Scouting DuPage County softball
Addison Trail
Coach: Jim Llorens.
Last year: 7-21-1, 3-9 in the West Suburban Gold.
Top players: Nikki Zdrahel, sr.; Gina Cacioppo, sr.; Melissa Hochheimer, sr.; Jackie Ciran, sr.; Katie Klco, jr., P; Alex Santilli, so.; Natalie Nowosad, so.; Amanda Zygowitz, jr.
Outlook: The Blazers bring back experience in key positions. The whole infield, catcher and No. 2 pitcher Klco are back. They'll be needed in the rugged Gold, with the likes of Downers Grove South and Hinsdale South. "Our key," first-year coach Llorens said, "will be how well Klco will pitch as our No. 1 this season."
Benet
Coach: Jerry Schilf
Last year: 21-15, 12-8, sixth in East Suburban Catholic Conference.
Top players: Courtney Makowski, sr., 3B; Meghan Eastman, sr., P; Claire Geyer, sr., OF: Kelsey Wirth, jr., C; Lindsey Rohan, jr., OF/IF; Nora McGuire, so., 1B; Mykala Panko, so., OF; Kendall Duffy, fr., U.
Outlook: How balanced is the Benet lineup? No. 8 hitter Panko led the Redwings in homers last year with 5. Makowski is the most consistent bat. Geyer, a slap hitter at the top of the lineup, is another four-year starter. Eastman struck out 14 in Benet's first game. "Any of the nine kids can hit in a given game," Schilf said.
Downers Grove North
Coach: Mark Magro
Last year: 15-15, 5-7, fifth in West Suburban Silver.
Top players: Jules Burton, sr., P; Kendall Ryndak, so., P/IF/OF; Lauren Branda, sr., CF; Hallie Niewold, sr., P/IF/OF; Katie Hunzinger, so., SS; Jenna Gonzalez, jr., IF/OF.
Outlook: The Trojans boast a deep pitching staff led by Ryndak, who had 11 wins last year with four shutouts. She'll also bat third. "She just loves to play - she gets depressed when it rains," Magro said. Key for Burton is staying healthy. Neither catcher has varsity experience. Niewold is back in center after missing last year with an ACL injury.
Downers Grove South
Coach: Ron Havelka
Last year: 25-7, 11-1, tied for first in West Suburban Gold.
Top players: Brooke Andresen, sr., CF; Kayla Gull, sr., C; Marissa Mersch, so. OF: Katie Jelinek, sr., 3B; Katy LaCivita, fr., OF: Brianna Merola, sr., SS; Jacqueline Riordan, sr., 2B; Brooke Denby, sr.
Outlook: Loyola recruit Andresen, coming off a monster year where she hit .514 with 9 homers and 48 RBI, leads a loaded lineup. Mersch hit .451 as a freshman. Big question is on the mound, as Katie Talbot will miss the season with a stress fracture in her ulna. That leaves a rotation with no varsity experience. "We have to keep other teams off the board," Havelka said.
Driscoll
Coach: Frank Reaber.
Last year: 11-19.
Top players: Gina Maritote, sr., CF/LF: Lisa Matsie, so., 3B/C; Tarah McShane, so., C/3B; BreAunna Medinger, jr., P/OF; Katelynn Conenna, fr., SS/OF: Allie DiVito, so., 2B/OF; Kasey Reaber, so., CF.
Outlook: As Frank Reaber scans his infield, this is what he sees: sophomore, junior, sophomore, freshman, sophomore, sophomore. That's fine with him. McShane hit over .500 as a freshman and will bat third. Reaber and DiVito will bat 1-2. Both could be a terror on the bases. Keep an eye on hot-shot freshman Conenna. Reaber said Driscoll will "go so far as Medinger takes them" on the mound.
Fenton
Coach: Dave Mello.
Last year: 24-15, 6-3, tied for first in the Metro Suburban Conference.
Top players: Samantha Rubright, sr., SS; Angelica Jensen, sr., 3B; Lauren Stanek, sr., CF; Jessica Komlo, sr., 2B; Brittany Marquardt, sr., RF; McKall Pugliese, jr., LF: Marissa Santagata, jr., 3B/P; Marissa Vazquez, fr., P; Kelly Welch, fr., C; Taylor Pugliese, fr., OF.
Outlook: The Bison set the bar high last year, winning their first conference title in 31 years and first regional. Rubright hit .341 with 33 runs scored. Vazquez and Welch form an all-freshman battery. "Our seniors got a taste of success last year," Mello said, "and they want to get back there."
Glenbard East
Coach: Valerie Pinzker
Last year: 16-8-2, 7-7 in the DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Brittany Cardott, sr., 1B; Abby Petersdorf, sr., P; Megan Shannon, so., SS; Michaela Stranski, so., C; Nikki Fairbairn, sr., OF: Jenna Camp, so., 2B; Michele Graham, jr., IF.
Outlook: The Rams have a solid battery with returning starter Petersdorf and Stranski. Young second baseman Camp is off to a fast start. Pinzker hopes to finish in the top half, if not better, in a rugged DVC. "This team believes in each other," Pinzker said, "and they never quit."
Glenbard North
Coach: Josh Sanew
Last year: 18-12, 8-6, third in DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Hannah Santora, sr., P: Bri DiGioia, sr., C; Jenny Nelson, jr., SS; Alyssa Jasinski, so., 3B; Laura Scott, sr., 2B-DH; Jenny Blasius, sr., RF-2B.
Outlook: The Panthers had 10 one-run losses last year but showed their potential in upsetting Bartlett in regionals. Santora, who struck out 213 with a 1.23 ERA as a junior, and DiGioia form perhaps the best battery in the DVC. Nelson and Jasinski are a dynamic young left side of the infield. Scott is back after missing last year. "We have a deeper lineup this year," Sanew said.
Glenbard South
Coach: Julie Fonda
Last year: 29-7, 14-0, first in Western Sun Conference.
Top players: Jenny Wittenberg, so., SS; Lauren Podgorski, sr., CF; Amanda Fazzari, jr., 3B; Amanda Straka, sr., LF; Kristin Grossman, sr., 1B; Carrie Asselmeier, sr., 2B; Jackie Wrona, so., C; Jess Wilkes, so, P.
Outlook: The Raiders lost four starters, including their entire battery, off last year's state team. Don't shortchange a return to East Peoria. Wittenberg struck out just 4 times last season. She moves from second to shortstop. Fazzari and Straka boast good gloves. Wilkes and Danielle Chitkowski fill the big shoes left by Jill Trzaska. "I think we are going to surprise some people," Fonda said.
Glenbard West
Coach: Mary McGrane.
Last year: 22-7, 9-2, second in West Suburban Silver.
Top players: Ashley Steinhilber, sr., C; Jayme Hefler, sr., CF: Ericka Lew, sr., 3B; Cassie Goggin, jr., P; Maddie Morris, fr., SS; Brianna Wyatt, so., LF.
Outlook: The Hilltoppers took a blow before the season, as shortstop Kathryn Lux was lost for the year with a torn labrum. With Lux out Glenbard West leans more heavily on Hefler, who hit .376 last year, and Lew, .327 with 4 homers. Steinhilber is the field general. The Hilltoppers start a freshman at shortstop and sophomores at first and second base. "Having our seniors here makes it easier," McGrane said.
Hinsdale Central
Coach: Lee Maciejewski.
Last year: 9-18, 3-11 in West Suburban Silver.
Top players: Jordan Kulawiak, sr., P; Katie McGivney, sr., 2B; Lexi Oreluk, sr., 1B; Grace Amodeo, jr., C; Jessie Parks, jr., P; Kathryn Klebenow, so., CF; Kelly Yedinack, sr., SS; Lauren Franke, jr., 3B; Maggie Brennan, so., 1B; Jen Loiselle, fr., LF.
Outlook: Maciejewski continues the process of building a program to the level of other girls sports at Hinsdale Central. McGivney and Oreluk are three-year varsity players. Klebenow is one to keep an eye on. An issue is numbers. "We just need to generate more interest in the program," Maciejewski said.
Hinsdale South
Coach: Carrie Nelson
Last year: 20-12, 11-1, tied for first in West Suburban Gold.
Top players: Kelly Payne, sr., C/3B; Julia Katsaros, sr., CF: Michelle Bolos, sr., SS/2B; Carly Hinni, jr., P; Amy Narotsky, fr., P; Ashley Kopp, jr., 3B/SS.
Outlook: The Hornets tied for the Gold title last year. That's not enough for them this year. Payne, who hit .397 last year, is healthy after a season-ending basketball injury. Payne, Katsaros, Bolos and Kopp can all play multiple positions. Hinni and Narotsky will split duties on the mound. "The girls have to realize this spring that every game is important," Nelson said.
Immaculate Conception
Coach: Tim Chandler
Last year: 8-19, 1-13, eighth in the Suburban Catholic Conference.
Top players: Jessica Oscar, sr., 3B; Erin Dunne, jr., P/LF; Nina Vlahiotis, so., C/CF; Brianne Iosco, so., P/SS/LF; Judy Morris, so., 2B; Gia Caliendo, jr., SS/LF; Jocelyn Sanchez, fr, CF/C.
Outlook: Similar to conference rivals Driscoll and St. Francis, the Knights are young - but with experience. Seven of nine starters saw action last season. Vlahiotis hit .311, Dunne struck out 69 in 802/3 innings. "We need to cut down on our unearned runs," Chandler said, "and increase our production with runners in scoring position."
Lake Park
Coach: Tom Mazzie.
Last year: 34-5, 18-2, second in Upstate Eight Conference.
Top players: Alexis Munaco, sr., C; Vicki Tomaka, sr., CF; Kaitlyn Tunzi, sr., OF: Jaime Pomahac, sr., OF/IF; Carly Willert, jr., 3B; Samantha Becker, jr., 2B; Angie Bates, jr., P.
Outlook: Gone are Lynsey Ciezki and Missy Mazur from the 4A third-place squad. Don't shed too many tears. Mazzie, an assistant last year, brings back a core heavy on experience. Munaco hit .412 with 7 homers and 42 RBI. Willert, one of nine sophomores brought up a year ago, hit .402. Tomaka can go get it in center. "Now it's time for the juniors to step up and lead the way with our seniors," Mazzie said.
Lisle
Coach: Jen Pomatto.
Last year: 5-20, 2-14 in Interstate Eight Conference.
Top players: Colleen Drennan, jr., CF; Breanne Prindeville, jr., 3B; Bekka Houda, so., P; Melanie Early, fr., P.; Allison Petkovsek, sr., 2B; Tori Harris, so., RF.
Outlook: A more versatile Lions roster has an injection of youth with three freshmen who went to state as eighth-graders and three sophomores. Drennan hit .338 last year and has moved from catcher to center. Houda is a transfer from Lockport with a strong changeup and will split time with Early. Harris has impressed leading off. "The competition has made the girls step up their play," Pomatto said.
Montini
Coach: Mike Bukovsky.
Last year: 13-12, 8-5 in Suburban Catholic Conference.
Top players: Jenna Scudder, sr., 1B; Lara Mangialardi, jr., P; Fabi Sullo, sr., C; Deena Sarno, sr., 2B; Ashley Turacek, sr., 1B; Tori Shipbaugh, fr., P.
Outlook: Bukovsky, architect of Montini's renowned wrestling program, takes over an improving softball team. Mangialardi and Scudder were all-conference as juniors. Sullo, a four-year varsity catcher, is at the other end of a strong battery. Bukovsky likes the depth of the team. Improving fundamentals with an emphasis on defense has been stressed. "If we play good solid defense we can be very good," Bukovsky said.
Naperville Central
Coach: Andy Nussbaum.
Last year: 24-7, second in DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Natalie Wunderlich, sr., P; Erin Graham, sr., 3B; Stephanie Lynch, sr., 1B; Maggie Buoy, sr., CF; Megan Silke, jr., C; Jorie Gonzalez, 2B; Alyssa Wunderlich, so., P; Kelsey Gonzalez, fr., SS.
Outlook: Twenty years ago Nussbaum took Naperville Central to a second-place finish in the state. Could the Redhawks celebrate that anniversary in East Peoria? They have the pitching to do it. Natalie Wunderlich went 20-6 with 237 strikeouts. Kid sister Alyssa would be most teams' ace. Freshman shortstop Gonzalez has big potential. "We have extremely high expectations," Nussbaum said.
Naperville North
Coach: Jerry Kedziora.
Last year: 14-17, 4-10, seventh in the DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Sara Adam, sr., SS; Sammy Marshall, so., CF; Diana Rechenmacher, sr., 3B; Kristin Thornton, sr., 1B; Layne Engel, sr., P; Emily Dieckmann, so., P/1B; Caitlyn Warren, fr., OF.
Outlook: The Huskies are in uncharted waters: "we have all our starters back - we haven't had that since I've been here," Kedziora said. Adam, who will play at Augustana, is a three-year starter with a big bat and a dynamite glove. "Sara's going to make our team go," Kedziora said. Marshall is a speedy leadoff hitter. The Huskies will go three-deep on the mound.
Neuqua Valley
Coach: Michelle Schmidt
Last year: 18-13, 14-6, third in Upstate Eight Conference.
Top players: Jenna Marsalli, jr., SS; Colleen Hohman, jr., P-1B; Amanda Mener, so., OF: Summer McKenzie, sr., C/OF; Katie Wido, jr., IF; Megan Rice, sr., IF
Outlook: If you're building a softball team, Marsalli and Hohman are a good place to start. Marsalli hit .439 with 11 homers last year. Hohman, who verbally committed to Kansas recently, will pitch the lion's share of Neuqua's games. "They are twice the athletes they were last year," Schmidt said, "and it's because of the intensive training they do." McKenzie, Mener and freshman Kat Widup make up a speedy, all-lefty outfield.
St. Francis
Coach: Ralph Remus
Last year: 13-18, 4-9, sixth in Suburban Catholic Conference.
Top players: Jenny Eldridge, sr., C; Kelley Fabianski, jr., 3B; Paige Davis, so., SS; Emily Karpinski, so., 1B; Laura Behnke, so., OF: Taylor Ronchetto, so., P; Therese Kerr, jr., P.
Outlook: The Spartans are still young - but with seven starters back, are more seasoned. Eldridge, who hit .337 last year, and Fabianski lead by example. Ronchetto and Mother McAuley transfer Kerr will split time on the mound. Davis, Karansky and Behnke all hit over .300 last season. "I don't know how we'll end up," Remus said, "but it's probably the deepest team I've had."
Timothy Christian
Coach: Nancy Wieringa.
Last year: 14-14, 9-5 in Private School League.
Top players: Lauren Hansberger, sr., SS; Janna Strodtman, jr., P; Audie Smith, jr., C; Julie Faber, sr., OF: Jenna Stech, sr., OF: Brittany VanderNaald, sr., OF: Kari LeGrand, so., 3B; Christina Lemon, so., U.
Outlook: Eight starters return, many who played summer ball together. Chief among them is Hansberger, who hit .378 last year with 6 homers and 24 RBI. Strodtman returns in the circle with added strength from summer ball and more control of her pitches. Smith is a vocal leader behind the plate and also stole 19 bases. "Having most of these girls play summer ball together," Wieringa said, "that makes a difference."
Waubonsie Valley
Coach: Kris Kalivas.
Last year: 7-21, 5-13, eighth in Upstate Eight Conference.
Top players: Tori Spears, sr., 2B; Ally Seplak, sr., SS; Becky Horton, sr., C; Lindsey Jozefowicz, jr., P; Lauren Thresh, jr., P; Kara Weiss, jr., OF: Becky Randall, jr., P; Jackie Kreiener, so., 3B/1B; Lisa Corrigan, sr., 1B.
Outlook: Jozefowicz, who missed last season with an elbow injury, is back on the mound. Her return is a big boost. Spears and Seplak bring stability to the infield. The Warriors started four freshmen in their first game. "Having Lindsey back puts us in a position to win ballgames," Kalivas said. "It's a matter of our offense being able to come through."
West Chicago
Coach: Emily Johnson.
Last year: 24-9, 11-3, first in the DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Mary Connolly, so., P; Chrissie Rovtar, sr., 1B; Taylor Kutilek, sr., OF; Izzy Bruce, jr., SS; Molly Monroe, jr., OF; Kaity Olson, jr., C; Ali Taddeucci, jr., C/DP; Jamie Dash, sr., 3B; Taylor Dash, jr., OF; Jessica Wood, fr., OF/1B.
Outlook: Wheaton Warrenville South grad Johnson takes over the DVC champs. Connolly went 23-7 with 295 strikeouts as a freshman. Bruce can throw some leather at shortstop and Mississippi State recruit Rovtar is a big bat. Johnson calls Wood a diamond in the rough. "There's a lot of natural talent here," Johnson said.
Wheaton Academy
Coach: Todd Starowitz.
Last year: 4-17-1
Top players: Paige Huizenga, so., P/UT; Allison Hunt, sr., C; Ashley Pivaronas, jr., OF; Julia Kolanowski, jr., 2B/OF; Kelly Johnson, sr., SS; Alison Koch, jr., 3B; Kim Olson, fr., 1B/P; Bitsy Weaver, fr., CF/1B.
Outlook: First-year coach Starowitz, who worked with the softball program at the University of Indiana, began the season with nine players and no fresh-soph team. "It's a small group," he said, "but I've been pleased with their willingness to work." Starowitz praised the commitment of Hunt, who moved from third base to catcher. Huizenga isn't overpowering, but throws strikes. Weaver is leading off and has raw talent.
Wheaton North
Coach: Karen Calabrese.
Last year: 13-15, 3-11, eighth in the DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Paige Wilson, so., SS; Kahla Nolan, so., P; Sarah Leahy, sr., LF; Kirsten Krzyzewski, jr., 3B; Paige Evangelista, so., C.
Outlook: Leadoff hitter Leahy is the lone senior starter - but the young kids can play. Wilson hit .394 as a freshman. "In my five years here the best athlete I've seen," Calabrese said. Nolan had a 1.99 ERA last year and should improve on that with better command. "The biggest concern I have with such a young crew," Calabrese said, "is how they'll do hitting against varsity-level pitching."
Wheaton Warrenville South
Coach: Denise McCance
Last year: 17-15, 8-6 in DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Meaghan Sullivan, sr., 2B; Gina Ravanesi, sr., 3B; Jessica Fleming, sr., 3B; Jessica Wasser, jr., OF; Timmie Rappe, so., OF; Bekah Munday, so., SS; Julianne LaFleur, jr., P; Izzy Vogt, jr., OF; Krysta Watts, fr., C; Claire Linebarger, so., 1B.
Outlook: Hitting with runners on will be crucial for the Tigers. They appear to be improved there. Sullivan, committed to Butler, will hit third in a balanced lineup. Munday and Watts have been pleasant surprises early. McCance likes the work ethic of LaFleur, the Tigers No. 2 starter last year. "I think we have a good hitting team," McCance said.
Willowbrook
Coach: Jim White.
Last year: 10-19, 5-7 in the West Suburban Gold.
Top players: Nicole Interrante, jr., 3B/1B; Michelle Interrante, jr., P; Alex Zabel, sr., OF; Lindsey Bogardus, SS/2B; Angela Domin, sr., 1B; Taylor Ryan, jr., SS; Jamie Krueger, sr., C.
Outlook: With every starter back, the Warriors welcome the stability. Nicole Interrante hit 7 homers last year. Michelle Interrante is consistent around the plate this spring. A boost to the coaching staff is the addition of former Naperville North standout Rachel Karos. "We have the pieces," White said, "we just have to put them all together."
York
Coach: Tom Babyar.
Last year: 17-19, 6-6 in the West Suburban Silver.
Top players: Gina Knutson, sr., C; Amelia Kaderabeck, sr., P; Tessa Krull, fr., P/1B; Alyssa Kilgallon, sr., SS; Lucy Poro, sr., 2B; Danielle Morency, fr., 3B; Megan McDunn, sr., LF; Katelyn Wudel, jr., CF; Rachel Lawshe, sr, RF.
Outlook: The Dukes are in good hands with Delaware recruit Knutson behind the plate. She hit .411 with 8 homers and 29 RBI last year. Kaderabeck will split time on the mound with promising freshman Krull, who will also hit cleanup. Kilgallon is the healthiest she's been in three varsity seasons.
- Joshua Welge