varsbergs (Northern Illinois), Polaski (Loyola), Meents (Ohio Dominican) and Miglio (Benedictine) provide senior leadership. Rodriguez (Western Illinois) and Bielawa (Hillsdale) also will continue playing in college, as will freshman pitcher Estelle Czech, who has verbally committed to Pitt. "We're looking forward to a strong defensive season," Landschoot said."We will put some hits and runs on the board on a regular basis." At first glance this is a team with few weaknesses and could go far. Two of their losses last year were to Oak Park and two more to Downers South, including one in the sectional semifinals. Neither team has more returning talent than the Trojans. "We want to make sure we are improving each game," Landschoot said.
Downers Grove South
Coach: Lauren Berg
Last year: 36-4, 12-0 (first in WSC Gold), finished third in state in Class 4A.
Top players: Rebecca Bluder, jr., 3B; Lindsey Herrmann, jr., OF; Randi McKay, so., OFIF; Kara McKenna, jr., IF; Morgan Meyer, sr., P/OF; Maddison Paladino, sr., C; Jori Tyler, sr., C.
Scouting report: Berg, who has been in the program as an assistant, takes over for retired Hall of Famer Ron Havelka, who won 704 games and four state trophies in 24 seasons. That's not the only big change as the Mustangs will have to replace both pitching aces. Caroline Hedgecock, also the team's leading hitter, graduated, while Payton Buresch opted not to play her senior season. Meyer, who was 7-1 with a 2.43 ERA, is the only pitcher with significant varsity experience. McKay, a Wisconsin-Green Bay recruit, and Hermann were all-conference last year. "Our team is developing a new identity based on the tradition of our past successes," Berg said. "We are working hard to be explosive and relentless. This team is one of the hardest-working teams that I have ever coached. We have girls that truly want to work hard and to the best of their abilities."
Fenton
Coach: Dave Mello.
Last year: 11-27, 1-11, last in Metro Suburban Conference West Division, lost in regional final.
Top players: Taylor Spizzirri, sr., P; Jenna Geraci, sr., P/OF; Isa Lozada, so., SS; Payton Pugliese, so., 2B: Rose Riley, jr., 3B, Annie Gonzales, sr., OF.
Scouting report: After a tough regular season, the Bison caught fire and beat Proviso East and Niles North in the playoffs before losing 1-0 to Whitney Young in the regional final. That performance, in their first foray into the Class 4A postseason, has the Bison excited for 2017. Spizzirri, who will play at Aurora, and Elmhurst-bound Geraci will lead the way for a relative young team that includes eight newcomers. They will be tested early against ranked teams Fremd, Trinity and Elk Grove. "We love the way the first week (of practice) went," Mello said. "Everyone is working hard and we are trying to prepare them for what is a very difficult first few games. Our philosophy has always been to play these types of teams so that we can do what we did last year in the postseason. We want to be ready to play our best ball in late May."
Glenbard East
Coach: Dawn Chantos.
Last year: 10-21; lost 17-2 in 4A regional semifinals to Conant after opening the playoffs with a 6-2 defeat of Glenbard West in the playoff opener.
Top players: Tori Tyler, jr., P; Alivia Chuman, jr., 3B; Kate Tadda, sr., 1B; Sam Dooley, jr., CF; Ariana King, soph., C.
Scouting report: Former coach Chantos returns to take over the Rams program again in 2017. She'll have just one senior on the roster in Tadda but does return Tyler, a talented pitcher who has been on varsity since her freshman year, and other experienced players. Dooley, a point guard on the basketball team, and King, a speedy lefty with a strong arm behind the plate, also will be key this year. "Even though they're young, they have varsity experience. That's nice," said Chantos, who also has sophomore Joselyn Molinar returning. "The girls are extremely anxious to learn and I'm most impressed with their enthusiasm. It's a real good synergy with this group and they're all there to work hard and improve. That's all you can ask."
Glenbard North
Coach: Josh Sanew.
Last year: 7-24, 2-14 in conference, ninth in the DuPage Valley; lost 8-0 in the Class 4A regional semis to Fremd.
Top players: Kayla Quanstrum, sr., 3B; Trinity Medina jr., SS; Kaitlyn Scheitler, soph., 1B; Heather Anderson, sr., C; Gabby Melchiorre, sr., CF; Shruti Amin, sr., 2B; Rushika Amin, soph., P; Mary Price, soph., LF; Hannah Heier, sr., RF.
Scouting report: The Panthers return all of last year's regular starters and offensively look solid. If the defense and young pitching (three sophomore pitchers) deliver, the team should make a big leap this season. Newcomers Payton Bott, Morgan Zitzka and Maryann Slusarski will vie for playing time with the returners. "Our goal is to be much more competitive all around," Sanew said. "If our young pitchers can keep us in games we will be pretty good. We will also have to be good defensively. We have a great group of kids and we look to rebound from last season."
Glenbard South
Coach: Julie Fonda.
Last year: 25-6, 12-0 and first place Metro Suburban Conference West Division; Lost to eventual state-champion Montini 3-0 in Class 3A sectional final.
Top players: Mady Carli, jr., CF; Bailee Flanagan, jr., 1B; Daniella Little, soph., P/3B; Sarah Marsden, sr., catcher.
Scouting report: Four-year starter and league MVP Payton Carli will be missed, along with fellow 2016 Daily Herald All-Area player Ashley Cohen, who pitched and played short last spring, but once again the Raiders will be a tough team to beat. "We are a mix of youth and experience that will give any team a run for their money," Fonda said. "We return nine from last year's team so the core is strong. The infield is returning and we have filled the gaps with some talented sophomores and juniors. Expectations are high." With Little a sophomore, there's youth on the mound, but she did gain invaluable experience last year and is hungry for more success.
Glenbard West
Coach: Mary McGrane.
Last year: 7-21, 3-9 and sixth in the WSC Silver; lost in Class 4A regional quarterfinals 6-2 to Glenbard East.
Top players: Katherine Porter, sr., 2B; Lexi Gregule, jr., CF.
Scouting report: The young Hilltoppers will count on newcomers in critical spots around the diamond, but veteran Porter will provide some much-needed leadership in the infield. "We have a lot of new faces to varsity this spring," McGrane said. "I've been pleased with our work ethic thus far and hope to see the girls continue to improve every day and develop into a team that will compete every game. I expect Katherine Porter to lead our team, she's a four-year varsity player that knows what it takes to win at this level and will be a calming presence on the field for the younger athletes." A trio of juniors will play big roles for the Hilltoppers, including on the mound and at the key shortstop position: shortstop Eliza Pasterik, pitcher Haley Walker and first baseman Isabel Hermanson.
Hinsdale Central
Coach: Brittany Wolski.
Last year: 13-11, 5-7 in West Suburban Silver (fifth place); lost to Reavis 3-0 in Class 4A Reavis regional semifinals.
Top players: Abbi Shaker, sr. C; Riley Burr, sr. 3B/P; Julia Chatterjee, jr. SS-2B; Lilja Carden, jr. OF; Eleni Tsokolas, jr. 2B/3B; Caitlin Doneske, soph. OF; Paige Bareck, sr. OF/P; Serena Martinath, sr. P
Scouting report: Wolski, the varsity assistant the past two seasons, takes over for veteran coach Lee Maciejewski, who now is Wolski's assistant. The Red Devils have only 11 players but six seniors and six returning starters. "It is going to take a great deal of teamwork to be successful," Wolski said. "Our greatest strength is we have some of the most loyal and selfless players willing to do what it takes for the team." Chatterjee was all-conference and led the team in average. Shaker and Carden, leadoff hitter the past two seasons, were among RBI leaders. Also basketball standouts, Shaker and Burr reunite with teammate Bareck, who last played softball freshman year as a starting varsity outfielder. Wolski continues to oversee pitching, where Burr and JV starter Martinath succeed graduated four-year workhorse Courtney Berlin.
Hinsdale South
Coach: Kelly Van Hout
Last year: 11-22, 7-5 (third) in WSC Gold; lost in regional semifinal.
Top players: Madison Kern, jr, P; Marissa Marrera, jr., P/IF; Donna Stevens, jr., IF; Ellie Fichtelberg, jr., IF; Kaitlyn Little, jr., IF; Colleen Collins, jr., OF.
Scouting report: After being in rebuilding mode in recent years, the Hornets might be ready to break out and contend for a conference title. The team is still young, with all of its top returning players, including all-conference selection Kern, being juniors, but now they have plenty of varsity experience. "We are a team that went through some growing pains the last couple of years, but now we start the season with some varsity experience and are looking to make the conference race interesting and a run in the state playoffs," Van Hout said. "We are going to the Ripken Experience in Pigeon Fork, Tennessee, to play in games over spring break." That should give the team a chance to jell with a solid freshmen class that includes pitcher Sam Pacentine, catcher Taylor Polich and infielder-outfielder Madison Polich.
IC Catholic Prep
Coach: Frank Reaber.
Last year: 16-18, lost in sectional semifinal.
Top players: Josie Lytton, jr., C; Kaitlyn Falduto, sr., SS; Georgia Manke, jr., 1B; Natale Murillo, so., 2B; Kayla Faber, so., P.
Scouting report: Outside of Falduto and Gabby Curran, a Dominican recruit, the Knights don't have much experience. They do have three freshmen who will get an opportunity to contribute in outfielders Alyssandra Eccardt and Brooklyn Campos and third baseman Dani Murillo. "Our strength is probably hitting and our weakness is we are really young and will take time to jell," Reaber said.
Lake Park
Coach: James Chellson.
Last year: 29-8, 15-1, first place in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost 2-1 in the Class 4A regional final to St. Charles North.
Top players: Natalie Grubczak, soph., P; Courtney Worcester sr., 3B; Jessica Gaseor, jr., OF; Melanie Bogus, jr., C; Emily Frank, jr., P/DH; Abby Rodriguez, soph., SS; Alyssa Sturino, soph., OF.
Scouting report: The Lancers will lean heavily on Grubczak - the DVC Player of the Year - to take charge again in the circle and make another run at the conference championship. "Last year we were unsure of Natalie's full potential but knew we had a special player that could lead us on the mound even as a freshman," Chellson said. "Last year's seniors provided tons of offensive support so Nat could afford to make some freshmen mistakes without feeling she needed to be perfect." The Lancers return seven starters from the 2016 team and hope to continue the offensive run support needed to compete in the tough DVC. Leading the offensive charge will be Worcester, Gaseor and Grubczak. "We know the target is on our back this year and hopefully we embrace that challenge and continue to stay hungry for another DVC title and successful run in the state playoffs," Chellson added.
Lisle
Coach: Trent Schalk.
Last year: 13-16, 5-11 in Interstate Eight Conference Small Division, lost to St. Edward in Class 2A Lisle sectional final.
Top players: Catherine Coppin, sr., CF/C; Amanda Ericson, jr., P; Tiffany Harmon, sr., IF; Anna Palicka, sr., P/3B; Maddie Smith, jr., IF/OF.
Scouting report: Only four returning starters are back from last season's team that made a deep run into the playoffs. However, Schalk thinks that the mix of returning starters and new varsity players can work. Palicka, the team's No. 1 pitcher, is back and Ericson makes Lisle pitching an effective 1-2 punch. "Pitching-wise, I think we're stronger than last year. At the plate last year we took a power approach. This year I think we'll have a balance of power and speed. We'll do things different at the plate than last year," Schalk said.
Metea Valley
Coach: Kris Kalivas.
Last year: 15-15, 10-6 for second place in DuPage Valley Conference, lost to Geneva in Class 4A Geneva regional semifinal.
Top players: Megan Archey, sr., 2B/OF; Hailey Bacani, sr., OF; Sydney Bajusz, sr., OF; Emily Finger, so., 3B/SS; Lisa Harrington, sr., C/3B; Megan Hinkle, sr., OF/SS/2B; Emma Zenkel, sr., 1B/3B.
Scouting report: The Mustangs bring to the 2017 season a combination of both youth and experience. "The senior leadership will be key in helping our young players develop and learn the system quickly. We will be young on the mound so we will need to depend on a solid defense and our offense will need to consistently produce runs," Kalivas said. Sophomore pitcher Kelly Collins, freshman pitcher Rissa Bajusz, senior outfielder Amy Foulis, junior Brianna Falk, freshman Moira Danko and sophomore Samantha Golminas are also expected to contribute. Sydney Bajusz (Cleveland State), Harrington (North Central College), Hinkle (Lakeland University) and Zenkel (Trinity Christian College) will all continue playing next season in college.
Montini
Coach: Mike Bukovsky.
Last year: 37-3, 15-1, first place in GCAC; Class 3A champion.
Top players: Nikki Cuchran, jr., 3B; Bri Clifton, jr., P; Naomi Alonzo, sr., P/1B; Lauren Latoria, soph., 2B; Emily Alexander, soph., OF; Alyssa Filkowski, soph., OF.
Scouting report: Five players now playing in college departed after the school's first softball state title, but the Broncos still return plenty of firepower, beginning with Cuchran, a two-time All-Area selection who hit .596 with 15 HR while picking up first team All-State honors and runner-up Gatorade Player of the Year in Illinois status. On top of that, Montini returns both pitchers, including ace Clifton, who went 22-1 as a sophomore. "First of all, the game is all about pitching and we bring back our No. 1 and No. 2 pitchers in Clifton and Naomi Alonzo," Bukovsky said. "It starts with them and we feel real good about them. Defensive star Alexander returns to the outfield and key newcomers to line up include senior shortstop Serena Almodovar, senior left fielder Tia Sondej and junior catcher Sam Ferruzza. "We have a new challenge this year, and we're not going to be able to sneak up on anybody," Bukovsky said. "These girls are looking to carve out their own niche."
Naperville Central
Coach: Andy Nussbaum.
Lost year: 11-23, 5-11 in the DuPage Valley Conference, lost to West Aurora in Class 4A Batavia regional semifinal.
Top players: Halle Arends, so., P; Abbey Place, sr., C; Savanna Schmitz, sr., OF; Stacy Stark, jr., P; Annie Tassi, sr., 3B.
Scouting report: The Redhawks were youthful last season gaining varsity experience. Nussbaum is optimistic that this season's version of the team will make improvements. It starts with the returning pitching staff - Arends, a sophomore and Stark, a junior. "I think the pitching has improved. Both got a full summer of work underneath their belts. Both will hit while the other is pitching," Nussbaum said. Place returns for her fourth varsity season and third as catcher. "She'll help the pitchers move along the learning curve," the Naperville Central coach said. Tassi is back for her third season at third base. Schmitz can play any position in the outfield. "We need to smart about defense, that helps the pitchers out. Our hitting will come. But things start with good pitching and defense," Nussbaum said.
Naperville North
Coach: Jerry Kedziora.
Last year: 13-17, 8-8 in the DuPage Valley Conference, lost to Geneva in Class 4A Geneva regional semifinal.
Top players: Alexis Hilgert, so., CF/OF; Janelle Honaker, sr., 3B/SS; Sarah Smith, so., C/1B; Maddie Vassar, sr., 3B/SS.
Scouting report: Like most teams, the Huskies had many seniors that played big roles in the team's success last season. "We lost a bunch of players, but we have returning players that I think can have pretty big seasons and continue what we did last year," Kedziora said. Top returnees include Vassar, Honaker, Smith and Hilgert. Kedziora said he's liked what he's seen offensively from Naperville North. "The kids have been working hard and are off to a great start. There are four or five players who have been really hitting the ball hard in the cage," he said. The coach said there are two things his team must always focus on as it hits its schedule. "We can't give a team extra outs and we have to be as aggressive offensively on the basepaths as possible," he said.
Neuqua Valley
Coach: Christina Frontera.
Last year: 11-13, 7-8 in the DuPage Valley Conference, lost to Yorkville in Class 4A Downers Grove South regional quarterfinal.
Top players: Mikaela Domico, jr., OF; Gabrielle Dufresne, sr., OF; Alex Ebert, sr., OF; Zoe Herdman, jr., P/IF; Lauren Notestine, jr., IF/C; Danielle Olson, jr., C; Andrea Richards, sr., IF.
Scouting report: Frontera likes the combination of experience and players new to the varsity and believes the Wildcats can make waves during the 2017 season. Four of the returning veterans will play softball in college. They are Dufresne (Denison University), Ebert (Hope College), Olson (Western University) and Richards (University of Tennessee-Chattanooga). Olson is a third-year varsity player as is Rainer. Neuqua's offense will be multifaceted. "Offensive success will come from a number of weapons in the lineup, including speed, power hitting, clutch hitting and a variety of bunting styles," Frontera said.
St. Francis
Coach: Ralph Remus.
Last year: 27-2, 12-0 in the GCAC White for first place, lost to Glenbard South in Class 3A Glenbard South sectional semifinal.
Top players: Caroline Caesar, so., C/1B; Carlee Clark, so., P/1B; Becca Imbrogno, jr., OF; Josie Smith, jr., SS; Shelby Winkelman, jr., P/3B.
Scouting report: Youth is the key word for the Spartans this season. "This is the youngest team we've ever had. There are no seniors, but there's quite a bit of talent. We will get a lot better as the season goes on," Remus said. He said the Spartans' two pitchers, Winkelman and Clark, are strong. "The offense is a little head of the defense, but the defense has talent and will improve as time goes on," the Spartans coach said. Imbrogno, Caesar and Smith are also expected to be key to St. Francis' chances of success. Winkelman was GCAC White Player of the Year last season, hitting .540 with 45 RBI. On the mound, she was 14-1.
Timothy Christian
Coach: Lindsay Slovey.
Last year: Lost in regional semifinal.
Top players: Emily Gifford, sr., P/1B; Hope Zastrow, sr., C; Bianca Jimenez, fr., 3B/OF; Allison Heersink, so., P/3B; Liv Schuringa, jr., 1B/OF, Lauren Gehrke, so., 2B/OF.
Scouting report: Slovey is in her first year and still getting to know the program. She's got one future college player in Gifford, who recently signed with Trinity International. "While we are working to strengthen and rebuild our softball team, we are optimistic and excited to start the season," Slovey said. "We are looking forward to working hard and succeeding with our returning players." The top newcomers include senior shortstop Samantha Leide, junior outfielder Emily Penning, sophomore outfielder Ande Dixon and freshmen Elizabeth Arcos and Kelly Tameling. "Our goals this season will be to play our best and look at each game as a possible win," Slovey said. "We're looking forward to competing in our conference and the postseason."
Waubonsie Valley
Coach: Val Wood.
Last year: 14-17, 8-7 in the DuPage Valley Conference, lost to Oswego East in Class 4A Oswego East regional semifinal.
Top players: Alyssa Morris, sr., P; Emily Olson, so., P; Veronica Zahn, sr., CF.
Scouting report: Wood believes the Warriors have what it takes to improve upon last season's success. But she's stressing one particular key she feels is also crucial to the Warriors' chances at a productive 2017 and that's to not get ahead of themselves. "We need to focus on one practice at a time, one game at a time, take it day-by-day," she said. Like any coach, she is dealing with trying to fill lineup holes. "The defense is solid, but we had some girls move away and we need to replace them and the new players are stepping up to the challenge," Wood said. Waubonsie will have the capability of power hitting and being able to play small ball. "The hitters have been working very hard," the coach said. Olson and Morris will anchor the pitching staff. Zahn returns this season to the leadoff spot after leading the Warriors in most statistical categories and being named unanimous all-conference.
West Chicago
Coach: Sean Gimpert.
Last year: 8-24, 7-10 in Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division, lost to Naperville Central in Class 4A Batavia regional quarterfinal.
Top players: Taylor Dehaeseleer, sr., P/DP; Gianna Hernandez, so., C; Maddie Smith, sr., 3B; Christina Trigueros, so., 1B.
Scouting report: Gimpert expressed optimism that the young Wildcats can succeed this spring. "We started four freshmen that are now sophomores. We have a bunch of juniors that we are looking towards to contribute and just two seniors," he said. "I'm excited. I think we've improved a lot from last year and I think we'll be getting contributions from everyone." Smith is in her fourth season on the varsity and will play softball next year at Benedictine University in Lisle and Gimpert said her speed is crucial to the Wildcats and that's why she is on the top of the batting order. Dehaeseleer is entering her second season on the varsity. Sophomores Hernandez and Trigueros were all-conference selections. "We're focusing on getting better every day and we look to play our best once we're in conference and in the playoffs," Gimpert said.
Westmont
Coach: Sue Zapinski
Last year: 4-18, 0-16 (last) in Interstate Eight Conference, lost in sectional semifinal.
Top players: Rachel Chorney, sr., CF; Keira Aldridge, sr., P/SS; Emily Whitburn, jr., 2B; Ashley Eiermann, jr., C; Lauren Lambert, jr., C/IF, Allie Kraft, jr., 3B.
Scouting report: After struggling against a regular-season schedule dotted with Class 3A schools, the Sentinels caught fire and played their best ball in the postseason, winning their third straight Class 2A regional championship. Zapinski is confident they will build on that success. "We have a strong group of juniors who all played varsity last year," Zapinski said. "They struggled hitting varsity pitching last year, but with a year under their belt we look forward to them being much stronger." Sophomore lefty Caitlyn Ashcraft, who plays left field and first base, also returns, as does Alix Mendoza, a pitcher and first basemen who was injured last season. They will be joined by junior transfer Sonja Ocasio, who can catch and play shortstop. "We expect great things from (Ashcraft)," Zapinski said. "With two strong pitchers in Kiera Aldridge and Alix Mendoza, we look forward to a strong season."
Wheaton Academy
Coaches: Scott Mennie and Beth Mitchell.
Last year: 9-17, 5-7 in Metro Suburban Conference West Division (fifth place); lost to Benet 4-2 in Class 3A Wheaton Academy regional semifinals.
Top players: Megan Gagliano, sr. CF; Maddie Ebeling, jr. SS; Andi Pivaronas, sr. P/1B; Haleigh VanWagner, jr. C; Courtney Kinnane, jr. P/1B; Julia Palmer, jr. IF/OF; Cassie Bonga, jr. IF; Ashley Valente, sr. OF; Krysta Deutsch, jr. OF/IF.
Scouting report: Loyola recruit Ebeling was Class 3A second-team all-state in 2016, and Charleston Southern recruit Gagliano and Pivaronas are four-year starters. The Warriors return seven full-time starters and two part-time starters with their most travel players ever. "I think we have a real nice opportunity," Mennie said. "I told them if you want to work hard and put yourselves to the task, you can be a really good team." Ebeling, Gagliano and VanWagner were all-MSC. Ebeling batted .419 with 7 homers, 31 RBI, 15 stolen bases and only 6 errors at short. Gagliano hit .375 with 24 runs and 10 stolen bases. VanWagner, who hit .362, Kinnane and Pivaronas provided double-digit RBI. Pivaronas, who had 6 wins, and Kinnane should again form a strong mound combination. Former assistants Mennie and Mitchell became co-coaches after Chicago Bandits player Sammy Marshall took a college coaching job at St. Leo.
Wheaton North
Coach: Danielle Soraghan.
Last year: 13-21, 9-7 in DuPage Valley Conference (third place); lost to Schaumburg 8-0 in Class 4A Hoffman Estates regional semifinals.
Top players: Alleigha Burau, sr. SS/3B; Sarah Gorzak, sr. P; Lucy Gerry, jr. IF; Lily Oviatt, sr. OF; Jamie Smith, sr. OF; Hannah Burden, sr. IF/C; Amanda Moravek, sr. OF; Allie Mullinger, sr. OF.
Scouting report: The Falcons possess the talent to contend for a third straight top-three DVC finish. "If we stay together and support each other, I think we're going to be extremely successful," Soraghan said. Gerry was unanimous all-DVC after leading the Falcons in average, runs, on-base percentage and 6 home runs from the leadoff spot. Gorzak, who will be a third-year starting pitcher, was special mention all-DVC and honorable mention Oviatt was among RBI leaders with Gerry. With 2015 all-DVC Burau, another third-year starter, playing softball at Millikin and Smith (North Central) and Burden (Taylor) also set, it's the most college-bound players Soraghan has ever had. Gorzak won 11 games last season and 10 in 2015. "That's probably one of the best moves we've made in the program, pulling her up as a sophomore. She's really stepped up as a leader," Soraghan said.
Wheaton Warrenville South
Coach: Jeff Pawlak.
Last year: 15-13, 7-9 in DuPage Valley Conference (tied for sixth place); lost to Downers Grove South 7-0 in Class 4A Downers South regional final.
Top players: Sydne Shattuck, sr. P/3B/1B; Madison Marcheschi, sr. RF; Aerin Moberg, jr. 2B/LF; Raquel Boettcher, sr. 3B.
Scouting report: Most Tigers have new roles. Of 14 players, only two are full-time returning starters and nine are non-seniors. "It's a learning curve we're going to go through this year, which is fine," Pawlak said. "We're trying to mix a little bit of experience with youthful energy." Shattuck should significantly build upon being honorable mention all-DVC. The Tigers' No. 4 hitter, Shattuck batted .393 with 2 home runs, 21 RBI and a .515 on-base percentage. The Wisconsin-LaCrosse recruit pitched both playoff games after just six regular-season appearances. "She worked her butt off all off-season and is going to be our No. 1," Pawlak said. "Offensively and defensively, we're going to go as Syd goes." Marchese returns in right field and Moberg was a part-time starter. Boettcher will play at Millikin.
Willowbrook
Coach: Rachel Karos.
Last year: 14-16, 5-5, fourth place in WSC Gold; lost in Class 4A regional semis 12-0 to Elk Grove.
Top players: Jiana Funteas, jr., SS; Megan Talan, sr., 2B; Katie Smith, jr., C; Samantha Mishlove, soph., CF; Veronica Swan, sr., P; Emily King, sr., utility.
Scouting Report: The combination of young talent and experienced seniors and juniors should help the Warriors in many areas of the game this year. "With the addition of some speed and improved bats in the lineup, we are hoping to improve our offensive game," Karos said. "What I admire about my team this year is their hustle and their love for the game. These characteristics are helping us further develop our strengths and improve on our weaknesses. Our main goal for the season is to compete and to continue to get better and more confident with each game." Newcomers to watch this spring include Amy Bussa, Maddie Campbell, Anna Carson, Ali Letson, Marissa Marcello, Katie Pettinger and Chloe Zunkel.
York
Coach: Elizabeth Munn,
Last year: 13-12, 6-6 in WSC Silver, lost in sectional semifinals.
Top players: Kyra Kroll, jr., CF; Andrea Meagher, jr., P/1B; Katherine Karnatz, so., SS/2B; Mia Tran, jr., 2B/OF; Julia Durkowski, so., P; Izzy Smith, so., 3B; Madison Collins, jr., C.
Scouting report: First-year coach Elizabeth Munn takes over a team that is rebuilding after winning a regional championship. But there is still talent to make another postseason run. Kroll has already committed to Western Illinois and several other Dukes are being recruited. Munn wants a top-three finish in the WSC Silver, a tall task considering Oak Park is the reigning Class 4A champion and several other teams are usually strong. "This team is still very young and we are in a rebuilding year after losing several seniors," Munn said. "Rebuilding is always tough, but I definitely have confidence in this team and how they are going to grow together. I am looking forward to our competitiveness and cohesiveness." Junior outfielders Jane Moran and Mira Gentile and sophomore outfielder/third baseman JoJo Meyer are the top newcomers.