Scouting DuPage County softball

Addison Trail

Coach: Mark Olson.

Last year: 13-19, 3-9 in West Suburban Gold.

Scouting report: Returning all-conference senior center fielder Sophia Hawkins, who has earned such honors since her freshman year, will pace the Blazers this spring. Other returning starters include sophomores Jessica Krause, Anna Ruffolo, and Izzy Aramburu, as well as three-year returning starting first baseman Valentina Pentrelli. The pitching staff will be anchored by Lizzie O'Brien and Dakota Zimmerman. "It should be a very exciting year in the West Suburban Gold, and we hope to compete with a solid mix of returning players and newcomers," Olson said. Freshmen Madison Domek and Gia Napoli look primed to contribute right away.

Benet

Coach: Jerry Schilf.

Last year: 3-22, 0-14 (last) in East Suburban Catholic Conference.

Scouting report: The turnout and victory numbers were low in 2018, but a strong freshman class should help the Redwings make a big rebound this spring. "This year is a different year," said Schilf, who has six freshmen on the varsity and 20 in the program. "We struggled last year. We just didn't have the numbers." Junior ace Megan Seranko picked up the win on opening day, but Benet can also turn to senior Elena Stevenson and a trio of freshmen for help in the circle. Stevenson batted .410 last year with 8 HR, Mackenzie Relihan hit .385 and Allison Regan was the team's top defensive player last year.

Downers Grove North

Coach: Eric Landschoot.

Last year: 26-8, 8-4 (third) in West Suburban Silver.

Scouting report: The Trojans look loaded again as a pair of Division I pitchers return in Audrey Gusel, committed to the College of the Holy Cross, and junior pitcher/first baseman Estelle Czech (Boston College). Other key returners include Melissa Manzo, Kelsey Bernhard and Karly Bernhard. "We are fully expecting to have another solid season, even after graduating several seniors from 2018 who are now playing and succeeding at the collegiate level," Landschoot said. "With two returning D-I committed pitchers and a potent offense, we should be a tough and competitive matchup for any team." Freshman infielders Payton Janicki and Kendall Cole look to make an impact both defensively and at the plate.

Downers Grove South

Coach: Jim Cushing.

Last year: 26-7, 12-0 (first) in West Suburban Gold.

Scouting report: Six starters and four seniors return, including pitcher Randi McKay, who hit .500 with 29 RBI, and shortstop Maggie Greco, an all-conference basketball player who batted .506 last spring with 22 stolen bases. Amelia Jiminez is back after hitting ,488, and junior twins Morgan and Sydney Rau provide two more solid bats. "We're going to go as good as our defense can carry us. The key for us is playing good defense, but we'll be very competitive for sure," Cushing said. Kaitlyn Wilson and Heather Lea also look to make big contributions in 2019.

Fenton

Coach: Dave Mello.

Last year: 14-22, 1-11 (seventh) in Metro Suburban Conference.

Scouting report: "This is the most talent we have had since the 2008 season," Mello says. "Senior shortstop Isa Lozada, a Robert Morris commit, returns to lead us." She is coming off of a junior season of batting .422 with 10 doubles, 2 triples, 5 homers and 48 runs scored. Fenton will turn to four solid pitchers - including a trio of sophomores - and they'll be supported by a strong defense. "We have the talent - we really need to take that next step and challenge the really good teams." The Bison look to fight for a good finish in their last season as a member of the MSC.

Glenbard East

Coach: Dawn Chantos.

Last year: 6-19.

Scouting report: The Rams were hit hard by the graduation of five seniors, including UEC pitcher of the year Tori Tyler. Returning varsity players are senior outfielder Joselyn Molinar, junior pitcher/shortstop Lexy Gonzalez, junior outfielder Paige Andrews, sophomore catcher Katie Mulatz, and sophomore outfielder/first baseman Brooke Hernandez. Freshman Giana Raitano, an infielder, is the top newcomer. "I would say that we are rebuilding this year, but we are a young team with girls who love to play and work hard to get better every day," Chantos said. "We have a versatile group that can play many different positions, and we are looking forward to a good year."

Glenbard North

Coach: Josh Sanew.

Last year: 4-18, 3-13 (eighth) in DuPage Valley Conference.

Scouting report: The Panthers have a new conference, the DuKane, but a familiar leader in senior slugger Kaitlyn Scheitler. The pitcher/infielder has been a force since her freshman campaign and she looks better than ever, homering in her first three at-bats this spring while going 4-for-5 with 7 RBI against Plainfield North. "She can surely hit but I expect her to start getting the Barry Bonds treatment soon," said Sanew, noting that foes this spring may pitch around his star. Fellow seniors Rushika Amin, Mary Price and Morgan Zitzka will be counted on heavily for a young squad that will include four freshmen.

Glenbard South

Coach: Julie Fonda.

Last year: 20-6, 12-0 (first) in Metro Suburban Conference.

Scouting report: Senior pitcher Daniella Little, a four-year varsity starter who has committed to play at Alma College, is just one of many veterans back for the Raiders. "We are a very experienced group returning 11 from last year's team. Six seniors are our core and are hungry for success," Fonda said. Catcher Jocelynn Leerschen will also play next year at Northwood University, and Elizabeth Cizek will play at Rock Valley College. Leerschen batted .405 last year, Little hit .338, and Cizek .298.

Glenbard West

Coach: Mary McGrane.

Last year: 11-18, 2-10 (sixth) in West Suburban Silver.

Scouting report: Mallory Small returns in the circle and will look to lead the way and to groom some young pitchers. "We return four starters from last year's team and are very young, so we will have some growing pains throughout the spring," McGrane said. "We've adopted a blue-collar mentality this spring, our work ethic is there, the girls are committed to getting better every day and we will rely heavily on our senior leadership." Senior Kaitlyn DuMerer returns to anchor the outfield, senior Alize Aranda is back, and so is Stacia Gregule behind the plate.

Hinsdale Central

Coach: Brittany Wolski-Zust.

Last year: 5-16, 3-9 (fifth) in West Suburban Silver.

Scouting report: A veteran battery will pace the Red Devils as they look to improve in 2019. Senior pitcher Giselle Castaneda, committed to play at Dominican University, and senior catcher Michaela Malec are part of a strong senior group that also includes Jenna So. "We are excited for a strong senior class to guide us this season," Wolski-Zust said. "Our goal this season is to get our team chemistry aligned so our efforts transpire on the field each and every game." Sophomore utility player Lainey Harvey will be a key after batting .379.

Hinsdale South

Coach: Kelly Van Hout.

Last year: 12-19, 6-6 (fourth) West Suburban Gold.

Scouting report: Five starters return from last year's regional champion, including senior, Jasmine Carlson, a University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff commit, along with Sam Pacentine, Megan McGinely, Erin Leake and junior Emily Corson. "We are a young team and looking to really catch teams by surprise," Van Hout said. "This group works really hard and is eager to learn. We have a lot of solid athletes that are ready to pick up where we left off last season." Three freshmen and three sophomores are primed to provide support.

IC Catholic Prep

Coach: Frank Reaber.

Last year: 26-6, 9-3 (Metro Suburban Conference).

Scouting report: All but one starter return from last year's team that reached the Class 2A supersectional before falling to state runner-up Beecher. Notable returners include seniors Kayla Faber-Cournane, committed to Viterbo University, Natalie Murillo and Kayla Cervantes; juniors Alessandra Eccardt, Emma Lytton and Daniela Murillo; along with sophomore Rebecca Cash. Faber-Cournane was 11-2 last year, and Cash was 13-2 for a squad playing in the top bracket of the MSC, with the Knights the smallest school in the bracket.

Lake Park

Coach: Tom Mazzie.

Last year: 14-17, 8-8 (tied for fourth) in DuPage Valley Conference.

Scouting report: With ace Natalie Grubczak one of 10 seniors back, the Lancers look primed for a strong spring in the new DuKane Conference. "This year those (2018) juniors are now seniors and are hungry to make up for a less-than-pleasing season last year," Mazzie said. "The offense looks formidable and we will be vastly improved defensively." Abby Rodriguez hit .368 and fellow four-year varsity starter Alyssa Sturino batted .339 with 32 runs. "With Natalie Grubczak on the mound we have a chance to beat anyone," Mazzie adds of the player who went 24-2 while earning DVC Player of the Year honors as a freshman.

Lisle

Coach: Trent Schalk.

Last year: 11-18, 4-12 (fifth) in Interstate Eight North Division.

Scouting report: The Lions lost five senior starters and will lean heavily on seniors Mandy and Jamie Kaiser this spring. The senior battery duo of Mandy pitching and Jamie catching helped Lisle reached the Class 2A sectional finals. Sophomore Abby Casmer looks to continue to build upon her solid freshman year and will move from second base to shortstop. "With 10 out of our 15 players being underclassmen, we are relying on our senior leadership to bring the younger players up to speed as quickly as possible. We are excited with what the future holds for this team," Schalk said.

Metea Valley

Coach: Kris Kalivas.

Last year: 11-14, 9-7 (tied for first) in DuPage Valley Conference.

Scouting report: Much of the Mustangs' starting lineup from last season returns including junior ace Rissa Bajusz and senior Emily Finger, who swings a mean bat. Also back are junior Moira Danko, senior Samantha Golminas, senior Carissa Cavicchioni, sophomore Libby Eichberger, junior Madi Pfeiffer and sophomore Morgan Bond. "On the mound we'll rely heavily on returner Rissa Bajusz's arm," Kalivas said. Offensively, the Mustangs should be faster than in past years with a potentially dominated left-handed hitting lineup. Freshman Nevaeh Cruz, freshman Nia Lewis, sophomore Nicole Orloff and freshman Amara Saleem expect to make an impact right away.

Montini

Coach: Erin Bradarich

Last year: 28-9, 10-4 (third) in GCAC Red.

Scouting report: The defending Class 3A champion is now a resident of Class 4A. "Having to move up to 4A this season will be a challenge, but a welcomed one. We have great senior leadership this year that'll push us to be competitive in every game," said first-year coach Bradarich. That senior leadership includes shortstop Lauren Latoria, a third-team all-state selection who will play next season at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and outfielder and second-team all-state selection Alyssa Filkowski, who will play at Elmhurst College. Another senior outfielder, Emily Alexander, is slated to join the University of Tennessee-Martin in 2019.

Naperville Central

Coach: Andy Nussbaum

Last year: 20-16, 9-7 in DuPage Valley Conference.

Scouting report: The Redhawks started the season with a strong 3-2 trip to Florida. Returning for her senior season is Halle Arends. The University of Nevada-Las Vegas-bound pitcher was 18-11 as a junior with 239 strikeouts to 62 walks and also hit .382. "Halle looks sharp. She'll have a great year," Nussbaum said. Other top players returning include senior outfielder Olivia Balaun and senior catcher Megan Foster, now the No. 1 catcher, but who saw significant playing time last season. "We know we have the pitching, but we need to tighten up the defense and we have to get runs across to win," the Redhawks coach said.

Naperville North

Coach: Jerry Kedziora

Last year: 14-15, 7-9 (fifth) in DuPage Valley Conference.

Scouting report: The Huskies won seven of their last nine games in 2018 and hope to build on that momentum. On the mound will be sophomore Cami Chelich, who started the season 1-4 but finished 8-5. Naperville North is looking to several returning hitters to spark the Huskies' lineup, including seniors Emma Johannes, Sarah Smith, Brooke Reed and Alexis Hilgert. Hilgert will play next season at Concordia University in Chicago. Kedziora said he is confident that the players slated to fill lineup holes caused by graduation will help keep Naperville North's defense strong.

Neuqua Valley

Coach: Christina Chrencik

Last year: 21-10, 14-2 (first) in DuPage Valley.Conference.

Scouting report: The Wildcats enjoyed the taste of the good life with their co-DVC championship last year and want more. "The girls are very focused and motivated this season. They expect more out of themselves. We expect to work hard and continue to make positive strides through conference with the goal to push through regionals," Chrencik said. Two key players return, both third-year varsity players who will play at Indiana University. Senior first baseman Abby Meeks hit .449 in 2018 along with 38 RBI and nine home runs. Senior Chloe Steinhaus hit for .417 with five home runs. Teammate Kelsey O'Connor, a senior outfielder, will play at North Carolina State University.

St. Francis

Coach: Ralph Remus

Last year: 25-3, 12-0 (first) in GCAC White.

Scouting report: Coaches obviously always appreciate being able to easily fill lineup holes due to graduation. Senior Carlee Clark, last season's GCAC White Player of the Year, is now the No. 1 pitcher. The Southern Illinois University-bound Clark was 10-1 on the mound with a 108 strikeouts to 12 walks ration and hit .506 at the plate with 49 RBI. "She's a power pitcher and changes speed very well," Remus said. Another key player back is senior catcher Caroline Caesar, who will play next year at Hope College in Michigan. "I'm very comfortable with our pitcher and defense and as the season goes on our hitting will get better," the Spartans coach said.

Timothy Christian

Coach: Lindsay Slovey

Last year: 0-21 overall.

Scouting report: Slovey expressed optimism that the Trojans can continue to move forward in their effort to reach more success. "I am excited for this year. We have a large group of girls and our program has been rebuilding. I am looking forward to the newcomers and continuing to rebuild and be able to compete," she said. Top returning players include senior pitcher/infielder Lauren Gehrke, senior shortstop Allison Heersink and junior third baseman Kelly Tameling.

Waubonsie Valley

Coach: Val Wood.

Last year: 6-25, 2-14 in DuPage Valley Conference.

Scouting report: The Warriors have to fill a couple of key lineup holes due to graduation, but Wood is optimistic about the players called on to do that. Top players returning are senior pitcher Emily Olson, who will head to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh after this season. She hit .371 in 2018 with 88 strikeouts on the mound. Other top returnees include sophomore Ellie Laub, who hit .300 last season, and sophomore Emily Pavuk, who connected for a .310 average. "Offensively, we will be solid through the lineup. We have a nice mix of players that can hit for power," Wood said.

West Chicago

Coach: Sean Gimpert.

Last year: 12-21, 7-10 (fourth) in Upstate Eight Valley.

Scouting report: The Wildcats lost five seniors from last season's squad, but Gimpert is optimistic that West Chicago can take some steps upward in 2019. "We are looking to be competitive in all of our games. Our group is resilient and has been through a lot of ups and downs. Our seniors provide tremendous leadership and the other players feed off their energy," he said. The Wildcats will be helped by the return of two all-conference players, senior catcher Gianna Hernandez, who hit .359 last season, and junior third baseman Ariana Elizondo, who finished with a .303 average. Senior shortstop Aimee Cejna returns after hitting .365 last spring.

Westmont

Coach: Sue Zapinski.

Last year: 7-22, 0-16 in Interstate Eight Conference.

Scouting report: The Sentinels return just five starters from last season's Class 2A regional championship team. Our early season will have a tremendous learning curve with so many new and young players. We will strive to steadily improve as the season progresses," Zapinski said. Top players returning include senior center fielder Caitlin Ashcraft, who will play at Dominican University next season, and junior shortstop/pitcher Maggie Durr and junior outfielder Jesse Ramos.

Wheaton North

Coach: Zach Peterselli.

Last year: 6-22, 4-12 in DuPage Valley Conference.

Scouting report: Peterselli is optimistic that the Falcons are heading in the right direction toward success as the Falcons face their first season in the DuKane Conference. The team has a good combination of returning starters and young talent including senior catcher Bella Como and senior outfielder Rachel Alexander. "Switching to the DuKane Conference from the DVC, we will be playing a high level of competition that will hopefully get us ready for a postseason run," Peterselli said.

WW South

Coach: Jeff Pawlak.

Last year: 21-9, 14-2 (first) in DuPage Valley Conference.

Scouting report: The Tigers enter their first season in the DuKane Conference facing some familiar DVC foes with some new challenges to face in league play. "It will be tough. We are aware that (Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles East, St. Charles North) are really good programs and traditionally they have excelled in the playoffs," he said. Leading the way for the Tigers is senior all-conference first baseman Kaitlyn Bresingham and middle infielder Carly Briggs, who was an unanimous all-DVC pick. "We're excited. We had a really good season to build on and we have a lot of experience coming back," Pawlak said.

Willowbrook

Coach: Rachel Karos.

Last year: 18-12, 8-4 in West Suburban Gold.

Scouting report: The 2018 season was one of success for the Warriors and Karos is confident that the team can improve upon it. Four all-conference players are back in the lineup. Sophomore pitcher Caroline Dooley hit .402 and struck out 156 batters in the circle, and Annemarie Knudtson, a sophomore second baseman, sparked the Warriors at the plate with a .455 average. Senior first baseman Amy Bussa connected at .365. Senior center fielder Sam Mishlove hit for .309. "I think our pitching will continue to impress teams and hopefully our hitting has improved enough to put more runs on the board," Karos said.

York

Coach: Elizabeth Munn.

Last year: 27-14, 11-1 (first) in West Suburban Silver.

Scouting report: When we last left the Dukes, they were wrapping up a 2018 season that saw them finish fourth in Class 4A. Munn said the team's aim is to return to the state finals. "The team wants to compete with the best competition and our ultimate goal is to be downstate competing for a state championship," she said. The top three returning players all will play in college. Senior shortstop Katherine Karnatz is headed to the University of Missouri-Kansas City next year. Senior third baseman Izzy Smith will play at Northern Illinois University. Sophomore pitcher Lauren Derkowski, who struck out 181 batters and won 19 contests last season, has selected Michigan. "Our strengths include a solid defense along with a lot of grit and determination to get better," Munn said.