Softball: Scouting Northwest

Mid-Suburban East

Buffalo Grove

Coach: Jamie Paul (first season)

Last year: 18-18, 6-10

Graduated players: None

Returning players: Kami Hutchings (Jr. OF), Maria Dax (Sr. P), Andrea DiPrima (Sr. OF-1B), KC Dunne (Sr. SS), Ali Levato (Jr. 2B), Erin Barton (So. 3B), Becca Winter (Jr. OF), Sara Penelle (Jr. 2B), Emily Begnel (Sr. 1B), Megan Fu (So. P-2B), Jessie Lazzara (Jr. OF), Danielle Brown (Sr. OF), Danni Shapiro (Jr. C)

Newcomers: Amanda Salzman (So. C)

Scouting report: Paul takes over a team that did not graduate any players from last season. The former Eastern Illinois and Willowbrook softball player has one main philosophy: “Every player on my team has an important role to play, and our success depends on the entire team working together. I believe that having a more aggressive mentality on the basepaths will move us in the right direction this season. Also, defensively we need to be more prepared and confident before every pitch to minimize the small mistakes that can turn out to be game changers.” DiPrima, Dunne and Begnel will serve as tri-captains. DiPrima (Northwestern recruit) and Dunne (Western Illinois) are three year all-area players. Dax returns to the mound for her fourth season. “We have high expectations for our No. 1 pitcher (Dax),” Paul said. “It is her senior season, and I know she has been working extremely hard with her pitching coach in the off-season. She will have some tough competition to face in the conference this year, and her performance really sets the tone for our team.” Sophomores Salzman and Barton are expected to step into important roles in the infield. “They both worked very hard on their hitting in the off-season,” Paul said. “And I believe that they will have some big games for us at the plate.”

Elk Grove

Coach: Ken Grams (31st season)

Last year: 36-5, 15-1

Graduated players: Amanda Gattone, Stephanie Maday, Olivia Roback

Returning players: Jessica Balzano (Sr., IF), Andrea Starr (Jr., P-OF), Rebecca Walz (Jr. 1B), Kristen Cetkovic (Sr., OF), Devan Parkison (Jr., C-OF), Elisa Payne (So. OF), Krista Soesbe (Jr. IF), Megan Keegan (Jr. C-OF), Dani Goranson (Jr. P-IF)

Newcomers: Katie Keegan (Sr. IF), Tori Liewergen (Jr. IF), Carly Danek (Jr. C-OF), Becca Maher (Fr. IF)

Scouting report: The Grenadiers return seven starters from a team that finished third in the Class 4A state tourney. Balzano, a Loyola recruit who had a 41-game hitting streak going into this season, has some physical concerns and her status is unknown at the start of the season. Other returning starters are Goranson, Cetkovic, Parkison, Soesbe, Megan Keegan and Walz. Michigan State recruit Goranson returns to the mound after an 18-2 season (1.04 ERA). Starr will be the backup. “Dani is a year older and a year more experienced,” said Grams. “I would expect she will make even more strides forward this season. She has worked hard to make herself better each year and don’t expect it to be any different this year. She is certainly one of the better ones around.” A big loss is four-year all-area shortstop Olivia Roback, who started 147 games in a row. “She was the anchor for our defense,” Grams said. “She set the attitude. We are going to have to find someone new there. She will be missed. Offensively, we are a year older and a little better. Pitching-wise we are very good.” Soesbe is expected to move from third base to short and Keegan could take over at third base as Grams trots out one of his most experienced teams. Keegan (.331, 30 RBI), Cetkovic (.340, 33 RBI), Goranson (.336, 19 RBI) and Parkison (. 411, 36 RBI) are all three-year varsity players while Balzano (.577) is in her fourth season.

Hersey

Coach: Molly Freeman (fourth season)

Last year: 12-25, 5-11

Graduated players: Aubrey Fulton, Kristy Johnson, Sarah Jurczak, Alyssa Kieffer, Taylor Reeves, Julia Rudesill, Stacey Schmiederer, Kari Tunney.

Returning players: Haley Henriksen (Jr. 3B-OF), Melissa Cecala (Jr. 3B-OF), Kim Ferraro (Sr. 2B-SS), Danielle Becker (Sr. C), Val Burke (Jr. 2B)

Newcomers: Angela Schmiederer (Fr. C-3B), Sarah Platt (So. P), Morgan Palmer (Jr. P), Mallory Eichhorn (Sr. SS), Alex Tinaglia (Jr. 1B), Abbey Petersen (Sr. OF), Lindsey Petersen (Sr. OF), Angela Lazzeretti (Jr. OF), Taylor Kasper (Sr. OF-C), Melissa Hall (Sr. 2B).

Scouting report: As she begins her fourth directing the Hersey program, Freeman is excited about the team’s potential. The former Fremd and Illinois-Chicago softball player is eager to see how her young talent develops. “We have two young pitchers (Platt and Palmer),” she said. “We have lots of young talent, including a freshman catcher (Schmiederer) who is doing very well.” Freeman said this is “far and away” her best team in four seasons. “We think we’ll be more consistent,” she said. “We look for a lot of offense with some solid hitters.” Henricksen was a .300 hitter while Ferraro, Becker and Cecala also made some key offensive contributions a year ago. “We have great team chemistry,” Freeman said. “The girls are young and excited and all they care about is winning softball games. It’s really refreshing being around them.”

Prospect

Coach: Jim Adair (first season)

Last year: 14-19, 9-7

Graduated players: Amanda Mlikan, Kaila Walter, Jen Forssander, Allison Malewig.

Returning players: Samantha Mangrum (Sr. P-1B), Nicole Surico (Sr. SS), Michele Molini (So. 3B), Cassie Poulos (So. C-DP), Mary Styzek (Sr. OF), Sarah Scaccia (Jr. 2B), Hannah Lythberg (Jr. P-3B), Nicole Naranjo (Sr. C-DP)

Newcomers: Sarah Forssander (Sr. OF), Michelle King (Sr. 2B), Mary Liberty (So. OF-1B), Becky Schultz (Sr. 1B), Jamie Blankinship (Sr. 1B), Julie Mazur (So. OF-SS), Amy Graham (Jr. OF-SS), Amanda Forssander (Sr. OF, C)

Scouting report: Adair realizes the Knights graduated some great senior leadership, but he likes how this year’s group has stepped up. “We’ve got nine seniors and I couldn’t be happier with the energy that this group brings to practice every day,” he said. “Sam (Mangrum), Nikki (Surico) and Hanna (Lythberg) have emerged as our main leaders, but one of the nicest things about this group of girls is how they’ve already pulled together.” Top returning hitters are Lythberg (.336, 14 RBI), Naranjo (.311, 22 RBI), Poulos (.304, 10 RBI), Styzek (.296, 11 RBI) and Surico (.287, 13 RBI). Liberty, Mazur and Graham look to solidify the outfield around returning all-conference center fielder Styzek. Adair believes it’s going to take a little time to figure out how good the Knights can be. “We think we’ve got a lot of weapons, so we’ll see what happens,” he said. “We’re all excited and can’t wait to start having some fun. I’m hoping that Hanna and Sam can dominate on the mound and I’m looking for big things from Mary Styzek, Nikki Surico and Michele Molini.”

Rolling Meadows

Coach: Tony Wolanski (seventh season)

Last year: 19-16, 5-11

Graduated player: Maryclare Loughery

Returning players: Kayla Mueller (Sr. P-OF), Kelly Keyser (Sr. C), Emily Skorin (Sr. 1B-3B, Abby Matayka (Sr. 3B), Sam Anderson (So. SS-LF), Kelly Sarussi (Jr. OF-2B), Natalie Cannizzo (Jr. 2B- C), Ellie Morgan (Jr. CF-2B), Megan O’Donnell (Jr. 1B), Sara Brunlieb (So. P-OF), Josie Suchecki (Jr. SS-P-OF)

Newcomers: Grace Skorin (Fr. 1B-OF), Emily Hattory (So. OF-3B)

Scouting report: Wolanski believes the key to this season will be pitching. “If we can get consistent pitching and play good defense, we’ll be fine,” he said. “We must cut down on our walks and overall baserunners. With our experience, we would hope we would be better early on in the season and hope our experience can win us some more games.” Top hitters back are Anderson (.379, 36 RBI), Suchecki (.360), Matayka (.333, 5 HR), Keyzer (.301, 3 HR) and Emily Skorin (.319). “We have to learn to compete against top teams,” Wolanski added. “We hit well against average teams, now we must hit well against above average teams. We should be able to. I like our lineup one through eight.” Grace Skorin could be one of Wolanski’s top hitters. She will likely start as a DP or right fielder. The big bat the Mustangs must replace in the order is all-area second baseman Loughery, who set a school record by hitting safely in 34 consecutive games and batted .469. Cannizzo, a third-year varsity performer, will take over at second base.

Wheeling

Coach: Mike Caringella (second year)

Last year: 6-22, 1-15

Graduated Players: Becky Menelle, Tori Menelle, Kelsie Jurik, Scout Scanlon, Samie Spinabella

Returning players: Amanda Zammatta (Jr. 3B), Taylor Schroeder (Sr. OF), Sejal Shah (Sr. P), Alyson Fallon (Sr. 1B), Sara Kern (So. OF), Ashley Hafertepe (So. OF), Jackie Resnick (So. C)

Newcomers: Emily Walker (So. SS), Kaitlyn DeBusk (So. 2B), Taylor Vasey (So. P-OF), Katie Quagliano (Fr. P-1B), Randi Shapiro (Jr. C)

Scouting report: Caringella returns five starters for his second season. “We are starting three seniors, five sophomores and one junior,” he said. “So we will be young again. That seems to sound like a broken record — that we are always trying to rebuild — but we have optimism with these sophomores who we think will be game ready.” Schroeder is expected to play center field with sophomores Kern and Hafertepe in left and right. Caringella will also have sophomores in the middle of his infield with catcher Resnick, shortstop Walker and second baseman DeBusk. Shah returns to the mound for her senior season. She will be backed up by freshman Quagliano. Zamatta begins her third season on the varsity and will handle third base. Vassey can be used at a few different positions. Caringella said the program’s numbers are up with more than 40 players trying out. “We are trying to build a foundation,” he said. “We want to win for our seniors. They’ve got some experience. We are going to have to manufacture runs. We don’t have power but as usual, we have some girls who can run the bases.”

Mid Suburban West

Barrington

Coach: Perry Peterson (19th season)

Last year: 32-6, 13-3

Graduated players: Carolyn Dacunha, Nora Logue

Returning players: Courtney Blum (Jr. OF-C), Kiley Dolezal (Sr. P), Kiersten Tinkoff (Sr. 1B), Kristin Kuhn (Sr. IF), Elizabeth Owen (Sr. OF), Dana Moran (Sr. OF), Loren Krzysko (So. IF-P), Jordan Wekony (Jr. OF-IF), Colleen Shandley (Sr. IF), Kelsey Kazmier (Jr. IF)

Newcomers: Ally McLaughlin (Jr. OF), Vasi Panos (Jr. IF), Jazlynn Skor (Jr. OF), Danielle Di Iorio (Jr. OF-C), K.D. Madden (Jr. IF), Tess Bolger (So. OF), Emma Wood (Jr. P).

Scouting report: Graduating only one player, the Fillies are hoping to contend for an unprecedented 12th Mid-Suburban League championship and ninth under Peterson (546-122 record at Barrington and 562-131 overall). Eight defensive starters return including Dolezal, who was 29-6 last season with 184 strikeouts. Shandley (.507 and school record 72 hits last season) and Tinkoff (.412, 38 RBI, 4 HR) were all-staters last season while Kuhn threw out 52 percent of the runners who tried to steal on her. Owen batted .358 with 35 RBI and 3 HR. Peterson said he is looking for greater offensive production up and down the lineup. The Fillies have won nine straight regional titles. They lost 1-0 in eight innings to Lake Zurich in last year’s sectional semifinal.

Conant

Coach: CathyAnn Smith (10th season)

Last year: 21-12, 7-9

Graduated players: Lauren Ambrose, Vicki McGuire, Hannah Depa, Lauren Wozniak, Amanda VanJacobs

Returning players: Allie Bauch (Jr. OF), Briana Cavin (So. P-OF), Miranda Cavin (So. C), Kim Jacobson (Jr. C-IF), Hilary O’Donnell (Sr. OF-C), Kailee Pasbrig (Sr. P-IF), Sarah Pawlik (Sr. IF), Paige Ward (Sr. IF)

Newcomers: Marisa Gray (Sr. IF-OF), Shannon O’Connor (Jr. OF-IF), Rachel O’Malley (Fr. IF), Sarah Thompson (So. OF, IF)

Scouting report: With eight returning players, including two-time all-area pitcher Briana Cavin (Wisconsin-Green Bay recruit) and four solid newcomers, the Cougars are shooting for a top three finish in the MSL West. “Bri (Cavin) has been working very hard in the off season alongside her sister Miranda Cavin (sophomore catcher),” said Smith. All-area shortstop Allie Bauch is working hard to recover from an ankle injury suffered during basketball and is expected to once again provide strong defense and offense like last season (team-high .435). She will be a co-captain with O’Donnell, who will lead the outfield and may see some time behind the plate as well to assist Miranda Cavin. Jacobson’s strong bat will help the batting order while Pawlik will also be a key utility player with a strong bat. Four-year starter Ward will handle first base and add to the offense. Kailee Pasbrig will also have time on the mound and at second base as a key utility player. Among the newcomers are O’Conner, Thompson, O’Malley and Gray. “These girls have great chemistry,” Smith said. “And we are motivated to take their success from last season to the next level.”

Fremd

Coach: Jim Weaver (10th season)

Last year: 33-5, 14-2

Graduated players: Lena Brottman, Kelly Voigt, Kristine Werling, Jenny Schneider, Emily Janes, Tess Dinterman, Alexa Cinquegrani

Returning players: Rachel Doering (Jr. P-OF), Caitlin Patenuade (Jr. OF), Allie Gaeding (Sr. SS), Brittany Ciura (Jr. 3B), Megan Horn (Sr. 1B-C), Ashlynne Schwantz (So. P-UT-OF), Haley Libert (Sr. OF), Stacey Hnytka (Sr. P), Megan Hubbard (Jr. 2B)

Newcomers: Michelle Mazur (So. P-U), Kristine Herdegen (So. IF-C), Janelle Schneider (Jr. C), Kristy Salerno (Jr. OF), Amanda Matsumoto (So. OF), Sara Untiedt (Jr. IF)

Scouting report: The Vikings graduated seven key players (six all-area) from last year’s Class 4A state runner-up, including all-area honorary captain Lena Brottman, but Weaver (240-81-1 in nine seasons) is ready to reload for another successful campaign. “We expect to be strong defensively and have three excellent pitchers to carry us on the mound,” Weaver said. “Offensively, we expect to be very fast and productive at the top of the order with Gaeding and Matsumoto batting one-two. Hubbard and Ciura had a great off-season batting in the middle.” Gaeding was an all-area shortstop last season, batting .411 with 21 stolen bases. Weaver liked what he saw last summer, as eight Vikings hit .300 or better. Mazur, a transfer from Ohio, has already shown some power in her bat. “We are very excited,” Weaver said. “We have a talented group of players ready for their turn to show what they can do.”

Hoffman Estates

Coach: Lindsey Hamma (seventh season)

Last year: 3-24, 2-14

Graduated Players: Carissa Adamson, Nikki Roehrig, Mary Hacker

Returning players: Linden Fick (Jr. OF), Amanda Harris (Jr. OF-3B), Alex Tuminaro (Jr. OF-3B), Elaine Lord (Jr. P), Nicole LaBeck (So. SS-2B), Taylor Mann (Sr.-1B-C), Kelsey Pellus (Sr. C-UT), Nicole Lechowicz (Jr. IF-OF), Emily Allan (Sr. P-UT), Emily Fett (Sr. SS-OF)

Newcomers: Sam Acosta (Fr. 2B-OF), Kaileen Hendle (Fr. 3B-C).

Scouting report: As she begins her seventh season, Hamma welcomes back 10 players, including captain Kelsey Pellus, who has served as the Hawks catcher for the past three years. Fett, Mann and Allan will also be looked upon as leaders for the Hawks. Fick is a three-year starter while Tuminaro, Harris and Lechowicz are back for their second varsity seasons. Allan and Lord will handle the pitching duties. “I think they will complement each other on the mound,” Hamma said. “Emily is more of a control, spot pitcher who will look to change up speeds to keep batters on their toes. Elaine has been working hard in the off-season and improved her speed and repertoire.” Hamma hopes the team’s offense will show more production with 10 returners in the lineup. “I think our lineup one through nine will provide us a very good chance to keep us in games throughout the season,” said the former Illinois and Buffalo Grove softball standout. Hamma expects freshmen Acosta and Hendle to make significant contributions as well. LaBeck returns after being sidelined with a knee injury last season.

Palatine

Coach: Jeff Manz (ninth season)

Last year: 22-14, 9-7

Graduated players: Meaghan Deegan, Chrissy Roto, Melissa Serio, Heather Zimmerman, Kelli Burke

Returning players: Katie Mnichowicz (Sr. SS), Sam Salomone (Sr. RF), Danielle Boisvert (Sr. P), Lauren Logan (So. 1B), Alexis Bauer (Sr, OF), Joanne Jablonski (Sr. OF-C), Alyx Ballenger (Sr. C), Katie Scovic (Sr. 2B)

Newcomers: Tori Walzak (So. 3B), Lauren Hedstrom (Sr. P), Megan Hedstrom (Jr. OF-P), Kaileigh Moerti (Jr. IF), Kristen Rossi (Jr. IF), Roni Grgin (Sr. OF)

Scouting report: Manz welcomes back the most returning experience he has had on the field. All-area SS Mnichowicz (.338, 27 SB) and Jablonski (.354, 32 RBI) are four-year starters while all-area Salomone (.363, school-record 40 RBI), Scovic and Boisvert (8-3 last spring) are three-year starters. “I feel defensively, this should be our strongest season,” Manz said. “Offensively, it could be one of our best teams.” Boisvert got off to a 2-0 start with wins over Prairie Ridge and St. Viator. “Dani has worked hard to be our No. 1 this season,” Manz said. “She has to keep the ball down in the strike zone.” Manz believes this could be one of his best teams in nine seasons. “We have a lot of potential with some great athletes,” he said. “We have a lot more depth. We have a mix of players that should make this one of our most solid teams in the field and hitting-wise.”

Schaumburg

Coach: Ellen Stoddard (first season)

Last year: 24-11, 10-6

Graduated players: Ally Poehlmann, Nicole Chase, Theresa McGreevy, Rachel Kakareka

Top players: Alexis Carrevetta (Sr. OF), Jessica Cook (Sr. OF), Shannon Giovannone (Sr. OF), Rebecca Thompson (Sr. 1B-C), Jenna Lane (Sr. 1B), Brianne Lingl (Sr. C-SS), Alyssa Lancaster (Jr. P), Courtney Raschk (Jr 3B).

Newcomers: Amber McCoy (Sr. SS), Jen Anderson (Sr. 3B), Renee Kakareka (Jr. P-2B), Aubrey Lopshire (Jr. 2B), Kirsten Sasley (Jr. OF)

Scouting report: Former Fremd standout pitcher Ellen Stoddard begins her first season as the Saxons coach and she likes what she sees so far. “I can honestly say coming in as a new coach I laid down my expectations for them and they’ve really shown me some great things in practice,” Stoddard said. “They work hard. I think we have a lot of potential to do well. I know we are in a tough conference but I think we are good, too.” Lingl (.370, 26 RBI) moves behind the plate to catch for Lancaster (21 wins, 1.84 ERA, .500 batting average, school-record 72 hits). Both were all-area last season. “Alyssa works real hard,” Stoddard said. “And we have a key player with Lingl behind the plate.” Lingl takes over for the all-area Poehlmann, the Saxons’ catcher the last four seasons. “Brianne will be a big voice on the field,” Stoddard said. “She has a lot of potential to lead.” Stoddard said there is good competition for starting spots. “It’s nice to see how they’re all putting everything they have into practice every day,” she added. “I’m really excited to be able to walk in and get a group of girls with this much potential. They really care about the game and push themselves in practice.”

Central Suburban North

Maine West

Coach: Mike Murin (10th season)

Last year: 12-21, 5-5

Graduated players: Vanessa Bagneschi, Allisan Ellwood, Michelle Marlega, Kim Morales

Returning players: Nicole Mavraganis (Sr. OF), Katherine Kusner (Sr. OF), Olivia Beers (Sr. IF), Colleen Finander (Sr. IF) Kelly Farnan (Sr. IF), Alyssa Bojarski (Jr. P-IF-OF), Angela Cruz (Jr. IF-OF), Katie Fitzgerald (Jr. C-IF), Ariel Valles (So. P-IF)

Newcomers: Caroline Baird (Jr. IF) Janie Feldkamp (Jr. OF) Amy Heffernan (Jr. IF-OF), Gina Larucci (So. C-IF-OF), Brie Montmarquette (So. IF), Renee Pond (So. OF), Holly Wengerski (So. IF-OF)

Scouting report: With 16 players on the roster, Murin said the Warriors saw good competition in preseason practice which led to improved skills. “We hope to transfer those skills to the diamond and compete in each game,” said Murin, who has led the Warriors to multiple conference championships in directing the program for the past 10 seasons. “We believe that we can challenge for the CSL title if we continue to get better and play as a team.” Valles returns for her sophomore season after making significant contributions on the mound and with her bat as an all-area special mention pick as a freshman. “The girls are excited about the season,” Murin added. “They are looking forward to playing their best softball each time out.”

East Suburban Catholic

St. Viator

Coach: Dan Twarog (seventh season)

Last year: 20-18, 4-10

Graduated players: Melanie Slawny, Ronnie Mack, Bridget Urbanus, Abby Dickey, Amanda Presslak, Jennie Michalik

Returning players: Julie Sweeny (Sr. P), Tayler Lenart (Sr. C), Kristen Cozzi (Sr. 1B), Alex Flasch (Jr. SS), Kelly O’Brien (Sr. 2B), Jaclyn Koziol (Sr. Sr. 3B), Angelica Dickey (Sr. DH-C), Ally Joyce (Sr. IF), Alyssa Wojciak (Sr. IF)

Newcomers: Annie Campbell (Jr.), Colleen Dunne (Jr.), Erika Kreiner (Jr.), Michelle Presslak (So. CF), Sam Hogan (Fr., P-OF), Tess Kaiser (Fr. OF), Gina Mastrodomenico (Fr. C-IF)

Scouting report: St. Viator will feature a veteran team with eight returning players (seven seniors and one junior) from a team that won a Class 3A regional championship last spring. “That is a huge benefit in terms of experience and continuity,” said Lions coach Dan Twarog, a graduate of St. Viator where he played football. The Lions will be led by senior co-captains and batterymates Sweeney (.368, 34 RBI) and Lenart (.364, 11 RBI). Three of the four players in the infield will be new starters. The lone returning starter is shortstop Flasch (.353). Cozzi (1B), O’Brien (2B) and Koziol (3B) worked hard over the off-season to improve and prepare themselves to play on a daily basis. Cozzi provides power at the plate. Dickey will start her third year on the varsity as a DH while also seeing some time behind the plate and at third base. Joyce Wojciak will also be available for pinch hitting and playing any infield position. Twarog said all seven newcomers will provide speed and will have an impact on the success of the team. “Our three returning starters (Sweeney, Lenart and Flasch) have all been scouted by colleges and Tayler has been offered a scholarship by a Division 1 school,” he said. “ I would expect the same thing to happen for Julie and Alex. We have added a lot of team speed this year and we intend to take full advantage of it. Pitching, speed, hitting and defense win games. We have a great combination of all four of these skills. We also have half the roster of experienced players from a 20-win season last year.”

West Suburban Gold

Leyden

Coach: Kurt Schuett (fifth season)

Last year: 30-7, 11-1

Graduated players: Kim Giannini, Ciara Mackey, Dana Thomas, Gabby Budzon, Michelle Muszynski, Caley Murphy

Returning players: Morgan Maize (Jr. P), Dana Sullivan (Jr. C), April Markowski (Jr. SS), Amanda Moran (Sr. 2B), Moira Quinlan (Sr. 3B), Bri Michels (Sr, LF), Christina Morgan (Sr. CF), Brigid Mackey (Sr. IF), Hannah Seymore (Jr. P).

Top Newcomers: Jen Hall (So. IF-OF), Michelle Sansone (So. OF), Denise Moran (So. OF), Kelly Nessling (Jr. OF-IF), Jessica DuBrock (Jr. OF), Emma Radziejewski (Jr. OF-DP), Jaime Weaver (Sr. OF).

Scouting report: The Eagles, who return seven starters, are coming off a season in which they set the school record for wins in any sport in one season at Leyden. They also won the first West Suburban Gold championship in softball (tying with Downers Grove South) and regional championship. “We hope to compete for another conference championship in the West Suburban Gold,” said Schuett. “In addition, we hope to win both a regional and sectional championship.” Maize is a two-time all-conference pick. “I have a dominating pitcher who has been starting since freshman year,” Schuett said. “And my squad can hit the ball both near and far. We added a few more key games to an already-loaded schedule (opening the season against Oak Park-River Forest and single games with Whitney Young and a doubleheader against Trinity).” Moran is a three-time all-conference pick while Morgan has earned the honor twice. Markowski was all-conference last season as a sophomore.

Northeastern Athletic

Christian Liberty

Coach: David Krizanovic (first season)

Last year: 9-11, 4-8

Returning players: Carly Smalls (Jr. 1B), Darby Calkens (So. P-2B), Beth Cunningham (So. 3B), Samantha Karr (So. IF), Cammi Kott (Sr. OF), Megan Krizanovic (Jr. C), Amber Monasterio (Jr. P), Brittany Negron (Sr. 1B), Rachael Sotomayor (Jr. SS), Zoe White (Sr. 1B, DH)

Newcomers: Larisa DeJesus (Jr. RF), Bethany Johnson (Fr. C), Megan Sullivan (Fr. P), Jenna Pavlik (Fr. OF)

Scouting report: As he begins his first season after two years as an assistant, David Krizanovic plans to stress fundamentals. “We’ll concentrate a lot on pitching and defense,” he said. “We want to make sure everyone has the basics down and that we are playing solid defense.” Catcher Megan Krizanovic (.490 last year) returns as a two-time all-conference selection. Sotomayor was an all-conference shortstop last season and hit better than .300. “With a lot of juniors and seniors, we believe these next two years are a chance for us to make a name for ourselves,” David Krizanovic said. “We should be able to hit for some power.” Freshman Sullivan could end up the Chargers’ ace. “She has a lot of promise,” the coach added. “She has good speed and very good control. Amber (Monasterio) and Darby (Calkens) have gotten better with their control.” Krizanovic served as a hitting coach for several years with the Crystal Lake Tidalwave Travel Softball program. “With the support of Lisa Houdek (assistant coach), Mr. (Steve) Rowland (athletic director) and Christan Liberty Academy, I hope with God’s guidance to start not just another year of softball but to begin a tradition of softball at Christian Liberty that not only the school and community respects, but that the student athletes can be proud of.”