Cook softball notes: Barrington’s battery keys Fillies’ solid start
Barrington softball coach Perry Peterson credits his battery of junior pitcher Katie Tarschewsky and senior catcher Reese Cullen as a key element in the Fillies' 4-1 start this spring.
"Together, Reese and Katie have provided tremendous consistency at the beginning of the season to get our group moving in the right direction," Peterson said. "It is inspiring to witness their camaraderie as our pitcher and catcher. They help propel our team to be competitive with anyone we encounter."
Cullen, an Ohio State University softball scholarship holder, batted .400 through the Fillies’ first four games with a pair of home runs, 5 RBI, .538 on-base percentage, 1.000 slugging percentage and 1.000 fielding percentage.
Taraschewsky, who was 27-6 on the mound as a sophomore, is off to a 4-1 start this spring, striking out 21 in her 21 innings. in her 21 innings. She also entered this week batting .500 with 1 double and a team-leading 6 RBI.
As a team, the Fillies outscored their opponents 35-6 in their first four games with 18 different players having received playing opportunities.
New assistant on board: Tony Wolanski, the winningest softball coach in Rolling Meadows history (257-384), has a new assistant for his 22nd season.
Former standout Mustang Caroline Slowik (2019 graduate) has joined the staff. Slowik also played volleyball at Meadows.
Key returnees for the Mustangs are Ashlyn Ferguson (Sr. SS/C), Kelly McQueen (Sr. C/OF), Caylee Del Boccio (So. CF), Iris Jordan (So. P), Taylor Brand (So 1B), Taya Rozanski (Fr. SS/OF), Vanessa Cobos (So. OF) and Lea Graziani (Jr. 2B).
The rest of the varsity roster includes Mary Linker (Jr. 3B/P), Chelsea Trousdale (So. 3B, Giselle Vasquez (So. 3B), Ella Kozlowski (Fr. SS/OF), Sophia Rappa (Fr. 2B/SS), Chase Hembry (Fr. C/OF) and Chloe McQueen (Fr. P/3B).
Wolanski expects the Mustangs (1-1) to be better in every aspect of the game.
"We return eight starters, so we are a very experienced team," he said. "If we can improve in the field, it will make it easier for our pitchers to have success."
At the plate, the Mustangs will rely on their experience to have a better approach this season.
"We need to have a plan at the plate, discipline and focus is a must," Wolanski added "Quality at-bats is something we are really stressing this season. Pitching depth is a concern, so staying healthy is a top priority. The bottom line is we have to play better in conference. Our team has to learn how to compete and focus in conference games. We need to be consistent in all aspects of the game."
Eye on the Eagles: Leyden is off to a 2-2 start with wins over Maine East (11-0) and DePaul College Prep (7-2).
Through the first two weeks, senior pitcher Abigail Cortez is 2-0 with 17 strikeouts and a 1.167 ERA and .583 WHIP while batting.400 with 3 RBI and 5 runs.
Sophomore Giulia Incandela and senior Ari Gallo (4 RBI, 3 runs) were each batting .333 after three games.
Off and rolling: Fremd began its season with an 8-0 win over Libertyville as senior ace Hailey Lucas, a Southern Illinois pledge, struck out 15 with a 1-hitter. She also went 3-for-3 at the plate.
The Vikes had 14 hits in the game, led by Avery Sheridan (4-for-4, RBI), Amanda Poniecki (2-for-4, double) and Claire Kanupke (2-for-3, 2 RBI).
Cycle for Conant: Ava Falcone hit for the cycle against York as the Cougars began their season 2-0 with wins over the Dukes and Addison.
"Dani Gemmell and Payton Ackman have worked well together on the mound with Sophia Gomez solid behind the plate," said Conant coach Allie Jay.
In addition to Falcone, classmate Charlotte Wolf also has a home run.
"We have six girls hitting .500," Jay said. "I am proud of the way our team is coming together and competing. They are working hard and ready to play whatever position and role the team needs that day."
Hawks over Harvest: Hoffman Estates opened its season with a 17-3 five-inning win over Harvest Christian Academy.
"It was great to finally get out on the field to see how all of our preseason preparation came together,“ coach Lindsey Hamma said. ”Everyone contributed to the win. In particular, Bella (Valesquez who threw a 3-hitter) and Alexa (Jocic who was 2-for-2 with 2 RBI) really set the tone, and Ella (Steel, who was 2-for-3 with 3 runs and 6 RBI) had a huge day at the plate with bases-clearing shots on two separate occasions."
Maine East starts strong: In starting out 2-1, the Blue Demons recorded wins over Waukegan (16-2) and Northside Prep (2-1). Pitcher Emma Asien is 2-1 with a 1.647 ERA and 32 strikeouts, and she is also batting .500 with 1 home run.
"Our young team continues to improve and we look forward to getting back at it after spring break," said Maine East coach Kyle Eller.
Florida fun: Prospect is off to a 6-0 start, with five wins over spring break at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex.
"The team played great and grew together on and off the field," said Knights coach Krystina Mackowiack. "Our three pitchers combined only have let up three earned runs so far and have 69 strikeouts."
Gina Falls, Maeve Johl and Libby McDonough have been leading the offense.
Pitching gem: Maine West ace Kaitlyn Marsh opened her senior season with a five-inning 13-0 shutout over Wheeling. The senior hurler struck out nine and allowed only 2 hits while recording the 500th strikeouts of her career.
She also went 2-for-3 at the plate with an RBI.
Lions den: St. Viator is off to a 2-5 start, including five games in Tennessee over the spring break. Coach John Scotillo feels the Lions have played better than their record indicates.
"Our freshmen battery Carly Heiden (pitcher) and Lia Horn (catcher) has kept us in almost every game," he said. "We've lost two 1-run games in the last inning."
The Lions are hitting .346 as a team, led by sophomore Ava Moreno with 12 hits and the sister tandem of Alexis and Lia Horn, who each have 10 hits. Alexis, an Augustana pledge, has 2 home runs.