Softball: Scouting Northwest

MID-SUBURBAN EASTBuffalo GroveCoach: Starr Dorsey (second season)

Last year's record: (9-20, 5-11)

Graduated players: Emily Carnes

Returning players: Jacqui Bickhaus (So. IF), Bailey Williams (So, IF), Hannah Young (So. OF), Kylee Gucwa (So. U), Grace Gran (Sr. IF), Olivia Morini (Jr. OF), Katelyn O'Rourke (Jr. IF), Lauren Beiersdorf (Jr. OF), Jasmine Avalos (Sr. IF). Katie Fontanetta (Sr. OF), Alyssa DePhillips (Sr. P)

Newcomers: Megan Fontanetta (Fr. P-IF), Alexa Orlando (Sr. IF), Samantha Hansen (So. IF), Maggie Wydra (So. IF), Alyssa Ramos (F. IF)

Outlook: Dorsey gets a large senior class as she begins her second season in charge of the program. "We've got great leaders and a lot of varsity experience," said the former Auburn University standout. "We have a lot of depth at almost every position." Among the returnees is Morini, who led off last season as a sophomore while playing left field. Morini batted a team-hgih .368 in the Mid-Suburban League and led the Bison with her 21 hits in 16 league games. Beiersdorf and Katie Fontanetta were also in the outfield last spring with Morino. "We have a very experienced outfield," Dorsey added. "And I expect them to all have great years."

HerseyCoach: Molly Freeman (tenth season)

Last year's record: 17-10, 9-7

Graduated players: Kim Labahn

Returning players: Katie Wingerter (Sr. SS), Remy Gerew (Sr. 3B), Jackie Bednar (Sr. C), Kaitlyn Denten (Sr. P), Madalyn Flynn (Sr. 1B), Sofia Cano (Sr. OF), Hannah Graff (Jr. 2B), Renee Portenlanger (Jr. P), Jodie Hermann (Jr. OF), Makayla Tsigalis (So. OF), Brianna Luciano (So. P), Sarah Bailitz (So. P)

Newcomers: Asia Luboyeski (Jr. OF)

Outlook: Hersey enjoyed a wining season last spring and many of the same faces are back for Freeman's tenth season. Freeman says the Huskies' strength is experience and chemistry as they return eight starters, including all-area shortstop Wingerter. The Northern Illinois recruit set the single-season record for home runs (15) and has a career record of 24 going into this spring. She hit .498 last season with a school-record 50 RBI. "We return eight starters this season so our players all know each other," Freeman said. "And they really enjoy playing with each other." The Huskies are hoping to make a run at the MSL East title this spring. "We are excited to get started," said Freeman, whose team once again competes in the Spring Fling at Barrington from March 20-22.

Elk GroveCoach: Ken Grams (37th season)

Last year's record: 29-8; 12-4

Graduated players: Sarah Pauscher, Alex Masnica, Carly Crothers, Anna Bonder, Mackenzie Flannery, Abbey Sloan

Returning players: Kylie Thomsen (Sr. P-1B), Sabra Morton Sr. (P-OF), Haley Itzenthaler (Sr. 2B), Kelley Cronin (Sr. SS), Jessica Kearns (Sr. 3B-OF), Amy Pietruszynski (Sr. OF), Leilani Rivera (Sr. 1B)

Newcomers: Christina DiMaria (Sr. OF-1B), Hayley Rathmell (Sr. IF-C), Alexa Fontanetta (So. IF). Jaimie Klicka (So. IF-P), Brook Baldassarre (So. IF-P), Katia Pendowski (FR. C)

Outlook: The Grenadiers return half of the players from last year's MSL East, regional and sectional championship team, that included Thomsen (19-4, 2-3 strikeouts, 1.99 ERA and .372 batting average with 9 home runs). "We are having to do some moving around of positions with the returnees," said Elk Grove hall of fame coach Ken Grams, who owns a career record of 883-355-2. "So that will take a bit of an adjustment but the girls are adapting to the shuffling." Thomsen, the 2016 MSL East 'Player of the Year' returns to the mound with Morton, who has two solid years of varsity success and experience. Also back is last year's leadoff batter Itzenthaler (.400, 26 RBI). "We lost a good amount of our power from last year to graduation," Grams added. "So our style of play will have to be adjusted to take advantage of the good team speed that we have."

ProspectCoach: Krystina Leazer (1st season)

Last year's record: 10-21, 4-12

Graduated players: Hannah Brummer, Lindsey Lecomte, Delilah Malczewski

Returning players: Madeline Borkowski (So, P), Cassie Cunniff (So, IF), Alyssa Cacini (Jr, IF), Lauren Caldrone (Jr, IF), Eileen Donohue (Sr IF-OF), Lindsay Houghton (Jr. OF), Alex Kanter (Jr. OF), Cate Meersman (Sr. C), Jackie Orel (Jr. C), Colleen Palczynski (Jr. IF)

Newcomers: Claire Doherty (Fr. P), Kaitlyn Pancini (Jr. OF)

Outlook: Leazer, who was the assistant to Jim Adair (retired) last year, welcomes back most of the players from last year's team. The majority of them are starting their third year together on the varsity. "With more experience under their belts, the goal for this season is to get our bats going to provide more support to the pitchers," Leazer said. Caldrone (Northwestern recruit), Cacini (Dayton recruit), Kanter, Meersman and Palczynski (Illinois Wesleyan recruit) are expected to lead the offense. Doherty will join Borkowski and Cacini on the pitching staff. "I am very excited for this season," said Leazer a former Carthage College and Elk Grove softball standout pitcher. "We have a great group of girls who are very committed to the program. I think this team has a lot of potential to be successful this year."

Rolling MeadowsCoach: Tony Wolanski (14th season)

Last year's record: 16-15, 6-10

Graduated players: Megan King, Meghan Slowik, Megan McCafferty

Returning players: Amanda Elkins (Sr. C), Elizabeth Elkins (Sr, OF), Paige Connor (Sr. IF), Lydia Schultz (Sr. P), Mallory King (Jr. 3B), Sara Benner (So. 1B), Caroline Slowik (So. 2B-SS-CF), Emily Schmidt (So. 2B-SS-CF)

Newcomers: Stephanie Thompson (So. C-OF), Elise Kowalski (So. P), Kendra Herring (So. P-1B), Sam Allen (So. C-OF), Angela Vassos (So. 2B), Jill McNally (Jr. 1B)

Outlook: Wolanski begins his 14th season just 10 wins away from 200 for his career. He has one of his most experienced teams with eight starters back from a team that won 16 games. Schultz, (school record-tying 14 wins, 110 strikeouts), Amanda Elkins (. 380, 28 RBI, 29 runs, 6 doubles, 5 home runs) and Connor will lead an experienced group of players who have improved every season (Mustangs won two games in 2015). Benner is coming off a stellar freshman season in which she hit a school record 10 homers while batting .398 with 45 RBI. King batted .388 with 27 RBI. "This team should be able to compete with anybody on our schedule," Wolanski said. " We need to play better defense and find ways to score against the better pitching in the MSL to reach our goals." Wolanski said he would like to see his team win 20 games. "We expect improvement in the skill level in practice each day, so the girls make their teammates better players," he added. "We need to learn how to win against the top teams."

WheelingCoach: Mike Caringella (eighth season)

Last year's record: 1-24, 0-16

Graduated seniors: Karly Bara, Hannah Bradford, Brianna Cychosz, Kirsten Wilhelm, Christie Ambrose, Abby Greenspan

Returning players: Jaclyn Broms (Sr., OF), Nikki Ferraro (So. OF), Remy Jankowski (Jr. OF), Dakota Medrano (Jr. P-IF), Veronica Petzold (Jr. IF), Arielle Rosenston (Sr. OF), Kaitlyn Schuetz (Sr. 1B.-C), Olivia Walker (Jr. OF)

Newcomers: Elena Falkiner (So. P-1B), Giuliana Geati (So. OF), Tommy Helms (So. C-IF), Emmie LaCaeyse (Fr. P), Peyton LaCaeyse (Fr. IF), Becky McAtee (So. C-IF), Sophia Stanke (Fr. IF), Morgan Collar (FR. 1B-OF)

Outlook: Several starters return for the Wildcats, including Medrano and Schuetz who were Caringella's battery for almost every game last spring. The veteran coach says Medrano and freshman Emmie LaCaesye will share time on the mound this season while McAtee moves behind the plate and Schuetz will handle first base. Peyton LaCaesye will play shortstop with Petzold, Stanke and Medrano switching between second and third base. Walker, Ferraro and Rosenston return to the outfield. Broms, Jankowski and Collar will also see time in the outfield. Helms can catch and play infield for Caringella, who begins his eighth season in the charge of the Wheeling program. "Our goal is to win games in the conference," Caringella said. "And to continue to build the program with all of our young, talented players who will be getting a lot of playing time."

MID-SUBURBAN WESTBarringtonCoach: Perry Peterson (25th season)

Last year's record: 28-8, 11-5

Returning players: Rachel Krzysko (Sr. OF), Carly Kordich (Sr. OF), Haley Luczak (Sr. IF), Abbey Jacobsen (Jr. C), Catherine McMahon (Jr. P), Caroline Hoppe (Jr. P), Kendall Peterson (So. IF),

Newcomers: Julia Kozar (Jr. IF), Leyden Atlas (So. OF), Rachel Mori (Jr. IF), Tori Meyer (So. P-OF), Jenna Patino (Jr. IF)

Outlook: The Fillies are trying to build off last year's team which won a 15th consecutive regional championship. Both pitchers return from a year ago - McMahon (23-7,119 strikeouts, 1.76 ERA) and Hoppe (5-1, 44 strikeouts, 2.68 ERA). The Fillies will also feature solid overall team speed and four-year senior outfielders - Kordich (.384, 41 runs, 22 stolen bases) and Krzysko (. 406, 10 doubles, 38 RBI). Other top returning hitters are Jacobsen (.375 B.A., 42 hits, 8 doubles, 22 RBI) and Luczak (8 doubles). Hall of Fame Fillies coach Peterson owns a career record of 742-180, including his first season at St. Viator. His roster includes four Fillies who are committed to colleges - senior Kordich (Winona State), Krzysko (Purdue), Jacobsen (Loyola) and Atlas (Rutgers). Barrington's schedule includes Marist (2015 Class 4A state champion), St. Charles East, Huntley and state powerhouse Sandburg. New this spring is the first tournament of its kind - the inaugural Illinois Coaches Association Greg Easter Invitational Tournament at the Fields of Dreams on May 12 and 13. The 16-team event will host four schools from each of the four IHSA classes.

ConantCoach: Cathyann Smith (17th season)

Last year's record: 27-7, 14-2

Graduated players: Sara Neuman (St. Leo University, FLA.), Dream Aaron (Indian River College, FLA.)

Returning players: Lauren Grzelak (Sr. SS), Sam Gadomski (Sr. P-OF), Ally Lira (Sr. C-OF), Sr. Morgan Bihun (Sr. 3B), Carly Rossdeutcher (Sr. U), Sara-Kate Pasbrig (Kr. U), Makenna McCarthy (Jr. CF), Jackie Burchfield (Jr. 2B), Paige Nallen (Jr. P-U), Delaney Szwed (Jr. OF), Sydney Correa (Jr. 1B-C), Jac Carlucci (Jr. P)

Newcomers: Maddy Meier (Sr. OF)

Outlook: With 12 returning players from a team that won 27 games, the Cougars figure to contend for the West crown again under the new inducted hall of fame coach Smith (312-197). "We are very excited to get started this season," said Smith, whose only newcomer is Meier who possesses a strong bat and the versatility to play multiple positions. Replacing all-area honorary captain Neuman on the mound will be Gadomski, Carlucci and Nallen. "All three ladies have worked hard in the off-season," Smith said. "Each has a different style that we plan to use to effectively keep our conference competitors off the bases this season." Bihun, a Wisconsin-Green Bay recruit, is expected to continue her hot glove at 3B and she led the Cougars with a .533 batting average and 54 RBI last spring. McCarthy, a Winona State recruit, returns to center field to lead the outfield along with Szwed. Grzelak, the Cougars' captain, will see some time behind the plate this year besides being at shortstop. "Her knowledge of the game, tenacity, and leadership will be needed in a variety of places this season,"Smith said. Lira, committed to play Lakeland College, will also see time behind the plate. "Ally is always willing to do whatever is asked," Smith said. "And she has experience behind the plate and works with Jac Carlucci in travel which will help." Burchfield, Rossdeutcher and Correa are expected to spark the lineup. "This is a great group of girls," Smith added. "They are eager to make their mark in the conference this season."

FremdCoach: Josh Teschner (first season)

Last year's record: 25-5, 13-3

Graduated players: Alyssa Garcia, Abby Iuorio, Kylie Hess, Holly Straup, Julia Wacker

Returning players: Lexi D'Ambrosio (Jr, C); Reagan Schneider (Senior, SS); Becca Uhrich (Sr. 2B); Anne Marie O'Sullivan (Sr. 1B); Jess Mazur (Jr. P); Nikki Kehoe (Jr. P), Newcomers: Hannah Ban (Jr, P-OF), Grace Stevens (Jr. 3B), Anna Freveletti (Jr. 3B-OF), Bella Wojcik (Jr. IF-OF), Sydney Heinrich (Sr OF)

Outlook: Former Fremd assistant coach Teschner begins his first season as Vikings head coach with a strong middle infield play of two-year starters Schneider (SS) and Uhrich (2B). "The combination of Becca and Reagan has been one of the strongest in the history of Fremd softball," said Teschner, who replaces hall of famer Jim Weaver (393-125-2,10 regional titles, three sectionals and three trips to the state in his 15 years). "Both players are incredibly savvy on the field and have a respect for one another and the game that is unparalleled." D'Ambrosio returns behind the plate. "Lexi is one of the best defensive catchers in the entire state," Teschner said "And she has a retooled offensive approach that could lead to big results at the plate." Kehoe (14-3, 7 shutouts in 2016) and Mazur return to the mound and will be joined by Ban to form one of the best varsity pitching staffs in the conference. O'Sullivan a (hit .449 last spring) also returns to the lineup and will see more game time on the field at first base. "Having to replace the entire outfield is a daunting task,"Teschner added. "But thankfully, we have a group of juniors that have worked hard to prepare for this."

Hoffman Estates Coach: Lindsey Hamma (12th season)

Last year's record: 5-25; 1-15

Graduated players: Alyssa Ayala, Veronica Cardella, Jordyn Fera (competing at DePauw University), Alexis Morris

Returning players: Megan Amato (Sr. P-U), Brynn Connelly (Sr. OF-IF), Mary Bean (Jr. C-3B), Martina DeAstis (Jr. 1B-U), Giselle Velazquez (Jr. SS-C), Colleen Golliher (So. P-U)

Newcomers: Brandi Ballentine (Jr. OF), Jenny Camiliere (Jr. OF-C), Emily Grossi (Fr. P-3B), Brianna Venegas (Fr. IF)

Outlook: Coach Lindsey Hamma will look to her core group of returners, Connelly (captain), Amato, Bean and Velazquez to provide leadership."Brynn, Mary, Meg and G lead by example day in and day out by giving maximum effort in everything we do." said Hamma, who is also excited to welcome two talented freshmen to the team. "Emily (Grossi) competes hard and is ready to be a workhorse on the mound for us this season," she said. "And Bri (Venegas) is fundamentally sound. We will rely on her to command her position wherever she settles in the middle infield." Hamma will look to the newcomers as well as returners DeAstis and Golliher to add depth to the batting order. "With a small squad this season, we will need everyone to contribute in big ways," said Hamma, a former standout shortstop for Buffalo Grove High School and the University of Illinois "The girls have been focused on playing fundamentally sound softball with consistent execution thus far and have already come together as a solid unit. We cannot wait to get out on the field to put all of their efforts to the test."

PalatineCoach: Nicole Pauley (third season)

Last year's record: 12-17, 6-8

Graduated players: Mackenzie Craver, Victoria Parrott, Emily Griffin, Megan Breytenbach, and Stephanie Becker

Returning players: Brooke Bauer (Sr. 1B), Reggie Much (Sr., OF); Maddie Craver (Jr. IF-P), Sarah Grossman (Jr. P), Emily Parrott (So. SS), Grace Huff (So. CF), Anna Selleck (So. C)

Newcomers: Brittany Padden (Jr. OF), Grace Seiffert (Jr. U), Amanda Stanczuk (So. CIF), Rhiann Dick (FR. P), Emily Brinckerhoff (Fr. IF), Chase Friel (Fr. U)

Outlook: The Pirates are young and extremely athletic. Former Bandits, Northwestern and Palatine great Pauly has two seniors (Bauer and Much) with strong leadership skills. "They will continue to teach our younger players our program's philosophies and expectations of what it means to wear the Palatine Pirate jersey," Pauley said. "We are competitive and have an eagerness to learn the game which will hopefully give us an advantage playing in a touch MSL conference." Bauer batted .303 with 18 RBI and has signed a letter of intent to play volleyball and softball at Ripon College. Huff batted .632 last spring with a .682 on-base percentage 60 hits and 26 RBI while Craver hit .312 with 34 hits. "Every aspect of our game has gotten stronger with all the hard work the girls put in the off season," Pauley said. "I am excited about competing on the field with this team. You will see focus, determination, and passion from our girls and we will consistently compete with any team that we face."

Schaumburg

Coach: Ellen Abreu (seventh season)

Last year's record: 21-10, 12-4

Graduated players: Sarah Schwind (CF), Paige Alt (P, 1B), Christina Candotti (SS, 1B)

Returning players: Michelle Birkholz (Sr, P-IF), Natalie Napier (Sr, IF), Alex Cook (Sr, IF), Micaela Encarnacion (Sr, OF), Kaiden Jackson (Sr, OF), Brittney Butt (Sr, C-OF), Cate Poplar (Jr, IF-OF), Janalee Lyke (Jr, C)

Newcomers: Taylor Budrovic (Sr, IF), Summer Schulz (Sr, U), Jayme Kissamis (Jr. OF), Rachel Kissamis (Jr, IF), Stephanie Schroeder (So, P-OF), Talia Torosian (Fr, IF)

Outlook: The Saxons have another solid group of players as Abreu begins her seventh season in charge. Her 2015 Saxons were MSL champs. "We will still have solid bats at the plate," Abreu said. "The goal this season is to approach the plate with the mindset of having a quality at bat every time. If we play clean defense and have good pitch selection at the plate, we will do some great things this season. Birkholz was an all-area selection last season who hit .433 with 25 RBI and 6 homers. "We have six new players on the varsity who will all be able to contribute various things to the lineup," Abreu added. "We are excited to get the season underway."

WEST SUBURBAN GOLDLeydenCoach: Kurt Schuett

Last season's record: 21-5, 10-2, Overall (2nd in West Suburban Gold Conference at 10-2); Ballpark at Rosemont's Eagle Invite Champions.

Top returners: Madison Ganir (Sr. 1B), Carly Cullotta (Sr. 2B), Jodi DuBrock (Sr. SS), Lauren Vermilyer (Sr. C-OF), Tara Mackey (So. 3B)

Top newcomers: Elle Engelke (Fr. C), Kailey Kirkwood (So. OF-SS)

Outlook: Even though the Eagles are young, Schuett expects them to be solid offensively. "Our infield will be solid as we returned almost everyone," he added. "And our outfield will be quicker than most." The Eagles were second in the West suburban Gold last spring and won their own Eagle Invite at the Ballpark at Rosemont. Schuett plans to catch Engelke. "She is a powerful hitter, has a rifle arm, and runs a 2.9," Schuett said of the freshman.

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTHMaine WestCoach: Jim Dvorak (first season)

Graduated players: Nicole Byerly, Jordan Hart, Monica Liwag, and Kayla Pociejewski.

Returning players: Katelyn Aragon (Jr. OF), Gabbi Demma (So. 2B-C), Allison Eby (Sr.-P), Grace Feldkamp (Sr. SS-P), Anne Lipinski (Sr. 3B-U), Nora McDonald (Sr. OF-U), Megan Swanson (Sr. 3B), Alison Tworek (Sr. OF-U)

Newcomers: Amanda Byrne (Fr. C), Bridget Christiansen (Jr. OF-1B), Kassandra Connor (Jr. OF-2B0, Jessica Steingard (Fr. P) and Brianna Torres (Sr. OF-U).

Outlook: As he begins his first season with the Warriors program, Dvorak is excited to lead a team that possesses a strong senior foundation and some talented newcomers. Jerry Stonequist, a longtime fixture in the softball and girls basketball programs, moves up to the assistant varsity position from the freshman team. "Putting Jerry on the varsity level has given me a co-coach who already knows the girls," Dvorak said. "He has built a career on his ability to teach fundamentals." The Warriors' five returning seniors offer stability and a powerful offensive lineup. Also back is all-conference is Demma who hits for power and average. Feldkamp will provide solid pitching and tenacious defense at shortstop. Dvorak expects the three freshmen to get their feet wet right away and contribute with solid offensive skills. Byrne is expected to start at catcher while Torres will play the outfield. Jessica Steingard will be a featured pitcher. "The opportunity is there for some of these girls to really shine," said Dvorak, a dean of students at Maine West who was the Glenbard North assistant coach from 2001 to 2007.

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICSt. ViatorCoach: John Scotillo (fourth season)

Last year's record: 12-21, 2-10

Graduated players: Catherine Harner, Olivia Michalik, Meg Naughton, Roxanne Kowalczuk

Returning players: Grace Kaiser (Sr. P), Cameron VanValkenburg (Sr. OF) Adeline Swiderski (Sr, C), Jenna Breslin (Sr. IF) Aryana Ziakas (Sr. IF), Cara Haubner (Sr. C), Haley Robinson (Jr. IF), Jessica Taylor (Jr. P), Tori Scheidecker (Jr. IF), Cecelia Kaiser (So. IF), Maggie VanValkenburg (So. OF)

Newcomers: Nicole Ardito (Fr. OF-IF), Elise Bollard (Fr. OF), Morgan Bielfeldt (Fr. C), Gretchen Brauer (Fr. OF), Ava Davis (Fr. C)

Outlook: Scotillo feels fortunate to have the benefit of the leadership from six returning seniors. "They set a fine example for our underclassmen," he said. "We had a great offensive year last season which we are working to build on." Co MVPs and all-area selections VanValkenburg (. 438, 35 runs, 49 hits, 14 walks) and the Oakland University (Mich.) recruit Swiderski (. 480, 33 RBI, 15 doubles, 4 home runs) and Robinson all had breakout years. Breslin set a school record for home runs. "They have worked hard in the off season and are anxious to pick up where they left off," Scotillo said. Kaiser led the team in RBI while being out for a third of the season with a broken hand. She and Taylor will share the pitching duties. "We will begin the season with both pitchers healthy so we hope that will get us off to a good start," Scotillo added. "All of our freshmen bring a lot of speed on which we intend to capitalize. We are looking to move into the top half of the ESCC."