Softball: Scouting Lake County

NORTHERN LAKE COUNTY

ANTIOCH

Coach: Anthony Rocco (sixth season)

Last season: 27-12, 8-4 in North Suburban Prairie, won Class 3A St. Viator regional, lost to Carmel in Wauconda sectional final

Key losses: none

Returning players: Sr. SS Ashley Stephens, Jr. 2B/OF Kaylee Schreiner, Jr. 1B/OF/P Katie Sorenson, Sr. OF/1B Jackalyn Geraty, Sr. 2B Annie Wagner, Sr. P/1B Stephanie Bonaguidi, Sr. 3B Jill Foote, Sr. C/1B Carlie Gaylord, Jr. C/3B Deighton Butenschoen, Sr. P Hannah Cook, So. OF Megan Lawrence, So. OF Piper Foote, So. OF Callie Tubbs, So. 3B/C/OF Avery Malicki, Sr. 3B/UT Mariel Almaria

Newcomers: none

Outlook: When the Sequoits practiced outside recently, coach Anthony Rocco barely had to give instructions. Consider the Sequoits return all 15 players from their 2016 playoff roster. "We were right back in the loop of things," Rocco said. "We're able to get through things a lot quicker than teams that might be incorporating 1-2 new players." Five seniors - pitchers Stephanie Bonaguidi and Hannah Cook, third baseman Jill Foote, shortstop Ashley Stephens and second baseman Annie Wagner - have played varsity since they were freshmen. Bonaguidi and Cook return in the circle, with the former serving as the team's No. 1 starter. Cook found her niche last spring closing out games, picking up 3 saves to go along with an 11-2 record. Junior lefty Katie Sorenson also pitches. "I think our (pitching) experience is definitely going to help," Rocco said. "(Bonaguidi and Cook) are a 1-2 punch for us. If we can get any type of lead in the beginning, I can trust that Hannah is going to shut it down." Senior Carlie Gaylord (.453 BA, 2 HR, 40 RBI last season) and junior Deighton Butenschoen will split time behind the plate. Both are playing their third season on varsity. The outfield features sophomore Megan Lawrence in left, speedy sophomore Piper Foote (.366 BA, 5 HR, 28 RBI) in center and senior Jackalyn Geraty in right. Jill Foote (.348 BA, 7 HR, 28 RBI), who signed with Wisconsin-Green Bay, is back at third base. The double-play combination again is Stephens (.457 BA, 3 HR, 27 RBI) and Wagner (.394 BA, 1 HR, 40 RBI). Sorenson returns to patrol first base. Every player in the lineup can hit. "Offensively, we got enough power," Rocco said. "I got like 10 batters. I don't know who I'm going to bat where." Cook, Jill Foote, Gaylord and Stephens all earned all-conference honors last season, while Geraty was named honorable mention. "This is a great opportunity for us," Rocco said. "This is the year we got to come through. I think this team is ready to go."

GRANT

Coach: Chris Van Alstine (second season)

Last season: 18-15, 7-5 in North Suburban Prairie, lost to Crystal Lake South in Class 4A Dundee-Crown regional semifinals

Key losses: SS Kenzi Sancken, P Hannah McCall, OF Marissa Abernathy, OF Paige Auckland

Returning players: Sr. OF Becca Wold, Jr. C Erin Bengston, So. SS Calista Warmowski, So. 1B Megan Mitchell, Jr. P/OF Megan Chapman, Jr. P Sydney Goessele, Jr. 2B Maddy Nourigat, Sr. OF Keyana Linbo, Sr. OF Taylor Adkins

Newcomers: So. C Sarah Gallivan, Sr. OF Taylor Hood, Fr. OF/IF Jaylee Pfau, Jr. OF Madeline Quinn, So. IF Liz Schram

Outlook: The Bulldogs have suffered too many heartbreaking losses in regional semifinals and finals to count. This year, they would love nothing more than to win a postseason championship for longtime coach Mike Dolezal. Dolezal stepped down two years ago and will assist Chris Van Alstine for the second spring in a row. He is retiring from coaching after this season. "I'm tired of having a good game in the regional (and losing), tired of playing well but not good enough to win a regional (title)," Van Alstine said. "We're going all in this year, and we have the talent. I think we have the pitching, and we have some great leaders. I've benefitted so much from being around 'Coach Doze.' I want this to be an amazing year for him." The Bulldogs haven't won a regional championship since 1996. They should be able to build off last season's 18-win campaign, as they boast a trio of all-conference players in senior Becca Wold, junior Erin Bengston and sophomore Calista Warmowski. All three girls are playing new positions this spring, as Van Alstine has shaken up his defense. "I think we counted up over 50 errors last year (in the infield, not counting first base)," Van Alstine said. "We had to do something to minimize that." So Bengston moves from catcher to third base, Wold from third to center field and Warmowski from center to shortstop. Bengston (.472 BA last year, 51 hits, 14 2B, 25 RBI) is a two-time all-NSC catcher. "She looks really tough (at third base)," Van Alstine said. "It's really hard to hit anything by her. She's fast. She gets on bunts like a catcher." Warmowski (.466 BA, 48 hits, 14 SB) made just 2 errors in center field last season. "Calista just glides everywhere," Van Alstine said. "She's so smooth." Bengston and Warmowski were both all-area selections as well last season, and both have strong arms. They seem to have formed chemistry in the field. "When I hit the ball to that (left) side of the infield, I almost smirk and muscle up to have to hit it through," Van Alstine said. "They both work so well together." Returning sophomore Megan Mitchell stands nearly 6 feet and provides a good target for Bengston and Warmowski when they throw to first base. Maddy Nourigat, a junior who's played varsity since she was a freshman, returns at second base. "I think this is a very intelligent infield," Van Alstine said. "They feed off each other." Sophomore Sarah Gallivan, whose blocking skills have impressed Van Alstine, is new behind the plate. She'll catch hard-throwing junior Sydney Goessele and junior Megan Chapman, both of whom were on varsity last year. "I think with (Chapman) and Sydney we got a pretty good 1-2 punch," Van Alstine said. Wold will roam center, her "natural position," Van Alstine said. She's fast and has a strong arm. Senior Keyana Linbo is a three-year varsity outfielder. Athletic freshman Jaylee Pfau is also a starting-outfield candidate. "We're looking to be pretty quick," Van Alstine said. "We're looking to getting around the bases really fast."

GRAYSLAKE CENTRAL

Coach: Jason Schaal (fourth season)

Last season: 20-15, lost to Palatine in Class 4A Warren regional semifinals

Key losses: 1B Maddie Marshall, 2B Teagan Truskowski

Returning players: Sr. P Reagen Radke, Sr. IF Kaci Snyder, So. OF Bridget Marshall, So. P/OF Grace Bradley, Sr. OF Lindsay Brust, Jr. UT Lexi Waigand, So. UT Kristy Heerdegen, Jr. OF Morgan Smigielski, Jr. C Breanna Albert, Jr. OF Nicole Warren, Jr. C Brooke Heraty, Jr. IF Zoey Styczen, So. UT Libby Bien, So. IF Elisa Koshy

Newcomers: Jr. IF Nicole Buerger, So. IF Ashlynn Coleman

Outlook: Boasting 20 wins and one of the best pitchers in Lake County in Reagen Radke, the Rams were a legitimate candidate last spring to win a Class 4A regional title or at least notch one postseason win. Instead, Palatine pinned a 6-1 loss on the Rams. "The Palatine game for regionals was (a lot of players') first postseason experience," coach Jason Schaal said. "I feel we had a successful season last year. But once you get to the postseason, everything picks up a little bit, and we didn't perform at our best. (The players) have that experience now and are really looking to take that next step this season." The Rams graduated only the right-side of their infield, but second baseman Teagan Truskowski and first baseman Maddie Marshall had a combined 5 years of varsity experience. The good news is, Radke is back in the circle after going 18-11 with a 1.73 ERA and 280 strikeouts in 186 innings last season. She also hit 5 homers. The hard-throwing righty signed with NAIA Columbia College in Missouri. "With Reagen in the circle, as long as things are going well with her, that gives us a good shot," Schaal said. Junior Brooke Heraty will probably catch Radke again, same for junior Breanna Albert. Lefty-throwing sophomore Elisa Koshy takes over at first base, while senior Kaci Snyder gets her shot at second base. Zoey Styczen, another junior, will man shortstop with junior Lexi Waigand (.337 BA, 3 HR, 21 RBI last season) back at third base. The outfield should feature senior/three-year varsity player Lindsay Brust in center field, likely flanked by juniors Nicole Warren and Morgan Smigielski. The Rams have only three seniors in Radke, Brust and Snyder. "My program is predominantly sophomores and juniors at both the varsity and JV levels," Schaal said. "Which is exciting. A couple of years ago we had nine seniors. While that was fun, at the end of that, it was like, 'OK, we got to completely redo this. Let's see how we're going to do it.' "

GRAYSLAKE NORTH

Coach: Lea Corcoran (second season)

Last season: 15-19, lost to Prairie Ridge in Class 4A McHenry regional semifinals

Key losses: 2B Dani Runyon (Marian), SS/P Jessica Vaughn, OF Bri Hipsley

Returning players: Sr. OF Katie Moats, Sr. IF/OF Lauren Olsen, Sr. P/1B Jenna Pozezinski, Sr. OF/1B Becca Sosa, Jr. C/OF Lindsea Spiewak, Sr. IF Shannon Cremin, Sr. C/3B Carissa Popp, Jr. IF/OF Kylie Conrad, Jr. C/2B Jelly Diaz, So. 3B/1B Grace Brown

Newcomers: Sr. 1B/OF Quinnlyn Meadowcraft, Jr. C/1B Shaina Lesniewicz, So. P/1B/3B Evan Garrett, So. P/1B Ashton Moore, Fr. IF/OF Faith Standerski

Outlook: The Knights are a senior-heavy team that has a substantial amount of varsity experience. Four seniors - Katie Moats, Lauren Olsen, Jenna Pozezinski and Becca Sosa - have started since their sophomore year. Sophomore third baseman Grace Brown (.506 BA, 7 HR, 26 RBI last season) and senior first baseman/pitcher Pozezinski (.431 BA, 3 HR, 25 RBI) both earned all-area honors last year and will lead the offense. Pozezinski, who committed to Concordia University in Wisconsin, also went 6-3 in the circle with a 2.68 ERA. "I expect them both to have great seasons again this year," coach Le Corcoran said. The Knights graduated two pitchers but have sophomores Evan Garrett and Ashton Moore looking to make an impact right away. "They're both coming off successful seasons on the JV team," Corcoran said. "All of our newcomers had strong seasons on JV last year and are eager to contribute on varsity." Freshman Faith Standerski has a "strong bat and base-stealing speed," Corcoran added. Junior catcher/outfielder Lindsea Spiewak is another three-year varsity player. "I expect our seniors and other experienced varsity players to take a leadership role this year and help our new girls transition to the varsity level, while using their experience to our benefit," Corcoran said. "The seniors want to go out with a bang, so I'd anticipate some big moments from them. I expect us to be very competitive in the new NLCC this year."

LAKES

Coach: Bill Hamill (ninth season)

Last season: 25-10, 9-3 in North Suburban Prairie, lost to Vernon Hills in Class 3A Vernon Hills regional final

Key losses: P Ally Perdue (UW-La Crosse), OF Ashley Horner

Returning players: Sr. IF Jen Reed, Sr. C Karlie Rotunno, Sr. 1B Melanie Grupka, Jr. SS Rachel Becker, Jr. 1B Molly Dietz, Jr. CF Georgia Ohren, So. OF Kelsey Ulrich, So. C/3B Camryn Jones

Newcomers: Jr. OF/IF Alexis Davis, Jr. P Kayla Foote, So. OF/IF Sarah Tubek, So. P/2B Abby Vanderwall

Outlook: District-rival Antioch boasts two Footes. The Eagles now have a Foote of their own. Junior pitcher Kayla Foote is a transfer from Kenosha Christian Life. Her cousins Jill and Piper start for Antioch. Kayla hopes to replace four-year varsity player Ally Perdue in the circle. "Kayla doesn't throw as hard as Ally did, but Kayla's got a lot of pitches and she moves the ball," coach Bill Hamill said. "And she has pretty good control with it. She hits her spots pretty well." Hamill has been spoiled by pitchers on his staff who can field their position with the best. He noted Shannon Cooley, a "vacuum," Taylor Dishinger, "phenomenal" defensively, and Perdue, who wasn't afraid to take a hard-hit groundball off her shin to keep it in front of her. If Foote has good footwork, so to speak, that would be a plus. "We'll see if Kayla has that (defensive ability), because that's a good thing to have," Hamill said. "If you can keep balls from going up the middle, it saves a lot of runs and a lot of base runners." Sophomore Abby Vanderwall will split time in the circle with Foote. Senior Karlie Rotunno is back to catch for her fourth varsity season. Infielder Jen Reed and first baseman Melanie Grupka are also four-year varsity players. Third baseman Camryn Jones, who flashed good power last season as a freshman on varsity, had foot surgery in December and is expected to be out until sometime in April. With her out, Hamill might move Reed (.417 BA, 4 HR, 34 RBI last season) from second base to third. Junior Rachel Becker, an all-area player last year after hitting .495 with 3 homers and 24 RBI, is back to patrol shortstop. A starter since her freshman year, the lefty batter is the quintessential leadoff hitter. Becker, Reed and Rotunno give the Eagles three returning all-conference players. Junior first baseman Molly Dietz enters her third sea on varsity as well, while junior Georgia Ohren is back to patrol center field. Hamill expects another good season. "We'll be OK," he said.

ROUND LAKE

Coach: Patrick DeDina (third season)

Last season: 6-25, 2-10 in North Suburban Prairie, lost to Grayslake North in Class 4A McHenry regional play-in game

Key losses: 3B/C Katie Bleim, OF Kaitlin Caballero

Returning players: Jr. IF Brianna Negrete, Jr. 1B Charla Ryan, Sr. Leighlani Yazzie, Jr. OF Gina Placencio, Jr. OF Alexis Cordova, So. C Sam Nicoline, So. IF Emily Etherington

Outlook: The Panthers started only two seniors in their state-tournament opener at Grayslake North last year. They look to be competitive in the new NLCC, which figures to be strong with Antioch, Wauconda, Grayslake Central, Grayslake North and Lakes.

WAUCONDA

Coach: Tim Rennels (18th season)

Last season: 25-8, 11-1 in North Suburban Prairie, lost to Libertyville in NSC championship game, won Class 3A Elmwood Park regional, lost to Carmel in Wauconda sectional semifinals

Key losses: P Kayla Wedl (UIC), C Taylor McCarthy, 3B Brooke Sefcik (Carthage), 2B Willow Schanz

Returning players: Sr. 3B Mallory Carver, Sr. 1B Alexandra Steffens, So. P/2B Kayla Serio, Sr. OF Sarah Ricci, Sr. OF Hayley Redmann, Jr. 1B Kelly Weller, Sr. OF Taylor Lambert, Jr. OF Alyssa McCarthy

Newcomers: Fr. Riley Aldrich, Fr. Maddie Ryan, Sr. Sydney Williams, So. Sydney Rodgers

Outlook: The best player in the program's history is off spraying softballs for UIC, but the Bulldogs are confident they can keep winning in the post-Kayla Wedl era. Wedl, the two-time captain of the Daily Herald Lake County all-area team, finished her four-year all-area career with 74 pitching wins and 1,191 strikeouts, as well as 34 home runs. "Kayla" will still pitch for the Bulldogs, though. Sophomore Kayla Serio was the Bulldogs' No. 2 pitcher last spring and started the NSC championship game against Libertyville when an injured Wedl was unable to play. Serio and senior third baseman Mallory Carver both earned all-conference honors last year. The Bulldogs have four seniors - outfielders Sarah Ricci, Hayley Redmann and Taylor Lambert and first baseman Alexandra Steffens - who have been on the varsity roster since their freshman year. Carver and juniors Kelly Weller and Alyssa McCarhy are all three-year varsity players. A pair of freshmen - Riley Aldrich and Maddie Ryan - have made the varsity roster.

NORTH SUBURBAN

LAKE ZURICH

Coach: Amanda Rodriguez (fourth season)

Last season: 10-21, 5-7 in North Suburban Lake, lost to New Trier in Class 4A Lake Zurich regional semifinals

Key losses: SS Melissa Goldberg

Returning players: Sr. C/3B Amanda Guercio, Sr. 1B Sarah Schnecker, Sr. OF/C Jessica Puccinelli, Sr. OF Tara Wilkes, So. P Stephanie Keefe, So. 2B/SS Megan Croke, Jr. 3B Mackenzie Brinn, Jr. OF Abby Jokerst, So. 2B/SS Julia Zaucha, So. P Taylor Zelich

Newcomers: Sr. SS/2B Hannah Wach, Sr. P/3B Juliana Hood, Fr. OF/P Olivia Collins, Fr. 3B/C Elizabeth Chialdikas

Outlook: The Bears slipped from 19 wins to just 10 last season, but coach Amanda Rodriguez is confident her team can fare much better this spring. The Bears have six seniors, including Indiana State-bound slugger Amanda Guercio. "Since Day 1 these girls have had the same dream and same mission," Rodriguez said. "Our objective with having six seniors is they all want to go to state. I think it's attainable if we keep working hard." Guercio hit a robust .530 and belted a school-record-tying 14 homers with 40 RBI last year. The catcher/third baseman has 27 home runs in her career, which has seen her collect all-conference and all-area honors in each of her three varsity seasons. Also back are seniors Jessica Puccinelli (center field) and Sarah Schnecker (first base), who have been starting since their sophomore year. Puccinelli, who's committed to Dubuque in Iowa, had a breakout season last year, hitting .520 (51 hits) with 18 extra-base hits, including 11 doubles. "Last year those three did extremely well," Rodriguez said of Guercio, Puccinelli and Schnecker. "The supporting role players around them weren't as good, but we worked a lot in the off-season. We had a lot of open gyms. The girls have been really dedicated to getting better, so hopefully everyone else 1-9 will be able to support (Guercio, Puccinelli and Schnecker)." The Bears have back their sophomore double-play combination of Julia Zaucha and Megan Croke. Freshman Elizabeth Chialdikas figures to open the season as the Bears' starting third baseman. Junior Abby Jokerst started last year in left field but suffered a concussion and missed the second half of the season. Outfielder Tara Wilkes is another three-year varsity player. The pitching duties could be shared by last year's starter, Stephanie Keefe, and fellow sophomore Taylor Zelich, who missed last season after undergoing surgery on her labrum. "Stephanie improved a lot in the off-season," Rodriguez said. "And both (she and Zelich) are pretty solid hitters too."

LIBERTYVILLE

Coach: Elissa Wisniewski (sixth season)

Last season: 29-8, 11-1 in North Suburban Lake, beat Wauconda in NSC championship game, won Class 4A Lake Forest regional, lost to Zion-Benton in Buffalo Grove sectional final

Key losses: 3B Jamie Stevens (Tufts), OF/P Jessie Lauret

Returning players: Sr. P/2B Hanna Heraty, Sr. CF Kenzie Rother, Sr. 2B Sam Hilldale, Sr. 1B/C Lyndsey Lyon, Sr. 3B/C Madeleine Hollinger, Sr. OF Allison Flores, Jr. SS/3B/P Franny Quenan, Jr. C/OF Sarah Hoyer, Jr. OF Emily Hilldale, So. 3B/1B Maggie Evers

Newcomers: Jr. OF/P Lauren Heraty, Fr. SS/2B Sarah Bennett

Outlook: The Wildcats captured a school-record 29 wins, including the North Suburban Conference championship, but they were three outs away from No. 30. Thus, the 2016 season ended in heartbreaking fashion after Zion-Benton scored three times in the top of the seventh at Buffalo Grove and erase a 4-2 deficit. "It was painful," Wildcats coach Elissa Wisniewski said. "But it's a learning experience for them. I'm really proud of how hard they worked. It could have gone two ways. They could have completely shut down, or they could have used it as motivation." The Wildcats chose the latter. While they graduated two all-area players in Jamie Stevens and Jessie Lauret, they return two-time all-area and all-conference pitcher Hannah Heraty. Heraty, who signed with Dayton in the off-season, won a school-record 26 games last season and also hit .376 with 7 homers and 35 RBI. "We're expecting her to do the same amount of pitching," said Wisniewski, whose other pitchers include juniors Franny Quenan and Lauren Heraty, Hannah's sister. "As a senior, I think she definitely will be that leader in the middle of the field." Hannah Heraty is one of six seniors on the squad. All-conference outfielder Kenzie Rother, who moves from right field to center, and second baseman Sam Hilldale are both entering their fourth season on varsity. Hannah Heraty and senior first baseman/catcher Lyndsey Lyon came up their sophomore year. Juniors Quenan, outfielder Emily Hilldale and catcher Sarah Hoyer are all three-year varsity players. Hannah Heraty, Sam Hilldale, Lyon and Rother give the Wildcats four returning all-NSC players. Wisniewski has one freshman on her roster in Sarah Bennett, who's listed as a middle infielder. The Wildcats are experienced, deep, athletic - and ready to build on last season. And that includes learning from last season's sectional-final disappointment. "I think they have a different understanding of what we've been talking about," Wisniewski said. "They get it now. The seniors are very motivated this year to come in and hit the ground running again."

MUNDELEIN

Coach: Brett Wilhelm (sixth season)

Last season: 14-23, 2-10 in North Suburban Lake, lost to Hersey in Class 4A Mundelein regional final

Key losses: 3B Karlee Busscher, SS/OF Amanda Diaz (Hope), P Nicole Parney (Benedictine)

Returning players: Sr. OF Jordyn West, Jr. P/2B Breanna Adams, Sr. OF Olivia Michalski, Sr. IF/OF Meghan Ehemann, Jr. C Peyton Pribyl, Jr. 1B Kaitlyn Griffin, So. OF Danielle Lambert, So. IF Allison Lambert, So. OF Molly Podraza, Jr. P/1B Annie Morelli

Newcomers: Fr. IF/OF Elise Bernett, Fr. P/IF Kira Buckner, Fr. C/IF/OF Kendall Klatt

Outlook: Once the Mustangs' injuries started adding up last season, so too did the losses. The Mustangs weren't deep enough to keep up in a tough North Suburban Lake with a depleted roster. Already minus slugger Meghan Ehemann (torn labrum) when the season started, the Mustangs lost outfielder Olivia Michalski (elbow) and first baseman Kaitlyn Griffin (torn ACL) to season-ending injuries during a mid-April game against Antioch. All three players are back healthy this season and will be part of a veteran group that also includes junior catcher Peyton Pribyl (.389 BA last year, 11 extra-base hits, 25 RBI), senior center fielder Jordyn West and junior pitcher Breanna Adams. Adams alternated starts in the circle last year with Nicole Parney, who graduated. Adams could do the bulk of the pitching this spring, but if not, that's not necessarily a bad thing for the Mustangs, as she's also a good defensive second baseman. "I'd like to get away from (rotating pitchers)," said coach Brett Wilhelm, who also has junior Annie Morelli and freshman Kira Buckner who can throw. "I think Morelli can give us some quality innings as well, along with Buckner. I would love if Bre (Adams) did not (pitch every game) because I think our defense is really strong with her in the field. At the same time, Bre does a great job for us (in the circle)." Wilhelm is carrying two other freshmen in Elise Bernett and Kendall Klatt. Seniors Ehemann, Michalski and West and juniors Griffin and Adams were all up on varsity two years ago. "I'm pretty optimistic about the team," Wilhelm said. "They've worked very hard, and they put in a lot of time in the off-season. We'll be young, but I think our upperclassmen have done a really good job of showing good leadership."

STEVENSON

Coach: Perry Wilhelm (first season)

Last season: 13-16, 5-7 in North Suburban Lake, lost to Libertyville in Class 4A Lake Forest regional final

Key losses: SS Trisha Porzycki, P Myra Peterson

Returning players: Sr. CF Vera Pflugradt, Sr. C/SS Mic Faunce, Sr. 3B/OF/IF Alyssa Pauly, Jr. OF Gwen Heilman, Sr. 2B Emma Oriatti, So. 3B/OF Anna Fossier, Sr. OF/IF Alana Labaschin, So. P/IF/OF Riley Housinger, Jr. 1B/IF Gina Shanley

Newcomers: Jr. P Ilyssa Muise, Jr. 1B/OF/3B Carly Perkins, Fr. OF/3B Maggie Trotter

Outlook: The Patriots didn't have to look far to find their new softball coach, and you don't have to go far back in IHSA history to find what kind of success Perry Wilhelm-coached softball teams have had. Wilhelm replaces Alex Vikartofsky, who had a two-year run at her alma mater. Wilhelm coached Mundelein to a third-place finish in the Class AA state tournament in 1994. Two years later, the Mustangs went back to state. He stepped down at Mundelein's athletic director following last school year, and last fall Stevenson AD Trish Betthauser hired him. Wilhelm was officially named the Patriots' head coach at the end of October. "A couple of months into retirement you just realize that you miss being around the kids and miss being around athletics," said Wilhelm, whose son Brett coaches Mundelein's softball team. "I saw Trish, and the position hadn't been filled, so we talked. This has always been a school and program that I had a great deal of respect for, and I really enjoyed working with Trish as an athletic director. (The softball position) just seemed like a great opportunity, so I'm glad I jumped at it." Wilhelm inherits a team that boasts two returning all-conference players in fleet-footed senior center fielder Vera Pflugradt and strong-armed senior catcher/shortstop Mic Faunce. The senior group also includes veterans Alyssa Pauly, Emma Oriatti and Alana Labaschin. Pflugradt (.473 BA last year, 28 extra-base hits, 28 RBI, 1 error in CF) and Oriatti are both four-year varsity players. Pauly and Labaschin are playing their third season on varsity. "I think we have some versatility with some players," Wilhelm said. "(Who plays) could depend on which bats are hot. Some things might be adjusted because of that." Wilhelm will have a new starting pitcher with the graduation of Myra Peterson. The top candidates are sophomore Riley Housinger, who was up on varsity last year, and junior newcomer Ilyssa Muise.

WARREN

Coach: Jenna Charbonneau (third season)

Last season: 24-13, 10-2 in North Suburban Lake, won Class 4A Warren regional, lost to Zion-Benton in Buffalo Grove sectional semifinals

Key losses: C Sabrina Trevino (IUPUI), SS Crystal Pennell, 1B Julienne Egofske (Bucknell), P Hannah Nommensen (North Carolina), OF Nicole Somppi, P Sage Staranowicz

Returning players: Sr. CF Emily Hudgins, Jr. SS/2B Claire Swedberg, So. P Caitlyn Britton, So. 1B Kayla Nommensen, Sr. OF Devon Plata, Sr. C/3B Sarah Finkel

Newcomers: Jr. SS2B Kelly Beck, Jr. C/SS/2B Emma Gratz, Jr. P/1B/3B Lydia Gratz, Sr. P/3B Kinsey Jasnoch, So. 3B Erika Jimenez, So. OF Ashlyn Kitter, Jr. OF Taylor McIntosh

Outlook: The Blue Devils graduated a trio of sluggers in Sabrina Trevino (28 career HRs), Julienne Egofske (18 HRs last two years) and Crystal Pennell (17 2Bs last year). Then, Hannah Nommensen, the team's ace the last two springs, graduated early to pitch for North Carolina this spring. "We have quite a few new faces on the roster this season, but all of them come with a lot of talent and experience," coach Jenna Charbonneau said. "We are looking forward to a great year defensively along with having a good amount of speed on the bases. We are on the younger side but these girls have the passion, commitment and talent to go far in the tournament this year." The good news is speedy Emily Hudgins, an all-area player her sophomore year, is back after missing all but one game of her junior campaign after tearing her labrum. She signed with Penn State in November, while junior infielder Claire Swedberg verbally committed to Penn State in the off-season. With Nommensen gone, Charbonneau will turn to sophomore Caitlyn Britton, junior Lydia Gratz and senior Kinsey Jasnoch to get the job done in the circle.

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTH

VERNON HILLS

Coach: Jan Pauly (third season)

Last season: 16-20, 5-7 in North Suburban Prairie, won Class 3A Vernon Hills regional, lost to Antioch in Wauconda sectional semifinals

Key losses: 3B Dana Meline, 1B/P Danielle Comitor, 2B Sami Saliba, C Rose Ferolo

Returning players: So. SS Delaney Bowen, Sr. OF Sara Lenzi, Sr. OF Jessica Salerno, Sr. OF Anna Cirone, So. P Mackenzie Mahler, Jr. OF Nicole Pieper, Jr. 1B Tatiana Guletsky

Newcomers: Jr. OF Alexi Viviano, Jr. P Hannah Monteith

Outlook: The Cougars got hot at the right time last year, stunning Lakes to win their own Class 3A regional final. Freshman Delaney Bowen made an immediate impact, leading the team with 41 RBI while playing strong defense at shortstop. It's the Cougars' first season in the Central Suburban League.

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC

CARMEL

Coach: Shane Schueneman (second season)

Last season: 26-13, 8-6 in ESCC, won Class 3A Carmel regional, won Wauconda sectional, won Hampshire supersectional, lost to Sacred Heart-Griffin in Class 3A third-place game

Key losses: C Amanda Elert, P Claire Petrus (UW-Oshkosh), LF Emma Bartz (Northwestern), 2B Dani DeLozier, CF Taylor Ganan

Returning players: Sr. SS Jennifer Giesey, Sr. 1B/C Karina Falkstrom, So. 3B Jordan Swiatkowski, Sr. OF Lauren Caffarelli, Jr. C/OF Isabella Anichini, Jr. IF Jessica Dettwiller, Jr. OF Emily Haley, Sr. 1B Flynn Johnson, So. 2B/OF Emily Krysa, So. P Darcy Petrus, So. OF McKenna Pett, So. P Sydney Schuda, So. P/2B/SS Marla Walinski

Newcomers: Sr. Morgan Brewster, Jr. OF/IF Olivia Landree, Sr. OF/IF Hannah Martinson, So. IF/OF Aleigha McNulty, Jr. OF/IF Amanda Melillo, Fr. OF/IF Allison Novak, Jr. OF/IF Emma Rapplean, So. IF/OF Emma Schulz, Fr. OF/IF Caiti Shrofe

Outlook: The Corsairs' display of power last season was topped only by their overall play, which yielded a fourth-place finish in the Class 3A state tournament. Amanda Elert, who was part of a slugging trio in recent years that also included Jenny Behan and Kathleen Felicelli, clubbed 18 homers, including two in her final high school game (third-place game in East Peoria). Elert and Emma Bartz (15 HR, Northwestern) led the way as Carmel socked 65 homers, 1 shy of the state record set by Schaumburg in 2015. Seniors accounted for 43 of the long balls. "We have some kids that are going to hit some more (homers this season)," coach Shane Schueneman said. "We're still going to have some power, but we'll have to change some things up, maybe do a little more small ball, things like that. We'll have to use our speed and manufacture runs more than rely on the home run. It's going to be different, but we still have a lot of talent." Sophomore third baseman Jordan Swiatkowski hit the game-winning 2-run homer in the bottom of the fifth to lift the Corsairs past Sterling in the Hampshire supersectional. Swiatkowski finished with 9 homers, while shortstop/Winona State-commit Jennifer Giesey hit 5 as a junior. Senior first baseman/catcher Karina Falkstrom had 4 homers last year. Swiatkowski, Giesey and Falkstrom are the Corsairs' top returning players. Another big loss is pitcher Claire Petrus (UW-Oshkosh), who won 23 games and slugged 8 homers last year. Sophomore Sydney Schuda, who pitched 31 innings last season, takes over from Petrus in the circle. Giesey also pitches, as do sophomores Marla Walinski and Darcey Petrus. Falkstrom, Swiatkowski and Isabella Anichini can all catch. Giesey returns at shortstop for her third season, with Walinski likely replacing Dani DeLozer (4 HR last season) at second base. Falkstrom or senior Flynn Johnson will play first base. The outfield includes Lauren Caffarelli, McKenna Pett and Emily Haley. "It's going to be a different season, but hopefully we'll have the same results," Schueneman said. "It's going to be a work in progress."