Softball: Scouting the Fox Valley
By John Radtke and John Lemon
jradtke@dailyherald.com
jlemon@dailyherald.com
Aurora Central Catholic
Coach: Tom Babyar
Conference: Metro Suburban
2017 record: 12-18
Top returning players: Seniors Jessica Kling (1B, C), Ive Torres (C), Rachel Haley (1B), Sharika Been (OF), Stephanie Alagna (INF/OF/P); Juniors Dani Brown (P), Casey Feltes (C, OF). Isabel Gonzalez (2B), Izzy Hernandez (3B, P); Sophomore Kaitlyn Carlson (C, 1B), Alheli Velazquez (CF, SS)
Top newcomers: Freshman Lizzie Albert (SS), Sammy Martinez (OF), Ava Wilkins (OF)
Outlook: Nine of the Chargers' 18 losses last year were by 1 run. They look for better luck and play in close games this year led by Brown, who committed to Loyola and started her season by striking out eight of the nine batters she faced Monday against Westmont. "The thing we have is a better defense," Babyar said. "Last year we lost games because we couldn't catch a flyball." In that same game against Westmont, the freshman Albert doubled over the center fielder's head on the first pitch she saw. That is the type of talent - and youth - on this year's roster. "We are young," Babyar said. "We could be pretty good this year and next year we could be a force." Babyar also likes the flexibility on the team. "We have some interchangeable parts and the girls who played last year look better," Babyar said. "My philosophy is play more than one position. I told them they are all outfielders. We have more speed. We have a lot of sophomores, juniors and seniors who got a lot of experience last year."
Bartlett
Coach: Jim Wolfsmith (15th year, 342-151-5)
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley
2017 record: 22-12-1
Top returning players: Seniors Amber Pagan (P/SS/ 3B), Taylor Rotondo (C/1B), Janelle Ulaszek (P/1B), Danielle Kleeman (C/1B/3B), Caitlin Fippinger (2B/OF), Annamarie Bucaro (3B/OF), Annamarie Bucaro (OF); Juniors Charlotte Linnartz (C/SS), Anna Tomillo (CF)
Top newcomers: Sophomore Riley Scrivner (OF)
Outlook: Having graduated only Elyse Hickey and Elizabeth DiNuzzo, the Hawks enter the 2018 season as one of the most experienced teams in the area. "What I've seen early on is one of the best starts to a season that I've seen in my 15 years as head coach," Wolfsmith said. "I was so impressed with the work we've done inside and the few times we've been outside. They have been focused and they already have started to bond as a team and work together." Much of Bartlett's experience comes in the circle. Ulaszek (Viterbo University) threw 143 innings last year with a 13-10 record, 2.88 ERA and 79 strikeouts. In 71 innings, Pagan (IUPUI) went 9-2 with a 3.14 ERA and 50 strikeouts. "We're looking for a little more command in the zone. Pitch to contact and trust the defense is going to make plays," Wolfsmith said. "Neither one of them from 43 feet is what you'd call a strikeout pitcher. What we need from them is consistency and build off what they did last year." Both players also are excellent hitters. Ulaszek batted .420 with 29 RBI while Pagan flirted with .500 before finishing at .495 with 3 homers and 27 RBI. "It's still an amazing number," Wolfsmith said of .495. The leadoff hitter last year, Wolfsmith isn't sure yet this year's order. "She'll bat in the top third of the lineup but not sure yet the order," Wolfsmith said. Rotondo (St. Ambrose) "was our big power hitter last year," said Wolfsmith, with a .422 average, 11 homers and 37 RBI. In three years, she has 19 HR and 90 RBI.
Kleeman led the team in walks with 20 while batting .295, Linnartz (Washington University) led in stolen bases with 11 while hitting .343. Fippinger is coming off an ACL injury last summer. She batted .297. "We're a really flexible team and we believe in multiple positions," Wolfsmith said. "We're going to be young and inexperienced in the outfield but they have had a really good start to the year." Wolfsmith likes Tomillo's defense in center. He said Bucaro "looks like she's ready to explode, we are looking for that senior year breakout from her," and the coach likes the aggressive approach at the plate from Scrivner.
Batavia
Coach: Lupe Castellanos (fifth year)
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2017 record: 20-13
Top returning players: Seniors Jaelen Lisberg (OF/P), Kaylan Waldron (1B/P); Junior Allison Bahlmann (C/3B)
Top newcomers: Senior Sammi Wicks (P); Sophomore Noelle Chaney P So.
Outlook: Lisberg batted .378 with 25 RBI last year. Waldron hit .367 with 21 RBI, and Bahlmann batted .423 with 26 RBI. Chaney is a transfer from Aurora Christian. "I feel the strength of our team will be our depth," Castellanos said. "We will have girls that can play multiple positions." Castellanos also is excited about the team's pitching. "We have four solid pitchers," Castellanos said. "Lisberg, Waldron, Chaney and Wicks. I will go pitcher by committee. All our pitchers bring something different to the table which is nice."
Burlington Central
Coach: Erica Snyder (second year, 17-9)
Conference: Kishwaukee River
2017 record: 17-9, 10-2
Top returning players: Seniors Sarah Schmitt (OF), Danielle Yurgil (3B/P), Maddie Lenschow (2B), Sarah Kinney (IF), Brittany Parks (OF), Julia Barnes (P/OF); Juniors Maissie Rabe (1B), Abby Sanders (P/3B), Lindsay Jamrozek (1B/C); Sophomores Reili Gardner (OF), Alisyn Catenacci (P), Peyton Curtis (C)
Top newcomers: Junior Hallie Litton (OF); Sophomores Hanaa Nkhikhssl (IF), Kate Snow (IF), Hailey Esterly (1B), Alex Lichner (C), Kassidy Nagel (3B)
Outlook: The Rockets have enough experience back to battle for the KRC championship again, even considering the defending league and Class 3A state champ Marengo lost just one starter. BC returns Barnes to the circle after a 14-7 season. She also hit .413 with 5 home runs and 28 RBI last season. Also returning with experience under their belts are Yurgil (. 423, 5 HRs, 18 RBI), Gardner (. 370) and Jamrozek (. 338, 20 RBI). "We've got six starters back and that's a nice group to start with," said assistant coach Wade Maisto, who along with Lowell Oranger will run the team until Snyder returns from maternity leave later this month. "There's a lot of competition this year. The nine we start in the first game could look a lot different later in the year because we're much deeper this year. We've got the state champ from a year ago in our conference and they only had one senior starter. I expect the top of the conference to be more competitive because there's quality pitching returning. Our girls have great attitudes and they're working hard. We lost our third baseman and our shortstop (to graduation) but we've got our pitcher and catcher back and that's always good."
Cary-Grove
Coach: Tammy Olson (25th year, 448-327)
Conference: Fox Valley
2017 record: 12-19, 6-10
Top returning players: Senior Nicollette Richardi (2B); Juniors Jill Deering (OF), Emma Hill (P/1B); Sophomores Alina Krembuszewski (2B/OF), Katy Wieczorek (3B/P), Kelly Johnson (SS/1B)
Top newcomers: Senior Anna Whitaker (C/1B/3B)
Outlook: Even though her team will be very young, Olson's 25th bunch of Trojans also has decent varsity experience, enough so that the dean of Fox Valley area softball coaches hopes the 6-10 FVC record of a year ago can be at least 10-6 this season. "I expect us to be in the top half of the conference and that's our goal," Olson said. Leading the charge for C-G will be a trio of sophomores, each of whom were all-conference players as freshmen. Wieczorek hit .376 last season while Johnson hit .327 with 26 RBI and Krembuszewski hit .330. The pitching duties will mainly fall to Hill, who picked up 37 innings of varsity work last spring. "It's a great bunch of kids but we're still very young," Olson said. "We've got a junior pitcher who didn't pitch a lot last year and we have three all-conference players who are all sophomores. We do have a ton of versatility which I'm excited about." Deering has some power, having hit 6 home runs with 21 RBI last year.
Crystal Lake South
Coach: Scott Busam (15th year)
Conference: Fox Valley
2017 record: 17-14, 8-8
Top returning players: Senior Carly Chovanec (C); Juniors Emily Sulikowski (1B/3B), Christina Toniolo (P/1B), Skylar Olsen (OF/IF)
Top newcomers: Senior Jade Guida (OF); Junior Alyssa Niketopoulos (1B); Freshman Brooke Kuffel (P/IF)
Outlook: The Gators have some offensive firepower returning as well as some experience in the circle with Toniolo (7-5), who will be backed up by Kuffel, who has already committed to Loyola. The offense starts with Chovanec, who hit .495 last season with 2 home runs and 23 RBI and Sulikowski (. 578, 6 HRs, 41 RBI). Olsen hit .315. "We're looking to improve upon last season's finish," Busam said. "We have a nice balance of experience and youth, and we hope the two complement one another. Our goal is to compete in the Fox Valley, and finish up near the top this season, no easy task in the Fox Valley. Again, the FVC is a softball-strong conference, and there are several teams that can compete year-in-and-year-out. Huntley has the size advantage, McHenry has the tradition, etc. As always, the teams who stay healthy and win the close games will be right in it at the end."
Dundee-Crown
Coach: Tracy Beatty (11th year)
Conference: Fox Valley
2017 record: 21-13, 8-8
Top returning players: Seniors Sydney Ruggles (P), Claire Weeks (C), Andrea Conway (2B), Deanna Origer (3B/C); Junior Hannah Gestrich (SS)
Top newcomers: Junior Kylie Ryza (SS); Sophomores Abby Arsenault (OF), Alaina Azar (C); Freshman Mariana Lewis (1B)
Outlook: Dundee-Crown's success this season starts in the circle with Ruggles, arguably the top pitcher in the FVC if not the entire Fox Valley area. The Loyola recruit won 21 games last season with a 1.94 ERA, a 1.20 WHIP and 266 strikeouts in 199 innings. She also hit .343 with 7 doubles and 21 RBI. Backing her, the Chargers return Weeks (. 402, 3 HRS, 29 RBI) behind the plate and a solid infield with Conway (. 347, 4 HRs, 29 RBI), Origer (. 450, 3 HRs, 18 RBI) and Gestrich (. 383, 17 RBI). "We have a great team core with Ruggles and Weeks," Beatty said. "They make a great battery and both are true competitors. We have experienced players in the infield in Origer, Gestrich and Conway that will lead the team in offense and defense. We need to play as a team and come to the field ready to compete every day."
Elgin
Coach: Jenna Szabo (2nd year)
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2017 record: 1-29, 0-13
Top returning players: Senior Kacy Perfors (C); Juniors Abigail Sensor (P), Caitlyn Keith (3B)
Top newcomers: Sophomores Lindsey Anderson (U), Aaliyah Morales (U)
Outlook: Sensor is a two-year varsity player and the team's ace. The Maroons also have experience on the other side of the battery with their catcher Perfors, another two-year varsity player who will play next year at Elgin Community College. Keith is a third two-year varsity returnee who will handle the hot corner. Szabo is excited about her two sophomores. "They have a lot of knowledge of the game and can be put in many different positions," Szabo said. "Our strengths are the girls are versatile and can play multiple positions. They are also extremely coachable and have a good bond."
Geneva
Coach: Greg Dierks (29th year, 485-432-1)
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2017 record: 31-3
Top returning players: Seniors Katie Keller (C), Kate Geary (2B/ CF), Ali Dierks (P/2B), Anilise Bragg (OF), Katy Shawke (P/1B); Juniors Alyssa Kramer (3B/OF), Sydney Erdmann (OF/IF); Sophomores Emily Viebrock (P/1B), Sam Keller (SS)
Top newcomers: Sophomores Carissa Bombardiere (OF), Delyla Mroz (OF/IF), Madison Femia (C/IF, OF); Freshman Bella Walton (IF/OF)
Outlook: The Vikings are coming off a dream season including their first Upstate Eight championship, though it ended early with a surprise loss to Yorkville in the regional finals. They return several key players from that team including Northern Illinois-bound catcher Katie Keller, who hit .576 with 17 doubles, 12 home runs, 62 runs and 31 RBI. "She is our leader on offense and defense," Dierks said. Geary batted .293 with 37 runs and will play at DePauw next year. "She is our most versatile defensive player and she sparks our offense with her ability to get on and run the bases aggressively," Dierks said. The coach's daughter Ali, who also will play at DePauw, went 11-2 last year while hitting .289 with 23 RBI and will again share pitching with Viebrock. The UEC River pitcher of the year as a freshman, Viebrock went 18-1. Kramer, committed to Western Michigan, batted .440 with 11 home runs and 37 RBI. Sam Keller batted .316 with 20 RBI. "Sam is ready to play a bigger role on offense and defense," Dierks said. Bragg and Shawke will play at Waubonsee Community College next year. "I am excited about our team," Dierks said. "We lost a lot to graduation, but we have a lot coming back. Our new players are helping us fill our holes created by graduation and I think we will have a solid team. Our returning players are proud of what we accomplished last year and they want to build on that. The team is aware of how difficult it will be to repeat as conference champs but they are looking forward to that challenge." Offensively, look for a little more small ball after a year Geneva had a lineup full of sluggers. "We will have more team speed this year and probably not as much power," Dierks said. "As a result, we will have to rely more on manufacturing runs and not as much on the long ball. We have three capable pitchers and the potential to be a good defensive team."
Hampshire
Coach: Kelly Wasilewski (3rd year, 42-27)
Conference: Fox Valley
2017 record: 23-11
Top returning players: Seniors Jasmine Lopez (P), Melissa Esparza (IF); Juniors Delaney Rummell (C/IF), Sarah Bowen (C/OF), Morgan Haefling (IF/OF); Sophomore Gwen Malecki (IF/OF)
Top newcomers: Freshmen Bridget Haefling (C/OF), Miki Snider (P/IF).
Outlook: There's plenty of experience back for the Whip-Purs, who are coming off a strong 23-win season. The best of the returnees is Rummell, who has committed to Illinois. She hit .613 last year with 10 home runs, 35 RBI and 30 SBs. Esparza (. 313, 4 HRs, 28 RBI), Bowen (. 435, 4 HRs), Morgan Haefling (. 369, 17 SBs) and Malecki (. 321, 5 HRs, 27 RBI) all had strong seasons in 2017. Lopez went 12-9 in the circle and is not a huge strikeout pitcher so solid defense will be a key for Hampshire to be successful. "This year is all about building upon our philosophy from last season and the season before that," Wasilewski said. "The girls are working extremely hard in practice and are working hard at home on their own. We have a great core group coming back and the freshmen and sophomores we moved up have been fitting in nicely. The girls have been told from day one, this season's success is all on them. They need to hold each other to a higher standard than ever before. Last year's 23 wins is last year; it's done and gone. We want better and as coaches we expect better. Our mentality is on increasing achievement in our players, which in turn, will increase the overall level of the program. This is the best group we've seen in three years; we're excited to see what they can do."
Huntley
Coach: Mark Petryniec (15th year, 282-208)
Conference: Fox Valley
2017 record: 29-7, 14-2
Top returning players: Seniors Tiffany Giese (P), Autumn Kasal (SS), Taylor Pacana (1B), Cailyn Pienschke (OF), Jackie Dorin (IF); Juniors Hali Marte (P), Kendra Mitchell (OF), Sofia Tenuta (C), Quinn Walsh (OF), Taylor Zielinski (OF); Sophomore Teagan O'Rilley (3B)
Top newcomers: Junior Grace Kutz (P/1B/3B); Sophomore Victoria Schulte (IF/C), Freshmen Paige Berkmeyer (IF/C), Brianna Bower (P/1B), Marley Reicher (OF)
Outlook: The two-time defending Fox Valley Conference champion Red Raiders, who reached a sectional final last year for the first time, look locked and loaded again. They return one of the top pitchers in the area in Giese, who is headed to Wisconsin-Green Bay. She was 27-6 last season with a 4.19 ERA in 221-plus innings pitched. She also hit .450. The offense is loaded as well with Kasal (. 425, 18 2Bs, 27 RBI), Pacana (. 307), Dorin (. 316), Mitchell (. 326), Tenuta (. 424, 7 HRs, 37 RBI) and O'Rilley (. 393, 34 RBI) leading the way. "We are looking forward to starting the 2018 season," Petryniec said. "This is one of the deepest rosters that Huntley has had and we are looking forward to seeing all the pieces coming together. We have a very competitive schedule and we will be tested right out of the gate. We look forward to competing for the Fox Valley Conference title and making a deep run into the postseason." Petryniec expects a tough FVC slate as the Raiders go for the three-peat. "The Fox Valley Conference is going to be very competitive this season," he said. "Most schools are returning many experienced varsity players. Each contest in our conference will be a battle and it will be fun to compete and see who is standing at the top at the end."
Jacobs
Coach: Katie O'Brien (fourth season, 40-45-1)
Conference: Fox Valley
2017 record: 15-13-1
Top returning players: Seniors Kerri Healy (OF), Jessica Mrzlak (C); Junior Emily Pena (3B); Sophomore Savannah Svedman (P)
Top newcomers: Freshmen Delaney Garden (OF/P), Sarah Lynch (OF/P)
Outlook: Jacobs has some impressive returning players starting with Healy, a two-time all-conference player and four-year varsity starter. The co-captain hit .468 last year. Mrzlak, signed to play at UMSL, is the other co-captain and also a four-year varsity starter. She batted .344 last season. Pena is verbally committed to Seton Hall and batted .344 last season. As a freshman, Svedman pitched every inning. "We bring a lot of experience this season with eight returners, led by Kerri Healy and Jess Mrzlak," O'Brien said. "These girls bring a lot of energy and fun to what I believe will be a competitive team. Kerri is a patient and smart player who leads by example, and Jess is a vocal leader with a gift for encouraging her teammates. Both girls have excellent composure on the field, and I expect these two to lead us well this season."
Larkin
Coach: Anne Vogt (seventh year)
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2017 record: 7-25, 3-15
Top returning players: Seniors Haley Bohne (SS), Gloria Stoltz (OF); Junior Kiara Villa (P)
Top newcomers: Sophomores Brynne Farnsworth (P), Abbie Stout (C), Elizabeth Edgar (U); Freshmen Liz Bowman (U), Kathy Garcia IF), Katie Turner IF)
Outlook: Youth will be served again for the Royals but they do have some experience returning in 4-year varsity starter Bohne (. 342) m Villa (. 353) and Stoltz. "The 2018 Royals are young with three freshmen and three sophomores on the roster," Vogt said. "However, we also have great leadership with our three returning varsity starters (Bohne, Stoltz, Villa). Our freshmen and sophomores are ready to step in and contribute immediately. The girls have been working very hard preparing for the upcoming season. We look forward to the start of the season and jumping into some very competitive softball in the Upstate Eight Conference. Haley Bohne has been the backbone to our team for the last three seasons at SS and will have great support defensively which will also allow her to spend time in her secondary position, catcher. Offensively the Royals are capable of putting up impressive numbers with Bohne and Villa leading the charge. The Royals have lofty goals this season. With the work ethic and dedication they have shown out of the gate we expect a very successful season."
Kaneland
Coach: Mike Kuefler (third year, 46-28)
Conference: Northern Illinois Big XII East
2017 record: 24-13
Top returning players: Seniors Lexi Abruzzo (OF), Hannah Theobald (1B); Juniors Haley Roach (3B), Maddy Wheatly (OF); Sophomores Donatela Sommesi (OF, 2B), Emilee Erickson (P)
Top newcomers: Freshmen McKenna Ryan (P), Olivia Ortegel (MINF), Rose Roach (MINF)
Outlook: The Knights have an exciting mix of talented returnees with promising freshmen. Abruzzo, committed to Wayne State, batted .405 with a .473 slugging percentage and 23 RBI last year. Haley Roach had a .570 slugging percentage with 20 RBI. Hannah (University of Wisconsin-River Falls) batted .359 with 28 RBI, and Sommesi had a .615 slugging percentage with 20 RBI. Wheatly drove in 24 runs, and Erickson had a 9-3 record with a 3.00 ERA. "This is probably the most athletic team, from top to bottom, I have had in the last nine years of coaching here at Kaneland," Kuefler said. "The faster this team finds its identity, the better we will be. We are young and looking forward to the season."
Rosary
Coach: Megan Tracy (fourth year)
Conference: Independent
2017 record: 21-10
Top returning players: Seniors Xandria Olsen (CF), Riley McCue (P/1B/2B); Sophomores Mikayla Cassiday (3B), Chloe Saltjeral (C/SS), Abby Young (P)
Top newcomers: Brooke Capparelli (P/2B), Peyton Dillion (OF)
Outlook: The Royals have experience in some key spots. Olsen is a four-year varsity player who hit .468 with a .681 slugging percentage last year. McCue batted .321 with a .617 slugging. Cassiday and Saltjeral both hit .400 last year. "We are a very strong hitting team," Tracy said. "We have a talent and threats throughout the whole lineup. We are going to be hard to put down and have a lot of competitiveness." Newcomers Capparelli and Dillion can hit, too. "Both have a strong bat and will be an awesome addition to our team," Tracy said. Young pitched a lot as a freshman. She'll be sidelined by injury at the start of the year but Tracy hopes to have her back later. "This year will be a great growing year for many of our young players," Tracy said. "Our goal is to stay competitive and develop our young talent."
St. Charles East
Coach: Jarod Gutesha (third season, 62-13)
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2017 record: 30-8
Top returning players: Seniors Maddie Candre (OF), Sara Campagna (C/INF), Hannah Cozzi (OF/C); Juniors Maddy Stout (OF), Paige Ligocki (C/INF), Krista Sbarra (UTIL/P)
Top newcomers: Senior Brooke Byas (OF); Juniors Alena Macri (UTIL), Alex Wooten (INF/C); Sophomore Lauren Luna (INF/C); Freshmen Katie Arrambide (P/UTIL), Elliott Sanders (UTIL), Kati Gheorghe (INF), Madelyn Rouse (P/OF)
Outlook: The Saints once again have a roster full of future college players including seniors Candre (University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point), Campagna (Kenyon College), Cozzi (Marian University) and Byas (Carthage College). Committed juniors include Ligocki (Grand Valley State) and Stout (University of Indianapolis). Stout hit .304 last year with 9 home runs and 28 RBI. Ligocki, third team ICA All-State, batted .339 with 13 homers and 48 RBI. Candre hit .393 with 5 homers, 11 doubles and 28 RBI, and Campagna (. 347 average) and Cozzi (. 384) also had success at the plate. "We graduated seven seniors last year but have a strong core of returners and have added a solid group of newcomers," Gutesha said. "We will have strong pitching, an athletic defense, and an offense that will have the ability to put runs on the board. We are excited for the newcomers to gain the varsity level experience in order to be successful at the end of the year."
St. Charles North
Coach: Tom Poulin (7 years, 174-54)
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2017 record: 21-10, 12-6
Top returning players: Seniors Jillian Waslawski (P), Alyssa Eby (1B/2B/OF), Ashlyn Josefowicz (OF), Grace Quinn (C/3B); Junior Grace Sobieski (SS)
Top newcomers: Junior Gracee Ellis (P/ 2B); Sophomores Olivia Oborne (2B), Danielle Trumbo (3B/C), Laine VanderHei (3B/C)
Outlook: The North Stars came on strong at the end of last year, winning regional and sectional crowns before a 5-3 loss to Oak Park-River Forest in the supersectional. Jordyn Wolfe and Allison Moberg graduated from that team, but the North Stars have plenty of talent returning. "We have a nice mix of experience and youth," Poulin said. "I expect us to have great leadership and to compete at a high level once we get through some early season growing pains and get acclimated." Poulin is looking for more challenges from St. Charles East, Batavia and defending UEC River champion Geneva. He's looking forward to seeing how his team competes with them. "We will need to establish roles, accept them and then excel and grow," Poulin said. "Our returning players are hungry to continue the success we had in the postseason last year and we all believe the newcomers will help us in that pursuit as we become a true team. I feel like we have the pieces to be successful, we just have to maintain our focus on improving as a team each day in order to prepare to make this a special season. If we focus on being the best teammates we can be, we will be able to reach our team goals."
St. Edward
Coaches: Erv Gernand and Jerry Kublank (first year)
Conference: Metro Suburban East
2017 record: 12-20
Top returning players: Seniors Mallory Rejman (2B/SS/3B), Preston Reeves (C/OF/INF), Jayda Jefferson (OF); Juniors Katy Davidson (OF/INF), Lindsey Mauritzen (OF/3B/2B), Sarah Mendoza (OF/3B/2B), Jessica Kramp (P/1B); Sophomores Ashley Miller (C/SS), Chloe Davies (P/1B), Annalise Avila (OF), Maya Ortiz (OF), Jennifer Reynoso (OF), Haley Ternberg (OF), Taylor Cumpata (OF), Natalie Stras (OF).
Top newcomers: Freshmen Hannah Dorley (P/CF/SS), Ella O'Neill (C/OF/INF), Grace Vitek (OF/INF), Stephanie Fowle (OF), Madison Schueler (OF).
Outlook: Gernand and Kublank have been assistant coaches at St. Edward the past two years. It's Gernand's first year as a head coach at the high school level. Kublank was the head coach at Palatine and St. Viator for 13 years. Ann Marie Wojciechowski is the assistant coach. "Our strength appears to be our depth in pitching," Gernand said. "Kramp did a large share of our pitching last year. Chloe Davies pitched well but had some arm problems. Avila pitched in some junior varsity games and the freshman Dorley is throwing well in practice." Gernand also likes the speed in the outfield. He's still working on who will play where in the infield. "Our outfield defense looks like it will be fast and good," Gernand said. "Our infield will be good but who is going to play where is still undecided."
South Elgin
Coach: Brad Reynard (3rd year at South Elgin, 20th overall)
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley
2017 record: 18-15
Top returning players: Seniors Alivia Doyle (C), Julianna Battaglia (OF/2B); Juniors Geneva Pollman (P/OF), Sidney Strama (P), Casey Brennan (OF)
Top newcomers: Junior Sam Koss (SS); Sophomores McKenna Eichholz (C/3B), Sophia Salazar (P)
Outlook: After losing to Conant in last year's regional final, Reynard said the Storm's strength this year is in the circle. Brennan is a returning all-area honorable mention selection. McKayla Timmons, who made All-Area last year after hitting a school-record 14 home runs as a freshman with 41 RBI and a .479 average, unfortunately moved to Florida. "We are an extremely young, but talented team," Reynard said. "We have four solid pitchers but will have to find a way to score."
Streamwood
Coach: Will Shogren (second year)
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2017 record: 12-15
Top returning players: Seniors Becky Roncone (C); Juniors Laura Dietrich (CF), Taylyr Crocilla (P)
Top newcomers: Freshman Tessa Freedman (1B)
Outlook: The Sabres are experienced in two key spots, the circle and behind the plate. Crocilla earned all-conference and Ronncone honorable mention all-conference. "We will look to these upperclassmen to be leaders on our team," Shogren said. Dietrich will help solidify the outfield defense. "Our team has some young outfielders but they experienced, are talented and fast," Shogren said. "This should be a strength again as it was last year." Shogren is excited to see what the lefty-swinging Freedman will add to the lineup. "Tessa has a big bat," said Shogren, who is looking for improved results. "We would love to add to our overall wins on the season as well as move up in the conference standings. We are looking to get better as a team at executing small ball play at the plate and on the bases. Limiting both walks and errors are always goals for our team as well."
West Aurora
Coach: Randy Hayslett (6th year, 112-68)
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley
2017 record: 31-8
Top returning players: Seniors Faith Pokryfke (IN/OF), Aislinn Strusz (OF), Emma Boland (1B), Amanda Lasky (3B); Juniors Payton Lundberg (P), Sophia Delgado (2B/SS/C), Janae Holloway (SS/2B); Sophomores Gabi Nilles (C/OF), Gab Drager (3B/P), Shai Erdrich (OF)
Top newcomers: Junior Mariana Stinson (1B/3B); Sophomore Eternity Gonzalez (P); Freshman Kennedy Zies (1B)
Outlook: Coming off a sectional championship and 4-1 loss to Marist in the supersectionals, the Blackhawks once again have an elite arm in the circle. Three-time All-Area pick Hannah Beatus has graduated, but Lundberg went 11-4 with 187 strikeouts and 1.13 ERA in 92 innings. She also hit .320 with 23 RBI. "She has been one of the best pitchers in the area over the last two years," Hayslett said. "A great teammate and leader who has been fun to watch." Delgado batted .297 BA with 17 RBI. "Underrated player who can play anywhere defensively, who slaps as well as provides us with some gap power. A quiet and hardworking team leader," Hayslett said. Pokryfke hit .387 with 14 RBI. "We lean on her defensively to play anywhere and she just finds a way to get on base," Hayslett said. Nilles delivered the game-winning hit against Oswego East in the regional finals as a freshman. She batted .416 with 14 RBI. "Has a great feel for the game behind the plate," Hayslett said. Drager went 5-1 with a 3.30 ERA while batting .291 with 14 RBI. She had the game-winning hit in the sectional against Downers Grove North. "Solidified our defense playing third base," Hayslett said. Holloway transferred from Aurora Christian, and Hayslett said she helps give the team their deepest infield in years while adding some speed and power to the lineup. Boland hit .320 with 19 RBI, and Erdrich stole 14 bases. "Our goal will be the same as it has been the last few years: to win conference and have a deep postseason run," Hayslett said. "We hope our pitching continues to be strong and that our defense will be able to support our pitching when we need it. We have tremendous depth defensively in the infield but will need more of our infielders to transition to the outfield this year. We've lost most of our power from last year's lineup and we will need to continually work on our short game to manufacture more runs than we have in the past."