Softball: Northwest all-area team

Dream Aaron ConantAaron has been a mainstay behind the plate and also a force at the plate - as a batter. Aaron batted .468 this spring for the Mid-Suburban League champs with 22 hits, 19 RBI and 4 homers. The Indian River College (Fla.) recruit was a four-year starter for coach Cathyann Smith. "Dream has taken command behind the plate creating a great battery mate for Sara (Neuman)," Smith said. "She has been a mentor as a tri-captain to this team this season." Aaron's arm strength helped her throw out seven of the 11 runners who tried to steal. "Dream has the skill and maturity to be a success at the next level," Smith said. "She will be truly missed."

Paige Alt SchaumburgAlt has been huge on the pitcher's mound and in the batter's box, helping the Saxons to an undefeated Mid-Suburban League championship in 2015. This spring she was 6-3 while pitching in the MSL and batted .660 with 11 home runs, 29 RBI and 22 runs. "Paige has been a tremendous athlete for us both on the mound and at the plate," said Saxons coach Ellen Abreu. "Her ability to keep batters off balance and her presence at the plate have been huge assets to our lineup over the years." Alt will play at the College of Georgia Coastal. "I know she will do great things when she continues her career next fall," Abreu added. "We wish her the best of luck."

Sarah Bailitz HerseyOnly a freshman, Bailitz fit right in for Hersey this season and played a key role in the Huskies' second-place finish in the Mid-Suburban East. She quickly earned her position on the mound. "Sarah works tirelessly on her game," said Hersey coach Molly Freeman. "It is rare for a freshman to gain the confidence of her teammates so quickly." Bailitz finished the season with 12 wins and 41 strikeouts. "Sarah was able to do this through her own self confidence as well as her dominance on the mound," Freeman said. "We are excited to see a very bright future for Sarah."

Sara Benner Rolling MeadowsBenner introduced herself to the Mid-Suburban League in a big way this spring. The freshman set single-season school records with 10 homers and 45 RBI. "Sara is a competitor who wants to win," said Mustangs coach Tony Wolanski. "She works hard in practice and wants to be a good softball player." Benner batted a .398 and also had 7 doubles. "Sara sets an example with her attitude and her play on the field," Wolanski said. "It will be great having her for another three years."

Morgan Bihun ConantBihun has been a mainstay the past two years at third base for coach Cathyann Smith's Cougars. Offensively, she led the Mid-Suburban League champs with a .509 batting average, 28 hits, 31 RBI and 5 homers. She produced a .964 slugging percentage. "Morgan has a great glove and hot bat," Smith said. "She is a tough kid to beat."

Michelle Birkholz SchaumburgWhether she was at second base or on the pitcher's mound, Birkholz was moving the Saxons forward. "Michelle did a tremendous job for us this season at both positions," said Schaumburg coach Ellen Abreu of the junior. "We are lucky to get her back next spring." Birkholz batted .429 with 25 RBI, 8 doubles and 21 runs in MSL competition. On the mound, she was 6-1 with 1 save. "Her presence as our leadoff batter set the tone in many situations," Abreu said. "She is a strong hitter who can put the ball in play hard. We look forward to having one more year with Michelle."

Jackie Burchfield ConantIn her rookie season, Burchfield started at second base and controlled the right side of the field with a perfect fielding average. She also had a .404 batting average, scoring 21 runs with 18 hits while hitting from the No. 2 spot in the batting order for the Mid-Suburban League champions. "Her grace and quickness were assets for us," Smith said. "And she will only get stronger in years to come."

Lauren Caldrone ProspectHard work does pay off. For Caldrone, it resulted in a .454 batting average with a .657 quality at-bat percentage and 31 runs this spring. "Lauren put in a ton of work in the off-season and it paid off big," said Knights coach Jim Adair. "She was a rock for our team this year on both offense and defense, and did a fantastic job leading off for us." Caldrone collected 21 RBI with 13 doubles, 2 triples and 2 home runs (a .691 slugging percentage). "Over 65 percent of her at-bats were quality at-bats, which means that Lauren is a very disciplined hitter who can drive the ball almost at will," Adair said of the Northwestern recruit. "As a sophomore, she has a very bright softball future ahead of her."

Christina Candotti SchaumburgButler University's softball team, which began recruiting Candotti before her junior season, is getting a versatile young lady. "Christina is one of those athletes that you can put anywhere in the field and she will do a great job," said Saxons coach Ellen Abreu of the senior who hit .449 in the MSL with 4 doubles, 2 triples and 1 homer in 49 at-bats. "This year for us she found her home at shortstop and did a great job for us." Candotti also scored 20 runs and collected 13 RBI in the MSL. "Christina continued to perform well at the plate and will be big shoes to fill," Abreu said. "We wish her the best of luck as she continues her softball career at Butler."

Kenzie Craver PalatineCraver played multiple roles for the Pirates this spring. No matter what the team asked, she did it without asking questions and to the best of her ability. "Kenzie was our clutch hitter in important game situations and she was also our senior leader," said Palatine coach Nicole Pauly of the senior catcher. Craver batted .431 in the Mid-Suburban League with 6 doubles, 15 runs and a team-high 16 RBI. "Kenzie has given a lot to the Palatine softball program," Pauly added. "And she has definitely left it better than when she came in."

Amanda Elkins Rolling MeadowsRolling Meadows enjoyed vast improvement this season, going from 2 wins in 2015 to 16 this spring. Elkins was one of the big reasons for that step forward. The junior improved in every aspect of her game this season. She batted .380 with 29 runs, 28 RBI, 6 doubles and 5 homers. "Amanda's ability to get big hits and her competitive drive is something we needed this season," said Meadows coach Tony Wolanski. "She is a competitor with great leadership skills."

Jordyn Fera Hoffman EstatesA senior captain and team MVP, Fera completed one of the most impressive four-year varsity careers in the history of Hoffman Estates softball. She earned MSL all-conference honors for the third straight year, surpassing all of her accolades this season. As the starting shortstop or third baseman, she led the Hawks with a .494 batting average, 39 RBI and 27 runs. "As our No. 3 batter in the order, we constantly relied on Jordyn to produce runs, and she thrived under the pressure," said coach Lindsey Hamma. "She was also an invaluable leader both on and off the field." Fera, who will play softball at DePauw University (Ind.), set single-season school records with 11 home runs and a .954 slugging percentage. "Jordyn is the real deal," Hamma added. "Her relentless pursuit of excellence has been a pleasure to witness over the past four years. Jordyn leaves some huge shoes to fill, but we are so proud of her and cannot wait to follow her career at the next level."

Alyssa Garcia FremdA gymnast who performed on the vault, Garcia also jump-started the Vikings' offense. Her combination of speed and power from the No. 2 spot helped set the table for the team's record-setting run production. The outfield captain (center field) was instant offense and a threat to steal a base at any moment. She was a team leader in charge of keeping the dugout a spirited group. She became Fremd's all-time leader in runs scored and stolen bases and is second in hits and career average (.456 over four seasons). "Alyssa is an electric athlete," said Fremd coach Jim Weaver. "But I knew she was special when she was forced to become the starting center fielder in the first inning of her freshman year when Mandi Matsumoto separated her shoulder. She didn't blink, and did a tremendous job for the next four years." Weaver will miss her passion and intensity. "And I am so proud of her for how much she has grown and matured off the field as well," he added.

Lauren Grzelak ConantA three-year varsity player, Grzelak was a tri-captain with Sara Neuman and Dream Aaron this spring for the Mid-Suburban League champions. "Lauren has the tenacity that every coach dreams of having in a middle infielder," said Conant coach Cathyann Smith. As the Cougars' leadoff hitter, Grzelak batted .405 with 22 runs, 20 hits and 4 stolen bases in the Mid-Suburban League. "Lauren makes things happen," said Smith, whose shortstop had a perfect fielding percentage with 16 putouts and 18 assists. Grzelak helped the Cougars turn 2 double plays. "She is a tough player," Smith added. "She plays with heart every game.

Kylie Hess FremdNo matter where she played, Hess was a positive factor in the Vikings' 27-win season. "She was the player on our defense that could play multiple positions and made it possible for us to utilize several different lineups because of her versatility," said Fremd coach Jim Weaver. "She used a relentless work ethic to have a tremendous off-season and came into this year to win a full-time job as a senior." Hess batted .393 with a .500 on-base percentage. "She was promised nothing, and earned everything she has gotten," Weaver added. "Kylie was also one of our vocal leaders this season."

Grace Huff PalatineHuff was as tough as they come at the plate for opposing pitchers. The Pirates' batting leader hit .636 in the Mid-Suburban League with 16 runs, 15 RBI and 4 doubles. "Grace has an undeniable passion for the game and it is infectious within our team," said Palatine coach Nicole Pauly. "She puts her teammates first and as a freshman is already a leader." Huff was the team's spark plug. "She got our team momentum going when we needed it," Pauly added. "Grace is one of the hardest workers I have ever coached and she is constantly working on perfecting her game." Huff broke multiple school hitting records. "As only a freshman, I can't wait to see what she accomplishes in the future," Pauly said.

Haley Itzenthaler Elk GroveThe best way to describe Itzenthaler's performances on the softball field are consistent and dependable. "She makes good decisions and sees the whole game around her," said Elk Grove coach Ken Grams. "Haley is the prototypical leadoff hitter. She works counts, puts the ball in play and doesn't strike out." Itzenthaler hit .400 with a .447 on-base percentage and struck out just three times all season. She collected 26 RBI from the leadoff position. "And she's steady as they come defensively with good positioning and an understanding of situations," Grams said.

Abby Iuorio FremdIuorio is headed to Illinois to study engineering. She certainly knew how to design offense for the Vikings. "Abby put up crazy numbers for a leadoff hitter," said Fremd coach Jim Weaver. "She worked counts and got on base (53 hits, 29 walks and .646 on-base percentage). She wreaked havoc on the basepaths." Iuorio broke the single-season school stolen base record with 50, ending her career third on the all-time list with 106. Iuorio has Fremd's highest career batting average (.468), while she is second in career runs and walks and third in career steals. "She's easily the best leadoff hitter in Fremd softball history," Weaver said. "Abby is also very funny and witty and likes to keep the team loose by making fun of coach Weaver's softball sayings. She will be missed at the top of our lineup, because as she goes, we go."

Nikki Kehoe FremdOnly a sophomore, Kehoe is quickly working her way up the Fremd pitching record books. "Nikki's maturity and intelligent approach to pitching is a tremendous combination," said Fremd coach Jim Weaver. Kehoe owned a 14-3 record this spring and led the Vikings in wins, innings pitched, strikeouts, ERA and complete games. She recorded 7 shutouts. "She's a tremendous competitor who gives you her best effort every time out," Weaver added.

Carly Kordich BarringtonKordich's speed is a game-changer. As the Fillies' junior leadoff batter, she went 22 of 23 in stolen base opportunities and started all 36 games in center field. A triple threat on offense, Kordich hit .384 with 48 hits, and had a team-leading 41 runs along with 4 doubles, 1 triple and 12 walks. "She patrols the center field position with ease and makes the challenging plays look easy," said Barrington coach Perry Peterson. "What's best about Carly is she is always looking to improve her skills by moving to the next step." Kordich has verbally committed to play college softball at Winona State. "I really enjoy working with her and her desire to constantly get better," Peterson added.

Rachel Krzysko BarringtonPut her anywhere on the diamond, and she will be gold. Krzysko had a solid freshman campaign behind the plate, then transferred her talents to right field as a sophomore where she displayed a rocket arm. This spring, Krzysko took on a new challenge in left field as the Fillies changed gears with a new pitching staff. "Rachel's adaptability made a huge difference," said Barrington coach Perry Peterson. "And she gave our team so many different options offensively out of the clean-up role." Krzysko batted .406 with 43 hits, 10 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run, 38 RBI and a .424 batting average with runners in scoring position. "And Rachel was never thrown out on the base paths (10-for-10) in stolen bases this spring," Peterson said.

Rachel Macdonald BarringtonMacdonald's three-year varsity career was a success from the get-go. The No. 3 hitter in the order seemed to always produce this spring, belting 12 doubles and 7 home runs with a team-high 49 RBI. "Rachel's offensive talents provided amazing consistency this spring," coach Perry Peterson said. Macdonald, who had a 19-game hitting streak, led the Fillies in more offensive categories than any player on the team, including batting average (.448), hits (56), total bases (89), slugging percentage (.712) and on-base percentage (.486). Behind the plate, she threw out 25 percent of the runners attempting to steal and committed only one defensive error. "Her senior-year performance was outstanding," said Peterson, "and something she should be really proud of."

Alex Masnica Elk GroveElk Grove's Ken Grams says Masnica is probably the most versatile player he has coached in 36 seasons. "Alex has been a four-year starter at various positions," he said. "She has played every position on the field, except pitcher, with the trust and confidence of the coaching staff." Masnica (.379, 42 RBI) has been a major contributor offensively, finishing in the team's top three in batting average and RBI and on-base percentage in each of the past three seasons. "Alex sees the whole picture," Grams said. "She understands each defender's responsibilities and all of the particulars and nuances that are attached to those roles. She is most definitely a difficult person to replace."

Makenna McCarthy ConantMaking her varsity debut, the steady sophomore started every game in center field. "She snagged balls and created outs against some of the toughest hitters in the Mid-Suburban League," said Conant coach Cathyann Smith. At the plate, McCarthy batted .426 with 16 hits, 18 runs, 6 doubles and 2 homers in league action where the Cougars went 15-1 before winning the championship game over Elk Grove. "Makenna is a competitor," Smith said. "And I believe she will continue to do great things for us in the future."

Olivia Morini Buffalo GroveIt was her second year on the varsity, but first as the Bison leadoff hitter. The sophomore left fielder performed like a true veteran in that leadoff role, boasted a team-leading .368 batting average in Mid-Suburban league play with a team high in hits (21). "Olivia really developed into a solid leadoff hitter," said first-year BG coach Starr Dorsey. "She really progressed a lot over the last season and has become much more comfortable slapping from the left side." Morini worked very hard defensively and it showed late in the season, with a few diving catches. "We are excited to have two more seasons with Olivia and see her continue to develop into a solid player," Dorsey added.

Sara Neuman Conant Neumann was stellar in capping off her four-year varsity career. "Sara took on the role as one of the tri-captains on this team and led a group of young eager players to a successful season," said Conant coach Cathyann Smith. "Her dedication to this team was truly outstanding to watch." Neuman finished the Mid-Suburban League season at 12-1 with a 1.48 ERA. She had a career-high 19 strikeouts against Fremd and 134 for the entire season. Neuman made Conant history by pitching a perfect game in the MSL championship game against Elk Grove. "Sara's poise and work ethic on the mound, in the classroom, and during practices is what made her the MSL West player of the year," Smith said of the Saint Leo University (Fla.) recruit.

Ann Marie O'Sullivan Fremd O'Sullivan began the season year without a spot in the lineup. She ended it with a spot on the all-area team. The junior made the most of her early chances and never stopped hitting. Midway through the season, O'Sullivan worked her way up to the cleanup spot in the Vikings' potent offense. She ended her rookie varsity season with a .449 batting average and .556 on-base percentage. "She's an excellent example of a player who forced her way into a very stacked lineup through hard work and perseverance," said Fremd coach Jim Weaver.

Sarah Pauscher Elk GrovePauscher completed her career as Elk Grove's leading home run hitter, both single-season (19 as a junior) and career (47). She also set school marks for RBI in a single season (60 as a junior) and career (including 112 over the last two years). "Conversations about Sarah most often seem to revolve around her home runs," said Elk Grove coach Ken Grams of the Saint Leo recruit. "However, she is simply an outstanding hitter, the power notwithstanding." The senior third baseman led the Grens in batting average (. 477), walks and on-base percentage. She had 16 homers and 52 RBI this spring. Her strikeout ratio is less than 5 percent. "The past two seasons she has developed outstanding plate discipline," Grams said. "She was not just a free swinger." Pauscher delivered many key hits or game-winning hits. "Defensively, she possesses probably the strongest arm on the team," Grams added. " She has improved with her glove year by year."

Kayla Pociejewski Maine WestWhenever Maine West players were cheering a ball flying over the outfield fence, it was usually off the bat of Pociejewski. The senior shortstop, who may try and walk on at Arizona State, led the Warriors with 9 homers, 34 RBI and a .506 batting average. As a junior, she hit .471 with 10 homers, 40 RBI and 40 runs. "I've been saying it for two years," said second-year Warriors coach Mike McGovern. "Kayla is a five-tool player. She's played catcher, shortstop and center field for us. She can probably play every position on the field except pitch - and play them well."

Sarah Schwind SchaumburgSchaumburg coach Ellen Abreu could always count on Schwind to get the job done in the Saxons' outfield. "She did a great job for us as an outfielder over the years," Abreu said. "She sees the ball very well out in left field and doesn't make many mistakes. We will miss her talent as an outfielder greatly next year." At the plate, Schwind batted .390 this spring with 11 RBI, 10 runs and 2 doubles. "She did find her home at the plate in our No. 9 spot in the batting order," Abreu said. "She came up clutch many times this year and that was huge with the top of the order coming up. We will miss her next year and wish her the best of luck."

Adeline Swiderski St. ViatorWith her team-high .480 batting average, Swiderski was not a friend to opposing pitchers. But she was a friend to everyone on her team. "She was a great teammate," said Lions coach John Scotillo of his junior catcher. "She puts in as much time honing her catching skills as she does her hitting. I trust her to call the game herself and the pitchers have complete confidence." Swiderski also led the Lions with 15 doubles and was second in RBI (33) and home runs (4).

Kylie Thomsen Elk GroveElk Grove rode the arm of Thomsen (19-4, 203 strikeouts, 1.99 ERA) all the way to the Elite Eight in the Class 4A state tournament. "Kylie developed into a top-flight high school pitcher this season," said Elk Grove coach Ken Grams. "This is her third season pitching at the varsity level, and the growth she has shown is a testament to her passion for wanting to excel." Offensively, Thomsen batted fourth and was second on the team in RBI. She hit 9 home runs and batted .372 with a .413 on-base percentage. "She is a very disciplined worker who has made great progress both in the physical and mental part of the process," Grams said. "Kylie has learned to battle through difficult moments on the mound - which was very impressive."

Cam VanValkenburg St. ViatorAn East Suburban Catholic all-conference selection, Van Valkenburg led the Lions with 49 hits, 14 walks and 35 runs. Her .438 batting average and on-base percentage (.508) were second best on the squad. "From day one of her freshman year, I knew she would be our leadoff hitter and that I would not have to worry about that for the next four years," said Lions coach John Scotillo. "Cam is the consummate leadoff hitter and was our spark plug. She also has great range and a strong arm in the outfield and led in outfield assists."

Julia Wacker FremdAfter missing her sophomore season with an ACL injury, Wacker sure didn't miss the ball much in the batter's box. This season, she broke her own single-season school record for RBI with 52 while also tying the single-season mark for home runs with 9. Wacker is fifth on Fremd's all-time list in homers and RBI, accomplishing the numbers in only two full season. "Julia was the power in the middle of our lineup the last two seasons," said Fremd coach Jim Weaver of the school's Female athlete of the year. "Julia wants to succeed for the benefit of the team as much as any player we've seen, and she genuinely cares about the outcome of every play."

Katie Wingerter HerseyFor the record, Wingerter enjoyed one of the top seasons in Hersey history. In fact, she set the single-season school record for home runs (15) and has a career record of 24 with one season left. "Katie is our leader on the field," said Hersey coach Molly Freeman of her junior shortstop who is a Northern Illinois recruit. "She is constantly working on her game, and she has become a force on both offense and defense." Wingerter collected a single-season school 50 RBI this spring while batting .498 and dominating almost every offensive category on the team. And there's much more to her game than offense. "It is really exciting to watch the defensive plays she has made look routine," Freeman said.

All-area team

Player School Yr. Pos.

Dream Aaron Conant Sr. C

Paige Alt Schaumburg Sr. P

Sara Benner Rolling Meadows Fr. 1B

Sarah Bailitz Hersey Fr. P

Morgan Bihun Conant Jr. 3B

Michelle Birkholz Schaumburg Jr. P-2B

Jackie Burchfield Conant So. 2B

Lauren Caldrone Prospect So. 3B

Christina Candotti Schaumburg Sr. SS

Kenzie Craver Palatine Sr. C

Amanda Elkins Rolling Meadows Jr. C

Jordyn Fera Hoffman Estates Sr. IF

Alyssa Garcia Fremd Sr. CF

Lauren Grzelak Conant Jr. SS

Kylie Hess Fremd Sr. OF-IF

Grace Huff Palatine Fr. OF

Haley Itzenthaler Elk Grove Jr. 2B

Abby Iuorio Fremd Sr. LF

Nikki Kehoe Fremd So. P

Carly Kordich Barrington Jr. CF

Rachel Krzysko Barrington Jr. OF

Rachel Macdonald Barrington Sr. C

Alex Masnica Elk Grove Sr. C

Makenna McCarthy Conant So. CF

Olivia Morini Buffalo Grove So. OF

*Sara Neuman Conant Sr. P

Ann Marie O'Sullivan Fremd Jr. 1B-OF

Sarah Pauscher Elk Grove Sr. 3B

Kayla Pociejewski Maine West Sr. SS

Sarah Schwind Schaumburg Sr. OF

Adeline Swiderski St. Viator Jr. C

Kylie Thomsen Elk Grove Jr. P

Cam Van Valkenburg St. Viator Jr. CF

Julia Wacker Fremd Sr. 1B

Katie Wingerter Hersey Jr. SS

*all-area team captain

Special mentionChristie Ambrose (Wheeling), Mary Bean (Hoffman Estates), Jenna Breslin (St. Viator), Megan Breytenbach (Palatine), Jamie Brown (Barrington), Nicole Byerly (Maine West), Alyssa Cacini (Prospect), Brynn Connelly (Hoffman Estates), Sydney Correa (Conant), Maddie Craver (Palatine), Keeley Cronin (Elk Grove), Carly Crothers (Elk Grove), Lexi D'Ambrosio (Fremd), Gabriella Demma (Maine West), Grace Feldkamp (Maine West), Nicole Ferraro (Wheeling), Grace Gran (Buffalo Grove), Abbey Jacobsen (Barrington), Grace Kaiser (St. Viator) Alex Kanter (Prospect), Mallory King (Rolling Meadows), Kaiden Jackson (Schaumburg), Kelly Katis (Barrington), Monica Liwag (Maine West), Jessica Mazur (Fremd), Catherine McMahon (Barrington), Cate Meersman (Prospect), Haley Robinson (St. Viator), Reagan Schneider (Fremd), Lydia Schultz (Rolling Meadows), Liz Sweeney (Barrington), Makayla Tsagalis (Hersey), Becca Uhrich (Fremd), Giselle Velazquez (Hoffman Estates), Lauren Vermilyer (Leyden)

Selections and profiles by John Leusch