Softball: Fox Valley All-Area team

Kristina Ahlers Burlington CentralAhlers burst onto the varsity scene this season and became one of the Fox Valley area's most consistent hitters. Playing shortstop for the 19-17 sectional finalist Rockets, she hit .404 with 6 home runs and 31 RBI, 7 doubles, 7 triples, 29 runs scored and only 11 strikeouts in 112 plate appearances. Also had a .464 on-base percentage and a .798 slugging percentage. "Kristina was a sophomore who moved up and played a new position and ended up being solid defensively and was arguably our best hitter," said BC coach Kyle Molik. "She led our team in home runs and RBI and was a real catalyst for our offense. She has a bright future."

Stacy Bellack South ElginBellack's first year on varsity was a successful one. She hit .412 with 35 hits in 85 at-bats. Bellack, a junior, had 5 doubles and drove in 15 runs while scoring 16 runs herself. In the field this all-Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division pick made 1 error in 34 chances, playing mainly right field. "Stacy had a great year," said Storm coach Stephanie Katzenberger. "She hit out of a lot of different spots for us. She had the hot hand for us most of the season and a third of the games she hit leadoff. Whether she hit first, second or third she got it done. She was pretty much dead-on all season."

Haley Bohne LarkinLarkin's freshman catcher/shortstop had a productive rookie season for the Royals, hitting .465 with 4 home runs and 22 RBI. Also had 7 doubles, 3 triples and scored 21 runs. "Haley did a great job for us," said Larkin coach Anne Vogt. "She was a silent leader as a freshman who put up decent numbers for us. Her defense gave us necessary momentum changes in key games this season, leading us to the most wins we've had in five years. We look forward for her to continue to grow and help Larkin move forward as a program."

Emily Borg JacobsBorg earned all-Fox Valley Conference Valley Division honors after leading Jacobs in home runs (7) and RBI (36). Borg, a junior, hit .368 with 42 hits in 114 at-bats. She also had 10 doubles and scored 28 runs and finished with a .658 slugging percentage. "Emily has grown as a player the past few years with her physical ability as well as her mental side," said Jacobs coach Katie O'Brien. "Emily is very consistent. She only struck out 12 times this year (in 127 plate appearances) and was able to put the ball in play. She's grown into a hitter that puts the ball into play situationally. She took over first base this year very well. She's an experienced player who did a great job for us this season."

Carly Chovanec CL SouthOnly a freshman, Chovanec was a valuable piece to the puzzle for the Gators both at the plate and in the field. This all-Fox Valley Conference Valley Division selection batted .432 with 41 hits in 95 at-bats. Chovanec had 10 doubles, 4 triples, 3 home runs and 19 RBI, while scoring 28 runs. She finished the season with a .716 slugging percentage and stole 6 bases. "In 12 of our major offensive categories she was first in nine of them," South coach Scott Busam pointed out. "Carly did everything for us. She was one of the big catalysts for our offense and she was such an aggressive base runner that she single-handedly put pressure on defenses. For her to show that amount of poise as a freshman is impressive. Chovanec also proved valuable in the field for the Gators, playing both middle infield positions and handling some of the catching duties.

Andrea Conway Dundee-CrownAnother of a talented group of freshmen in the Fox Valley area this spring, Dundee-Crown's rookie second baseman was an offensive leader and a defensive standout for a Chargers team that went 16-11, the most wins for D-C in coach Tracy Beatty's 8 years at the helm. Conway hit .434 with 2 home runs and 20 RBI. Also had 9 doubles and a .535 on-base percentage. Struck out only 11 times in 101 plate appearances and scored a team-high 35 runs. "I've been coaching 21 years and I haven't met a kid who loves softball as much as Andrea Conway," said Beatty. "She's got a great glove at second base, very quick side-to-side. She was very consistent at the plate and you could always count on her for contact. She's a hustler and she's a coach's dream."

Kassidy Gaylord Burlington CentralRockets' senior first baseman and four-year varsity player enjoyed a productive season while also being the leader for a 19-17 sectional finalist. Gaylord, who will play at Elgin Community College next year, hit .308 with 1 home run and 26 RBI and had 8 doubles. "She was great senior leader," said BC coach Kyle Molik. "She organized the girls and kept them together. She played a great defensive first base and you couldn't ask anymore of a kid than what she gave us. She worked hard and she really kept the girls together."

Tiffany Giese HuntleyJust a freshman, Giese had to step into the No. 1 role in the pitchers circle due to injury. She embraced the challenge and helped her team to its first regional championship since 2009 as well as a school-record tying 24-8 record. Finished the season 13-5 with a 3.32 ERA. Also hit .350 with 7 doubles and 22 RBI and had a 1.000 fielding percentage. "She's mature beyond her years," said Huntley coach Mark Petryniec. "We didn't lose a step when she stepped into the pitcher's role and her offensive numbers were really something for a freshman. It's going to be scary what she can do the next few years."

Elyse Hickey BartlettBartlett's sophomore first baseman not only was solid defensively for the 21-11-1 Hawks but was also one of the most consistent hitters in the area. Hit .449 with 3 home runs and 26 RBI. Also had 15 doubles, scored 27 runs, had a .550 on-base percentage and a .742 slugging percentage. Only struck out 10 times in 89 at-bats, drew 21 walks and had a team-high 40 hits. "She was out MVP," said Bartlett coach Jim Wolfsmith. "She's a gifted fielder and a great hitter who sees the plate, sees the ball and hits it where it's pitched. She's only going to grow as a hitter."

Lauren Janczak BartlettBartlett's senior center fielder was instrumental to the Hawks' 21-11-1 season both on the field and as a senior leader in the dugout. Hit .349 with 6 home runs and a team-high 35 RBI. Also had 13 doubles, 2 triples and a .679 slugging percentage and struck out only 8 times in 106 at-bats. Also scored a team-high 37 runs. "Lauren had a great year as a senior," said Hawks' coach Jim Wolfsmith. "Last year her role was to move runners and bunt when needed but this year she really grew into her own as a hitter and ended up second on the team in home runs and led us in RBIs. It's been neat to see her evolution and Wisconsin-Whitewater is getting a nice player."

Emily Kisch Burlington CentralA three-time all-area player, Burlington Central's junior ace in the pitchers circle missed some pitching time due to a back injury but came back strong in the postseason, leading the 19-17 Rockets to a sectional final berth. For the season she was 8-6 with a 2.72 ERA and 120 strikeouts in 99 innings. Playing center field when she wasn't pitching Kisch, committed to Division II Upper Iowa, also was a force at the plate, hitting .505 with 9 doubles, 4 triples and 14 RBI from the No. 2 spot in the lineup. Had a .554 on-base percentage and only 4 strikeouts in 113 plate appearances. "She was the heart and soul of our team pitching, offensively and defensively," said Rockets' coach Kyle Molik. "She led our team in batting average and she's an extra hard worker both in season and out of season. We wouldn't have made it as far as we did without her. She put the team ahead of herself."

Megan Larson HuntleyThe honorary captain of the Fox Valley All-Area team, this Red Raider senior was instrumental in helping Huntley to a school record-tying 24-8 season that included the program's first regional championship since 2009. Hit .458 with 7 home runs and 41 RBI, had a .521 slugging percentage and a .794 slugging percentage. Only struck out 12 times in 123 plate appearances. Also had a .971 fielding percentage playing first base. "I don't think she asked her batting average once," said Huntley coach Mark Petryniec. "She just wanted to do whatever she could to contribute to the team." Will play at Loras College in Iowa next year.

Sarah Murray JacobsThis talented all-Fox Valley Conference Valley Division junior shortstop was a perfect 18-for-18 in stolen-base attempts this season. "Sarah put herself in a position to help us score runs," said Jacobs coach Katie O'Brien. "She stole 18 bases and put herself in scoring position when we needed to score runs." Murray hit .386 and had a .466 on-base percentage thanks to drawing 17 walks. She had 44 hits in 114 at-bats, including 10 doubles, 3 triples, 3 homers and 15 RBI (8 RBI with 2 outs). Murray scored 36 runs and had a .605 slugging percentage. She also led Jacobs defensively with 102 assists. "She's been our shortstop for three seasons now and has been such a strong part of our defense," said O'Brien. "She makes the plays consistently. We have a history of finding shortstops at Jacobs and staying with them and Sarah is another one who we've come to love as a big part of our defensive unit."

Alyssa Nowak BartlettThis Bartlett junior moved from first base to the outfield this season and didn't miss a beat, helping the Hawks to a 21-11-1 season. Offensively, she hit .411 with a team-high 7 home runs and 33 RBI. Had 11 doubles and scored 29 runs. Had a .747 slugging percentage. "Alyssa Nowak carried us down the stretch and she was our best hitter in the postseason," said Bartlett coach Jim Wolfsmith. "She really grew as a player this year and she stepped into a key role. She fields so well in the outfield and she has a cannon for an arm, The way she hit for us down the stretch was outstanding. She's a special hitter and a great kid."

Hayley O'Mara HuntleyHuntley's junior second baseman put up sparkling offensive numbers in helping the Red Raiders to a school record-tying 24-8 season that included the program's first regional championship since 2009. Hit .459 with 9 home runs and 37 RBI. Added 14 doubles and struck out just 14 times in 121 plate appearances. Scored a team-high 36 runs, had a .504 on-base percentage and a .872 slugging percentage. "Her offensive numbers definitely surprised everyone," said Huntley coach Mark Petryniec. "We didn't know she had that much power. She was our defensive captain at second base and ran all our sets. We're looking forward to next year with her."

Grace Pilz Cary-GroveCary-Grove's senior catcher had a productive season, hitting .380 with 3 home runs and 28 RBI. Added 8 doubles and was second on the team with 38 hits. "Grace calls a fantastic game behind the plate," said Cary-Grove coach Tammy Olson. "She's such a quiet person but so dynamic when she catches. She plays with such intensity. I love how she transitions into a very aggressive catcher." Will play at Kenyon College in Ohio next year.

Sydney Ruggles Dundee-CrownDundee-Crown has struggled for quality pitching recently but that all changed this year with Ruggles, a freshman, helping her team to a 16-11 season, the most wins for the Chargers in coach Tracy Beatty's 8 years at D-C. Ruggles went 12-9 in the circle and even though her ERA hovered around 4, she did strike out 175 batters in as many innings. At the plate, she hit .449 with 2 home runs, 13 doubles and 18 RBI. Had a .509 on-base percentage and only struck out 4 times in 110 plate appearances. "Sydney is a true competitor," said Beatty. "You can see her desire to win every time she goes into that circle. She's an all-around softball player and the complete package any coach would want."

Ryann Scully St. EdwardA versatile senior, Scully could and did play anywhere for the Green Wave, helping her team to a 21-9-1 season, its first 20-win campaign in 10 years. A repeat all-area selection, Scully hit .457 with 4 home runs, 9 doubles, 4 triples, 24 RBI and 31 runs scored. "She's been a solid player for us for four years," said St. Edward coach Jaci Corn. "She continued to step up her game each season and took on a leadership role this year. She was able to play multiple positions with her defensive skills and versatility and her strong plate production contributed to the success of the team. She leaves some large shoes to fill."

Jessica Shields HuntleyRed Raiders' junior center fielder was a key player offensively and defensively for a team that had a school record-tying 24-8 season that included its first regional championship since 2009. Hit .430 with 6 doubles and 28 RBI and was 31 of 34 on stolen base attempts. Only struck out 14 times in 131 plate appearances, had a team-high 52 hits and scored 35 runs. "She's the ultimate perfectionist," said Huntley coach Mark Petryniec. "She wants everybody to be better and she was our spark plug. She does everything - bunt, hit through, hit for power. She always puts the team first. She was one of our leaders and will be again next year."

Aly Snider HampshireHampshire's junior catcher/shortstop had a breakout year for the Whip-Purs, especially offensively. She hit .446 with 3 home runs and 26 RBI and added 11 doubles. Had a .508 on-base percentage and a .625 slugging percentage. Struck out only 7 times in 126 plate appearances, scored 27 runs and had a team-high 50 hits. "She's probably one of the most deserving kids I've coached," said Whips' coach Stacey Stepek. "She works her tail off in season and out of season. She's really progressed as a player and a person. Aly has gotten better every year and she's really matured as a leader. She's just an all-around good kid and the true definition of a team player."

Allison Stratman St. EdwardA junior catcher/outfielder, Stratman broke out as one of the top power hitters in the area this season, helping the Green Wave to a 21-9-1 season, the program's first 20-win campaign in 10 years. She hit .426 with 5 home runs, 12 doubles, 3 triples, 31 RBI and 18 runs scored. "Her mental toughness contributed to the success of the team in so many ways," said St. Edward coach Jaci Corn. "She dives for the ball every opportunity she gets and she produces hits and scores runs in clutch game-changing moments. She inspires the team with her performance and her approach to the game."

Megan Strong St. EdwardA senior outfielder, Strong's stellar season went a long way in helping the Green Wave to a 21-9-1 record, the program's first 20-win season in 10 years. From the leadoff spot, she hit .363 with 34 runs scored and 12 stolen bases. Also played a solid center field. "You'd never be able to tell that Megan started playing softball only four years ago," said Wave coach Jaci Corn. "Her drive and desire to succeed made her a vital part of the team. Her ability to drag bunt, slap and hit, combined with her speed made her a threat on offense. Her speed and good reads made her a threat on defense. It's been amazing watching her develop as a softball player these past four years." Will play at Concordia University in River Forest next year.

Claire Weeks Dundee-CrownDundee-Crown's freshman catcher, Weeks teamed with batterymate Sydney Ruggles to help the Chargers to a 16-11 season, the most D-C wins in coach Tracy Beatty's 8 years at the school. Weeks hit .467 with 3 home runs and 21 RBI. Had a .533 on-base percentage and struck out only 11 times in 105 plate appearances. Also scored 30 runs and her .652 slugging percentage gave her a 1.186 OPS. "You never know what you're going to get with a freshman catcher but she calls a great game and she blocks really well," said Beatty. "She also hit very well and was a strong at-bat for us all season."

Cassidy Westlund South ElginWestlund, an all-Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division pick, hit .410 and had a .641 slugging percentage for the Storm this spring. She finished with 32 hits, which included 5 doubles, 2 triples, 3 home runs and 18 RBI. A junior, Westlund scored 20 runs, stole 8 bases and hit .357 with runners in scoring position. In the field, she made only 2 errors in 73 chances. "Cassidy took over the catching position and it was a smooth transition," said Storm coach Stephanie Katzenberger. "Cassidy is a really great softball player. She is great fundamentally and is a smart player. She's a kid who has a lot of power but still hit for average." Westlund, voted the team MVP, earned all-conference honors for a second year in a row.

Lindsay Zdroik St. EdwardA repeat all-area selection, this St. Edward junior had another outstanding season both in the pitchers circle and at the plate in helping her team to a 21-9-1 season, the program's first 20-win campaign in 10 years. In the circle, the Valparaiso commit was 16-6-1 with a 1.48 ERA. She had 202 strikeouts in 132.1 innings, giving her 534 Ks in her varsity career and a shot at breaking Jackie Brittain's school record of 680. At the plate, Zdroik hit .527 with 4 home runs, 11 doubles, 3 triples and 26 RBI. "She is the glue that holds us together and not just with her authority in the circle and offensive production but with her vocal leadership that helps keep the team focused," said Green Wave coach Jaci Corn. "Her positive attitude helps motivate and her love for the game inspires everyone. She is a true leader."

2015 All-area roster

Player School Pos. Yr.

Kristina Ahlers Burlington C. SS So.

Stacy Bellack South Elgin OF Jr.

Haley Bohne Larkin C/SS Fr.

Emily Borg Jacobs 1B Jr.

Carly Chovanec CL South OF Fr.

Andrea Conway Dundee-Crown 2B Fr.

Kassidy Gaylord Burlington C. 1B Sr.

Tiffany Giese Huntley P Fr.

Elyse Hickey Bartlett 1B So.

Lauren Janczak Bartlett OF Sr.

Emily Kisch Burlington C. P/OF Jr.

*Megan Larson Huntley 1B Sr.

Sarah Murray Jacobs OF Jr.

Alyssa Nowak Bartlett OF Jr.

Hayley O'Mara Huntley 2B Jr.

Grace Pilz Cary-Grove C Sr.

Sydney Ruggles Dundee-Crown P Fr.

Ryann Scully St. Edward C/INF Sr.

Jessica Shields Huntley OF Jr.

Any Snider Hampshire 2B Sr.

Allison Stratman St. Edward C/OF Jr.

Megan Strong St. Edward OF Sr.

Claire Weeks Dundee-Crown C Fr.

Lindsay Zdroik St. Edward P/1B Jr.

* - Honorary captain

Honorable mentionBartlett - Katie Fornoff (Jr. 2B), Danielle Kirby (Jr. P/SS)

Burlington Central - Amanda Ratliff (Sr. OF), Gretchen Schrubbe (Jr. 3B)

Cary-Grove - Caitlyn Adams (Sr. P/3B), Brianne Prank (Jr. 1B)

CL South - Taylor Kassel (Jr. 2B), Jenica Terry (Sr. OF)

Dundee-Crown - Megan Emerson (Jr. 1B), Deanna Origer (Fr. SS)

Elgin - Jessica Rago (Jr. P), Sabrina Stockman (Sr. SS)

Hampshire - Peyton DeChant (So., IF), Ellie Lapi (Jr., OF), Haley Widmayer (Sr. P)

Huntley - Jessica Knutsen (Sr. C), Shannon Walsh (Sr. OF)

Jacobs - Taylor Belo (Sr. OF), Kerri Healy (Fr. C/IF)

Larkin - Beka Harrington (Sr. 2B)

St. Edward - Devyn Ernst (So. SS/2B)

South Elgin - Rachel Ziemba (Sr. OF)

Streamwood - Natalie Filippo (Sr. INF), Jessica Daley (Jr. P/INF), Rebecca Daley (So. P/INF)

Westminster Christian - Becca Fugiel (Fr.), Sarah Schmitt (So.)

Captain's honor roll1996 - Elizabeth Waller (Elgin)

1997 - Heather Wendt (Burlington Central)

1998 - Heather Wendt (Burlington Central)

1999 - Stacy Nagel (Larkin) and Jackie Brittain (St. Edward)

2000 - Tami Potter (Larkin)

2001 - Kim Dean (Larkin) and Kelli Gallas (Cary-Grove)

2002 - Lauren Morstad (Larkin)

2003 - Lindsey Hall (Larkin)

2004 - Tracy Korth (Larkin) and Candace Warren (Burlington Central)

2005 - Lissa Fehlman (St. Edward) and Erica Maisto (Burlington Central)

2006 - Corinne Dennison (Bartlett) and Caitlin Herina (Cary-Grove)

2007 - Christine Holthus (Burlington Central) and Sarah Waylock (Cary-Grove)

2008 - Lauren Arceneaux (Jacobs) and Kayla Oranger (Burlington Central)

2009 - Kimberly Pierce (South Elgin)

2010 - Callie Dennison (Bartlett) and Lindsay Efflandt (Cary-Grove)

2011 - Lindsay Efflandt (Cary-Grove) and Katelyn Stonecipher (South Elgin)

2012 - Hannah Perryman (Elgin)

2013 - Alyssa Buddle (South Elgin)

2014 - Sam McLean (Crystal Lake South)

2015 - Megan Larson (Huntley)

All-area selections and capsules by John Radtke and Mike Miazga