Scouting DuPage County softball

Addison Trail

Coach: Becky Cibulka (fourth year, 47-50).

Last season: 14-17, 8-4 (third) in the West Suburban Gold; lost to Glenbard North 7-1 in the Class AA Glenbard East regional semifinals.

Top players: P-3B Gina Pizzoferrato, sr.; 2B Gina Cacioppo, jr.; SS Nikki Zdrahel, jr.; 1B Jacki Ciran, jr.; C Melissa Hochheimer, jr.; CF Meghan Crotty, sr.; 3B-P Katie Klco, so.; OF Meghan Crotty, sr.; OF Natalie Nowosad, fr.

Outlook: The initial nervousness caused by the loss of graduated ace Briana Catanese, now at Kankakee, has given way to optimism. Pizzoferrato will rely on the defense behind her, but she's promising. "She's been working really, really hard, and she's getting much more accurate," Cibulka said. "Her pitches have been working. She has a really nice drop-curve and a changeup." Hoccheimer is back behind the plate. The infield of Cacioppo, Zdrahel, Ciran and Klco should be solid. "Teams might underestimate us a little bit this year." Cibulka said. "Once we get going I really think things are going to click for us."

Benet

Coach: Jerry Schilf (ninth year, 174-123).

Last season: 19-16, 11-6 (fourth) in the East Suburban Catholic Conference; lost to Neuqua Valley 5-2 in the Class AA Downers Grove South regional semifinals.

Top players: SS Laura Canulli, sr.; 3B Courtney Makowski, jr.; CF Kaitlin Coari, jr.; P Meghan Eastman, jr.; C Kelsey Wirth, so.; 2B Kelsey Gallo, jr.; 1B Nora McGuire, fr.; DP-C Lindsey Rohan, so.; LF Mikayla Panko, fr.; RF Claire Geyer, jr.

Outlook: The Redwings will probably have only one senior in the starting lineup, but she's a good one. "In my opinion I have the best player in the area and that's Laura Canulli," Schilf said. Canulli comes off an All-Area season when she hit .431 with 12 doubles, 5 home runs, 30 RBI, 32 runs and 15 stolen bases. This is a young team, but it's capable of doing some damage this season with talented players such as Makowski, Coari and Eastman, who went 15-10 with a 1.56 ERA last year. "We have a lot of solid players," Schilf said. "I'm optimistic. I think we can compete against anybody. Our conference is stronger than it's ever been."

Downers Grove North

Coach: Mark Magro (third year, 44-29).

Last season: 22-15, 8-4 (third) in the West Suburban Silver; lost to Plainfield Central 4-0 in the Class AA Neuqua Valley sectional semifinals.

Top players: 3B Lauren McNulty, sr.; 2B Ellen Jagielo, sr.; P Julianne Burton, jr.; C-1B Jessica Honaker, sr.; C-1B Sam Wickham, sr.; P-OF Kendall Ryndak, fr.; SS Missy Weiss, sr.; CF Anneliese Jagielo, sr.; C Catherine Davis, sr.; OF Lauren Banda, jr.

Outlook: The Trojans should be tough. Butler-bound McNulty enjoyed a breakout All-Area season last year, hitting .443 with 14 doubles, 3 triples, 9 home runs, 35 RBI and an .828 slugging percentage. She's coming off a broken ankle suffered last summer. "McNulty is healed," Magro said. "She's fine." Look for Ellen Jagielo to help spark the offense. Burton will be the No. 1 pitcher. She'll be aided by Ryndak. This could be a big year for the Trojans, who could challenge defending Silver champ Oak Park and break the school record of 23 victories. Their goal? "We're going to say conference," Magro said, "but my quote already to the girls is, 'Play until June.'"

Downers Grove South

Coach: Ron Havelka (16th year, 447-107).

Last season: 32-7, 12-0 (first) in the West Suburban Gold; lost to Edwardsville 5-4 in the Class AA third-place game.

Top players: CF Brooke Andresen, jr.; P Karissa Habel, sr.; SS Kaelene Curry, sr.; C Kayla Gull, jr.; 1B Ashley Dec, sr.; P Jessi Bozek, sr.; 3B Katie Jelinek, jr.; DP Katie Talbot, so.; LF Ashley Vizek, sr.; RF Marissa Mersch, fr.

Outlook: The Mustangs have been on a roll, placing second in state in 2006 and fourth in 2007. Five starters graduated, but plenty of talent returns, including the pitching staff. Andresen moves from short to center, while Curry moves from third to short. The Mustangs bopped 67 homers in the past two years, but don't expect such power this season. Look for them to rely more on a traditional softball offense based on speed. "It's going to be a little different type of team you're going to see out there, but it's going to be a good one," said Havelka, whose program has won the Gold in nine of the past 10 years. "Our expectations for ourselves are very high."

Driscoll

Coach: Nick Christopher (second year).

Last season: 11-24, 3-11 (tied for sixth) in the Suburban Catholic Conference; lost to Glenbard South 10-0 in five innings in the Class AA West Chicago regional semifinals.

Top players: C Maggie Writt, sr.; P Nicole Gange, sr.; 2B Gina Savatski, so.; 3B Tarah McShane, fr.; C Lisa Matsie, fr.; 1B Stephanie Ganster, sr.; CF Gina Maritote, jr.; RF Melissa Woodford, sr.; LF-P BreAunna Medinger, so.; LF Mary Sullivan, sr.

Outlook: The Highlanders saw SCC Player of the Year Stacey Arlis graduate but return 10 players, including seven starters. Writt, who'll play for Loras, moves from behind the plate to short after sending out 11 extra-base hits last season. Leadoff hitter Savatski comes off a .313 year and should provide a spark. Impressive Matsie and McShane will bat 2-3 in the order. The pitching of improved Gange and Medinger will be key for the Highlanders, who figure to hit and play defense. Playing in the Class 2A tourney should benefit them. "I think we've got a good shot at winning 15 to 18 games this year," Christopher said. "We're hoping to finish at least second or third in conference."

Fenton

Coach: Dave Mello (first year).

Last season: 13-18, 3-6 (tied for third) in the Metro Suburban Conference; lost to Maine South 3-2 in the Class AA St. Charles North regional semifinals.

Top players: P-1B Amber Schwarzinger, sr.; CF Deanna Vazquez, sr.; C Samantha Rubright, jr.; 1B Stephanie Pingel, sr.; 2B Mia Sansone, sr.; 3B Angelica Jensen, jr.; SS Jessica Komlo, jr.; SS Sasha Molina, sr.; LF Lauren Stanek, jr.

Outlook: After coaching in the program for six years, Mello, 36, received the head job when Kristy Weseloh stepped down after five seasons. The new coach brings great enthusiasm and high aspirations. "We're shooting to get downstate this year, it's as simple as that." Mello said. He takes over a club that's heavy on experience with veterans Schwarzinger, Vazquez, Pingel, Sansone, Rubright and Molina. Last year Schwarzinger won 10 games and Vazquez batted a team-high .408. Mello hopes to build on the success of the school's girls basketball team. "I'm ready to go," Mello said. "I have a lot of energy, and more important than me having energy, the kids have it right now."

Glenbard East

Coach: Valerie Pinzker (third year, 19-44).

Last season: 11-20, 3-11 (seventh) in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Glenbard West 6-0 in the Class AA Glenbard East regional semifinals.

Top players: SS Alyssa Gianatasio, sr.; P Abby Petersdorf, jr.; 3B Paige Gerstner, sr.; OF Colleen Shannon, sr.; 1B Brittany Cardott, jr.; 2B Jenna Camp, fr.; C Nikki Fairbairn, jr.; C Michaela Stranski, fr.; OF Stephanie Sorensen, sr.; P Meghan Shannon, fr.

Outlook: Pinzker has a good feeling about this group, which was bolstered when the Rams rallied for 5 runs in their last at-bat to tie Hinsdale Central in their opener. Gianatasio takes over the leadership role now that All-Area second baseman Brittany Fairbairn has graduated. Fellow captains Gerstner and Colleen Shannon will lead as well. Petersdorf is back after winning 8 games a year ago. She'll take the ball in most games. "It's really going to be Abby's show," Pinzker said. Camp is a leadoff slapper. The Rams went 8-24 in Pinzker's first season before jumping to 11-20 last year. "We just want to keep improving on each season," she said. "I'd love to get to 16 wins."

Glenbard North

Coach: Josh Sanew (first year).

Last season: 35-3, 14-0 (first) in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Glenbard South 9-4 in the Class AA Glenbard South sectional final.

Top players: P Hannah Santora, jr.; C Bri DiGioia, jr.; SS Jenny Nelson, so.; 2B Jenny Blasius, jr.; RF Elisabeth Walter, sr.; 3B Alyssa Jasinski, fr.; CF Shannon Hood, jr.; DP Laura Scott, jr.; OF Ashley Mottar, sr.; P Stephanie Iori, sr.

Outlook: A new era for the Panthers begins as Sanew, 27, takes over for Jim McKinney, who went 457-119 in 17 seasons. Lost to graduation are slugger Michelle Batts, who's starting for Northwestern, and igniter Kayla Smith, who's playing at Lewis, but there's lots of talent left for Sanew to coach. Santora went 26-1 with a 0.42 ERA while allowing 88 hits and 42 walks in 188 innings during an All-Area 2007. The smart ace is 44-6 in her high school career. Returning starters DiGioia, Nelson, Walter, Scott and Mottar provide additional experience for a program that has won six straight DVC titles. Sanew is emphasizing defense. "That's what I preach at practice," he said.

Glenbard South

Coach: Julie Fonda (third year, 59-16).

Last season: 32-6, 14-0 (first) in the Western Sun Conference; lost to Downers Grove South 2-1 in the Class AA Hinsdale South supersectional.

Top players: P Jill Trzaska, sr.; CF Nikki Simpson, sr.; C Jess Fijolek, sr.; 3B-1B Kristin Grossman, jr.; RF Lauren Podgorski, jr.; SS Emily Braem, sr.; 2B Carrie Asselmeier, jr.; P-1B Robin Borowski, sr.; 1B-LF Therese O'Shea, sr.; 2B Jenny Wittenberg, fr.

Outlook: The Raiders will miss graduated All-Area catcher Ali Davis in more ways than one, but they return All-Area ace Trzaska. Last season the tall right-hander went 22-4 with a 1.06 ERA, striking out 228 in 191 innings and allowing only 117 hits and 37 walks en route to being named the MVP of the WSC. Illinois recruit Simpson can fly in center. The Raiders have two more players who will play in college at the Division III level in Fijolek (Carthage) and Braem (Wartsburg), who moves from third to short. The running Raiders should be tough to beat, particularly in the Class 3A tournament. "It's going to be a fun year," Fonda said. "I'm really excited to see where it leads us."

Glenbard West

Coach: Mary McGrane (first year).

Last season: 17-16, 5-7 (tied for fourth) in the West Suburban Silver; lost to Glenbard North 10-4 in the Class AA Glenbard East regional final.

Top players: P-OF Melissa Rauch, sr.; SS Kathryn Lux, jr.; CF Jayme Hefler, jr.; C Ashley Steinhilber, jr.; P Cassie Goggin, so.; 2B Kristy Borneman, sr.; 3B Ericka Lew, jr.; 1B Flynn Moroni, jr.; P Lauren Albrecht, sr.; OF Briana Wyatt, fr.

Outlook: McGrane, 27, replaces Lee Maciejewski, who coached the Hilltoppers to a 300-128 record in 13 seasons. The former Downers Grove North catcher inherits a team that returns most everyone headed by: the hard-hitting Rauch, who comes off an All-Area season in which she batted .448 with 9 doubles, 2 triples, 7 home runs and 34 RBI; Notre Dame-bound Lux; Hefler, who compiled a .606 on-base percentage last season; and solid receiver Steinhilber. A key will be what happens in the circle where Goggin, Rauch and Albrecht are the possibilities. "It will definitely come down to who steps it up," McGrane said about her pitching plans. The new coach thinks her club can finish in the top three in the Silver.

Hinsdale Central

Coach: Lee Maciejewski (first year).

Last season: 8-22, 3-9 (sixth) in the West Suburban Silver; lost to Downers Grove South 11-1 in six innings in the Class AA Downers Grove South regional semifinals.

Top players: P Jordan Kulawiak, jr.; SS Katie Kopolovic, sr.; CF Traci Freitag, sr.; 1B Lexi Oreluk, jr.; C Lizzy Awick, sr.; DP Julie Devine, sr.; LF Joyce Knepper, sr.; RF Megan Vicino, sr.; 3B Annemarie Madej, jr.; P Jessie Parks, so.

Outlook: Maciejewski is the program's fifth coach in as many years, but he's already promised the freshmen that he'll see them through graduation. The Illinois Coaches Association Hall of Famer owns a 472-220 career record in 23 varsity seasons at West Chicago and Glenbard West. "What I want this group to do is earn the respect of the teams that we play," he said. Kulawiak will do the brunt of the pitching. While all-conference senior shortstop Allison Pilcher did not come out, but Maciejewski believes the Red Devils can eventually turn themselves into a competitive club. "I think we're going to get there," he said. "The kids are pretty good athletes. They're pretty fired up. I like what I have."

Hinsdale South

Coach: Carrie Nelson (third year, 44-18).

Last season: 22-6, 10-2 (second) in the West Suburban Gold; lost to Yorkville 5-4 in the Class AA Yorkville regional semifinals.

Top players: C-3B Paula Louise, sr.; CF Kristy Brewer, sr.; 3B-P Ashleigh Suhajda, sr.; 1B Lindsey Hinni, sr; SS Ashley Kopp, so.; P Amy Narotsky, fr.; P Carly Hinni, so.; OF Julia Katsaros, jr.; 2B Maggie Nowak, jr.; 2B Michelle Bolos, jr.

Outlook: The Hornets hope to enjoy success similar to last year and make a run at Downers Grove South in the Gold. It all starts with Louise, who batted .517 with 5 doubles, 3 triples, 6 homers and 39 RBI in an All-Area season a year ago. "It's hard to repeat those types of numbers," Nelson said. "Hopefully, she doesn't put too much pressure on herself." Brewer anchors the outfield. Junior Kelly Payne, who had 27 RBI a year ago, should return from shoulder surgery in April. A key will be the pitching. The two main pitchers from last year graduated and the two JV ones didn't come out. That leaves Narotsky, Carly Hinni and Suhajda as the pitching options. "We'll mix things up a little bit," Nelson said.

Immaculate Conception

Coach: Tim Chandler (first year).

Last season: 9-20, 3-11 (tied for sixth) in the Suburban Catholic Conference; lost to Lisle 3-0 in the Class A Lisle regional final.

Top players: C Gabi Barnes, sr.; SS Jessica Oscar, jr.; 3B Gina Palumbo, sr.; P-1B Erin Dunne, so.; 1B-P Nicolette Lullo, so.; 2B Ruby Lomeli, sr.; CF Nina Vlahiotis, fr.; LF Katie Krezel, so.; RF Amy Pokorny, so.; P-1B Briana Iosco, fr.

Outlook: Chandler, who has been coaching in the school's boys basketball and baseball programs, is the third softball coach in as many seasons for the Knights. The 25-year-old finds himself with a young team with some veterans. Look for Barnes, Oscar and Palumbo to show the way. "I expect the veterans to really lead us and carry us and really work to mentor the younger players throughout the year," Chandler said. Dunne, who was sidelined last year by a back injury, will head the pitching staff that includes Iosco and Lullo. "I'm going to go with the hot hand or whoever's giving us the best results," Chandler said.

Lake Park

Coach: Cray Allen (fourth year, 101-19).

Last season: 33-5, 19-1 (first) in the Upstate Eight Conference; lost to Bartlett 4-0 in the Class AA St. Charles East sectional final.

Top players: SS Lynsey Ciezki, sr.; P Melissa Mazur, sr.; C Alexis Munaco, jr.; 3B Carly Willert, so.; 2B Samantha Becker, so.; Clarissa Gieseke, sr.; CF Vicki Tomaka, jr.; LF Jamie Pomahac, jr.; RF Chelsea Gieseke, so.; P Rachel Kasper, jr.

Outlook: The Lancers graduated a nucleus of veterans, but return two future Division I players in Ciezki (DePaul) and Mazur (Iowa). Ciezki hit .478 with 11 doubles, 3 triples, 25 RBI, 43 runs and 26 steals while being named the UEC Most Valuable Position Player last year. Mazur was voted the UEC Most Valuable Pitcher after going 26-4 with a 0.89 ERA, striking out 162 in 1952/3 innings. She also batted .464 with 7 doubles, 9 triples, 5 homers and 33 RBI. The Lancers want to defend their UEC title against heralded challenger Bartlett and the rest of the conference. After seeing their state appearance streak end at four years last season, can the Lancers return to East Peoria? "I definitely think we can," Allen said.

Lisle

Coach: Jen Pomatto (first year).

Last season: 29-9, 14-2 (first) in the Interstate Eight North; lost to Casey-Westfield 16-2 in five innings in the Class A quarterfinals.

Top players: CF Liz Todd, sr.; C-LF Colleen Drennan, so.; P-1B BreAnne Prindeville, so.; C-IF Katie Harris, so.; 1B-2B Stephanie Petkovsek, fr.; SS-P Jackie Todd, so.; 3B Ali Curry, jr.; P-1B Anne Begley, fr.

Outlook: Changes abound. Pomatto takes over for Rick Beato, who guided the Lions to a 395-194 record in 18 seasons. Pomatto played at Resurrection and Benedictine and has coached in the program for the past 10 years. The math teacher finds herself in a rebuilding situation with a young group. The big losses to graduation included ace Jaimie Bauerlein and All-Area shortstop Erin Drennan, while senior catcher Dani Fernette is out with a knee injury. All three pitchers should see time in the circle. "We've got young players that have talent that I can pretty much put them wherever I'll need them and they're willing to do that," Pomatto said, "so I'm actually very optimistic about this year."

Montini

Coach: Tom Blackwell (11th year, 155-145).

Last season: 16-12, 11-3 (tied for second) in the Suburban Catholic Conference; lost to Wheaton North 3-0 in the Class AA East Aurora regional semifinals.

Top players: 1B Jess Smith, sr.; 2B Jenna Mahoney, sr.; SS Sarah Maggiore, sr.; RF Jackie Glowinski, sr.; C Fabiana Sullo, jr.; P Lara Mangialardi, so.; LF Kaitlin Maggiore, so.; P Stephanie Lichay, jr.

Outlook: Four-year varsity players Smith and Mahoney make the right side of the infield a strength, and Sarah Maggiore enters her third season at short. Additionally, this is Glowinski's fourth varsity season and Sullo's third. This is a club that should be able to catch the ball. "Defensively, we're pretty strong," Blackwell said. That'll be especially important with a change in the circle. Ace Lauren James has graduated and is now pitching for Illinois Wesleyan, Mangialardi takes over the No. 1 spot after pitching on the sophomore team last year. "When I watched her in the summer, she was good," Blackwell said. "She throws the ball hard and can hit her spots."

Naperville Central

Coach: Andy Nussbaum (25th year, 404-399).

Last season: 22-12, 6-8 (tied for fifth) in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Naperville North 7-5 in the Class AA Bolingbrook regional semifinals.

Top players: 3B Lizzy Ploen, sr.; SS Erin Graham, jr.; P Natalie Wunderlich, jr.; RF Maggie Buoy, jr.; OF Katie Bradley, sr.; OF Katie Atwood, sr.; C-1B Megan Silke, so.; 2B Jori Gonzalez, so.; 1B Stephanie Lynch, jr.

Outlook: Wunderlich enters the season as the Redhawks' undisputed ace for the first time. She went 14-6 with a 1.48 ERA a year ago. "I think she will be more consistently good," Nussbaum said. The left side of the infield should be strong with Boston College recruit Ploen, who batted .315 with 15 RBI last season, and Graham, who hit .355 with 17 RBI. The Redhawks have the potential to contend in the DVC -- if they can produce enough offense. "I think we have all the pieces in place to be pretty good," Nussbaum said. "I'm a little concerned about whether we'll be able to score runs. Last year we were pretty solid defensively and pretty solid pitching-wise, but at times we had trouble scoring runs."

Naperville North

Coach: Jerry Kedziora (sixth year, 68-100).

Last season: 10-20, 2-12 (eighth) in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Downers Grove North 3-0 in the Class AA Bolingbrook regional final.

Top players: SS Sarah Adam, jr.; OF Jessica Stapleton, so.; 2B Diana Rechenmacher, jr.; DP Val Paulo, sr.; 3B Kristen Thornton, jr.; 1B-P Lauren Clouston, so.; P Layne Engel, jr.; P Emily Dieckmann, fr.; CF Sammy Marshall, fr.; C Gabby Masini, jr.

Outlook: The Huskies are young with only two seniors, but Kedziora likes the potential of this crew. Look for Adam to lead the way at short. "Sara's just stepped it up another level this year," Kedziora said. "She grew and got stronger. I think it's going to be fun watching her." With Rechenmacher at second, the team should be strong up the middle. Engel and Clouston are the top pitching options, but Dieckmann will get a chance in the circle, too. A goal is to climb into the top half of the conference. Said Kedziora, "I'm thinking these girls are going to go in with some reckless abandon to where they might be able to surprise some people."

Neuqua Valley

Coach: Michelle Schmidt (third year, 31-38).

Last season: 18-16, 12-7 (third) in the Upstate Eight Conference; lost to Downers Grove South 10-0 in six innings in the Class AA Downers Grove South regional final.

Top players: IF Jenna Marsalli, so.; P-1B Colleen Hohman, so.; CF Haley Bork, sr.; LF Kandice Gustafson, sr.; P Lindsay Colvin, sr.; 3B-P Hailey Jackson, so.; IF Megan Rice, jr.; C Summer McKenzie, jr.; IF Christa Holley, so.; 3B-OF Amanda Mener, fr.; RF Rachel Parrish, sr.

Outlook: The Wildcats lost their first seven games last year but recovered nicely. Marshall was voted their MVP after batting .414. She'll play second or short, depending on which receives the most action, and Rice will play the other middle infield spot. "They're both really solid," Schmidt said. Hohman will head a three-person pitching staff. "I think this is our most well-rounded team since I've been here," Schmidt said. "We definitely want to improve on our 18-16 finish. I'd love to see us win 25. That could be a high goal for us, but I think that it's reasonable, as long as we play to our potential."

St. Francis

Coach: Ralph Remus (10th year, 161-126).

Last season: 17-11, 11-3 (tied for second) in the Suburban Catholic Conference; lost to Geneva 1-0 in nine innings in the Class AA West Aurora regional semifinals.

Top players: C-1B Jenny Eldridge, jr.; SS Monica Mraz, sr.; 3B-OF Kelcey Fabianski, so.; 1B Kaitlin Corcoran, sr.; P Maddie Blecha, jr.; 2B Paige Davis, fr.; CF-P Lauren Gorski, fr.; P Taylor Ronchetto, fr.; P Laura Behnke, fr.

Outlook: The Spartans find themselves in transition after taking some heavy hits to graduation, including two-time All-Area selection Nicole Bobowski, who led the team with her pitching and hitting. The good news is Eldridge is back behind the plate, and Mraz and Fabianski return to the left side of the infield. Blecha, who pitched for the frosh-soph squad the last two years, will be backed by three freshmen who are part of the program's promising Class of 2011. "Obviously, we miss the kids we lost, but with a lot of new faces it's kind of rejuvenating," Remus said. "There's a lot to teach and go through with the young kids, so we're looking forward to the season."

Timothy Christian

Coach: Nancy Wieringa (fifth year, 66-68).

Last season: 13-14, 8-6 (tied for third) in the Private School League; lost to Walther Lutheran 8-7 in the Class A Lisle sectional semifinals.

Top players: SS Lauren Hansberger, jr.; P Janna Strodtman, so.; C Audie Smith, so.; 2B Karen Boice, sr.; P-3B-OF Kari LeGrand, fr.; 1B Ashley Tameling, so.; CF Brittany Vander Naald, jr.; RF Hannah Bowman, jr.

Outlook: It's rebuilding time for the Trojans, who have won two straight regional titles. Only four players return. Hansberger will lead after batting .481 with 7 doubles, 4 triples, 3 homers, 15 RBI and 35 runs last season. Strodtman is back after winning 12 games a year ago. Smith provides experience behind the plate, and Boice offers senior leadership at second. "The rest is up for grabs," Wieringa said. A project is softball newcomer LaDrena Lanier, a junior who's being taught to slap. "She's an athlete and everything that we've taught her so far she's picked up on, which is really nice," Wieringa said. "And she's got some speed."

Waubonsie Valley

Coach: Kris Kalivas (fourth year, 40-60).

Last season: 17-15, 12-8 (fifth) in the Upstate Eight Conference; lost to Plainfield Central 5-1 in the Class AA Waubonsie Valley regional final.

Top players: 2B Tori Spears, jr.; SS Ally Seplak, jr.; CF Kayleigh Crouch, jr.; P Breanna Price, so.; P Lauren Thresh, so.; P Becky Randall, so.; C Becky Horton, jr.; 1B Lisa Corrigan, jr.; 3B Jackie Kreiner, fr.; LF Jessica Lobraco, sr.

Outlook: Injury continues to dog the Warriors. Kalivas saw her basketball team plagued by injuries and now the softball squad has suffered a big one. Elbow surgery has sidelined sophomore ace Lindsey Jozefowicz for the season. Varsity newbies Price, Thresh and Randall will try to pick up the pitching slack. "We're hoping they can keep us in ballgames and our defense will be able to back them up," Kalivas said. The strength is up in the middle in Spears, Seplak and Crouch. The basketball team overcame the injury factor to post one of the program's best seasons, and Kalivas hopes her softball club can similarly handle its bad luck and improve on its record and conference showing from a year ago.

West Chicago

Coach: Jim Schaudt (14th year, 229-219).

Last season: 15-15, 6-8 (tied for fifth) in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Batavia 11-3 in the Class AA West Chicago regional semifinals.

Top players: C Linnea Detrick, sr.; 2B-P Kaity Olson, so.; SS Izzy Bruce, so.; P Mary Connolly, fr.; 1B Chrissie Rovtar, jr.; 3B-CF Jamie Dash, jr.; IF Megan Scott, sr.; OF Danielle McAvoy, so.; OF Taylor Kutilek, so.

Outlook: The Wildcats are young with only two seniors on the roster. Illinois recruit Detrick will anchor the team behind the plate. The two-time all-conference receiver's experience should prove invaluable as she handles the young pitching staff of hard-throwing freshman Connolly and sophomore Olson, who will play second if she isn't pitching. Both will receive their chance early in the season and Schaudt will see how things develop from there. "Obviously, with this many young kids there's a whole lot of question marks that have to be answered, but I like the makeup of the team," Schaudt said. "I've got a lot of athletic kids. That always bodes well."

Wheaton Academy

Coach: Rachel Brooke (first year).

Last season: 15-14, 8-6 (tied for third) in the Private School League; lost to Wheaton Warrenville South 14-0 in five innings in the Class AA East Aurora regional semifinals.

Top players: C Olivia Tilly, so.; LF Biz Wright, sr.; CF Allison Hunt, jr.; P Paige Huizenga, fr.; SS Kelly Johnson, jr.; 1B Gracey Roskam, sr.; 3B Katie Vizzone, jr.; RF Becca Dyer, sr.; DP Ashley Pivaronas, so.; 2B Laura Adams, sr.

Outlook: Brooke takes over the program from PSL Coach of the Year Rick Stevens, who left for a teaching job in Colorado. Brooke (nee Keating) is a 2003 Wheaton Academy graduate who played on the school's sectional championship club that year. These Warriors suffered some key losses to graduation, including pitcher Lindsey Setar. The good news is Tilly and Wright return after being all-league selections. Tilly batted .507 with 18 RBI, while Wright hit .372 and scored 21 runs last year. Their leadership will be key to a team which lost six starters. "We have a lot of potential on this team," Brooke said. "Our biggest challenge this year is to remain mentally tough."

Wheaton North

Coach: Karen Calabrese (fourth year, 58-47).

Last season: 18-16, 8-6 (third) in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Wheaton Warrenville South 2-0 in the Class AA East Aurora regional final.

Top players: 1B Adrianne Sieben, sr.; C Brooke Olson, jr.; 3B Alex Stankus, sr.; P Kahla Nolan, fr.; SS Paige Wilson, fr.; CF Bethany Holaway, jr.; P Sarah Berberich, jr.; 2B Jenna Lawrenz, sr.

Outlook: The Falcons should be interesting to watch with two freshmen playing key positions. Nolan is being counted on to pitch the majority of games. "That's the idea for right now," Calabrese said. "She's the best we have. She has pretty good power with good movement." Fellow freshman Wilson will be the starting shortstop. Sieben and her bat top the group of four returning starters that includes Stankus, Holaway and Lawrenz. Calabrese hopes her Falcons can be around .500. "We've got a lot of girls playing together that have never played together, so we're going to have to wait and see if we can bring it all together," she said. "I think we have some talent."

Wheaton Warrenville South

Coach: Denise McCance (fifth year, 83-62).

Last season: 24-13, 7-7 (fourth) in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Glenbard South 2-1 in the Class AA Glenbard South sectional semifinals.

Top players: 2B-P Meaghan Sullivan, jr.; SS Katy Frey, sr.; P Virginia McAndrews, sr.; CF Brianna Wolf, sr.; 3B Jessica Fleming, jr.; C Meghan Murphy, jr.; 1B Ashley DiLeonardi, sr.; LF Timmie Rappe, fr.; RF Casey Stelletello, sr.; CF Jessica Wasser, so.

Outlook: You might be thinking the Tigers will be down this year after graduating strikeout queen Laura Tarnawa, but that doesn't figure to be the case. McAndrews inherits the ace's role after pitching the JV squad to the conference title last season. Murphy will continue to be her catcher. Sullivan has the potential to be an impact player and will team with Frey to form a talented double-play combination. Leadoff hitter Wolf has been sidelined by a broken collarbone suffered while playing hockey, but she's expected back soon. The Tigers hope to contend for the DVC title thanks in part to their improved speed. "As a coach, I have a lot more options," McCance said.

Willowbrook

Coach: Jim White (seventh year, 44-138).

Last season: 10-21, 2-10 (sixth) in the West Suburban Gold; lost to Driscoll 2-1 in the Class AA Willowbrook regional quarterfinals.

Top players: P Michelle Interrante, so.; 2B Taylor Ryan, so.; C Jamie Krueger, jr.; SS Lindsey Bogardus, jr.; LF Noel Burns, sr.; 1B Angela Domin, jr.; 3B-C Nicole Interrante, so.; CF Alex Zabel, jr.; IF/OF Holly Kosir, jr.

Outlook: The Warriors saw five starters graduate, including All-Area center fielder Kelly Petersen, but they're optimistic better days are ahead thanks to Michelle Interrante moving into the circle. "I have a very good feeling about this year just because the energy of this team is different than years past," White said. "There's an expectation that we haven't felt around here in a long time. I have a really good pitcher this year and I think she's bringing along a positive reinforcement." Burns will be the only senior starter, but White believes his young club can hit better and take a big step up in conference. "The girls really believe that as well," he said.

York

Coach: Tom Babyar (30th year, 535-368).

Last season: 13-24, 5-7 (tied for fourth) in the West Suburban Silver; lost to West Aurora 1-0 in the Class AA West Aurora regional semifinals.

Top players: 2B Betsy Malone, sr.; 3B Kelly Sullivan, sr.; SS Alyssa Kilgallon, jr.; P Katie Schroeder, sr.; P Amelia Kaderabek, jr.; C Gina Knutson, jr.; CF Lauren Kelly, sr.; 1B Meredith Brackett, sr.; LF Sam DeBernardis, sr.; RF Megan McDunn, jr.

Outlook: The Dukes return 11 varsity players. Lefty Schroeder and righty Kaderabek will split time again in the circle. The staff issued only 45 walks last year. "We won't overpower anyone, but our pitching should be pretty solid," Babyar said. "It should keep us in ballgames." Look for two-time all-conference pick Malone along with Sullivan and Kilgallon to lead a potentially potent offense. "We have some people who can drive in some runs," said Babyar, who believes his club can be better than .500. "We have some pop. I'll be very surprised if we don't hit about 20 home runs. We have the chance to turn a game around with some of our hitters."