Softball Scouting Northwest
Mid-Suburban East
Buffalo Grove
Coach: Jamie Paul (second season)
Last year's record: 16-15, 7-9
Graduated Players: Maria Dax, Andrea DiPrima, KC Dunne, Emily Begnel, Danielle Brown, Danni Shapiro
Returning players: Kami Hutchings (Sr. OF), Ali Levato (Sr. IF), Sara Penelle (Sr. IF), Becca Winter (Sr. OF), Megan Fu (Jr. P), Amanda Salzman (Jr. C), Jessie Lazzara (Sr. OF), Erin Barton (Jr. IF),
Newcomers: Julia Camardo (Fr. P), Caitlin Catino (Fr. CF), Kristina Dakas (Jr. U), Michelle Dublin (Jr. U), Nicole Longdon (Fr. P), Maddi Morini (Fr. 2B).
Outlook: Paul will have a young squad as she begins her second season after graduating six starters, including all-area standouts KC Dunne (Western Illinois) and Andrea DiPrima (Northwestern). “I honestly expect this to be a learning season,” Paul said. “We have a lot of talented young players and a lot of potential but right now we lack experience.” Paul has four freshmen on the roster. “With experience comes confidence on the field and being able to have confidence in yourself and teammates. We need to play together, and each player must learn to adjust to each other, so they can come together.” Fu and Camardo will probably handle the pitching chores. “They will probably split time on the mound,” Paul said. “Megan is really good at hitting her spots and being consistent. Julia is one of the most talented freshman pitchers I've seen in a while. She just needs the experience and trust in herself and her pitches.”
Elk Grove
Coach: Ken Grams (32nd season)
Last year's record: 32-5, 15-1
Graduated Players: Jessica Balzano, Katie Keegan, Kristen Cetkovic
Returning players: Andrea Starr (Sr. P-OF), Devan Parkison (Sr. C-OF), Elisa Payne (Jr. OF), Krista Soesbe (Sr. IF), Rebecca Walz (Sr. 1B), Megan Keegan (Sr. C-OF), Dani Goranson (Sr. P-IF), Tori Liewergen Sr. IF), Carly Danek (Sr. C-OF), Becca Maher (So. IF).
Newcomers: Brianna Leach (Fr. IF), Megan Eul (So. P-IF), Allie Peters (So. OF), Danielle Boffice (Sr. OF), Marjorie Sloan (Fr. OF)
Outlook: Hall of Fame coach Ken Grams has 746 wins and it looks like he will add significantly more to that number again this season. The Grens return seven players from their starting lineup. “Graduated, though, are two very important offensive contributors from last year,” Grams said. “Jessica Balzano (all-area) was our leadoff batter for four years with a high on-base percentage and Kristen Cetkovic (all-area) batted in the middle of the order and led the team in home runs (school-record 10 last spring).” The returning seven are talented and experienced players. Goranson (Michigan State), Keegan (North Dakota) and Parkison have been on the varsity since they were freshmen. “Dani is certainly a premier pitcher and a leader on the mound for our defensive end of the game,” Grams said. “Additionally, she is an important part of our offense and led the team in hitting last year. Devan has been our primary catcher and a .300 plus hitter the past three seasons and Megan was our leader in RBIs last season and second the year before.” Other returnees are Soesbe, Walz, Danek, Payne, Liewergen, Starr and Maher. “I feel that this group can compete with the best teams in the area on a consistent basis,” Grams added. “Accordingly, we have beefed up our nonconference schedule to see just where we fit into the mix and to hopefully grow, so that we continue to improve a good product and make progress as the season moves along.”
Hersey
Coach: Molly Freeman (fifth season)
Last year's record: 10-22, 5-11
Graduated Players: Kim Ferraro, Danielle Becker, Mallory Eichhorn, Abbey Petersen, Lindsey Petersen, Taylor Kasper, Melissa Hall
Returning players: Haley Henriksen (Sr. SS), Melissa Cecala (Sr. 3B), Val Burke (Sr. 2B), Angela Schmiederer (So. C), Sarah Platt (Jr. P), Alex Tinaglia (Sr. 1B), Angela Lazzeritti (Sr. OF)
Newcomers: Gina Fasolo (Jr CF), Alysia Zaucha (So. OF), Beccsa Derka (Jr. OF), Sammie Carrillo (Jr. 3B-OF), Michelle Helminski (So. OF), Michele Bolker (Jr. 1B-P)
Outlook: Former Fremd and Illinois-Chicago standout softball player Molly Freeman calls her senior leadership outstanding this spring. One of those seniors is all-area first baseman Alex Tinaglia, who served as a reliable leadoff batter and first baseman last spring with a team-high .394 batting average, team-high 33 runs, 11 doubles and 3 triples. “We return a great group of kids and outstanding players who do everything well on and off the field,” Freeman said. She hopes shortstop Henriksen can return in about three weeks after suffering a knee injury in the Huskies' second game against Barrington. Zaucha will move to short for the time being. “Alysia has a good sense of the game,” Freeman said of the sophomore. Platt returns to the mound while Bolker and Lazzeritti round out the pitching staff. “Sarah did a lot of work in the offseason to perfect her pitches,” Freeman said. “She throws strikes and is pretty strong. We have a lot of strong bats in the lineup and young players who have filled the spots that we were missing through graduation.”
Prospect
Coach: Jim Adair (second year)
Last year's record: 8-23, 4-12
Graduated players: Nikki Surico, Sam Mangrum, Jamie Blankinship, Amanda Forssander, Sarah Forssander, Michelle King, Nicole Naranjo, Becky Schultz, Mary Styzek
Returning Players: Hanna Lythberg (Sr. P), Michele Molini (Jr. 3B), Cassie Poulos (Jr. C), Sarah Scaccia (Sr. 2B), Julie Mazur (Jr. OF), Amy Graham (Sr. OF)
Newcomers: Michelle Korf (So. 1B), Ally Schuldt (Fr. SS), Allie Likes (Sr.), Haley Skala (Sr.), Stephanie Sofinski (Sr.), Meghan Doyle (So. OF), Emma Meersman (So. OF), Mary Liberty, Emma Riordan, Casey Lenski, Jill Sadowski, Emma Gilhooly
Outlook: As he begins his second year leading the Knights, coach Jim Adair hopes injuries won't take as big a toll as they did a year ago. “We had what we thought was our starting lineup in the game for a combined total of 1.5 games,” he said. ““Injuries killed us and that put a lot of pressure on our bench. This year, we've got some younger, very talented players that we think will combine very nicely with the senior leadership that we have this year.” Seven letter winners return, including all-area pitcher Hanna Lythberg. Newcomers like freshman Schuldt and sophomores Doyle, Korf and Meersman have a chance to make immediate impacts. “Several of our returning players have two or more years of varsity experience, so we're looking for them to be role models and lead our younger players to victory,” Adair said. “We've got one of the better pitchers in the area in Hanna Lythberg, and our defense has improved a lot. We're hoping to be a surprise team in the area.” Adair believes it might take a little time for his team to kick into high gear. “The MSL is such a tough conference,” he said. “Elk Grove has to be one of the best teams in the state and then there's the always-tough MSL West. It's going to take us a little while to figure out who we are and just how good we can be.” But Prospect hopes to make a run in the MSL East. “We think we've got a lot of weapons, so we'll see what happens,” Adair said. “We're all excited and can't wait to get started and have some fun.”
Rolling Meadows
Coach: Tony Wolanski (9th season)
Last Year: 18-17, 8-8 (2nd in MSL East)
Graduated players: Kelly Kaiser, Abby Matayka, Emily Skorin
Returning Players: Natalie Cannizzo (Sr. LF), Megan O'Donnell (Sr. 1B), Kelley Sarussi (Sr. OF), Josie Suchecki (Sr. 2B), Sam Anderson (Jr. SS), Sara Brunlibe (Jr. P), Emily Hattory (Jr. OF), Chloe Prodanovic (So. OF), Grace Skorin (So. 3B), Hannah Whidden (Jr. P-1B)
Newcomers: Sarah Caprio (Jr. C), Jennifer Watson (So. OF), Lane Winkler (So. P-OF).
Outlook: Wolanski welcomes back seven starters as he begins his ninth season directing the Mustangs, who have finished in second place in the MSL East two of the last three years. He expects this year's team to also finish in the upper half of the standings. “I think our hitting will be really good,” said Wolanski, who was also the defensive coordinator for Conant's football team last fall. The Mustangs return four girls who hit .300 or better last season — Cannizzo (.354), Skorin (.324), Anderson (.372, 29 RBI) and all-area slugger Suchecki (.433. 32 RBI), On the mound, Brunlieb was 15-9 with an ERA of 3.25. ”Sara will be our main pitcher with Whidden as our No. 2,” Wolanski said. “Sara improved greatly from freshman year to sophomore year and we expect another major improvement this season. Her work ethic is very good. She has worked hard every year to get better and we expect the same this season.” Whidden had a good season with the junior varsity last year and has also worked hard in the off-season. Defensively, the Mustangs are solid up the middle with Anderson at short, Suchecki at second and Prodanovic in center. Caprio makes her debut behind the plate after a strong season with the junior varsity squad. “I would be disappointed if we can't turn the table and finally get 20 to 25 wins,” Wolanski said. “I know that bar seems high, but I think we have the right pieces to the puzzle.”
Wheeling
Coach: Mike Caringella (second season)
Last year's record: 7-22, 0-16
Graduated players: Sejal Shah, Taylor Schroeder, Alyson Fallon
Returning players: Tori Caringella (Sr. OF), Amanda Zammatta (Sr. 3B), Randi Shapiro (Sr. C-OF), Emily Walker (Jr. SS), Ashley Hafertepe (Jr. OF), Jackie Resnik (Jr. IF-OF-C), Kaitlyn DeBusk (Jr. IF), Sara Kern (Jr. OF), Taylor Vassey (Jr. P-OF), Katie Quagliano (So. P-1B)
Newcomers: Jen Laffey (So. OF), Jess Musto (Jr. 1B), Angelica Bravo (Jr. OF), Rebecca Falkiner (Jr. OF), Nikki Mickosz (Fr. C-3B), Nette Howard (Fr. P-1B)
Outlook: Coach Mike Caringella welcomes back six starters from his first Wheeling team, including all-area outfielder Sara Kern, who enjoyed a superb sophomore season. She led the Wildcats batting .431 with 24 RBI, 8 doubles, 4 triples and 3 home runs. She had a .676 slugging percentage with 44 hits in 102 at bats. Kern will play center field this season while Zammatta will be at third, DeBusk at short and the freshman Mickosz behind the plate. Hafertepe and Vassey will patrol the outfield corners while the versatile Resnik is capable of seeing action at every position but pitcher. Quagliano will be the Wildcats' pitching ace with Vassey and Howard completing the rotation. Howard will also see time at first base. “Most of the girls worked hard in the off-season,” Caringella said. “Practices and attitudes are good. We know we are in a very tough conference but our expectations are high.”
Mid-Suburban West
Barrington
Coach: Perry Peterson (21st season)
Last year's record: 27-11, 12-4
Graduated Players: Kiley Dolezal, Kiersten Tinkoff, Kristin Kuhn, Elizabeth Owen, Dana Moran, Colleen Shandley
Returning players: Ally McLaughlin (Sr. OF), Vasi Panos (Sr. IF), Loren Krzysako (Jr. 3B), Danielle Di Iorio (Sr. OF), K.D. Madden (Sr. IF), Jordan Wekony (Jr. IF-C), Tess Bolger (Jr. OF), Emma Woods (Sr. P), Kelsey Kazmier (Sr. IF), Savonnah Osmanski (Jr. C),
Newcomers: Keenan Dolezal (Fr. P), Maggie O'Hara (Jr. OF-IF), Raegan Fingerman Jr. IF), Morgan Olszewski (Jr. OF), Cassidy Kraimer (Jr. P)
Outlook: The Fillies graduated their No. 1 pitcher Kiley Dolezal but her sister has picked things right up where Kiley left off. Freshman Keenan Dolezal has started out 3-0 for the Fillies, who return some of their top hitters from 2011 — Krzsyko (.400, school-record 12 homers, 45 RBI), Wekony (25 RBI, 7 doubles), Kazmier (28 hits, 30 runs, 4 doubles), McLaughlin (.378, 15 runs) and Osmanski (.353). Coach Perry Peterson entered the season with a record of 589-142 in 20 seasons, 19 at Barrington and one at St. Viator. The Fillies' junior class has gone 52-1 at the lower levels. “We hope they bring that success to the varsity level,” said Peterson, whose team entered the season with a record of 372-50 at the Fields of Dreams since he took over 20 years ago. The Fillies have won 15 MSL division championships (11 under Peterson) and a record 11 MSL crowns, nine under Peterson. The Fillies scored 248 runs a year ago while giving up 136 after winning their 10th consecutive regional crown before falling in the sectional semifinal 4-1 to Fremd.
Conant
Coach: Cathyann Smith (11th season)
Last year's record: 27-3, 14-2
Graduated Players: Marisa Gary, Hilary O'Donnell, Paige Ward, Sarah Pawlik, Kailee Prasbrig
Returning starters: Allie Bauch (Sr. SS), Briana Cavin (Sr. P-OF), Miranda Cavin (Jr. C-IF), Kim Jacobson (Sr. IF-C), Shannon O'Connor (Sr. OF-IF), Rachel O'Malley (So. IF), Sarah Thompson (Jr. OF-IF)
Newcomers: Elisa Embrose (Fr. IF-OF), Telly Hunter (So. IF-OF), Barb Linderman Sr. OF-C), Samantha Pincetti (Sr. OF), Megan Reff (Sr. OF-IF),
Outlook: Conant won the first MSL championship (1974) and the last. The Cougars have seven returning players back from the championship team and four of them have committed to Division I softball programs — Briana Cavin (Wisconsin-Green Bay), Jacobson (Creighton), Miranda Cavin (Oklahoma State) and O'Malley (Radford). “Our seven returning players have worked hard in the off season, and continued to grow as athletes and form a tight relationship,” said Cougars coach Cathyann Smith, a former Schaumburg pitcher. Graduated players who left some spots to be filled are all-conference center fielder O'Donnell, all-conference first baseman Ward, Pawlik, Pasbrig (playing at Augustana) and Gray (playing at Dominican). Embrose, Hunter, Linderman, Pincetti and Reff will help to fill the spots. “They are eager to create strong ties with the new members and pick up the same momentum that they created last season on their run to being MSL champs,” Smith said. Bauch is a two-time all conference and all-area shortstop. Thompson and O'Connor also have varsity experience. “These kids have the skills and heart to pick up where they left off,” Smith said. “Our conference is always tough, and they know that it is a game that can only be played one inning at a time.”
Fremd
Coach: Jim Weaver (11th season)
Last year's record: 28-6, 11-5
Graduated Players: Allie Geding, Megan Horn, Haley Libert, Stacey Hnytka
Returning starters: Rachel Doering (Sr. P), Kristine Herdegen (Jr. C-1B), Janelle Schneider (Sr. C), Caitlin Patenaude (Sr. OF), Michelle Mazur (Jr. OF-1B), Brittany Ciura (Sr. 3B), Amanda Matsumoto (Jr. OF), Kristie Salerno (Sr. OF), Sara Untiedt (Sr. U), Megan Hubbard (Sr. 2B), Ashlynne Schwantz (Jr. P)
Newcomers: Leigh Farina (So. SS), Morgan Brauer (OF-C)
Outlook: As he begins his 11th season, Weaver (268-87-1) has another squad primed to contend for a MSL West crown. The veteran coach has won eight regional titles in 10 years with three sectional crowns and three trips to the state finals. “We are very excited about the season,” said Weaver, who guided the Vikes to second place in 2010 and third in 2009. Mazur (.393. 42 RBI, 5 homers), Hubbard (.290, 6 homers), Ciura (.375, 40 RBI, 4 homers), Matsumoto (.410, 34 stolen bases), Patenaude (.394. 11 doubles, 29 RBI), Doering (16-4 on the mound, 1.28 ERA), Untiedt (.362). Schwantz (11-2, 1.92 ERA) and Schneider (.292, 2 homers) have the most returning experience for Weaver. Rookie shortstop Farina hit .463 over the summer with 8 extra base hits and Weaver was impressed by her defense. “We have a ton of experience returning with seven returning starters from a 28-6 team that made it to the sectional finals and had a 2-run lead with one out to advance,” the coach said. “We expect to be strong defensively, balanced offensively with great team speed and power and we have two excellent pitchers (Doering and Schwantz) returning to the mound.”
Hoffman Estates
Coach: Lindsey Hamma (eighth season)
Last year's record: 8-24, 3-13
Graduated players: Taylor Mann, Emily Allan, Emily Fett, Kelsey Pellus
Returning players: Amanda Harris (Sr. 2B-OF), Alex Tuminaro (Sr. OF-3B), Sam Acosta (So. CF-IF), Nicole LaBeck (Jr. SS-2B), Kaileen Hendle (So. C-U)
Newcomers: Shante Hill (Jr. OF-3B), Allison Amato (Sr. IF), Alexis Filler (Sr. C-U), Saleena Martinez (Jr. OF), Heather Bartoszewski (Jr. IF-OF), Charlotte Allan (Fr. P-OF)
Outlook: Coach Lindsey Hamma has one of her younger teams and the youth starts right on the pitcher's mound with freshman Charlotte Allan. “Charlotte has worked hard in the offseason and she wants to be a big contributor every day,” said Hamma, a former standout Illinois shortstop and major contributor as a guard on Buffalo Grove's 2000 Class 2A state girls basketball championship team. “We have a lot of young players who have developed through the program and we're excited to see what they will do on the varsity level.” Co-captains will be Harris and Tuminaro, who was an all-area third baseman last season. Tuminaro had a breakout year, batting .420 with a .753 slugging percentage, team-high 24 RBI, 23 runs, 5 home runs, 4 triples and 4 doubles. Also expected to be leaders for the Hawks are LaBeck, Acosta and Hendle. “We're small in numbers (11 girls on the varsity),” Hamma said. “But we have a feisty group.”
Palatine
Coach: Jeff Manz (10th season)
Last year's record: 24-10, 9-7
Graduated players: Alexis Bauer, Dani Boisvert, Lauren Hedstrom, Sam Salomone, Katie Mnichowicz, Katie Scovic, Joanne Jablonski, Alyx Ballenger, Roni Grgin
Returning players: Lauren Logan (Jr. C), Tori Walzak (Jr. SS), Megan Hedstrom (Jr. P), Kaileigh Moertl (Sr. 3B), Kristen Rossi (Sr. OF)
Newcomers: Grace Rohrwasser (So. 2B), Kayla Borgan (Sr. 1B), Jules Udoni (So. P), Courtney English (So. OF), Jamie Haze (So. OF)
Outlook: As he begins his 10th season, Pirates coach Jeff Manz will deal with his lowest numbers in his program. He is starting the season with only 10 players on his varsity squad. “But we're still going to work that much harder and good things will happen,” said Manz, who has made a lot of good things happen in his 10 seasons (217-97-2) and five regional crowns. “The kids will have to step up a little quicker than usual. We'll be playing a lot of sophomores (four are starters) and a few seniors who have never played varsity.” Logan, an all-area first baseman and two-year starter, moved behind the plate this season. She led the Pirates with her .444 batting average that included 25 RBI and 15 doubles. Logan's 276 putouts were a school record. Hedstrom has gotten off to a fast start on the mound, winning three of her four decisions and has also played a key role in the offense with 3 home runs in the Pirates' first 3 games. “Our kids will have to get acclimated to playing varsity softball real quick,” Manz said. “Our pitching will be decent (Hedstrom and Udoni).” Walzak moves from third base to shortstop and third baseman Moertl saw some time on the varsity last season. “It will take a lot of work for us to be successful but I think the kids are up for it,” Manz said.
Schaumburg
Coach: Ellen Stoddard (second season)
Last year's record: 18-11, 8-8
Graduated players: Alexis Carrevetta, Jessica Cook, Shannon Giovannone, Rebecca Thompson, Jenna Lane, Brianne Lingl, Amber McCoy, Jen Anderson
Returning players: Alyssa Lancaster (Sr. P-F), Courtney Raschk (Sr. OF-IF), Renee Kakareka (Sr. P-OF-IF), Aubrey Lopshire (Sr. IF-OF), Kirsten Safley (Sr. OF)
Newcomers: Courtney Placker (Sr. C-IF), Marisa Licari (Sr. C-OF), Sarah May (Sr. IF-DP), Hannah Kerr (Jr. P-OF-IF), Carly Broussard (Jr. IF), Julia Bellinger (Jr. OF), Dana Giannelli (Jr. OF-IF), Shannon Felde (Fr. IF)
Outlook: As she begins her second season directing the Saxons program, former Fremd pitching standout Ellen Stoddard feels like she has a lot of options with this year's team. “We have a lot of versatile players which enables us to make a lot of different lineups,” Stoddard said. Four-year starter Lancaster is one of the best pitchers and hitters in the area and has committed to play for Siena College. The senior left-hander struck out 82 while winning many key games on the mound last spring. She also batted .511 with 9 home runs, 11 doubles, 2 triples and a team-high 41 RBI. She struck out only three times. She is one of five returning players. “And with a strong new group of eight players, we look forward to having strong bats and solid defense behind our pitchers (Lancaster, Kakareka and Kerr). Kakareka plans to play at Philadelphia University and Raschk at Roosevelt. This team has a lot of potential to do very well and I look forward to a wonderful season.”
Northeastern Athletic
Christian Liberty
Coach: Dave Krizanovic (second season)
Graduated players: Cami Kott, Brittany Negron, Zoe Whyte
Returning starters: Jenna Pavlik (So. 2B-OF), Megan Sullivan (So. P-OF), Darby Calkins (Jr. P-2B-SS-OF), Beth Cunningham (Jr. 3B-OF), Carly Baric (Sr. 3B-OF-1B), Megan Krizanovic (Sr. C-3B-SS)
Newcomers: Grace Lockett (Fr. 2B-OF), Reagan March (Fr. 2B, OF), Hanna Miller (Fr. 1B-OF), Jessica Moriarty (Fr. OF-SS), Athira Saji (Fr. OF-1B), Jenn West (Fr. SS-C)
Outlook: Numbers will be down but coach Dave Krizanovic says the attitude of the 2011 regional champs is up. “We had the potential of nine experienced players returning but we are starting the season with only six players from last year and six freshmen,” Krizanovic said. “It's a short season and we don't have a lot of time to get the freshmen game ready. But my new players are committed to giving a 110 percent effort and will do what ever it takes to help the team try and be as good as last year's team.” Krizanovic has seniors Baric and his daughter Megan Krizanovic (three-time all-conference selection) back on the team. Megan was the power of the offense and defense for the Chargers. She batted .667 with 42 hits, 35 runs, 12 doubles, 8 triples, 7 home runs and 40 RBI. She walked nine times and struck out only four times in 63 at bats. Defensively, Krizanovic caught 11 runners stealing and picked off 13. “The experience, determination, and leadership skills of Megan and Carly gives us what we need both on and off the field with so many newcomers,” Dave Krizanovic said. Juniors Calkins and Cunningham will also be ready to take the team leadership roles. Sophomores Sullivan and Pavlik were on the team last year and have progressed at a rapid rate. “They are much more comfortable this year and are already picking up where they were last year with continued hard work.” Krizanovic said. “Although Jenn West and Jessica Moriarty are new to the sport of fastpitch softball, they give us the speed that we missed last year. Also, since they were standout basketball players, Jenn and Jessica have the ability to make great strides in a new sport.” Miller gives the coach a potentially dangerous left-handed hitter along with a strong arm. Lockett, Saji and March, all new to softball, have shown the desire to learn and do what it takes to succeed. “Although we may be lacking in depth in the beginning of the year I`m very happy with the young ladies on this team,” Krizanovic said. “They are truly good kids without egos and a pure joy to coach. They are our softball team and I wouldn't want it any other way.” Krizanovic cites a lack of experience with the newcomers as a weakness but strong leadership and a much faster team are strengths. Megan Krizanovic and Baric will serve as player-coaches.
West Suburban Gold
Leyden
Coach: Kurt Schuett (sixth season)
Last year's record: 28-7, 9-3
Graduated players: Bridget Mackey, Amanda Moran, Bri Michels, Jaime Weaver, Returning starters:
Returning players: Kelly Nessling (Sr. OF-IF), Morgan Maize (Sr. P-1B), April Markowski (Sr. SS), Dana Sullivan (Sr. C), Jessica DuBrock (Sr. OF), Amanda Moran (Jr. 2B), Michelle Sansone (Jr. OF), Jen Hall (Jr. 3B)
Newcomers: Danielle Trevino (Jr. 1B-OF), Kelly Bjorvik (Jr U), Sammi Caputo (P-IF)
Outlook: Leyden has received national recognition heading into its sixth season under coach Kurt Schuett. The Eagles are ranked No. 41 in ESPN's Powerade Fab 50. “We hope to contend for a state championship.” said Schuett, whose team has won back-to-back regional championships, winning 30 and 28 games each season. The Eagles are led by Maize, who had a dream season as a junior with a school-record 18 home runs and 77 RBI. And she continued to prove she is one of the top pitchers (24-5, 1.18 ERA) in the area. Maize pitched Leyden to a 4-1 victory over Mid-Suburban League champion Conant in the regional championship, hitting a pair of 2-run homers. Shortstop Markowski (.360, 28 RBI) has committed to Eastern Illinois and is one of six returning starters including four-year catcher Sullivan, who batted .369. Leyden will be playing all of its home games this season at Rosemont Stadium, home of president and CEO Bill Sokolis' Chicago Bandits progressional softball team.
Central Suburban North
Maine West
Coach: Amy Gonzales (first year)
Last year's record: (18-10, 9-1)
Graduated players; Nicole Mavraganis, Katherine Kusner, Olivia Beers, Colleen Finnander, Kelly Farnan
Returning players: Brie Montmarquette (Jr. IF), Gina Larucci (Jr. C-IF), Renee Pond (Jr. OF), Ariel Smolik-Valles (Jr. P-OF), Holly Wengerski (Jr. IF), Alyssa Bojarski (Sr. OF-P), Katie Fitzgerald (Sr. IF-C), Angela Cruz (Sr. IF), Caroline Baird (Sr. IF), Janie Feldkamp (Sr. OF),
Newcomers: Abbey Herling (So. IF-OF), Hanna Udischas (Jr. IF), Tara Nykiel (Jr. P-OF),
Outlook: As she begins her first season directing the Warriors program, Gonzales is looking forward to the large number of returning varsity players and a large and talented junior class. Smolik-Valles, Larucci, Wengerski and Fitzgerald are four key starters back. Smolik-Valles and Tara Nykiel will handle the pitching chores. “We have great depth at all positions and strong offense throughout the lineup,” Gonzales said. “The girls need to play aggressive softball, both offensively and defensively to be successful.” The Warriors won the conference championship under coach Mike Murin last season. Murin left the post after 10 seasons in which he led the team to multiple league titles. “We hope to continue on the strong season they had last year,” Gonzales said. “ We need to continue to work as a cohesive team to reach the goal of a regional championship and a further run in the playoffs.” Gonzales played softball at Niles North High School and at Illinois-Chicago (1999-2002), where she played on a Top 25 NCAA Division I softball team that included Hersey coach Molly Freeman. She has served as an assistant for three years at Libertyville on the junior varsity and varsity level and one year as a freshman coach for New Trier.
East Suburban Catholic
St. Viator
Coach: Dan Twarog (ninth season)
Last year's record: 7-22, 3-15
Graduated players: Julie Sweeney, Kristen Cozzi, Tayler Lenart, Kelly O'Brien, Jaclyn Koziol, Angelica Dickey, Ally Joyce, Alyssza Wojciak
Returning players: Colleen Dunne (Sr. LF), Alex Flasch (Sr. SS), Erika Kreiner (Sr. RF), Michelle Presslak (Jr. 1B), Sam Hogan (So. P), Tess Kaiser (So. 2B), Gina Mastrodomenico (Sr. C)
Newcomers: Lauren Prazuch (Jr. 3B), Vanessa Parise (Jr. OF), Andreya DeLarco (Jr. OF), Ally Rinka (Jr. IF), Martha Hayes (So. C), Krystal Harris (Fr. CF)
Outlook: The Lions will be led by Maryville-bound shortstop Flasch, who will co-captain the team and anchor the infield. Co-captain Dunne will patrol the Lions' outfield. “I appreciate the leadership that both Alex and Colleen provide,” said Lions coach Dan Twarog. “They work with all the girls in practice on every aspect of the game. It's like having two more coaches working with the team.” The third senior on the very young Lion squad is Erika Kreiner. “She has worked in the off-season to challenge for one of the outfield starting positions,” Twarog said. Junior Michelle Presslak will bat cleanup for the Lions and play first base where she had a successful sophomore season. Kaiser, Mastrodomenico and Hogan were all freshmen on the varsity in 2011. The three sophomores return at three different positions from the previous year. Kaiser and Mastrodomenico move from the outfield to second and catcher, respectively. Hogan will pitch for the Lions after catching and playing first last season. Hogan steps in for four-year pitcher Julie Sweeney (UW-Oshkosh) and Mastrodomenico will be replacing four-year starting catcher Tayler Lenart. “These girls are up to the task,” Twarog said. “They both have worked hard in the off-season to prepare to step into these key positions. Even though they are young, they already have one year of varsity experience and that will help us tremendously.” Newcomers to the Lions this year are DeLarco, Prazuch, Rinka and Parise. “All four of these girls are very talented athletes,” Twarog said. “They are working on improving their skills as softball players.” Sophomore Hayes will help catch quite a few innings because of the Saturday conference doubleheaders and freshman Harris is a lefty slapper who is the 2 pitcher and center fielder. “I can't think of a more athletic team that the Lions have fielded since I have been here.” Twarog added. “We are young, but gaining experience in every practice. We look forward to our spring training trip to Florida.”