Scouting Lake County softball teams

North Suburban Lake

Lake Zurich

Head coach: Michaela Towne (first season)

Last season: 28-8, 10-2 NSC Lake

Losses: C Coryn Schmit (UIC), OF Kyra Boyer

Returners: So. C Paige Goldberg, Sr. OF Brianna Welbourn, Jr. SS/P/2B Tabbetha Bohac, So. SS/2B Amanda Orchard, Sr. 3B Erin Sweeney, Sr. 2B Kim Winzensten, Sr. OF Kaitlin Beaver, Sr. OF/1B Kelli Blume, Sr. 1B Ella Aslan, Jr. P Megan Mattera

Newcomers: So. OF Kelly Neisis, So. OF/3B Steph Wonders, So. OF/C Alli McGinnis, So. OF/P Katrina Klausing

Outlook: New head coach, same team, essentially. That's good news for the Bears, who were denied a third-straight North Suburban Conference championship last spring when they were outlasted by Antioch in the NSC title game. The Bears will definitely miss catcher Coryn Schmit (UIC), who started three years on varsity and was one of the conference's best middle-of-the-order hitters, but they return plenty of talent, starting with junior pitcher Megan Mattera. Coach Michaela Towne is actually starting her fifth year with the program the last five years. She replaces Becky Lewandowski, who gave birth to son Jackson, the first child for she and her husband Joe Lewandowski, last summer. Towne (nee Nave) inherits a group that boasts 2009 all-conference selections Mattera, catcher Paige Goldberg, third baseman Erin Sweeney and outfielder/first baseman Kelli Blume. Middle infielder/pitcher Tabbetha Bohac made honorable mention all-NSC last season. "I'm hopeful that we're going to be competitive again," said Towne, whose Bears have won the NSC Lake three straight years. "We've got a lot of older girls - six seniors - and five sophomores." The Bears might have to make due the next couple of weeks without returning left fielder Kaitin Beaver, who has a hamstring injury. One of the sophomores, returning middle infielder Amanda Orchard, missed the season-opening Barrington Spring Fling with a volleyball commitment and hand injury. "Hopefully we get everybody healthy, we get to practice outside and we get to work on things, communication-type stuff," Towne said. "That's why I like playing in (the Barrington) tournament."

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Libertyville

Head coach: Mary Tiegs (fifth season)

Last season: 3-9 NSC Lake

Losses: P Jenna Mosconi

Returners: Jr. IF/OF Olivia Wilcox, Sr. P/OF Mandy Vogg, Sr. OF Nicole Smith, Sr. 3B Brittany Schick, Sr. IF/OF Erika Teitz, Jr. 1B Toni Kintzel, Jr. 2B/P Danielle Kaczmar, So. P/3B Calley Kaluzny, So. C/OF Nicole Kruckman, Sr. C/OF/1B Leah Kruckman, Sr. OF Athena Cocallas

Newcomers: So. OF Samantha Bone, So. SS Andi Grant, Jr. IF/OF Lisa Cooper

Outlook: While the IHSA took a step backward this season, moving the pitching rubber back three feet, the Wildcats took a modest one of their own last year. Winners of 15 games in 2008, they headed into last spring shy on seniors, and the results were almost predictable. The Wildcats won only six games. They plan on being better this season, and they got off to a great start Tuesday by beating Grayslake Central 14-4 in their season opener. "I think our team feels a little bit more cohesive after playing together for a year," coach Mary Tiegs said. "We were so young and now we're a year older and used to playing with each other. That makes a big difference. Team chemistry is important." The Wildcats' returning talent includes hard-hitting junior first baseman Toni Kintzel, who had a 3-run homer and single in the opener. Senior pitcher Mandy Vogg and Calley Kaluzny combined to strike out 14 batters over 6 innings. Kaluzny and catcher Nicole Kruckman played varsity last season. Kruckman, her older sister Leah, Olivia Wilcox and Brittany Schick should help provide a winning attitude after they helped the basketball team win 25 games and conference and regional championships. Schick made all-conference last spring, while Kintzel was honorable mention.

Mundelein

Head coach: Ted Juske Jr. (first season)

Last season: 13-17, 4-8 NSC Lake

Losses: SS Michelle Mitchem, 2B Kaitlin Yoder

Returners: Sr. SS Jessi Bjerning, Sr. OF Katy Durr, Jr. P Hillary Bunnelle, Jr. 2B/SS Kate Wallen, Jr. OF Justina Doll, Jr. P/3B Deanna Wise, Sr. IF/OF Jackie Diaz, Sr. C/IF Mary VanderMeer

Newcomers: Fr. 3B/1B/P Erin Kennelly, Fr. OF Hayle Morelli, So. C/1B Alex Hemmer, So. OF Sarah Teemer, So. OF/C Sarah Fowler, So. IF Taylor Pieklo

Outlook: Ted Juske guided the Mustangs to plenty of wins during his two stints as head coach. Perry Wilhelm's teams also achieved a lot of success. Now, it's their sons' turns. Ted Juske Jr., who teaches middle school in McHenry and assisted his father at Mundelein in recent years, replaces his dad as head coach. His assistant is Brett Wilhelm, the middle of Perry Wilhelm's three sons. "We've seen the program have success under both of our dads and we'd like to see it get back to that level," Juske said. "Brett and I are on the same page. But we're a young team. So if we take our lumps this year, we're OK with that." The Mustangs return a decent nucleus, led by returning all-conference player Jessi Bjerning, who moves from center field to shortstop. She's also coming off an all-NSC campaign in basketball. "She's so athletic," Juske said. "She could play almost anywhere." Senior outfielder Katy Durr also returns along with pitcher Hillary Bunnelle, pitcher/third baseman Deanna Wise, outfielder Justina Doll and middle infielder Kate Wallen. Juske is carrying two freshmen in corner infielder/pitcher Erin Kennelly and lefty-hitting/lefty-throwing outfielder Hayle Morelli. "I told the freshmen, 'I didn't bring you up to ride the bench,' " Juske said. "I told them that I brought them up for a reason. If they continue to produce and work at it, they'll see some time." Watch for sophomore catcher/first baseman Alex Hemmer, as well. "We have a decent core," Juske said. "But we're going to be fairly young."

Stevenson

Head coach: Larry Friedrichs (23rd season)

Last season: 20-13, 8-4 NSC Lake

Losses: C Annelise Docel

Returners: Sr. 3B Genny Duffy, Sr. 1B/OF Amanda Jaegers, Sr. P/3B Alli Micucci, Jr. OF Ashley Niedermayer, Sr. SS Rebekah Ozga, Jr. OF/3B/SS Emma Patrash, Jr. 2B Alyssa Vechiola, Sr. OF/P Jordan Willis, Jr. C/OF Megan Felz

Newcomers: Jr. 1B/OF Heather Cohen, So. OF/C Lara Horwitz, Jr. OF Shelby Kaufmann, Jr. 2B/OF Alyssa Mpistolarides

Outlook: He's got almost of the talent back that helped his team win 20 games last season, and Larry Friedrichs has returned for his 23rd season with his sense of humor, too. "We have outfielders with speed and outfielders who can hit," he said. "Unfortunately, in some cases, those two are not blended together." While Friedrichs chuckles, he concludes by adding that junior center fielder Ashley Niedermayer is the exception. A three-sport star who made all-state in field hockey and then helped the basketball team have a successful season, the speedy Niedermayer homered against defending Class 4A state champ Loyola on Tuesday. The other returnees include 2009 all-area/all-conference picks Allie Micucci and Genny Duffy. Micucci won 13 games in the circle and also led the Patriots in several offensive categories, including batting average (.430) and hits (43, including 13 doubles). She's a four-year varsity player. Third baseman Duffy batted .350 with 23 RBI in her second varsity season. Senior shortstop Rebekah Ozga appeared in line for a big season last year until she suffered an ankle sprain that caused her to miss the final two-thirds of the campaign. "She played all through the summer and fall, so she's in good shape," Friedrichs said. Junior Emma Patrash replaced Ozga at shortstop but moves to right field so Friedrichs can take advantage of her strong arm. Friedrichs said Alyssa Vechiola, his tiny second baseman, made a "couple of awesome plays" against Loyola. Senior Amanda Jaegers, another strong hitter, returns at first base. Junior veteran Megan Felz is a strong defensive catcher and replaces the graduated Annelise Docel (.337 batting average in 2009). Junior first baseman/outfielder Heather Cohen has great power. While the Patriots take an 0-2 record into Saturday's Barrington quad, Friedrichs is optimistic about his team's chances for success this season. "I feel pretty good about where we're at," he said. And he's serious about that."

Warren

Head coach: Carri McGahan (fourth season)

Last season: 15-18, 9-3 NSC Lake

Losses: P Samantha Berrios, OF Stephanie Youngman

Returners: Sr. OF Alex Booker, Sr. SS Sarah Clauser, Sr. 2B Lindsay Horwitz, Sr. P/1B Kayla Hurd, So. OF Lexi Leneau, Sr. 3B Kaiti McKeon, Sr. C/OF Nikki Ponticelli

Newcomers: Jr. 1B Abby Anderson, Jr. 3B Paige Dombrowski, Jr. P/IF Marcee Olvera, Jr. OF Amanda Reed, So. IF/OF Sarah Shanders, Sr. C/OF Lauren Sullivan

Outlook: The Blue Devils have made great strides as a program this decade and they plan to close it with another successful season ."I think we're going to be competitive," said coach Carri McGahan, whose team went 1-2 in the season-opening Barrington Spring Fling last week. "Every year we've been kind of building." The Blue Devils are led by the senior trio of center fielder Alex Booker (Illinois), pitcher/first baseman Kayla Hurd (Grand Valley State) and shortstop Sarah Clauser (Aurora), each of whom will play collegiate softball. Each has started on varsity since her freshman year, and each is a captain this season. "All three of them will have a good year," McGahan said. The lefty-hitting, speedy Booker leads off again and will be followed in the batting order by fellow 2009 all-conference picks Lindsay Horwitz (senior second baseman), Clauser and Hurd. Clauser hit her first varsity home run and went 3-for-4 in the Blue Devils' season opener against Hersey at Barrington last week. Junior newcomers Abby Anderson (first base) and Paige Dombrowski (third base) also can hit for power. Sophomore left fielder Lexi Leneau, an all-conference basketball player, provides athleticism in the outfield and on the base paths.

North Suburban Prairie

Antioch

Head coach: Jeff Tylka (second season)

Last season: 32-3, 11-1 NSC Prairie

Losses: 2B/P Ashley Mysliwiec (Iowa Wesleyan), C Hannah Vandevoorde (transferred)

Returners: Sr. SS Allie Anttila, Sr. 3B Lauren Moore, Sr. OF Samie Seamon, Jr. P/OF Olivia Duehr, Jr. 2B/OF Jessie Liszka, Jr. 1B/OF Cat Dinklenburg

Newcomers: So. 2B/OF Angela Barone, Jr. P/OF Michelle Schlung, Sr. OF/1B Bailan Reynolds, So. C Amber Mysliwiec, Jr. OF/P Sam Korzenski, So. OF Jessica Ploss, Sr. 2B/OF Megan Petty

Outlook: A sectional-final loss to Vernon Hills left the Sequoits wanting more last season, despite their school-record 32 wins and North Suburban Conference championship. While they graduated four-year varsity slugger Ashley Mysliwiec and saw all-area/all-conference catcher Hannah Vandevoorde move, they boast three Division-I players in junior pitcher Olivia Duehr (Northwestern commit), third baseman Lauren Moore (Loyola) and shortstop Allie Anttila (Georgetown). The Sequoits had five sophomores start last year at key positions. It's a senior/junior-dominated team this season. Duehr comes off a season in which she was named captain of the Daily Herald's Lake County All-Area team after going 16-1 during the regular season and pounding the softball at the plate. She'll play outfield when not pitching and will share the circle with fellow classmates Sam Kozenski and Michelle Schlung. "(Kozenski and Schlung) are both talented pitchers who will look to take over the innings left behind by Duehr and should help keep all three pitchers fresh," coach Jeff Tylka said. The offense packs plenty of punch with Duehr, Moore, Anttila and leadoff-hitter Samie Seamon. Tylka describes Seamon, another all-area/all-conference player last year, as a "speedster with power who will be the catalyst for this explosive offense." Anttila possesses speed and power. Duehr led the Sequoits in almost every offensive category, including batting average, slugging percentage, RBI, stolen bases and home runs (tied). Cleanup-hitter Moore is a "doubles hitter with great hands and eye at the plate," Tylka said. Fifth-place hitter Cat Dinklenburg is a lefty and " phenomenal first baseman who can run and has sneaky power at the plate," according to Tylka. Jessie Liszka is another offensive threat.

Grant

Head coach: Mike Dolezal (fifth season)

Last season: 18-17, 8-4 NSC Prairie

Losses: C C.J. Hill

Returners: Sr. P/IF Brie Brugioni, Sr. IF Annalysa Irvin, Sr. SS Morgan Liles, So. P/1B/3B Rachel DePouw, So. 1B/P Ashlee Fullerton, So. 3B/C Amber Smith, So. OF Molly Smith, Jr. OF Kelly Kucharski

Newcomers: Sr. OF Chris Wilson, Jr. OF/P Hannah Graham, Jr. OF Lindsey Lhatka, Jr. C/OF Tiffany Vann

Outlook: She nearly pitched the Bulldogs to a regional-final upset of Barrington last spring, and Brie Brugioni returns for her senior season. That makes the Bulldogs a legitimate contender in the NSC Prairie again. The hard-throwing Brugioni is a two-time all-conference pick. "She should be one of the better pitchers in the county," coach Mike Dolezal said. "Her pitches look good. We just got to get her defense together." While sophomore Amber Smith made the all-NSC team as a third baseman last year, Dolezal might move her to another infield position. Senior shortstop Morgan Liles figures to remain at shortstop, where she played last year. Rachel DePouw also had a strong freshman campaign on varsity, excelling both in the circle and in the batter's box. Molly Smith (Amber's twin) returns in the outfield along with junior Kelly Kucharski. Sophomore first baseman Ashlee Fullerton also is back for her second varsity season. "We're going to be a little like last year," said Dolezal, whose team opens Saturday with a doubleheader at McHenry. "It's going to take us some time to get going."

Lakes

Head coach: Bill Hamill (second season)

Last season: 23-12, 6-6 NSC Prairie

Losses: 2B Naomi Tesar (South Dakota State), SS Maddie Riordan, C Jenny Ignoffo, C Jamie Dykstra (knee injury)

Returners: Jr. P Shannon Cooley, Jr. C/1B Nicole Speck, So. 3B/1B Sara Braden, Jr. OF Jasmine Rivera, Jr. OF Jessica Quinn. So. OF Megan Massie, Jr. OF Jenelle Christiansen, Jr. P Taylor Dare, Sr. 1B Callie Bretthauer

Newcomers: Fr. SS Michelle Speck, Fr. 2B Kaela Bryant, Fr. 3B Jessica Bruggen, Fr. 3B Meghan Milewski

Outlook: The Eagles enjoyed the best season in their young history last year, and they could flirt with posting another school-record win total. Junior Shannon Cooley, who's already a two-time all-conference pick, will be the team's ace for the third straight season. She's coming off a 1-hit shutout over 5 innings in an 11-0 win over Woodstock North in Lakes' season opener on Monday. The Eagles are scheduled to fly Saturday to Disney World and what a perfect place for a young team. Coach Bill Hamill has promoted four freshmen. His starting infield against Woodstock North featured freshman third baseman Jessica Bruggen, freshman shortstop Michelle Speck, freshman second baseman Kaela Bryant and sophomore first baseman Sara Braden. "We're definitely young," Hamill said. "So we have a lot of possibilities, but last year our youth kind of hurt us in the regional-championship game." Hamill was referring to the Eagles' regional-final loss to Grayslake Central, which had lost twice to Lakes during the regular season. As for his kid double-play combination of Speck and Bryant? "The two freshmen looked pretty good (in the season opener)," Hamill said. "It's nice to have two girls who can play middle infield, especially as freshmen." Besides Cooley, who went 3-for-4 with 2 doubles against Lakes, the Eagles' other veterans include Braden, junior catcher Nicole Speck (Michelle's big sister) and outfielders Jessica Quinn, Jasmine Rivera and Jenelle Christiansen. Rivera, a junior who's played varsity the last two springs, hit a 2-run homer and singled in the opener. Christiansen chipped in a double, single and 3 RBI.

Round Lake

Head coach: Travin Kozel (second season)

Last season: 3-22, 2-10 NSC Prairie

Losses: CF Amanda Horcher, C Kelsey Crecchio

Returners: Sr. 1B Shaila Sanchez, Sr. OF Socorro Delarosa, Sr. SS Sam Hughes, Sr. 2B Sarah Abelseth, Sr. P Melissa Larson, Sr. 3B Erin Steele, Sr. OF Nicole Vassel

Newcomers: Sr. C Justyne Busch, Jr. 2B/SS/CF Lauren Dilollo, Jr. OF Sydnee Miller, Jr. OF Samantha Swanson

Outlook: The Panthers could use more wins but, better yet, more Sarah Abelseths. "She's the hardest worker I've ever met," coach Travin Kozel said of Abelseth, a senior second baseman. "In my 18 years working with kids, she's the only kid I've never had to ask to work harder." Abelseth and senior shortstop Sam Hughes return to anchor the middle infield for the Panthers, who also return slugging right fielder Socorro Delarosa. She had 9 extra-base hits last season and will try to make up for some of the hitting the Panthers lost when all-conference center fielder Amanda Horcher (.365 batting average last season) graduated. Kozel calls senior first baseman Shaila Sanchez "rock solid." Senior Melissa Larson returns to pitch, and while she might not be the hardest thrower, Kozel likes that she will throw strikes and compete. The Panthers boast a pair of athletic juniors in Lauren Dilollo and Sydnee Miller. "We're a little more athletic," Kozel said. "We throw a little better and run a little better."

Vernon Hills

Head coach: Paul Weber (sixth season)

Last season: 21-9, 6-6 NSC Prairie

Losses: C Adriana Longobardi, 3B Megan Kubacki, SS/1B Anna Christensen, LF/P Charlotte Hoffmann, OF Erin Christensen, 1B Jessica Schwartz (did not come out), 2B Alyssa Szarabajka (did not come out)

Returners: So. P Megan Meline, Sr. OF Sara Doerhoefer, Jr. 2B/3B Paige Kahalnik, Sr. OF Christina Oberrieder, Jr. SS Emily Evanson, Jr. OF/C Lauren Yacullo

Newcomers: Fr. P/3B Jennifer Claussen, Sr. IF Bridget Munoz, So. OF Carly Alm, So. C Nicole Wagner, Jr. 1B Rebecca Feld, So. DP/3B Anya Mollenhauer

Outlook: When the Cougars were winning consistently during Paul Weber's first four years as head coach, he noted that they did so with pitchers who threw no more than 54 mph. The Cougars finally gained a fireballer last year in Megan Meline (60 mph), and now they have another pitcher who pops the catcher's mitt. Freshman Jennifer Claussen will serve as the team's No. 2 pitcher behind the sophomore Meline, who enjoyed a big postseason last year in helping Vernon Hills win a Class 3A sectional championship. "Both throw hard," Weber said. It's in part due to his pitching that Weber is optimistic about the season, even though the Cougars were hit hard by graduation. Gone are all-area players Adriana Longobardi, Anna Christensen and Megan Kubacki. Besides Meline, who also runs and hits well, the returnees include senior outfielder Sara Doerhoefer, junior shortstop Emily Evanson and junior outfielder Lauren Yacullo, who was a late-season call-up and then pounded the ball in the state tournament. "I think we're going to be strong," said Weber, whose team was 1-1 through Tuesday, beating Palatine in its opener with Meline pitching, before losing to Prospect with Claussen receiving her first varsity start. "We've got good pitching. We've got talented kids. I would say that the more they play, the better they're going to be because the more experience they're going to get."

Wauconda

Head coach: Tim Rennels (11th season)

Last season: 23-10, 9-3 NSC Prairie

Losses: CF Amanda Pausa, 3B Sam Palucska, P Sara Super

Returners: Sr. C Kate Martino, Jr. 3B Cara Nance, Sr. DP Rachel Hughes, Sr. CF Kendra Wedl, Sr. 2B/SS Stephanie Olson, Sr. P Kayla Stos, Sr. 1B Alex Manusos, Sr. OF Michelle Meyer, Jr. P/1B Brittany Ehmann, Jr. OF Kasey Kruckenberg

Newcomers: Fr. 2B Kennedy Wright, Fr. SS/P Megan Luchowski

Outlook: During the preseason coach Tim Rennels would find himself going over daily practice plans, only to toss them out. Drills that once were necessary for his growing program had became outdated. Rennels' roster is loaded with veteran softball players. "The experience is unbelievable," he said. The Bulldogs are coming off a 23-win season (the most victories under Rennels) but one that did not include a regional title. Some late-season suspensions helped spell the team's demise. One positive that emerged was the leadership that came from two of the Bulldogs' better players - Kate Martino and Cara Nance. "Martino and Nance led us down the stretch," Rennels said. "They did a really nice job of leading a bunch of kids." Martino and Nance are back, and each has a new position to play full-time. Martino, who's played primarily shortstop since her freshman year on varsity three years ago, will start at catcher, "where she's most at home," Rennels explained, pun not intended. The junior Nance, who like Martino has made all-conference the last two years, moves from behind the plate to third base. Meanwhile, senior Rachel Hughes, who started at third her freshman and sophomore years before missing all of last season with a shoulder injury, will serve as the team's designated player. Once her surgically repaired shoulder completely heals, she could find herself fielding a position, as well. "Her bat looks good," Rennels said. Of the 12 players on the roster, 10 are back. The other veterans include center fielder Kendra Wedl, second baseman/shortstop Stephanie Olson, pitcher Kayla Stos (staff-best 10 wins in 2009), right fielder Michelle Meyer, pitcher Brittany Ehmann and left fielder/slapper Kasey Kruckenberg. Wedl (Waldorf College), Olson (Lee University) and Stos (McHenry County College) will all play collegiate softball. Rennels is high on freshmen Kennedy Wright and Megan Luchowski. The speedy Wright can slap-hit, while Luchowski's versatility and talent should get her on the field.

Fox Valley Fox

Grayslake Central

Head coach: Abbey Tadelman (third season)

Last season: 11-25

Losses: 1B Abbie Goetsch, P Monika Wedick, OF Kelly Silver, SS Tory Dohm

Returners: So. P/OF Claire Brennan, Jr. C Rachel Perkowitz, Jr. 3B/1B Emily Daley, Sr. OF Marytza Barrios, So. 2B/P Tayler Janda, Sr. OF Kara Dones

Newcomers: Sr. 3B Bri Peterson, Fr. OF/C Anna Strickland, So. OF/C Sarah Kuligowski, Fr. SS/C Jordyn Bowen, So. OF Kati Brew, Jr. 1B/3B/C Stacy McAfee, Jr. 3B/2B Beth Caloway

Outlook: Much wasn't expected of them last year. And the Rams won a Class 3A regional championship. Much isn't expected of them this year, because six of the 13 players on their roster are either freshmen or sophomores. So who knows? Maybe the Rams can surprise again. "It's a young team, lots of freshmen and sophomores and a couple of new juniors that didn't play varsity last year," coach Abbey Tadelman said. "But there are a lot of positive things going on with our team. Lots of aggressive base-hitters. We got a fast team. And I'm very proud of our outfielders. They've been doing a really nice job out there, hitting their cuts and making great catches." Sophomore Claire Brennan, junior catcher Rachel Perkowitz, sophomore Tayler Janda and senior Kara Dones all started in the Rams' 4-0 sectional-semifinal loss to Antioch last season. Brennan, who started in the outfield, takes over as the team's No. 1 pitcher after Monika Wedick graduated. Freshman shortstop Jordyn Bowen is one of the newcomers to watch. The daughter of former Rams head basketball coach Tim Bowen, she went 2-for-3 with a double in a 14-4 loss to Libertyville on Tuesday. "She's a very feisty kid," Tadelman said. "She's very aggressive. She has some things to learn at short, but she's coming along." Another freshman, outfielder/catcher Anna Strickland, had an RBI single against Libertyville. Besides Brennan and Janda, Tadelman has two other promising sophomores in outfielders Sarah Kuligowski and Kati Brew.

Grayslake North

Head coach: Molly Jones (second season)

Last season: 12-19

Losses: 1B/P Carly Borders, SS Samantha Fletcher

Returners: Sr. OF Mindy Runge, Jr. SS Raquel Ness, Jr. OF/P Brianna Leon, So. 3B Brooke Tracy, So. P/1B Kristina Gandy

Newcomers: Sr. OF/IF Ashley King, Jr. OF Carlie Rosario, Jr. OF Hailey Badovinac, Jr. OF Elizabeth Graham, So. 2B Jessica Davis, So. 1B Christina Freese, Fr. C Kelsey Borders

Outlook: In Gandy, they have a dandy. Sophomore pitcher Kristina Gandy is a player the Knights can build around. Throw in freshman catcher Kelsey Borders, whose big sister Carly was an all-area player as a senior last year, and the fourth-year program borders on one that should have high expectations for the next couple of years. Borders ripped a double in the Knights' season-opening, 3-2 loss in eight innings to Mundelein on Wednesday. "I think our pitcher-catcher combo is pretty strong, even though they're both underclassmen," coach Molly Jones said. "I think they have strong leadership. I think Kristina Gandy being a freshman on varsity last year really helped her because she kind of gained those leadership skills to take charge on the mound. She's got really good patience up there and she knows the game." ... Besides Gandy, the Knights' other returners are sophomore third baseman Brooke Tracy, junior shortstop Raquel Ness and junior outfielder/pitcher Brianna Leon. "Our camaradie this year is 100-percent positive," Jones said. "Our group of girls are really agile in terms of playing different positions. I can a lot of utility players that I'm able to put at different positions, and they'll excel wherever I put them."

East Suburban Catholic

Carmel

Head coach: Jason Raymond (eighth season)

Last season: 11-23, 5-15 ESCC

Losses: Claire Anastos, Shea Crowley

Returners: Sr. P Rachel Tack, Sr. C Meg Grady, Sr. SS Eden Warnke, Sr. OF Jocelyn Gravel, So. 1B Sally Snarski, So. CF Kelley Dodge, So. LF Madaline Felipez

Newcomers: Fr. 2B Skyler Zak, Fr. 3B Danielle Pullano, Fr. P/IF/OF Erika Schoenfeld, Jr. IF Julia Hart, Jr. IF/OF Sophia Kannenberg, Jr. P Sam Gallagher

Outlook: As the Corsairs try to regain some of the postseason magic that saw them win a sectional title in 2007 and a regional championship in 2008, they'll do so with a pitcher who owns 6 wins in the state tournament. Rachel Tack is back to anchor the Corsairs' staff for a fourth year. She along with senior catcher Meg Grady give the Corsairs an experienced battery. Senior shortstop Eden Warnke, sophomore first baseman Sally Snarski and outfielders Jocelyn Gravel, Kelley Dodge and Madaline Felipez also provide experience. Coach Jason Raymond plans on starting the sophomore trio of Snarski, Dodge and Felipez, as well as three freshmen in second baseman Skyler Zak, third baseman Danielle Pullano and infielder/outfielder/pitcher Erika Schoenfeld. Said Raymond: "We are looking to play the game the right way, learn from our mistakes and always be a tough opponent."

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<li><a href="/pdf/baseball.softball.2010/dupage.pdf">DuPage County players </a></li>

<li><a href="/pdf/baseball.softball.2010/fox.pdf">Fox Valley players </a></li>

<li><a href="/pdf/baseball.softball.2010/lake.pdf">Lake County players </a></li>

<li><a href="/pdf/baseball.softball.2010/northwest.pdf">Northwest suburban players </a></li>

<li><a href="/pdf/baseball.softball.2010/tri-cities.pdf">Tri-Cities players </a></li>

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