Softball: Scouting Carmel Catholic

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC

CARMEL CATHOLIC

Coach: Shane Schueneman (third season)

Last season: 20-14, 5-7 in ESCC, lost to Hersey in Class 4A Loyola regional final

Key losses: C/1B Karina Falkstrom (Pomona-Pitzer College), SS Jen Giesey (Winona State University)

Returning players: seniors Emily Haley (OF), Isabella Anichini (C), Jessica Dettwiler (3B/2B), Olivia Landree (OF/IF); juniors Jordan Swiatkowski (3B/C), Sydney Schuda (P/1B), Marla Walinski (P/SS), McKenna Pett (OF)

Newcomers: juniors Aleigha McNulty (C), Emily Krysa (2B/SS), Darcey Petrus (P); sophomore Allison Novak (OF) freshmen Hailie Swiatkowski (2B/SS), Kyla Rapplean (2B/SS), Hailey Carlson (OF/IF)

Outlook: Jordan Swiatkowski can hit the long ball. Sydney Schuda has pop in her bat too. These aren't the slugging Corsairs of years past, however, when they featured the likes on Kathleen Felicelli, Jenny Behan, Amanda Elert and Emma Bartz. Carmel wasn't that team last spring either, but the Corsairs still won 20 games and beat host Loyola in a Class 4A regional semifinal. "We're not going to have the power we've had in the past," coach Shane Schueneman said. "But the chemistry of this year's team is phenomenal right now, and the work ethic is even stronger than it's been the last couple of years." What might be the Corsairs' strength is pitching. Right-handers Schuda (11-8 record last season) and Marla Walinski (9-6) split innings last year as sophomores on varsity and could do the same this season. "They've gotten stronger, they're throwing a little harder, and they've gotten more consistent," Schueneman said. "They're doing well. They're very similar pitchers." Another junior, Darcey Petrus, pitched primarily JV last spring. In Swiatkowski, the Corsairs have a junior who's hit for power each of the last two seasons on varsity. Last season, the third baseman batted .327 with 7 homers, 12 doubles and 39 RBI, and was named All-East Suburban Catholic Conference. Speedy senior center fielder Emily Haley drew a school-record 33 walks and posted a .487 on-base percentage last season. She returns at the top of the batting order and is an effective slap hitter. Freshman Kyla Rapplean bats from the right side, and Schueneman says she might be fastest girl on the team. Isabella Anichini will catch Schuda and Walinski again, while Emily Krysa figures to find a spot in the starting infield. Schuda hit .376 with 7 doubles last season. McKenna Pett returns in right field, while slap-hitting Allison Novak also figures to flank Haley in the outfield. "Our pitching is looking pretty strong," Schueneman said, "and so is our defense."