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Scouting DuPage County softball teams
Daily Herald Reports
Posted Friday, March 26, 2004
DuPage Valley Conference
Glenbard East
Coach: Dawn Chantos (ninth year, 112-148).
Last year: 18-17, 6-8 (tied for fourth) in the DVC.
Postseason: Lost to York 5-0 in the Class AA Morton sectional semifinals.
Top returners: C Katie Mielke, sr.; 1B Shannon Mikulecky, sr.; 2B Alyssa Jezioro, sr.; P Stefanie DeBrock, jr.; SS Renee Consoer, sr.; 3B Nikki Schlagel, sr.; CF Brittany Patete, jr.; LF Carly Byron, sr.; RF Vanessa Hertz, sr.
Newcomers to watch: OF-P Erin Mikulecky, so.; OF-IF Terri Willming, jr.
Outlook: Optimism is overflowing with eight starters back led by Illinois State-bound Mielke behind the plate. The big change will be DeBrock stepping into the ace's role after recording a 1.35 ERA in 88 innings last season. "Katie (Mielke) is who you want back with her," said Chantos, who had a baby girl March 18. "They're working together very well." An expected strong infield returns, headed by all-conference first baseman Shannon Mikulecky. The Rams plan to contend for the conference when Chantos returns to the team in a couple weeks. "We want conference," she said. "That's our No. 1 goal as a team. We think we can do it. We're very, very excited about our potential this year."
Glenbard North
Coach: Jim McKinney (14th year, 324-101).
Last year: 33-5, 12-2 (tied for first) in the DVC.
Postseason: Lost to Geneva 4-3 in the Class AA Larkin sectional semifinals.
Top returners: CF Sarah Bryers, sr.; C Mallory Paine, sr.; 3B Carla Musillo, sr.; P Becky Evans, sr.; 1B Michelle Nitti, jr.; 2B Annie Dolan, jr.; SS Bridget Paine, so.; P Jenna Szybowicz, jr.; RF Nicole Giampa, jr.; RF Caitlin Klos, jr.
Newcomers to watch: DH-RF Michelle Batts, fr.; LF Shantanel Sampson, jr.
Outlook: McKinney believes he has the best group of position players in school history. The Panthers return nine starters, including six all-conference players - Bryers, Mallory Paine, Musillo, Evans, Nitti and Dolan. Bryers has signed with Illinois, and Musillo is headed to Lewis. Evans went 21-5 with a 0.53 ERA last year. McKinney's toughest job may be finding playing time for everyone. After running into bad luck with their pitchers' health in season-ending losses the past two years, the Panthers aim to return to state for the first time since placing third in 2001. "I've always said you've got to have a good ballclub where you're competitive and all that, but you got to be lucky," McKinney said. "We're going to have a very nice year."
Naperville Central
Coach: Andy Nussbaum (21st year, 317-341).
Last year: 17-19, 8-6 (third) in the DVC.
Postseason: Lost to Glenbard South 4-3 in the Class AA Wheaton North regional final.
Top returners: P-OF Maegan Golloway, sr.; CF Jessica Holland, sr.; 2B Caitlin Schneider, jr.; C Kristine Whall, so.
Newcomers to watch: SS Sarah Seward, so.; 3B Marylee Richardson, sr.; OF-IF Caitlin Marr, sr.; 1B Cayli Compton, so.; P-OF Sara Silke, fr.; OF Amanda Brakke, jr.
Outlook: While the Redhawks lost some heavy hitters among the seven players lost to graduation, they feel pitching will make them a better club than a year ago. Not only is Golloway improved, but hard-throwing freshman Silke looks ready to contribute too. Golloway is one of four returning starters along with Holland, Schneider and Whall, who moves from first base to catcher. The offense will have to play "small ball" more than in recent seasons. A lot will depend on the team's defense. The left side of the infield in Richardson and Seward is new to varsity ball. "Pitching-wise, we'll be the best we've been since Kristi Jonikas in 2000," Nussbaum said. "The real question is, are we going to be able to play defense?"
Naperville North
Coach: Jerry Kedziora (second year).
Last year: 7-28, 2-12 (eighth) in the DVC.
Postseason: Lost to Benet 3-0 in the Class AA Naperville North regional final.
Top returners: P Katherine Pankow, sr.; C Katherine Dieckmann, jr.; C-DH Caitlyn Fasse, sr.; SS Kari Sikich, sr.; 3B Jessica Prozialak, sr.; RF Claire Smith, sr.; P-IF Julie Webb, so.; OF Ashley Turner, jr.
Newcomer to watch: OF Kelly Coleman, so.
Outlook: The Huskies look to bounce back after a trying season. Six starters return, including many at important positions. Pankow is back after pitching most of the innings a year ago. She'll throw to a familiar face behind the plate in Dieckmann. The left side of the infield is experienced with Sikich and Prozialak. Those players help make the Huskies feel confident in their defense. The offense is where they can improve the most after registering only a .152 batting average and 17 extra-base hits last season. "The team looks to improve on last year's record," Kedziora said. "Pitching will be key and even better than last year. We look to contend for the top half of conference."
West Chicago
Coach: Jim Schaudt (10th year, 179-130).
Last year: 14-18, 6-8 (tied for fourth) in the DVC.
Postseason: Lost to St. Charles North 2-1 in the Class AA Batavia regional semifinals.
Top returners: 1B Kim Rovtar, sr.; CF Brandi Bodie, jr.; 3B Emily Ekstrom, sr.; C Kailey Rohrdanz, sr.; OF-C Melissa Mendoza, sr.
Newcomers to watch: P-OF Christine Williams, fr.; P Bridget Rood, jr.; P Carri Wostratzky, jr.; SS Peggy Saul, jr.; OF-2B Jenna Bodie, fr.
Outlook: There are plenty of questions to be answered. Promising freshman Williams will probably pitch quite a bit, but Rood and Wostratzky will get their chance too. "There's a lot of question marks because none of them have pitched at the varsity level," Schaudt said. "We'll play it by ear for awhile and see who emerges." All-conference Rovtar moves from the middle of the infield to first base. She batted .338 with a .461 on-base percentage last year. Brandi Bodie, whose freshman sister, Jenna, will join her on varsity, anchors the outfield in center. Ekstrom returns as the starting third baseman. A number of other starters are still being decided. "I'm kind of glad to have some options," Schaudt said. "I think we'll be competitive, as usual."
Wheaton North
Coach: Jason Stipp (third year, 42-26).
Last year: 20-15, 5-9 (tied for sixth) in the DVC.
Postseason: Lost to Naperville Central 4-0 in the Class AA Wheaton North regional semifinals.
Top returners: C Kristina Artner, jr.; P Katie Koechling, jr.; 2B-OF Monica Urban, jr.; SS Tara LaRose, sr.; OF Kelly Padera, jr.; 3B Maureen Hackney, sr.; 1B Jacki Christell, sr.; OF Gianna Gatto, jr.
Newcomers to watch: OF-P Christine Salerno, jr.; OF Sammie Keifer, so.
Outlook: The Falcons had their moments a year ago playing a handful of sophomores. The team figures to be bettered by that experience. Six starters return, topped by the battery of Koechling and Artner. Look for Artner to emerge as an impact player in her third varsity season. She'll bat third. The progress of Koechling will be key. "A lot of it will come down to how Katie Koechling does pitching for us," Stipp said. "I think she's a really good pitcher, and we'll find out if she's going to be a great pitcher. I have high hopes for her." Urban, a slapper, should reach base plenty. "I'm very positive, very excited about the team this year," Stipp said. "We'd like to be right up there and expect to compete for the DVC."
Wheaton Warrenville South
Coach: Denise McCance (first year).
Last year: 22-12, 12-2 (tied for first) in the DVC.
Postseason: Lost to Naperville North 1-0 in eight innings in the Class AA Naperville North regional semifinals.
Top returners: 2B Christie Rosebraugh, jr.; C Barb Traynor, sr.; P Katie Odell, sr.; LF Gianna Leonetti, so.; OF Colleen Murphy, sr.
Newcomers to watch: SS Jen Sloboda, so.; 1B-P Christy Cudzewicz, so.; 3B-P Alison Winter, sr.; RF Jess Richter, jr.; CF Stephanie McEnery, so.
Outlook: The Tigers will sport a new look. Not only did they lose 10 seniors but their coach too. McCance takes over the program from Ron Muhitch, who had a 103-72 record in six seasons. McCance has assisted Muhitch for the past five years. The former NIU basketball player plans to split the pitching mainly between the Millikin-bound Odell and lefty Cudzewicz. Their target will be Delaware recruit Traynor. Four sophomores will start, led by Sloboda at short. McCance thinks her team can surprise in the DuPage Valley. "Besides really Glenbard North, we're thinking conference is pretty open," she said. "We're going to try for first again. This is the year we have a chance to do some damage without having a real experienced team."
East Suburban Catholic Conference
Benet
Coach: Jerry Schilf (fifth year, 72-72).
Last year: 23-15, 10-6 (third) in the ESCC.
Postseason: Lost to Glenbard South 4-3 in nine innings in the Class AA Oswego sectional semifinals.
Top returners: SS Alex Coari, sr.; P Lauren Rohan, so.; LF Colleen Huml, so.; 2B Allie Canulli, so.; 3B Katie Lorenc, jr.; 1B Lizzy Cunningham, so.; RF Allison Boyd, jr.; C Colleen Corcoran, jr.
Newcomers to watch: CF Stephanie Latocha, jr.; P Stephanie Mills, so.
Outlook: The Redwings hope to pick up where they left off last season when they won 21 of their final 28. With only two seniors on this year's roster, this remains a young club. Seven sophomores and a freshman are on the squad. Returning all-conference players Coari, Rohan and Huml are among the seven starters back. "Our defense is going to be very, very strong," Schilf said. "I'll put my infield against anybody's." Offensively, the lineup features more speed than power, so manufacturing runs will be the plan. The Redwings will find out where they stand in the conference race when they travel to meet defending champ Marian Catholic for an April 10 doubleheader. "Our conference is going to be
very, very strong, so for us to win 23 games again this year, a lot of things will have to go right," Schilf said. "But are we capable of doing it? Sure. Absolutely. We're capable of winning a lot more games than that."
Interstate Eight Conference
Lisle
Coach: Rick Beato (15th year, 286-163).
Last year: 27-9, 11-3 (second) in the IEC.
Postseason: Lost to Wheaton Academy 1-0 in eight innings in the Class A Indian Creek sectional semifinals.
Top returners: SS Erika Buchholz, sr.; 1B Lisa Gartelos, sr.; 2B Katie Venard, jr.; C-3B Beth Okrie, jr.; P-RF Vanessa Kalal, jr.; P-3B Bridget Holtorf, so.; LF-P Anna Mulacek, jr.
Newcomers to watch: CF Erin Drennan, fr.; C Angela Payne, so.; 3B Nicole Dombrow, jr.
Outlook: Buchholz, who batted .419 a year ago, heads a talented crew. Kalal and Holtorf comprise the starting rotation. Okrie moves from right field to behind the plate and third base. She'll catch Kalal, forming a junior battery, while Payne will catch Holtorf to form a sophomore one. Frosh Drennan looks promising in center. "I think we're going to surprise people with how well we hit," Beato said. With defending IEC champ Reed-Custer having graduated six all-conference players, Beato pegs his Lions and Wilmington as the top contenders for the conference crown. "I expect to win it," Beato said. The race will probably go down to the wire. The Lions close the conference season with a pair of home-and-away series against those clubs.
Private School League
Timothy Christian
Coach: Nancy Wieringa (first year).
Last year: 13-15, 2-6 (fourth) in the PSL.
Postseason: Lost to Montini 7-0 in the Class A Montini regional final.
Top returners: P-C-IF Cori Freundt, so.; SS Katie VanByssum, jr.; CF Allie Baumbach, jr.; RF Julia Andersen, sr.
Newcomers to watch: P-2B Melissa Tameling, so.; P Courtney Van Reken, so.; C Brittany DeBoer, so.; 1B Megan Folkerts, jr.; 2B Samantha Grunze, jr.; 3B Shelley Muszynski, jr.; LF Mary Romano, jr.
Outlook: Wieringa, who pitched for Batavia and Trinity Christian, has her work cut out. The 22-year-old takes over a program that saw nine seniors graduate. She'll use her experience in the circle to help her staff. Freundt, Tameling and lefty Van Reken are the pitching options. Andersen is the lone senior on the young Trojans. "I have a goal of being above .500 because Timothy softball's never been above .500," Wieringa said. "I believe this is the year it's going to happen. My major goal is to start building a softball program at Timothy and making a name for ourselves." Of note, the PSL has been restructured back to one group, with the teams playing each other twice.
Wheaton Academy
Coach: Chris Hudson (seventh year, 66-78).
Last year: 23-8, 6-2 (second) in the PSL.
Postseason: Lost to Dakota 1-0 in 14 innings in the Class A NIU supersectional.
Top returners: P Lauren Chessum, sr.; C Bryanne McClurg, sr.; 2B Becky Fiala, sr.; CF Hannah Kosirog, jr.; SS-P Keaton Kraklio, so.; OF Hannah Gurunian, so.; OF Lindsey Harrell, so.; 3B Leanne Tollen, so.; OF Rachel Pierce, so.
Newcomers to watch: 1B-P Lauren Taylor, jr.; SS Laura Hart, fr.
Outlook: The Warriors won their first regional and sectional titles last year. They return 11 of 13 players for what could be an even better season. "It's going to be exciting," Hudson said. "We're trying to keep it in perspective. We're focusing on working hard in our practices." Chessum, who has signed with Olivet Nazarene, is back to shut down opponents. Batterymate McClurg swings a booming bat. A key will be for the Warriors to generate enough offense for Chessum, who won't need much. Look for Hart, an elite hockey player, to play an integral part in the second half of the season. Could this be the year the Warriors finally beat defending PSL champ Illiana Christian?
Suburban Catholic Conference
Driscoll
Coach: Mike Batka (12th year, 196-89).
Last year: 28-8, 11-3 (tied for first) in the SCC.
Postseason: Lost to Montini 3-1 in the Class A Westmont sectional semifinal.
Top returners: 3B Lindsay McCuiston, sr.; P Megan Mazur, jr.; 2B Beth Florina, sr.; SS Vikki Marazzo, sr.; C Gina D'Angelo, sr.; CF-3B Sam D'Angelo, jr.; 1B-P Kathy Cwik, jr.; LF Lisa DiGrazia, jr.; RF Amy Dewey, sr.
Newcomer to watch: RF Stacy Arlis, fr.
Outlook: The Highlanders return eight starters after tying Rosary for the conference championship last season. Mazur and Gina D'Angelo enter their third year as a battery. Batka plans to throw Mazur, who went 22-8 a year ago, in fewer innings this season to keep her fresh for the state tournament. The lineup will miss graduated SCC Player of the Year Jeannette Arlis, but McCuiston is back after batting .396 last season. She had back surgery in November but should eventually lead the offense on a team with downstate aspirations. "I think we've got a good chance to do good things," Batka said. "Our defense should be tough again. We're going to do a couple things a little bit differently and try to peak better at the end."
Immaculate Conception
Coach: Bob Cozzi (10th year, 171-110).
Last year: 25-14, 10-4 (third) in the SCC.
Postseason: Lost to Reed-Custer 2-0 in 10 innings in the Class A UIC supersectional.
Top returners: SS Sammie Smuda, sr.; 3B Arianna Sabatino, jr.; 2B Erin DiGangi, sr.; OF Theresa Gusich, jr.; OF Maddie Ronn, sr.; OF-P Jackie Cromwell, sr.
Newcomers to watch: C Gina Slaga, so.; P-1B Cathleen Chandler, jr.
Outlook: These Knights will be markedly different from last year's supersectional club. First of all they graduated three all-conference players. Then they took another hit when pitchers Kory Brunette and Jamie Dzierwa transferred to York. That leaves Chandler and Jackie Cromwell to handle the pitching. Their development will be key to this squad being able to add to the program's winning tradition. Smuda, who is coming off an all-conference season, will lead the Knights, along with fellow captains DiGangi and Cromwell. Sabatino combines with Smuda and DiGangi to make the infield the strength, though Cozzi isn't sure what's in store for this group because of its question marks. "(It's) too early to tell," he said.
Montini
Coach: Tom Blackwell (seventh year, 98-78).
Last year: 18-19, 7-7 (fourth) in the SCC.
Postseason: Lost to Immaculate Conception 7-2 in the Class A Westmont sectional final.
Top returners: 3B Trisha Scott, sr.; 1B Courtney James, sr.; SS Julie Willig, sr.; CF-C Gena Davidson, sr.; P Brandea Brown, sr.; 2B Kate Laurinaitis, sr.
Newcomers to watch: C Jenna DeFalco, jr.; LF Christina Zessemos, sr.; RF Rachel Tuszynski, so.;
Outlook: The Broncos will rely on their senior infield headed by returning starters Scott, James and Willig. Davidson moves from right field to center to anchor the outfield. Those four players are expected to lead the offense and defense. The battery will be new. Brown becomes the No. 1 pitcher after throwing in a backup role last year, while DeFalco takes over the catching chores and looks promising. Blackwell isn't sure what to expect from his Broncos. "I really don't know," he said. "We have a solid infield and pitcher who won't walk anyone. She's a good control pitcher with good pitches. She's just unproven."
St. Francis
Coach: Ralph Remus (sixth year, 85-70).
Last year: 7-25, 3-11 (seventh) in the SCC.
Postseason: Lost to Lisle 1-0 in the Class A Lisle regional semifinals.
Top returners: C Tori Kotche, sr.; SS Erin Fisher, jr.; 3B Stephanie Fitzgerald, jr.; OF Eilene Flanagan, sr.; P Kelly Zierk, sr.; OF Taylor Rogers, sr.; P-1B Kathryn Rostan, so.; 2B Laura Zettinger, so.; P Ashley Yergovich, so.
Newcomers to watch: P-1B Nicole Bobowski, fr.; CF-2B Caitlin Robinson, fr.
Outlook: The Spartans should improve on last year as their young players continue to learn the game. Two freshmen and six sophomores are on the roster. Three pitchers return in Zierk, Rostan and Yergovich, and newcomer Bobowski gives them a fourth arm. Remus hopes a couple pitchers emerge from that group. Kotche is a strength behind the plate. "I think we'll be strong defensively, and we'll have to be because runs are going to be hard to produce," Remus said. "So if we can keep the games close we got a chance. I think we'll be competitive in all the conference games. Realistically, I think we can move to the middle of the pack this year."
Suburban Prairie East
Fenton
Coach: Kristy Weseloh (second year).
Last year: 9-20, 0-10 (sixth) in the Suburban Prairie Blue.
Postseason: Lost to Elmwood Park 4-0 in the Class AA Elmwood Park regional semifinals.
Top returners: SS Mallory Muniz, sr.; C Jessica Biagi, jr.; 3B-C Druscilla Schneider, so.; CF Jacqueline Parat, sr.; RF Erica Mackie, sr.; LF Deonne Leppek, jr.; 1B E.J. Rasine, sr.; 2B Elise Mackie, sr.
Newcomers to watch: P Maggie Tokarz, jr.; P Nicole Anbach, jr.
Outlook: The Bison hope to improve with six starters returning. Muniz and Schneider make the left side of the infield strong. Biagi is back for her third season behind the plate. Those three will lead with their bats too. A key will be how inexperienced pitchers Tokarz and Anbach fare. "We'll probably use them on a rotating basis to figure out who's stronger before conference play," Weseloh said. The Bison feel they have the gloves on defense and speed on offense to be competitive. With all five seniors expected to be in the lineup, this group hopes to parlay its experience into more victories. "We're definitely hoping to improve the wins from last year," Weseloh said. "Our theme for this year is 'Getting it done.' "
Suburban Prairie North
Glenbard South
Coach: Bill Voves (25th year, 462-236).
Last year: 32-8, 8-2 (tied for first) in the Suburban Prairie Red.
Postseason: Lost to Oak Park 4-1 in the Class AA quarterfinals.
Top returners: P Shannon Roney, sr.; 1B Lauren Pietras, jr.; 2B Tina Schwemin, sr.; SS Julie Minser, jr.; 3B Michelle Yudys, jr.; P Leslie Patsavas, sr.; RF Kayoko Lyons, jr.; LF Maggie Olson, so.
Newcomers to watch: CF Val Elg, jr.; C Alisa Schwemin, so.; C Jess Collins, so.
Outlook: The Raiders earned their first Elite Eight berth last year and look capable of claiming another one. All-stater Roney, along with a top defensive infield of Pietras, Tina Schwemin, Minser and Yudys, leads the way. "We just look so good going after the ball and picking it up and knowing what to do with it," Voves said. "It's the third year in a row that this infield has been intact, so they certainly don't have to introduce themselves at the beginning of practice. Everything's really kind of automatic." The key for this fundamentally sound squad will be offense. After sharing the Red Division title last year with Plainfield, the Raiders now find Kaneland, which returns nine starters, as its chief division rival in the newly aligned conference.
Upstate Eight Conference
Lake Park
Coach: Phil Wright (fourth year, 81-30).
Last year: 33-8, 18-2 (first) in the UEC.
Postseason: Lost to Belleville East 4-0 in the Class AA championship game.
Top returners: P-SS Stephanie Blagaich, jr.; C Raeann Ewen, sr.; 3B-C Bri Cataudella, sr.; 1B Vanessa Anderson, sr.; 2B Jamie Mueller, sr.; SS-2B Tracy Rainey, so.; RF Brittany Greevers, sr.
Newcomers to watch: CF Amanda Benard, so.; P Christy Zeman, jr.; IF-OF Lauren Madry, jr.; 1B-3B Stephanie Madry, jr.
Outlook: The pieces look in place for another great season as the Lancers come off a year in which they won their first conference title since 1997, advanced downstate for the first time and brought home a second-place trophy. Five starters return, headlined by the battery of Blagaich and Ewen. Look for Anderson to play a bigger role offensively this year as the four-year varsity player moves into the cleanup spot. This talented group will be tested by a strong schedule that includes Oak Park, Barrington, Kaneland and a mid-April road trip to the Wendy's Classic in Ashland, Ohio. "We're trying to make it tough on us," Wright said. "We know that we'll get everyone's best shot, but that's what you want."
Neuqua Valley
Coach: Laura McCarthy (fifth year, 68-58).
Last year: 25-13, 14-6 (third) in the UEC.
Postseason: Lost to Plainfield 3-0 in the Class AA Oswego sectional semifinals.
Top returners: P Stephanie Kelly, jr.; RF Jenna Chapple, jr.; SS-2B-P Vallory Farrasso, jr.; 1B-3B Mariel Hamer, jr.; CF Angela Danca, jr.
Newcomers to watch: SS-2B Kara Reid, so.; C Alisha Arnold, so.; C Lauren Bury, jr.; 3B Kendal Dudek, jr.; 3B Sara Deegan, jr.
Outlook: The Wildcats have only one senior, but they'll be very competitive starting with Kelly on the mound. The all-area lefty went 16-7 and won six 1-0 games, including an 11-inning affair against Class AA runner-up Lake Park last year. "She's picked up some miles per hour," McCarthy said. "She wants a leadership position, and you can tell by the way she practices. I like everything about Stephanie right now." Fellow all-area player Chapple comes off a DuPage County-high .516 season. Splitting with UEC champ Lake Park last year makes the Wildcats think they can contend for the conference title. "We're a young team again, but a young team with experience," McCarthy said. "I expect to do better than last year in the conference."
Waubonsie Valley
Coach: Jackie Palmquist (13th year, 187-195).
Last year: 13-21, 9-11 (sixth) in the UEC.
Postseason: Lost to Benet 1-0 in the Class AA Naperville North regional semifinals.
Top returners: C Aly Kelley, sr.; P Jaci Hall, sr.; 2B-SS Jessica Randall, jr.; P Ashley Rymer, so.; 3B Jessica Tartaglione, jr.; OF Claire Bryce, sr.
Newcomers to watch: IF Jill Jozefowicz, so.; 1B-C Heidi Daumen, so.; CF Jennifer Stroder, jr.; OF Kristen Windisch, sr.
Outlook: The Warriors look to build on last year where they flashed their potential by sweeping Neuqua Valley. They return pitchers Hall and Rymer and catcher Kelley, who is headed to play for St. Xavier. Hall and Kelley are being counted on to lead a squad that includes four juniors and four sophomores. Stroder has moved from the infield to take over the outfield in center. In order for the Warriors to win some of the close games they lost last season, they will need to generate more offense after being shut out 11 times a year ago. They would like to push for a top-three finish in conference. "Our goal this season is to play tough right from the start," Palmquist said. "The kids needs to learn how to win right away."
West Suburban Gold
Addison Trail
Coach: Jeff Ryburn (ninth year, 143-129).
Last year: 21-13, 9-3 (second) in the WSG.
Postseason: Lost to Glenbard East 2-0 in the Class AA Glenbard East regional semifinals.
Top returners: SS Steffanie Gardocki, sr.; 2B-P Laura Bohannon, jr.; 1B Danielle Zdrahel, so.; 3B Stacy Voelkner, sr.; RF Joann Merritello, sr.; C Jackie Flores, jr.; LF-P Allison Hinton, jr.
Newcomers to watch: P-OH Briana Catanese, fr.; CF Kelsey Gallagher, so.; OF Lisa Liace, fr.
Outlook: Ryburn has announced this is his last season coaching the Blazers. He's stepping down for personal reasons. "The main reason why I'm coming back one more year is for those kids," said Ryburn, who wants to continue coaching elsewhere in the future. It looks like he'll have a chance to go out on a winning note. All-conference shortstop Gardocki will anchor the lineup. She is headed to play for Wisconsin-Parkside, where Addison Trail alum Kristen Brestan pitches. Fellow all-conference players Bohannon, a lefty slapper, and Zdrahel are back as well. Hard-throwing frosh Catanese will be the No. 1 pitcher. The Blazers hope to contend for the Gold title. "I'm excited about this year," Ryburn said. "We should be very competitive and challenge for the West Suburban Gold. I have high expectations for us. I expect us to do good things."
Downers Grove South
Coach: Ron Havelka (12th year, 322-78).
Last year: 26-9, 11-1 (first) in the WSG.
Postseason: Lost to Lockport 2-1 in the Class AA Downers South regional final.
Top returners: P Lindsey Christensen, so.; P-1B Jessica Keefe, jr.; CF Amanda Schrimsher, sr.; 1B Stacey Stepek, sr.; 3B Lauren Meister, so.; 2B-OF Jessica Everaert, jr.
Newcomers to watch: C Shannon Keefe, fr.; SS Denee Menzione, so.; P-1B Katie Vanek, so.; RF Janay Mitchell, so.
Outlook: It'll be interesting to watch the progress of this young team, which has only two seniors in Schrimsher and Stepek to go along with five sophomores and a freshman. "At the beginning of the year, I'm going to try to play a lot of kids," Havelka said. "I'll try to give everyone some opportunities and see what they can do. Early in the year will be a little bit of a test for them, but if they improve I think we can be pretty good by the end." Christensen and Jessica Keefe produced 26 victories last year, and Katie Vanek figures into the pitching picture too. The graduation of all-area honorary captain Kristy Vanek leaves a big run-producing hole in the heart of the order. "Somebody's got to pick up that slack a little bit," Havelka said. The Mustangs also will have new players at second base and shortstop. Havelka considers Morton, Hinsdale South and Leyden as his team's top challengers in conference.
Hinsdale South
Coach: Larry Rocco (seventh year, 121- 92).
Last year: 18-18, 7-5 (third) in the WSG.
Postseason: Lost to Hinsdale Central 3-1 in the Class AA Sandburg regional semifinals.
Top returners: SS Lindsey Shaffer, sr.; 2B Kerri Kotwica, jr.; 1B Stephanie Snyder, so.; 3B Kim Keslinke, so.; CF Laura Tanouye, sr.; C Jasmyn Wentland, jr.; P Sara Narotsky, sr.; P Lisa Narotsky, so.; P Amanda Gerren sr.
Newcomers to watch: RF Emily Katsaros, fr.; LF Missy Schuster, fr.
Outlook: The Hornets are primed to improve and possibly contend for the Gold title. Their infield is led by the all-conference combo of the strong-armed Shaffer, who enters her fourth season as the starting shortstop, and the sure-handed Kotwica, who starts her third year at second base. Fellow all-conference players Tanouye in center and Wentland behind the plate add to the strength up the middle. Pitchers Sara and Lisa Narotsky and Gerren are back too. "All three have improved," Rocco said. "Whoever's got the hot hand, we're going to go with." After an 18-9 start last season, the Hornets lost their last nine. "I've got to approach things a little bit differently than we did a year ago," said Rocco, who plans to cut back on platooning.
Willowbrook
Coach: Jim White (third year, 12-52).
Last year: 5-27, 2-10 (sixth) in the WSG.
Postseason: Lost to Glenbard West 3-1 in the Class AA Glenbard East regional semifinals.
Top returners: CF Lauren Kirby, sr.; SS Katie Dobry, sr.; LF Abbie Kressner, sr.; 3B-1B Sharal Stasch, sr.; P Kristen Knudtson, sr.; RF Megan Stika, sr.
Newcomers to watch: P Jessica Yearry, sr.; P Danielle Anetsberger, jr.; 2B Sharon Molinaro, jr.; C Mia Kline, so.
Outlook: The senior-dominated Warriors look to challenge more teams with their improved offense and solid defense. Kirby, Dobry, who brings her strong arm from behind the plate to shortstop, and Kressner are the leaders. Pitching is a question mark. Knudtson, Yearry and Anetsberger will all be handed the ball. "They're all going to get a chance at the beginning of the year," White said. "I can't say one is better than the others right now because none of them have really proven themselves ready for varsity ball yet." The eight seniors are being counted upon. "They're going to be asked to do a lot beyond their role as a position player," White said. "We're going to have to play situational ball this year more than ever."
West Suburban Silver
Downers Grove North
Coach: Chris Waca (first year).
Last year: 17-17, 4-8 (tied for fifth) in the WSS.
Postseason: Lost to Downers South 3-1 in the Class AA Downers South regional semifinals.
Top returners: SS Trish Kowalewski, sr.; C Jeannette Zaremba, sr.; C Kate Latshaw, jr.; 2B Jessie Griseta, jr.; 1B-3B Tricia McCarthy, jr.; P Sabrina Macek, sr.
Newcomers to watch: P Lauren Leong, sr.; P Audrey Spies, jr.; 3B Lauren Furgala, so.; OF Lauren Dortwegt, so.
Outlook: The Trojans are in transition. Waca, the freshman football and sophomore boys basketball coach at Downers North, takes over the softball varsity squad and finds nine seniors on the roster. Top among them is Kowalewski, a sweet-swinging, lefty-hitting shortstop who signed with Bradley. She batted .446 and struck out once in 101 at-bats last year. Junior ace Allie Cwiok did not come out for the team. That leaves lefties Macek and Leong and righty Spies as the pitchers. "At least for the first couple weeks I'm going to pitch them by committee," Waca said. "I don't want to burn any arms out." The coach aims to make his first year a good one. "We hope to," he said. "Our motto is 'All about heart.' "
Glenbard West
Coach: Lee Maciejewski (10th year, 202-85).
Last year: 21-13, 6-6 (tied for third) in the WSS.
Postseason: Lost to Glenbard East 2-1 in 11 innings in the Class AA Glenbard East regional final.
Top returners: P-3B Stephanie Doyle, jr.; 1B Christine Lux, so.; RF-C Tracy Culumber, sr.; CF Carolyn Bartlett, jr.
Newcomers to watch: SS Jenna Bianco, jr.; C Amanda Wlosek, so.; 2B Sara Sanchez, jr.; 2B-3B Kim Shukin, so.
Outlook: Optimism is high, and it starts with Doyle in the pitching circle. "We have a lot of confidence in her," Maciejewski said. "Not only as a pitcher but as a fielder and a hitter I think she's a legitimate all-state candidate." Junior Katie Sanew was slated to be the starting catcher until she suffered a broken wrist in practice. That leaves Wosek and Culumber as the catching candidates. Bianco has provided a boost by coming out for softball after playing two varsity soccer seasons. Lux is back after an all-conference freshman year. The Hilltoppers plan to contend in the Silver. "Considering we'll be putting only one senior in the field, it would be easy to look ahead, but we're not looking ahead," Maciejewski. "We're looking now."
Hinsdale Central
Coach: Becky Wilcox (second year).
Last year: 20-14, 6-6 (tied for third) in the WSG.
Postseason: Lost to Sandburg 3-1 in the Class AA Sandburg regional final.
Top returners: SS Kelly Dianis, jr.; 1B Tracy Dianis, sr.; CF Sara Medeiros, sr.; LF Lauren Ashby, sr.
Newcomers to watch: P Amanda Lite, so.; C-P-IF Rachel O'Connell, so.; 2B Stefanie Bassler, so.; 3B Sara Hahn, so.; RF Meredith McGrath, sr.
Outlook: Nine seniors graduated from a team that posted the program's first winning season since 1993. That leaves Kelly Dianis as the veteran. She enters her third season as the starting shortstop and will combine with her sister Tracy to supply power in the order. Medeiros and Ashby are the other returning starters on a club that will feature four sophomores in the lineup. Lite will be the No. 1 pitcher with batterymate O'Connell, a transfer from Westmont, as her backup. "This is kind of a growing, development year," said Wilcox, who is stepping down after this season with a baby due May 18. "We'll see if they can put it together. They're talented, but very inexperienced at the varsity level."
York
Coach: Tom Babyar (26th year, 480-280).
Last year: 32-5, 11-1 (tied for first) in the WSS.
Postseason: Lost to Lake Park 2-1 in the Class AA quarterfinals.
Top returners: P Kristen Barker, sr.; C Katie Los, sr.; 3B Ali Braverman, sr.; 2B Krissa Walsh, sr.; CF-P Kim Knutson, jr.; RF Amanda Brandenburg, sr.
Newcomers to watch: SS Breanne Bonarirgo, sr.; P-CF Kory Brunette, sr.; 1B Christina Ricordati, jr.; LF Dena Danforth, sr.
Outlook: The Dukes bring half of their key players back from the team that tied for first in the Silver with Oak Park and earned the program's first Elite Eight berth. Barker, who was 22-4 with a 0.93 ERA a year ago, will be complemented by Brunette, a transfer from Immaculate Conception who pitched the Knights to the Class A supersectionals last year. Babyar plans to use both and even find some innings for Knutson. "It's a nice situation to be in right now," he said. Los is back behind the plate, while Braverman is poised for a breakout season. Walsh moves from left field to second base. "I think we can contend, but I think we're going to be in a ton of 2-1, 3-2, 1-0 games," Babyar said. "Pitching's going to keep us in there."
© 2004 Daily Herald, Paddock Publications, Inc.
Daily Herald Reports
Posted Friday, March 26, 2004
DuPage Valley Conference
Glenbard East
Coach: Dawn Chantos (ninth year, 112-148).
Last year: 18-17, 6-8 (tied for fourth) in the DVC.
Postseason: Lost to York 5-0 in the Class AA Morton sectional semifinals.
Top returners: C Katie Mielke, sr.; 1B Shannon Mikulecky, sr.; 2B Alyssa Jezioro, sr.; P Stefanie DeBrock, jr.; SS Renee Consoer, sr.; 3B Nikki Schlagel, sr.; CF Brittany Patete, jr.; LF Carly Byron, sr.; RF Vanessa Hertz, sr.
Newcomers to watch: OF-P Erin Mikulecky, so.; OF-IF Terri Willming, jr.
Outlook: Optimism is overflowing with eight starters back led by Illinois State-bound Mielke behind the plate. The big change will be DeBrock stepping into the ace's role after recording a 1.35 ERA in 88 innings last season. "Katie (Mielke) is who you want back with her," said Chantos, who had a baby girl March 18. "They're working together very well." An expected strong infield returns, headed by all-conference first baseman Shannon Mikulecky. The Rams plan to contend for the conference when Chantos returns to the team in a couple weeks. "We want conference," she said. "That's our No. 1 goal as a team. We think we can do it. We're very, very excited about our potential this year."
Glenbard North
Coach: Jim McKinney (14th year, 324-101).
Last year: 33-5, 12-2 (tied for first) in the DVC.
Postseason: Lost to Geneva 4-3 in the Class AA Larkin sectional semifinals.
Top returners: CF Sarah Bryers, sr.; C Mallory Paine, sr.; 3B Carla Musillo, sr.; P Becky Evans, sr.; 1B Michelle Nitti, jr.; 2B Annie Dolan, jr.; SS Bridget Paine, so.; P Jenna Szybowicz, jr.; RF Nicole Giampa, jr.; RF Caitlin Klos, jr.
Newcomers to watch: DH-RF Michelle Batts, fr.; LF Shantanel Sampson, jr.
Outlook: McKinney believes he has the best group of position players in school history. The Panthers return nine starters, including six all-conference players - Bryers, Mallory Paine, Musillo, Evans, Nitti and Dolan. Bryers has signed with Illinois, and Musillo is headed to Lewis. Evans went 21-5 with a 0.53 ERA last year. McKinney's toughest job may be finding playing time for everyone. After running into bad luck with their pitchers' health in season-ending losses the past two years, the Panthers aim to return to state for the first time since placing third in 2001. "I've always said you've got to have a good ballclub where you're competitive and all that, but you got to be lucky," McKinney said. "We're going to have a very nice year."
Naperville Central
Coach: Andy Nussbaum (21st year, 317-341).
Last year: 17-19, 8-6 (third) in the DVC.
Postseason: Lost to Glenbard South 4-3 in the Class AA Wheaton North regional final.
Top returners: P-OF Maegan Golloway, sr.; CF Jessica Holland, sr.; 2B Caitlin Schneider, jr.; C Kristine Whall, so.
Newcomers to watch: SS Sarah Seward, so.; 3B Marylee Richardson, sr.; OF-IF Caitlin Marr, sr.; 1B Cayli Compton, so.; P-OF Sara Silke, fr.; OF Amanda Brakke, jr.
Outlook: While the Redhawks lost some heavy hitters among the seven players lost to graduation, they feel pitching will make them a better club than a year ago. Not only is Golloway improved, but hard-throwing freshman Silke looks ready to contribute too. Golloway is one of four returning starters along with Holland, Schneider and Whall, who moves from first base to catcher. The offense will have to play "small ball" more than in recent seasons. A lot will depend on the team's defense. The left side of the infield in Richardson and Seward is new to varsity ball. "Pitching-wise, we'll be the best we've been since Kristi Jonikas in 2000," Nussbaum said. "The real question is, are we going to be able to play defense?"
Naperville North
Coach: Jerry Kedziora (second year).
Last year: 7-28, 2-12 (eighth) in the DVC.
Postseason: Lost to Benet 3-0 in the Class AA Naperville North regional final.
Top returners: P Katherine Pankow, sr.; C Katherine Dieckmann, jr.; C-DH Caitlyn Fasse, sr.; SS Kari Sikich, sr.; 3B Jessica Prozialak, sr.; RF Claire Smith, sr.; P-IF Julie Webb, so.; OF Ashley Turner, jr.
Newcomer to watch: OF Kelly Coleman, so.
Outlook: The Huskies look to bounce back after a trying season. Six starters return, including many at important positions. Pankow is back after pitching most of the innings a year ago. She'll throw to a familiar face behind the plate in Dieckmann. The left side of the infield is experienced with Sikich and Prozialak. Those players help make the Huskies feel confident in their defense. The offense is where they can improve the most after registering only a .152 batting average and 17 extra-base hits last season. "The team looks to improve on last year's record," Kedziora said. "Pitching will be key and even better than last year. We look to contend for the top half of conference."
West Chicago
Coach: Jim Schaudt (10th year, 179-130).
Last year: 14-18, 6-8 (tied for fourth) in the DVC.
Postseason: Lost to St. Charles North 2-1 in the Class AA Batavia regional semifinals.
Top returners: 1B Kim Rovtar, sr.; CF Brandi Bodie, jr.; 3B Emily Ekstrom, sr.; C Kailey Rohrdanz, sr.; OF-C Melissa Mendoza, sr.
Newcomers to watch: P-OF Christine Williams, fr.; P Bridget Rood, jr.; P Carri Wostratzky, jr.; SS Peggy Saul, jr.; OF-2B Jenna Bodie, fr.
Outlook: There are plenty of questions to be answered. Promising freshman Williams will probably pitch quite a bit, but Rood and Wostratzky will get their chance too. "There's a lot of question marks because none of them have pitched at the varsity level," Schaudt said. "We'll play it by ear for awhile and see who emerges." All-conference Rovtar moves from the middle of the infield to first base. She batted .338 with a .461 on-base percentage last year. Brandi Bodie, whose freshman sister, Jenna, will join her on varsity, anchors the outfield in center. Ekstrom returns as the starting third baseman. A number of other starters are still being decided. "I'm kind of glad to have some options," Schaudt said. "I think we'll be competitive, as usual."
Wheaton North
Coach: Jason Stipp (third year, 42-26).
Last year: 20-15, 5-9 (tied for sixth) in the DVC.
Postseason: Lost to Naperville Central 4-0 in the Class AA Wheaton North regional semifinals.
Top returners: C Kristina Artner, jr.; P Katie Koechling, jr.; 2B-OF Monica Urban, jr.; SS Tara LaRose, sr.; OF Kelly Padera, jr.; 3B Maureen Hackney, sr.; 1B Jacki Christell, sr.; OF Gianna Gatto, jr.
Newcomers to watch: OF-P Christine Salerno, jr.; OF Sammie Keifer, so.
Outlook: The Falcons had their moments a year ago playing a handful of sophomores. The team figures to be bettered by that experience. Six starters return, topped by the battery of Koechling and Artner. Look for Artner to emerge as an impact player in her third varsity season. She'll bat third. The progress of Koechling will be key. "A lot of it will come down to how Katie Koechling does pitching for us," Stipp said. "I think she's a really good pitcher, and we'll find out if she's going to be a great pitcher. I have high hopes for her." Urban, a slapper, should reach base plenty. "I'm very positive, very excited about the team this year," Stipp said. "We'd like to be right up there and expect to compete for the DVC."
Wheaton Warrenville South
Coach: Denise McCance (first year).
Last year: 22-12, 12-2 (tied for first) in the DVC.
Postseason: Lost to Naperville North 1-0 in eight innings in the Class AA Naperville North regional semifinals.
Top returners: 2B Christie Rosebraugh, jr.; C Barb Traynor, sr.; P Katie Odell, sr.; LF Gianna Leonetti, so.; OF Colleen Murphy, sr.
Newcomers to watch: SS Jen Sloboda, so.; 1B-P Christy Cudzewicz, so.; 3B-P Alison Winter, sr.; RF Jess Richter, jr.; CF Stephanie McEnery, so.
Outlook: The Tigers will sport a new look. Not only did they lose 10 seniors but their coach too. McCance takes over the program from Ron Muhitch, who had a 103-72 record in six seasons. McCance has assisted Muhitch for the past five years. The former NIU basketball player plans to split the pitching mainly between the Millikin-bound Odell and lefty Cudzewicz. Their target will be Delaware recruit Traynor. Four sophomores will start, led by Sloboda at short. McCance thinks her team can surprise in the DuPage Valley. "Besides really Glenbard North, we're thinking conference is pretty open," she said. "We're going to try for first again. This is the year we have a chance to do some damage without having a real experienced team."
East Suburban Catholic Conference
Benet
Coach: Jerry Schilf (fifth year, 72-72).
Last year: 23-15, 10-6 (third) in the ESCC.
Postseason: Lost to Glenbard South 4-3 in nine innings in the Class AA Oswego sectional semifinals.
Top returners: SS Alex Coari, sr.; P Lauren Rohan, so.; LF Colleen Huml, so.; 2B Allie Canulli, so.; 3B Katie Lorenc, jr.; 1B Lizzy Cunningham, so.; RF Allison Boyd, jr.; C Colleen Corcoran, jr.
Newcomers to watch: CF Stephanie Latocha, jr.; P Stephanie Mills, so.
Outlook: The Redwings hope to pick up where they left off last season when they won 21 of their final 28. With only two seniors on this year's roster, this remains a young club. Seven sophomores and a freshman are on the squad. Returning all-conference players Coari, Rohan and Huml are among the seven starters back. "Our defense is going to be very, very strong," Schilf said. "I'll put my infield against anybody's." Offensively, the lineup features more speed than power, so manufacturing runs will be the plan. The Redwings will find out where they stand in the conference race when they travel to meet defending champ Marian Catholic for an April 10 doubleheader. "Our conference is going to be
very, very strong, so for us to win 23 games again this year, a lot of things will have to go right," Schilf said. "But are we capable of doing it? Sure. Absolutely. We're capable of winning a lot more games than that."
Interstate Eight Conference
Lisle
Coach: Rick Beato (15th year, 286-163).
Last year: 27-9, 11-3 (second) in the IEC.
Postseason: Lost to Wheaton Academy 1-0 in eight innings in the Class A Indian Creek sectional semifinals.
Top returners: SS Erika Buchholz, sr.; 1B Lisa Gartelos, sr.; 2B Katie Venard, jr.; C-3B Beth Okrie, jr.; P-RF Vanessa Kalal, jr.; P-3B Bridget Holtorf, so.; LF-P Anna Mulacek, jr.
Newcomers to watch: CF Erin Drennan, fr.; C Angela Payne, so.; 3B Nicole Dombrow, jr.
Outlook: Buchholz, who batted .419 a year ago, heads a talented crew. Kalal and Holtorf comprise the starting rotation. Okrie moves from right field to behind the plate and third base. She'll catch Kalal, forming a junior battery, while Payne will catch Holtorf to form a sophomore one. Frosh Drennan looks promising in center. "I think we're going to surprise people with how well we hit," Beato said. With defending IEC champ Reed-Custer having graduated six all-conference players, Beato pegs his Lions and Wilmington as the top contenders for the conference crown. "I expect to win it," Beato said. The race will probably go down to the wire. The Lions close the conference season with a pair of home-and-away series against those clubs.
Private School League
Timothy Christian
Coach: Nancy Wieringa (first year).
Last year: 13-15, 2-6 (fourth) in the PSL.
Postseason: Lost to Montini 7-0 in the Class A Montini regional final.
Top returners: P-C-IF Cori Freundt, so.; SS Katie VanByssum, jr.; CF Allie Baumbach, jr.; RF Julia Andersen, sr.
Newcomers to watch: P-2B Melissa Tameling, so.; P Courtney Van Reken, so.; C Brittany DeBoer, so.; 1B Megan Folkerts, jr.; 2B Samantha Grunze, jr.; 3B Shelley Muszynski, jr.; LF Mary Romano, jr.
Outlook: Wieringa, who pitched for Batavia and Trinity Christian, has her work cut out. The 22-year-old takes over a program that saw nine seniors graduate. She'll use her experience in the circle to help her staff. Freundt, Tameling and lefty Van Reken are the pitching options. Andersen is the lone senior on the young Trojans. "I have a goal of being above .500 because Timothy softball's never been above .500," Wieringa said. "I believe this is the year it's going to happen. My major goal is to start building a softball program at Timothy and making a name for ourselves." Of note, the PSL has been restructured back to one group, with the teams playing each other twice.
Wheaton Academy
Coach: Chris Hudson (seventh year, 66-78).
Last year: 23-8, 6-2 (second) in the PSL.
Postseason: Lost to Dakota 1-0 in 14 innings in the Class A NIU supersectional.
Top returners: P Lauren Chessum, sr.; C Bryanne McClurg, sr.; 2B Becky Fiala, sr.; CF Hannah Kosirog, jr.; SS-P Keaton Kraklio, so.; OF Hannah Gurunian, so.; OF Lindsey Harrell, so.; 3B Leanne Tollen, so.; OF Rachel Pierce, so.
Newcomers to watch: 1B-P Lauren Taylor, jr.; SS Laura Hart, fr.
Outlook: The Warriors won their first regional and sectional titles last year. They return 11 of 13 players for what could be an even better season. "It's going to be exciting," Hudson said. "We're trying to keep it in perspective. We're focusing on working hard in our practices." Chessum, who has signed with Olivet Nazarene, is back to shut down opponents. Batterymate McClurg swings a booming bat. A key will be for the Warriors to generate enough offense for Chessum, who won't need much. Look for Hart, an elite hockey player, to play an integral part in the second half of the season. Could this be the year the Warriors finally beat defending PSL champ Illiana Christian?
Suburban Catholic Conference
Driscoll
Coach: Mike Batka (12th year, 196-89).
Last year: 28-8, 11-3 (tied for first) in the SCC.
Postseason: Lost to Montini 3-1 in the Class A Westmont sectional semifinal.
Top returners: 3B Lindsay McCuiston, sr.; P Megan Mazur, jr.; 2B Beth Florina, sr.; SS Vikki Marazzo, sr.; C Gina D'Angelo, sr.; CF-3B Sam D'Angelo, jr.; 1B-P Kathy Cwik, jr.; LF Lisa DiGrazia, jr.; RF Amy Dewey, sr.
Newcomer to watch: RF Stacy Arlis, fr.
Outlook: The Highlanders return eight starters after tying Rosary for the conference championship last season. Mazur and Gina D'Angelo enter their third year as a battery. Batka plans to throw Mazur, who went 22-8 a year ago, in fewer innings this season to keep her fresh for the state tournament. The lineup will miss graduated SCC Player of the Year Jeannette Arlis, but McCuiston is back after batting .396 last season. She had back surgery in November but should eventually lead the offense on a team with downstate aspirations. "I think we've got a good chance to do good things," Batka said. "Our defense should be tough again. We're going to do a couple things a little bit differently and try to peak better at the end."
Immaculate Conception
Coach: Bob Cozzi (10th year, 171-110).
Last year: 25-14, 10-4 (third) in the SCC.
Postseason: Lost to Reed-Custer 2-0 in 10 innings in the Class A UIC supersectional.
Top returners: SS Sammie Smuda, sr.; 3B Arianna Sabatino, jr.; 2B Erin DiGangi, sr.; OF Theresa Gusich, jr.; OF Maddie Ronn, sr.; OF-P Jackie Cromwell, sr.
Newcomers to watch: C Gina Slaga, so.; P-1B Cathleen Chandler, jr.
Outlook: These Knights will be markedly different from last year's supersectional club. First of all they graduated three all-conference players. Then they took another hit when pitchers Kory Brunette and Jamie Dzierwa transferred to York. That leaves Chandler and Jackie Cromwell to handle the pitching. Their development will be key to this squad being able to add to the program's winning tradition. Smuda, who is coming off an all-conference season, will lead the Knights, along with fellow captains DiGangi and Cromwell. Sabatino combines with Smuda and DiGangi to make the infield the strength, though Cozzi isn't sure what's in store for this group because of its question marks. "(It's) too early to tell," he said.
Montini
Coach: Tom Blackwell (seventh year, 98-78).
Last year: 18-19, 7-7 (fourth) in the SCC.
Postseason: Lost to Immaculate Conception 7-2 in the Class A Westmont sectional final.
Top returners: 3B Trisha Scott, sr.; 1B Courtney James, sr.; SS Julie Willig, sr.; CF-C Gena Davidson, sr.; P Brandea Brown, sr.; 2B Kate Laurinaitis, sr.
Newcomers to watch: C Jenna DeFalco, jr.; LF Christina Zessemos, sr.; RF Rachel Tuszynski, so.;
Outlook: The Broncos will rely on their senior infield headed by returning starters Scott, James and Willig. Davidson moves from right field to center to anchor the outfield. Those four players are expected to lead the offense and defense. The battery will be new. Brown becomes the No. 1 pitcher after throwing in a backup role last year, while DeFalco takes over the catching chores and looks promising. Blackwell isn't sure what to expect from his Broncos. "I really don't know," he said. "We have a solid infield and pitcher who won't walk anyone. She's a good control pitcher with good pitches. She's just unproven."
St. Francis
Coach: Ralph Remus (sixth year, 85-70).
Last year: 7-25, 3-11 (seventh) in the SCC.
Postseason: Lost to Lisle 1-0 in the Class A Lisle regional semifinals.
Top returners: C Tori Kotche, sr.; SS Erin Fisher, jr.; 3B Stephanie Fitzgerald, jr.; OF Eilene Flanagan, sr.; P Kelly Zierk, sr.; OF Taylor Rogers, sr.; P-1B Kathryn Rostan, so.; 2B Laura Zettinger, so.; P Ashley Yergovich, so.
Newcomers to watch: P-1B Nicole Bobowski, fr.; CF-2B Caitlin Robinson, fr.
Outlook: The Spartans should improve on last year as their young players continue to learn the game. Two freshmen and six sophomores are on the roster. Three pitchers return in Zierk, Rostan and Yergovich, and newcomer Bobowski gives them a fourth arm. Remus hopes a couple pitchers emerge from that group. Kotche is a strength behind the plate. "I think we'll be strong defensively, and we'll have to be because runs are going to be hard to produce," Remus said. "So if we can keep the games close we got a chance. I think we'll be competitive in all the conference games. Realistically, I think we can move to the middle of the pack this year."
Suburban Prairie East
Fenton
Coach: Kristy Weseloh (second year).
Last year: 9-20, 0-10 (sixth) in the Suburban Prairie Blue.
Postseason: Lost to Elmwood Park 4-0 in the Class AA Elmwood Park regional semifinals.
Top returners: SS Mallory Muniz, sr.; C Jessica Biagi, jr.; 3B-C Druscilla Schneider, so.; CF Jacqueline Parat, sr.; RF Erica Mackie, sr.; LF Deonne Leppek, jr.; 1B E.J. Rasine, sr.; 2B Elise Mackie, sr.
Newcomers to watch: P Maggie Tokarz, jr.; P Nicole Anbach, jr.
Outlook: The Bison hope to improve with six starters returning. Muniz and Schneider make the left side of the infield strong. Biagi is back for her third season behind the plate. Those three will lead with their bats too. A key will be how inexperienced pitchers Tokarz and Anbach fare. "We'll probably use them on a rotating basis to figure out who's stronger before conference play," Weseloh said. The Bison feel they have the gloves on defense and speed on offense to be competitive. With all five seniors expected to be in the lineup, this group hopes to parlay its experience into more victories. "We're definitely hoping to improve the wins from last year," Weseloh said. "Our theme for this year is 'Getting it done.' "
Suburban Prairie North
Glenbard South
Coach: Bill Voves (25th year, 462-236).
Last year: 32-8, 8-2 (tied for first) in the Suburban Prairie Red.
Postseason: Lost to Oak Park 4-1 in the Class AA quarterfinals.
Top returners: P Shannon Roney, sr.; 1B Lauren Pietras, jr.; 2B Tina Schwemin, sr.; SS Julie Minser, jr.; 3B Michelle Yudys, jr.; P Leslie Patsavas, sr.; RF Kayoko Lyons, jr.; LF Maggie Olson, so.
Newcomers to watch: CF Val Elg, jr.; C Alisa Schwemin, so.; C Jess Collins, so.
Outlook: The Raiders earned their first Elite Eight berth last year and look capable of claiming another one. All-stater Roney, along with a top defensive infield of Pietras, Tina Schwemin, Minser and Yudys, leads the way. "We just look so good going after the ball and picking it up and knowing what to do with it," Voves said. "It's the third year in a row that this infield has been intact, so they certainly don't have to introduce themselves at the beginning of practice. Everything's really kind of automatic." The key for this fundamentally sound squad will be offense. After sharing the Red Division title last year with Plainfield, the Raiders now find Kaneland, which returns nine starters, as its chief division rival in the newly aligned conference.
Upstate Eight Conference
Lake Park
Coach: Phil Wright (fourth year, 81-30).
Last year: 33-8, 18-2 (first) in the UEC.
Postseason: Lost to Belleville East 4-0 in the Class AA championship game.
Top returners: P-SS Stephanie Blagaich, jr.; C Raeann Ewen, sr.; 3B-C Bri Cataudella, sr.; 1B Vanessa Anderson, sr.; 2B Jamie Mueller, sr.; SS-2B Tracy Rainey, so.; RF Brittany Greevers, sr.
Newcomers to watch: CF Amanda Benard, so.; P Christy Zeman, jr.; IF-OF Lauren Madry, jr.; 1B-3B Stephanie Madry, jr.
Outlook: The pieces look in place for another great season as the Lancers come off a year in which they won their first conference title since 1997, advanced downstate for the first time and brought home a second-place trophy. Five starters return, headlined by the battery of Blagaich and Ewen. Look for Anderson to play a bigger role offensively this year as the four-year varsity player moves into the cleanup spot. This talented group will be tested by a strong schedule that includes Oak Park, Barrington, Kaneland and a mid-April road trip to the Wendy's Classic in Ashland, Ohio. "We're trying to make it tough on us," Wright said. "We know that we'll get everyone's best shot, but that's what you want."
Neuqua Valley
Coach: Laura McCarthy (fifth year, 68-58).
Last year: 25-13, 14-6 (third) in the UEC.
Postseason: Lost to Plainfield 3-0 in the Class AA Oswego sectional semifinals.
Top returners: P Stephanie Kelly, jr.; RF Jenna Chapple, jr.; SS-2B-P Vallory Farrasso, jr.; 1B-3B Mariel Hamer, jr.; CF Angela Danca, jr.
Newcomers to watch: SS-2B Kara Reid, so.; C Alisha Arnold, so.; C Lauren Bury, jr.; 3B Kendal Dudek, jr.; 3B Sara Deegan, jr.
Outlook: The Wildcats have only one senior, but they'll be very competitive starting with Kelly on the mound. The all-area lefty went 16-7 and won six 1-0 games, including an 11-inning affair against Class AA runner-up Lake Park last year. "She's picked up some miles per hour," McCarthy said. "She wants a leadership position, and you can tell by the way she practices. I like everything about Stephanie right now." Fellow all-area player Chapple comes off a DuPage County-high .516 season. Splitting with UEC champ Lake Park last year makes the Wildcats think they can contend for the conference title. "We're a young team again, but a young team with experience," McCarthy said. "I expect to do better than last year in the conference."
Waubonsie Valley
Coach: Jackie Palmquist (13th year, 187-195).
Last year: 13-21, 9-11 (sixth) in the UEC.
Postseason: Lost to Benet 1-0 in the Class AA Naperville North regional semifinals.
Top returners: C Aly Kelley, sr.; P Jaci Hall, sr.; 2B-SS Jessica Randall, jr.; P Ashley Rymer, so.; 3B Jessica Tartaglione, jr.; OF Claire Bryce, sr.
Newcomers to watch: IF Jill Jozefowicz, so.; 1B-C Heidi Daumen, so.; CF Jennifer Stroder, jr.; OF Kristen Windisch, sr.
Outlook: The Warriors look to build on last year where they flashed their potential by sweeping Neuqua Valley. They return pitchers Hall and Rymer and catcher Kelley, who is headed to play for St. Xavier. Hall and Kelley are being counted on to lead a squad that includes four juniors and four sophomores. Stroder has moved from the infield to take over the outfield in center. In order for the Warriors to win some of the close games they lost last season, they will need to generate more offense after being shut out 11 times a year ago. They would like to push for a top-three finish in conference. "Our goal this season is to play tough right from the start," Palmquist said. "The kids needs to learn how to win right away."
West Suburban Gold
Addison Trail
Coach: Jeff Ryburn (ninth year, 143-129).
Last year: 21-13, 9-3 (second) in the WSG.
Postseason: Lost to Glenbard East 2-0 in the Class AA Glenbard East regional semifinals.
Top returners: SS Steffanie Gardocki, sr.; 2B-P Laura Bohannon, jr.; 1B Danielle Zdrahel, so.; 3B Stacy Voelkner, sr.; RF Joann Merritello, sr.; C Jackie Flores, jr.; LF-P Allison Hinton, jr.
Newcomers to watch: P-OH Briana Catanese, fr.; CF Kelsey Gallagher, so.; OF Lisa Liace, fr.
Outlook: Ryburn has announced this is his last season coaching the Blazers. He's stepping down for personal reasons. "The main reason why I'm coming back one more year is for those kids," said Ryburn, who wants to continue coaching elsewhere in the future. It looks like he'll have a chance to go out on a winning note. All-conference shortstop Gardocki will anchor the lineup. She is headed to play for Wisconsin-Parkside, where Addison Trail alum Kristen Brestan pitches. Fellow all-conference players Bohannon, a lefty slapper, and Zdrahel are back as well. Hard-throwing frosh Catanese will be the No. 1 pitcher. The Blazers hope to contend for the Gold title. "I'm excited about this year," Ryburn said. "We should be very competitive and challenge for the West Suburban Gold. I have high expectations for us. I expect us to do good things."
Downers Grove South
Coach: Ron Havelka (12th year, 322-78).
Last year: 26-9, 11-1 (first) in the WSG.
Postseason: Lost to Lockport 2-1 in the Class AA Downers South regional final.
Top returners: P Lindsey Christensen, so.; P-1B Jessica Keefe, jr.; CF Amanda Schrimsher, sr.; 1B Stacey Stepek, sr.; 3B Lauren Meister, so.; 2B-OF Jessica Everaert, jr.
Newcomers to watch: C Shannon Keefe, fr.; SS Denee Menzione, so.; P-1B Katie Vanek, so.; RF Janay Mitchell, so.
Outlook: It'll be interesting to watch the progress of this young team, which has only two seniors in Schrimsher and Stepek to go along with five sophomores and a freshman. "At the beginning of the year, I'm going to try to play a lot of kids," Havelka said. "I'll try to give everyone some opportunities and see what they can do. Early in the year will be a little bit of a test for them, but if they improve I think we can be pretty good by the end." Christensen and Jessica Keefe produced 26 victories last year, and Katie Vanek figures into the pitching picture too. The graduation of all-area honorary captain Kristy Vanek leaves a big run-producing hole in the heart of the order. "Somebody's got to pick up that slack a little bit," Havelka said. The Mustangs also will have new players at second base and shortstop. Havelka considers Morton, Hinsdale South and Leyden as his team's top challengers in conference.
Hinsdale South
Coach: Larry Rocco (seventh year, 121- 92).
Last year: 18-18, 7-5 (third) in the WSG.
Postseason: Lost to Hinsdale Central 3-1 in the Class AA Sandburg regional semifinals.
Top returners: SS Lindsey Shaffer, sr.; 2B Kerri Kotwica, jr.; 1B Stephanie Snyder, so.; 3B Kim Keslinke, so.; CF Laura Tanouye, sr.; C Jasmyn Wentland, jr.; P Sara Narotsky, sr.; P Lisa Narotsky, so.; P Amanda Gerren sr.
Newcomers to watch: RF Emily Katsaros, fr.; LF Missy Schuster, fr.
Outlook: The Hornets are primed to improve and possibly contend for the Gold title. Their infield is led by the all-conference combo of the strong-armed Shaffer, who enters her fourth season as the starting shortstop, and the sure-handed Kotwica, who starts her third year at second base. Fellow all-conference players Tanouye in center and Wentland behind the plate add to the strength up the middle. Pitchers Sara and Lisa Narotsky and Gerren are back too. "All three have improved," Rocco said. "Whoever's got the hot hand, we're going to go with." After an 18-9 start last season, the Hornets lost their last nine. "I've got to approach things a little bit differently than we did a year ago," said Rocco, who plans to cut back on platooning.
Willowbrook
Coach: Jim White (third year, 12-52).
Last year: 5-27, 2-10 (sixth) in the WSG.
Postseason: Lost to Glenbard West 3-1 in the Class AA Glenbard East regional semifinals.
Top returners: CF Lauren Kirby, sr.; SS Katie Dobry, sr.; LF Abbie Kressner, sr.; 3B-1B Sharal Stasch, sr.; P Kristen Knudtson, sr.; RF Megan Stika, sr.
Newcomers to watch: P Jessica Yearry, sr.; P Danielle Anetsberger, jr.; 2B Sharon Molinaro, jr.; C Mia Kline, so.
Outlook: The senior-dominated Warriors look to challenge more teams with their improved offense and solid defense. Kirby, Dobry, who brings her strong arm from behind the plate to shortstop, and Kressner are the leaders. Pitching is a question mark. Knudtson, Yearry and Anetsberger will all be handed the ball. "They're all going to get a chance at the beginning of the year," White said. "I can't say one is better than the others right now because none of them have really proven themselves ready for varsity ball yet." The eight seniors are being counted upon. "They're going to be asked to do a lot beyond their role as a position player," White said. "We're going to have to play situational ball this year more than ever."
West Suburban Silver
Downers Grove North
Coach: Chris Waca (first year).
Last year: 17-17, 4-8 (tied for fifth) in the WSS.
Postseason: Lost to Downers South 3-1 in the Class AA Downers South regional semifinals.
Top returners: SS Trish Kowalewski, sr.; C Jeannette Zaremba, sr.; C Kate Latshaw, jr.; 2B Jessie Griseta, jr.; 1B-3B Tricia McCarthy, jr.; P Sabrina Macek, sr.
Newcomers to watch: P Lauren Leong, sr.; P Audrey Spies, jr.; 3B Lauren Furgala, so.; OF Lauren Dortwegt, so.
Outlook: The Trojans are in transition. Waca, the freshman football and sophomore boys basketball coach at Downers North, takes over the softball varsity squad and finds nine seniors on the roster. Top among them is Kowalewski, a sweet-swinging, lefty-hitting shortstop who signed with Bradley. She batted .446 and struck out once in 101 at-bats last year. Junior ace Allie Cwiok did not come out for the team. That leaves lefties Macek and Leong and righty Spies as the pitchers. "At least for the first couple weeks I'm going to pitch them by committee," Waca said. "I don't want to burn any arms out." The coach aims to make his first year a good one. "We hope to," he said. "Our motto is 'All about heart.' "
Glenbard West
Coach: Lee Maciejewski (10th year, 202-85).
Last year: 21-13, 6-6 (tied for third) in the WSS.
Postseason: Lost to Glenbard East 2-1 in 11 innings in the Class AA Glenbard East regional final.
Top returners: P-3B Stephanie Doyle, jr.; 1B Christine Lux, so.; RF-C Tracy Culumber, sr.; CF Carolyn Bartlett, jr.
Newcomers to watch: SS Jenna Bianco, jr.; C Amanda Wlosek, so.; 2B Sara Sanchez, jr.; 2B-3B Kim Shukin, so.
Outlook: Optimism is high, and it starts with Doyle in the pitching circle. "We have a lot of confidence in her," Maciejewski said. "Not only as a pitcher but as a fielder and a hitter I think she's a legitimate all-state candidate." Junior Katie Sanew was slated to be the starting catcher until she suffered a broken wrist in practice. That leaves Wosek and Culumber as the catching candidates. Bianco has provided a boost by coming out for softball after playing two varsity soccer seasons. Lux is back after an all-conference freshman year. The Hilltoppers plan to contend in the Silver. "Considering we'll be putting only one senior in the field, it would be easy to look ahead, but we're not looking ahead," Maciejewski. "We're looking now."
Hinsdale Central
Coach: Becky Wilcox (second year).
Last year: 20-14, 6-6 (tied for third) in the WSG.
Postseason: Lost to Sandburg 3-1 in the Class AA Sandburg regional final.
Top returners: SS Kelly Dianis, jr.; 1B Tracy Dianis, sr.; CF Sara Medeiros, sr.; LF Lauren Ashby, sr.
Newcomers to watch: P Amanda Lite, so.; C-P-IF Rachel O'Connell, so.; 2B Stefanie Bassler, so.; 3B Sara Hahn, so.; RF Meredith McGrath, sr.
Outlook: Nine seniors graduated from a team that posted the program's first winning season since 1993. That leaves Kelly Dianis as the veteran. She enters her third season as the starting shortstop and will combine with her sister Tracy to supply power in the order. Medeiros and Ashby are the other returning starters on a club that will feature four sophomores in the lineup. Lite will be the No. 1 pitcher with batterymate O'Connell, a transfer from Westmont, as her backup. "This is kind of a growing, development year," said Wilcox, who is stepping down after this season with a baby due May 18. "We'll see if they can put it together. They're talented, but very inexperienced at the varsity level."
York
Coach: Tom Babyar (26th year, 480-280).
Last year: 32-5, 11-1 (tied for first) in the WSS.
Postseason: Lost to Lake Park 2-1 in the Class AA quarterfinals.
Top returners: P Kristen Barker, sr.; C Katie Los, sr.; 3B Ali Braverman, sr.; 2B Krissa Walsh, sr.; CF-P Kim Knutson, jr.; RF Amanda Brandenburg, sr.
Newcomers to watch: SS Breanne Bonarirgo, sr.; P-CF Kory Brunette, sr.; 1B Christina Ricordati, jr.; LF Dena Danforth, sr.
Outlook: The Dukes bring half of their key players back from the team that tied for first in the Silver with Oak Park and earned the program's first Elite Eight berth. Barker, who was 22-4 with a 0.93 ERA a year ago, will be complemented by Brunette, a transfer from Immaculate Conception who pitched the Knights to the Class A supersectionals last year. Babyar plans to use both and even find some innings for Knutson. "It's a nice situation to be in right now," he said. Los is back behind the plate, while Braverman is poised for a breakout season. Walsh moves from left field to second base. "I think we can contend, but I think we're going to be in a ton of 2-1, 3-2, 1-0 games," Babyar said. "Pitching's going to keep us in there."
© 2004 Daily Herald, Paddock Publications, Inc.
