Scouting DuPage County softball

Girls Catholic Athletic Conference

Teams: DeLaSalle, DePaul Prep, Fenwick, Leo, Montini, St. Ignatius, St. Joseph.

Montini players to watch: Elyse Spaccapaniccia, sr., INF/C; Kora Navarro, soph., P/INF.

Outlook: The Broncos will look to some of their underclassmen to step up after graduating six seniors. Spaccapaniccia, an all-conference selection last year, returns at first base. Navarro will continue in the circle. "Even though we will be a young team this year, our goal is still the same: to work hard and win a state championship," says second-year head coach Erin Bradarich.

DuPage Valley Conference

Teams: DeKalb, Metea Valley, Naperville Central, Naperville North, Neuqua Valley, Waubonsie Valley.

Defending champion: Neuqua Valley.

DuPage County players to watch: Jacqui Abogado (Naperville Central, jr., 1B-P); Allison Arnold (Naperville North, sr., OF); Rissa Bajusz (Metea Valley, sr., P); Kylie Boehmke (Neuqua Valley, sr., 3B-OF); Mackenzie Bradley (Naperville North, sr., C); Alaina Eyberger (Naperville North, jr., SS-2B); Ellie Laub (Waubonsie Valley, jr., P-OF); Nia Lewis (Metea Valley, jr., OF-SS); Hannah Meeks (Neuqua Valley, so., P); Hannah Mestan (Neuqua Valley, sr., IF-OF); Riley Pavelka (Naperville Central, jr., INF-P); Sophia Remsik (Neuqua Valley, sr., OF).

Outlook: It's been two very successful seasons for Neuqua Valley. The Wildcats have won back-to-back league titles. Just six players return from the 2019 squad, but coach Christina Chrencik believes those players and those joining the varsity for the first time will keep the success going. "I expect our hitting and defense to carry us throughout the season. Our biggest strength and X-Factor is our cohesion," the Neuqua coach said. "The girls have played together for a couple years now and they like playing with one another. They are smart hitters, smart softball players who know the situation. This is a very tight-knit group and that will take us a long way."

Naperville Central has a strong combination of veterans and new players. The Redhawks finished 18-17 overall, 9-3 in the DVC. Daily Herald All-Area honorable mention selection Jacqui Abogado is back and will continue to pitch and move to first base after playing third last year. She hit .339 with 36 RBI, which led the squad, along with 7 home runs. Riley Pavelka will also pitch. Coach Andy Nussbaum will continue the practice of utilizing depth on the mound. "Last year 75 innings were pitched by four different players," he said. Naperville Central is boosted by players who are entering their third varsity season, including senior infielder Katlyn Allen and junior outfielder Katie Gutsell. "The juniors will be exciting to watch. They have a lot of potential," Nussbaum said.

Metea Valley coach Kris Kalivas likes that many experienced players return to the Mustangs' lineup this season as Metea aims to improve upon last season's 13-12 overall record. However, the search continues on who can fill a couple of key defensive positions. Senior pitcher Rissa Bajusz is back before heading to Western Michigan University next year.

Naperville North coach Jerry Kedziora believes if the Huskies can improve their defense, the team can improve upon 2019's 13-18 mark with plenty of offense returning to help the squad. Junior Alaina Eyberger was an all-state pick last season with a .385 batting average, 32 RBI and 7 home runs. Senior outfielder Allison Arnold, who will play at Purdue University Northwest next year, hit .349 as a junior with 27 RBI. Senior catcher Mackenzie Bradley, like Arnold also in her fourth varsity season, hit .345 despite missing 12 games due to injury.

Coach Val Wood said that Waubonsie Valley's hitting strength throughout the lineup will help the Warriors improve upon last season's three victories. "Offensively, we will be solid through the lineup," Wood said. "We have a nice mix of players that can hit for power. Hopefully, we can improve our short game with the top of our lineup."

DuKane Conference

Teams: Batavia, Geneva, Glenbard North, Lake Park, St. Charles East, St. Charles North, Wheaton North, Wheaton Warrenville South.

Defending champion: Lake Park

DuPage County players to watch: Bre Caper (Lake Park, so., OF); Madelyn Fricano (Lake Park, so, C,) Michela Barbanente (Lake Park, fr., SS); Bella Leto (Glenbard North, jr., 2B), Isabella Eggert (Glenbard North, so., OF/SS); Lucy Rogers (Glenbard North, so., OF); Lauren Vaughn (Wheaton North, so., 3B); Ellie Hubbard (Wheaton North, jr., SS); Jackie O'Callaghan (Wheaton North, sr., 2B); Ginny Rogers (Wheaton North, jr., 1B); Elyse Bucheit (Wheaton North, sr., P.); Abby Rutgens (Wheaton North, sr., LF); Izzy Fawcett (WW South, sr., P); Katey Pierce (WW South, jr. P); Carly Briggs (WW South, sr., SS); Katie Weisheit (WW South, sr., C); Megan Adamek (WW South, sr., OF).

Outlook: Lake Park went 24-12 and advanced to the sectional finals, but 10 Lancers graduated, including ace Natalie Grubczak. But six key players are back and coach Tom Mazzie expects more success. "In addition to the returning six the hungry group of players behind those seniors are excited to take the reins and lead us into the 2020 season," Mazzie said. "Offensively, we believe that we can hang with any team in the area. One through nine we do not have a weak spot in the lineup. These young players are motivated, talented and hungry to continue on a strong softball tradition at Lake Park." The Tigers had a great 2019 campaign, finishing 24-10 overall and second in the league at 10-4. They will have a 14-3 pitcher back in Fawcett along with All-Area infielder Briggs, who batted .394.

Four freshmen will give the Panthers a boost: pitcher Sophia Leto and Hailey Noll, Caitlyn Bebar, and Liz Welch, while six starters are back for Wheaton North.

Illinois Central Eight

Teams: Coal City, Herscher, Lisle, Manteno, Peotone, Reed-Custer, Streator, Wilmington.

Defending champion: First year of conference.

Lisle players to watch: Abby Casmer (jr., SS); Amanda Hudgens (so., 3B).

Outlook: It's a new conference, but there are familiar foes from the days of the Interstate Eight Conference as Lisle tries to improve upon an 8-15 record from last season. "Our biggest key to the season is to find our offensive identity and be able to execute with it. We have more speed and more power in years past and need to learn how to utilize that to produce runs," coach Trent Schalk said. Back for the Lions is junior shortstop Abby Casmer. She hit .478 with 5 home runs and 38 runs scored.

Metro Suburban Blue

Teams: Aurora Central Catholic, Elmwood Park, Ridgewood, Riverside-Brookfield St. Francis, Wheaton Academy.

Defending champion: St. Francis.

DuPage County players to watch: Kristina Sherwin (St. Francis, sr., OF); Tarin Malloy (St. Francis, sr., P/1B); Bridget Rath (St. Francis, sr., 2B); Annika Norman (St. Francis, jr., SS/P).

Outlook: St. Francis marched all the way to the Class 3A championship game before falling to Sycamore. The Spartans will dearly miss last year's battery of All-Area pitcher Carlee Jo Clark and catcher Caroline Caesar, but veteran coach Ralph Remus looks to keep on winning this spring. "It's a good group and they work hard," said Remus, whose team finished 29-4 in 2019. "Our defense should be strong and we should score some runs." Wheaton Academy has a bigger freshman turnout this year, but the program looks to stick with a junior varsity schedule this year. Riverside-Brookfield is the early league favorite.

Metro Suburban Red

Teams: Aurora Christian, Chicago Christian, Guerin, IC Catholic Prep, McNamara, St. Edward, Timothy Christian, Westmont.

DuPage County players to watch: Rebecca Cash (ICCP, jr., P/3B); Daniela Murillo (ICCP, sr., IF); Emma Lytton (ICCP, sr., C/IF); Alessandra Eccardt (ICCP, sr., 1B); Kelly Tameling (Timothy Christian, sr., 3B/P; Emily Slovey (Timothy Christian, so., P/1B); Ella Robia (Timothy Christian, jr., SS); Kate Bradley (Timothy Christian, jr., OF); Maggie Durr (Westmont, sr., SS/P/CF); Cassie Bogacz (Westmont, jr., OF/SS/P); Delanie Graziano (Westmont, jr., C).

Outlook: Timothy Christian is excited to field two levels this year, and having lost just three players from last year, looks to be more competitive this season. "Our pitching is looking to be solid, headed by Slovey and Tameling, and we are hoping to be stronger in the field and at the plate," coach Lindsay Slovey said. "Looking forward to a season with most of our varsity players returning." ICCP looks for another big campaign from All-Area senior Cash, who hit .456 last year with 7 HR and 39 and was 9-5 pitching with 103 strikeouts in 91 innings.

East Suburban Catholic Conference

Teams: Benet, Carmel, Joliet Catholic, Marian Catholic, Marian Central Catholic, Marist, Nazareth, Notre Dame, St. Patrick, St. Viator.

Defending champion: Marist

Benet players to watch: Meghan Seranko, sr., P; Mackenzie Relihan, sr., C.; Bridget Linders, sr., 2B; Mikayla Cassidy, sr.; 3B/C.

Outlook: The ESCC features Class 4A power Marist and Class 3A power Joliet Catholic. The Redwings, meanwhile started five freshmen last year and went 16-17-1, laying the foundation for a strong 2020. "We are looking to improve but play a very challenging schedule ...," said Benet coach Jerry Schilf. "With the combination of youth and experience we should be able to compete and will continue to improve as the season progresses." Sophomore CF Grace Fajardo hit. 421.

Upstate Eight Conference

Teams: Bartlett, East Aurora, Elgin, Fenton, Glenbard East, Glenbard South, Larkin, South Elgin, Streamwood, West Chicago.

Defending champion: Glenbard South and South Elgin (co-champs).

DuPage County players to watch: Ella Brooks (Glenbard East, so., 3B); Cynthia Ibarra (Fenton, jr., P); Brianna Pechman (West Chicago, so., OF-IF); Giana Raitano (Glenbard East, so., SS); Jessica Sadorf (Glenbard South, jr., 3B); Gianna Saldana (Fenton, sr., 3B); Jessica Villa (Glenbard South, sr., CF); Grace Wallner (Glenbard South, sr., SS).

Outlook: Glenbard South has plenty of veterans returning from last season's squad that finished 24-7 overall and 17-1 in conference. "We have a little bit of youth, but with some good experience," said coach Julie Fonda. Senior shortstop Grace Wallner, who is heading to Hillside College in Michigan next season, is coming off a 2019 that saw her hit .505. Also returning is senior center fielder Jessica Villa, who finished with a .485 average. Junior Jessica Sadorf will be at third base after splitting time last year between third and second base. She hit .430. Fonda said junior catcher Catherine Karr is also key to the Raiders' lineup. Karr's batting average as a sophomore was .378. Glenbard South has some inexperience on the pitching staff, but Fonda is optimistic that can be a strong part of the Raiders' game.

Fenton certainly made the most of its last season in the Metro Suburban Conference Red Division, winning that the league title and finishing 23-13. And there are plenty of players returning to try and improve upon that success as the Bison start their first season in the Upstate Eight Conference. Senior third baseman Gianna Saldana hit .484 with 44 RBI last season. "If we can play solid defense behind our pitchers, we should be able to compete in a lot of games. We feel that our offense will be able to generate enough runs to keep us in games," coach Dave Mello said.

West Chicago aims to try and improve upon last season's 11-18 overall mark and 8-10 record in the UEC. While some key players are back this spring, there will be some new faces. "We graduated four seniors that played all four years. We will find out who our team is," coach Sean Gimpert said. "The new group has a lot to prove, they've been waiting their turn." It was a big year for Brianna Pechman as a freshman. She earned Daily Herald All-Area and all-conference honors by leading DuPage County with 31 stolen bases in 33 attempts. She also hit .492. Gimpert also considers senior catcher Ariana Elizondo crucial to the lineup.

Experience is the key for Glenbard East this spring. The Rams lost just one player to graduation. The team was 10-14 in 2019 and 8-10 in the Upstate Eight Conference. Sophomores Giana Raitano and Ella Brooks are back after leading the team in most offensive categories. Coach Victor Swanson looks for leadership from senior right fielder Paige Andrews and senior catcher Katie Mulatz.

West Suburban Gold

Teams: Addison Trail, Downers Grove South, Hinsdale South, Leyden, Morton, Proviso East, Willowbrook.

Defending champion: Downers Grove South.

DuPage County players to watch: Carlee Baker (Downers Grove South, sr., C); Caroline Dooley (Willowbrook, jr., P/OF); Daly Garland (Downers Grove South, jr. P-IF); Annmarie Knudtson (Willowbrook, jr., 2B/C); Caitlyn Kulczyski (Willowbrook, so., P-OF); Lizzie O'Brien (Addison Trail, sr., IF); Valentina Pentrelli (Addison Trail, sr., 1B); Morgan Rau (Downers Grove South, sr., 3B); Sydney Rau (Downers Grove South, sr., CF); Anna Ruffolo (Addison Trail, jr., SS); Dakota Zimmerman (Addison Trail, sr., P);

Outlook: It was a big year in 2019 for Downers South. The Mustangs won the WSC Gold with a perfect 12-0 league record, finished 31-3 overall and reached a sectional final. Many of those players responsible for that success have graduated, but the roster cupboard is not bare. Senior center fielder Sydney Rau hit .481 with 57 RBI last season. Senior third baseman Morgan Rau finished with a .382 average. "The keys to be successful this year will be playing great defense, hitting consistency, and the development of our new players, including pitching," coach Jim Cushing said.

It was a big season last year for Willowbrook, which saw the Warriors win 20 games and many players responsible for that accomplishment are back in 2020. Junior Annmarie Knudtson is coming off a season in which she hit .461 with 33 RBI. Junior Caroline Dooley hit .449 and sophomore Caitlyn Kulczyski belted .512. Also returning are sophomore Kayla Neff, senior Shannon Knudtson and senior Mikayla Tomaszewski. "We have great pitching returning to the mound this year. I'm expecting great seasons from Caroline, Caitlyn, and Kayla. We are looking to improve upon our consistency in the field this year, decrease errors, and maintain energy throughout the game," said Willowbrook coach Rachel Karos.

Addison Trail finished 13-13 last spring and many players responsible for the 13 wins have a shot at improving upon that record this year. "We do return a significant amount of starters from last year's team," coach Mark Olson said. "Our keys will be being more consistent on defense and of course some timely hitting. The girls have been great so far this season with a tremendous attitude and effort. We are hoping that that will pay dividends as the season progresses."

West Suburban Silver

Teams: Glenbard West, Downers Grove North, Hinsdale Central, Lyons Twp., Oak Park-River Forest, Proviso West, York.

Defending champion: Downers Grove North.

DuPage County players to watch: Karly Bernhard (Downers North, sr., OF); Estelle Czech (Downers North, sr., P); Lauren Derkowski (York, jr., P); Sydney Fuglsang (York, sr., OF); Nicole Havel (Downers North, sr., 1B-P); Kiley Kozial (Glenbard West, jr., 1B-P).

Outlook: Downers Grove North coach Eric Landschoot said another successful season is within reach if the Trojans stay focused on the fundamentals. "We need to stay healthy and hit. We have two of the best pitchers in the area and a solid defense. We have some solid experience returning for this season," he said. Returning to the circle is senior Estelle Czech, who will play next year at North Carolina State. As a junior, she hit .432 with 27 RBI and with pitching finished with a 1.60 ERA and 232 strikeouts.

Brendan Holba takes over a York team that is used to success and he thinks the Dukes can have another successful campaign. The Dukes were 17-14 last year, 8-3 in the West Suburban Silver. "If we maintain an approach that is quality at-bat-oriented, coupled with a pitching rotation that is strong top to bottom, we will be very competitive every time we run on the field this year," he said. Back this spring is senior outfielder Sydney Fuglsang, who hit .429 as a senior with 24 RBI and 17 stolen bases, second on the team. Senior infielder Gina Westphal hit .330 with 22 RBI and 4 home runs. Lauren Derkowski, a junior, struck out 241 in 2019. She has committed to the University of Michigan.

Glenbard West is trying to improve upon last spring's 12-18 record and has many veterans back. "We have a strong core of athletes in our roster, everyone is versatile and able to play multiple positions," coach Mary McGrane said. Leading the way is junior Kiley Kozial. Also returning are juniors Allison Ciero, Stacia Gregule, Ava Hartsell and Alexis Lopez.

- Stan Goff and D.J. Wanberg