Journal & Topics Media Group

Softball 2018 Season Outlooks


Buffalo Grove Bison

Coach: Starr Dorsey (2 years, 22-41 record)

Last year’s record: 13-21 (6-10 in MSL)

Key returnees: Olivia Morini (Sr., CF), Jacqueline Bickhaus (Jr., SS)

Rest of the varsity roster: Lauren Beiersdorf (OF), Katelyn O’Rourke (3B/1B), Laura Grabner (OF), Kylee Gucwa (2B/RF), Sam Hansen (C/3B), Gianna LoVerde (UT/P), Bailey Williams (1B), Hannah Young (OF), Megan Fontanetta (P/2B), Elle Christou (UT)

Pitchers: Megan Fontanetta, Gianna LoVerde, Jacqueline Bickhaus

Keys to success: “Our pitching staff and defense will be the keys to our success this season. We have a lot of experienced leaders both in the infield and outfield which will be key to helping our pitching staff. Our pitchers will need to work hard to get ahead and stay ahead in the counts this season. Offensively, we will need to use our speed and be smart on the base paths to create scoring opportunities for us. We were plagued by injuries the 2nd half of the season last year, so keeping everyone healthy will be key.”

Goals this season: “Our goal is to be competitive in every game we play and remain consistent throughout the entire season.”

Key games: “Prospect, Elk Grove and Hersey.”

 

Conant Cougars

Coach: CathyAnn Smith (starting 18th season)

Last year’s record: 23-7

Key returnees: Sydney Correa (Sr., C/INF), Jackie Burchfield (Sr., SS), Jackie Carlucci (Sr., P, signed with Wisconsin-Eau Claire), Makenna McCarthy (Sr., OF, signed with Winona), Paige Nallen (Sr., INF/OF), Delaney Szwed (Sr., OF)

Key newcomers: Trystin Lovas (Jr., INF), Morgan Long (Jr., C, committed to Milwaukee School of Engineering), Alexa Nallen (So., INF), Hannah Oh (Sr., OF), Julia Flaishaker (Fr., P/UT), Tara Lovas (Fr., C/UT)

Pitchers: Jackie Carlucci (No. 1), Julia Flaishaker (closer)

Keys to success: “Half of our team has experience winning a conference championship and two regionals, so they will be key in getting our new, young kids to understand how tough our conference is and what it takes to be successful.”

Goals this season: “Our goals this year will be to take one game at a time, one inning at a time, one pitch at a time. There is a learning curve with our group and we want to take it slow and steady to grow to where we need to be for the postseason.”

Key games: “Our conference is always tough, but we are hoping to perform better against teams we lost to twice (Palatine).”

Coach’s thoughts: “This group has a lot of potential. Former Cougar Allie Bauch (University of Illinois) is a math teacher this year at Conant and is coaching with us. It has been helpful to have a fresh set of eyes and ideas to bring to our young group. Looking forward to seeing what they produce.”

 

Elk Grove Grenadiers

Coach: Ken Grams (38 years, 909-365-2 record; 2nd most wins in IHSA history for softball)

Last year’s record: 26-10

Key returnees: Katia Pendowski (So., C), Jaimie Klicka (Jr., 3B/P), Alexa Fontanetta (Jr., 2B/SS)

Key newcomers: Brooke Baldassarre (Jr., SS/P)

Rest of the varsity roster: Lauren Clausen (So., P/OF), Grace Engwall (So., C/1B), Sarah Burkhardt (So., OF), Morgan Leach (Fr., OF/2B), Olivia Masnica (Fr., P/INF), A.J. Trausch (Fr., 1B/OF), Grace Majer (Fr., OF)

Pitchers: Brook Baldassarre, Jaimie Klicka, Lauren Clausen, Olivia Masnica

Keys to success: “Gaining positive experience early is important for us — we need to learn and grow as we play; as we combine that with a pretty good skill level shown by the newcomers to this point can lead to some good things as we progress through the season.”

Key games: “Our early season non-conference games are important for us to grow and gain the necessary experience that leads to a successful season.”

 

Fremd Vikings

Coach: Josh Teschner (2nd year, 20-8 record)

Last year’s record: 20-8 (11-5 in MSL)

Key returnees: Jess Mazur (Sr., P/INF, signed with Georgia Southern), Lexi D’Ambrosio (Sr., C; committed to University of Missouri-Kansas City), Nicole Kehoe (Sr., P/INF), Hannah Ban (Sr., P/OF), Anna Freveletti (Sr., OF, St. John’s), Kaylee Goluch (Sr., 1B, Millikin), Gabi Iaccino (Sr., OF), Grace Stevens (Sr., 3B/SS, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh), Bella Wojcik (Sr., 2B)

Key newcomers: Gianna Arnieri (Jr., OF), Hailey Hazlett (Jr., P/INF), McKenna Schneider (So., 2B/3B)

Pitchers: Jess Mazur, Nicole Kehoe, Hannah Ban, Hailey Hazlett

Outlook: “This year’s team is clearly led by an amazingly talented senior class that has one goal: win for each other. The time and energy this group of varsity players have expelled to get ready for this season is second to none. The younger players in our program could not have a better group of upperclassmen to learn from. This group is primed and ready for a long state series run behind their senior leaders. Four-year varsity players Nicole Kehoe, Lexi D’Ambrosio and Jess Mazur will partner with 2-year starters Grace Stevens, Anna Freveletti and Hannah Ban to ensure state series success. Mazur will break every major offensive record this year if she only matches her output of last season, while D’Ambrosio continues to forge out her legacy of the best defensive catcher in the history of Fremd High School. We believe that we can compete with anyone in the state and look forward to doing that this year after an incredible offseason of hard work and team building.”

 

Glenbrook South Titans

Coach: Dana Boehmer (2nd year, 10-16 record)

Last year’s record: 10-16

Key returnees: Winnie Tomsheck (C), Julia Bass (3B), Megan Chin (OF), Lauren Olsen (1B/DH)

Key newcomers: Sami Nash (P), Maggie Baumstark (OF), Maddie Kapsimalis (middle infield)

Rest of the varsity roster: Taylor Geltis (middle infield), Bella Albrecht (CF), Mia Swanson (1B/OF/DH), Sevana Dombalagian (OF/1B/DH), Sophia Albrecht (P), Shannon Schmidt (OF), Emma Branstrom (P)

Pitchers: Sami Nash, Emma Branstrom, Sophia Albrecht

Keys to success: “Our keys to success will be depending on our strong offense and producing a lot of runs each game.”

Goals this season: “As always, we want to win conference and win a regional championship.”

Key games: “We always focus hard on winning all of our conference games, we also love playing rivals like Glenbrook North!”

Coach’s thoughts: “I’m looking forward to a fun season with a young team. Half of our team are underclassman and although they are young we have a strong team this year and I’m excited to see what we can do!”

 

Hersey Huskies

Coach: Molly Freeman

Last year’s record: 24-8 (11-5 in MSL)

Key returnees: Hannah Graff (Sr.), Jodie Hermann (Sr., INF/OF), Asia Luboyeski (Sr., OF), Sarah Bailitz (Jr., P/1B), Brianna Luciano (Jr., P/INF), Makayla Tsagalis (Jr., OF/INF)

Key newcomers: Sammy Pracko (Sr., C), Gabby Samperi (Sr., 3B), Renae Curtis (Jr., 2B), Chloe Gordon (Jr., INF), Morgan Breden (So., C), Savannah Gazda (So., P), Kylie Makuh (So., OF), Ria Patel (So., OF/P)

Outlook: “The strength of our team is always our chemistry and work ethic. Our kids love to work hard together and really enjoy being on the field with their teammates. This team has a lot of new faces and personalities. We are really excited to see what they are going to do. We expect that our six returning players will set a positive tone and a culture of success. We believe we will be contending for the East division championship again this season. Key players to watch are returning all-conference players Hannah Graff, Sarah Bailitz and Makayla Tsigalis. Brianna Luciano and Jodie Hermann will be significant to our success with both their offensive and defensive talents.”

 

Leyden Eagles

Head coach: Kurt Schuett

Assistant coaches: Laura Scafidi, Andy Harmon, Jason Cartwright, Joe Hamilton, Lauren Vermilyer

Last year’s record: 21-9-1 (8-3, 2nd in West Suburban Gold), regional champions

Key returnees: Tara Mackey (Jr., 3B/C), Kailey Kirkwood (Jr., SS), Erika Arroyo (Sr., 2B), Clarissa Messina (Jr., 1B), Emma Bertsche (Jr., P), Elle Engelke (So., C), Sara Cole (Sr., OF), Meghan Fontanetta (Jr., OF)

Key newcomers: Alyssa Monarrez (Sr., 1B, transfer from Trinity), Kristina Aliota (Sr., OF), Amalia Figueroa (Sr., OF), Breanne Deutscher (Fr., P), Yaritza Frias (Fr., UT)

Rest of roster: Gianna Petrucci (Jr., UT), Morgan Carli (Jr., OF), Jenny Molini (Jr., UT), Victoria Mar (Jr., UT)

Outlook: “For 2018, the Leyden Eagles are deep in each position. Plus, the combination of six returning starters with some exceptional young talent will make the Lady Eagles a fun team to watch.”

 

Loyola Academy Ramblers

Coach: Michelle Farrell-Fink (5 years as head coach)

Last year’s record: 13-16

Roster: Hope Balourdos, Riley Bendery, Nora Conway, Erin Dillon, Caroline Kinsella, Kathryn Kinsella, Marisa Michi, Emily Molloy, Nyah Moore, KK Raymond, Anna Rempe, Emily Rivero, Alexis Rocha, Cassie Rodgers, Jillian Sopko

Pitchers: Alexis Rocha (Sr.), Kathryn Kinsella (Jr.), Caroline Kinsella (Fr.), Nyah Moore (Fr.)

Keys to success: “Get better individually and as a team each day.”

Goals this season: “Take it one game at a time.”

Key games: “Every game on our schedule is important in order to achieve our ultimate goal.”

Coach’s thoughts: “We are looking forward to an exciting season.”

 

Maine East Blue Demons

Coach: Jennifer Genis (1st year)

Last year’s record: 4-22

Key returnees: Ana Iliopoulos (Sr., P/SS), Alexis Ponzio (Sr., OF), Kyanna Thompson (Jr., INF), LuAnn Bonilla (So., OF), Lexie Brion (Sr., INF), Angela Skoufos (So., OF), Julie Rublev (Jr., OF)

Key newcomers: Khayla Santiago (Fr., C/P), Solomiya Plugator (Fr., INF), Izzy Masini (Jr., OF, transfer), Eleni Kontoravdis (Fr., INF), Helany Audisho (So., C), Christene Vela (So., OF), Mikayla Mejorada (So., OF)

Rest of the varsity roster: Alyssa Serrano (Sr., INF, skipped Junior year)

Pitchers: Ana Iliopoulos, Kyana Thompson (relievers: Khayla Santiago, Izzy Masini)

Keys to success: “Manufacture runs on the offensive side and minimize errors defensively. In addition, we will need to deepen our understanding of the game for the varsity level given that we have some less experienced players on the roster.”

Goals this season: “To improve on last year’s mark. Last year we lost a lot of games in the later innings. One of my goals is to get our team to learn how to complete games — to keep a lead, as well as come back when we are down runs. We have quite a range of ages, talent and experience….so another goal is to learn to trust each other and play as a team. Finally, I hope the girls can step out of their comfort zones, trust their training and share a common desire ‘to win.’ Some of the goals that the girls came up with was to be competitive, have a winning record and have fun.”

Coach’s thoughts: “I have worked hard to develop travel ball players for Maine East. This year we will have seven girls who have played travel ball, two of whom will be freshmen starters. We can use that experience to definitely reach our one goal of playing complete games. We will have a lot of versatility in both the infield and the outfield.”

 

Maine South Hawks

Coach: Emmy Pasier (16 years, 276-233-5 record)

Last year’s record: 15-12

Key returnees: “We have a strong returning group this year. Each girl brings so much to our team that to pick out a few I would be leaving out something that another will bring. We have some multi year varsity players that are captains that will be taking the lead role to start the season they are: Britney Richardson (Sr., OF), Sarah Hoffman (Sr., C), MacKenzie Tucker (Sr., OF) and Danielle Ciprian (Sr., SS).”

Rest of the varsity roster: Gia Tortorella (Jr., 2B/C), Kaitlyn Schmitz (Jr., P/3B), Sophia Albano (Jr., 1B/SS), Maggie Pawlowski (Sr., 2B), Ellie O’Brien (Sr., OF), Taylor Gatz (Jr., 3B/OF), Sam Heitzman (Sr., 1B), Ally VanPelt (Jr., SS), Mary Godley (Sr., OF), Violet Kamienski (Jr., P), Emily Reczek (Jr., C), Fiona Spuria (Sr., 3B)

Keys to success: “Playing as a team.”

Goals this season: “Play better than we did yesterday.”

Key games: “Our schedule is packed with great, talented teams. Every game is a key game.”

 

Maine West Warriors

Coach: Jim Dvorak (2nd year)

Last year’s record: 13-14 (7-3 in CSL North)

Key returnees: Katelyn Aragon (Sr., CF), Amanda Byrne (So., C), Bridget Christiansen (Sr., RF), Gabbi Demma (Jr., 2B), Allison Eby (Sr., 1B/P), Olivia Feldkamp (Jr., SS), Allison Pearson (Sr., 3B), Jessica Steingard (So., P/1B), Brianna Torres (So., OF)

Key newcomers: Angelis Beiza (Fr., C), Emily Divelbis (Fr., UT), Abigail Gawlinski (Fr., P)

Keys to success: “Consistent pitching and fielding. Although we lost some key individuals last year to graduation, we have an eager group ready to prove their capable of improving the team record.”

Goals for the season: “1. To be consistent and competitive in all games! 2. Bring home a conference championship. 3. Enjoy and love the game.”

Coach’s thoughts: “We look forward to representing the school and have set high goals. There’s such a great spirit in the school following the successful winter sports season. We hope to ride the wave!”

 

Niles West Wolves

Coach: Chrissy Rosin (1st year)

Last year’s record: 6-23

Key returnees: Alana Mras (SS), Katie Trail (CF), Allena Healy (3B)

Key newcomers: Kira Hoffman (P), Maddy Tan (2B/P)

Rest of the varsity roster: Lauren Buell (1B/UT), Callieh Mohr (OF), Hannah Johnson (P), Chloe Babcock (P), Grace Bencivenga (UT), Jessica Jelke (C), Jannette Gonzalez (OF), Meghan Ramseyer (1B), Julia Ruth (C), Adele Turcotte (UT)

Pitchers: Kira Hoffman, Maddy Tan, Chloe Babcock, Grace Bencivenga, Hannah Johnson

Keys to success: “Teamwork, commitment, dedication, hard work and communication. How well our young players adapt, progress and grow together to become varsity softball players.”

Goals this season: “To learn to compete.”

Key games: “Conference games.”

Coach’s thoughts: “We are a young, energetic team. I am very impressed with the way this group of young girls have worked in practice. I am optimistic that they are ready to compete. It will be fun and exciting to watch these girls grow throughout the season.”

 

Palatine Pirates

Coach: Nicole Capalbo (nee Pauly), 4th season as head coach

Last year’s record: 24-8 overall, 12-4 conference

Key returnees: Maddie Craver (Sr., INF, signed with Wheaton College), Sarah Grossman (Sr., P, signed with Milwaukee School of Engineering), Emily Parrott (Jr, SS, verbally committed to Appalachian State), Grace Huff (Jr., CF, verbally committed to Northwestern), Anna Selleck (Jr., C), Brittany Padden (Sr., OF), Grace Seiffert (Sr., INF), Amanda Stanczuk (Jr., C/INF), Rhiann Dick (So., P), Emily Brinckerhoff (So., UT), Chase Friel (So., UT)

Key newcomers: Kaitlyn Reed (Fr., UT)

Pitchers: Sarah Grossman, Rhiann Dick

Key returnees stats from last year: Grace Huff (.504 BA,.553 OBP, 60 H, 38 R), Brittany Padden (.390 BA, .446 OBP, 33 RBI, 14 2B), Maddie Craver (.529 BA, .585 OBP, 34 RBI, 54 H), Sarah Grossman (13-1 pitching record, 170 K’s, 0.447 ERA)

Outlook: “Our team this year is versatile, extremely athletic and are ready to take the field against any opponent. We have four strong seniors with strong leadership skills who will continue to teach our younger players our program’s philosophies and expectations of what it means to wear the Palatine Pirates’ jersey. We are competitive and have a high softball IQ which will hopefully give us an advantage playing in a tough MSL conference. In every position, we are older and have gotten stronger with all the hard work the girls put in in the offseason. I am excited about competing on the field with this team – you will see focus, determination and passion from our girls, and we will compete with any team in the other dugout.”

 

Prospect Knights

Coach: Krystina Mackowiak (2nd season, 13-16 record)

Last year’s record: 13-16

Key returnees: Alyssa Cacini (Sr., INF, signed with Dayton), Lauren Caldrone (Sr., INF, signed with Northwestern), Colleen Palczynski (Sr., INF, signed with Illinois Wesleyan), Jackie Orel (Sr., C, signed with Elmhurst), Madeline Borkowski (Jr., P), Cassie Cunniff (Jr., INF), Claire Doherty (So., P), Alex Kanter (Sr., OF), Kaitlyn Pancini (Sr., OF)

Key newcomers: Sam Busse (Sr., OF, signed with Concordia University, WI), Katie Annen (Jr., C), Emalee Depa (Jr., P)

Pitchers: Claire Doherty (So), Emalee Depa (Jr), Madeline Borkowski (Jr)

Keys to success: “The key this year will be getting an early lead to support our pitchers.”

Goals this season: “Our team goal is to be in contention to win the East this year and win a regional.”

Coach’s thoughts: “We have a very talented, experienced group this year. I think they have the potential to do some great things.”

 

Regina Dominican Panthers

Coach: Jim Goranson (5th year as head coach)

Last year’s record: 18-16

Key returnees: Kendall Barrett (Sr., 3B), Reilly Becker (Sr., CF), Rebecca Richards (Jr., SS), Summer Rocha (Jr., P), Emily Becker (Jr., OF), Nicolette Anichini (So., 2B), Elle Murphy (So., OF)

Key newcomers: Gabby Rocha (Fr., P), Liv Funk (Fr., 1B), Sophie Hoffman (Fr., OF), Maddie Peace (So., OF), Amy Regan (Fr., C), Emma Delaney (Fr., P), Kathryn McDarrah (Fr., OF)

Rest of the varsity roster: Emily Alejandro (So., OF), Caroline Spellman (So., OF), Mia Badame (Fr., P), McKenna Barrett (So., OF)

Pitchers: Summer Rocha, Gabby Rocha, Emma Delaney, Liv Funk

Keys to success: “We have to find a way to be the hardest working team we can be. With the support of the school administration and athletic department we have great facilities to provide the team with great opportunities to practice. We need to take advantage of that to the best of our ability.”

Goals this season: “Be a team that players, families, school and alumni can be proud of.”

Key games: “Every game is important to us.”

 

Resurrection Bandits

Coach: Fred Angelini (15th year coaching at Resurrection, 5th year as head varsity coach)

Last year’s record: 10-21

Key returnees: Joanna Cirrincione (Sr., SS/CF, three-year GCAC Red Division all-conference, .564 BA; committed to Grand Valley State), Sarah Herbert (Jr., P/3B), Samantha Saldana (So., 2B/SS)

Rest of the roster: Maddy Benavides (Sr., C/OF), Nicole Bendig (So., P/1B), Caroline Delaney (Sr., OF), Colleen Durkan (Sr., C/OF), Brigid Early (Jr., UT), Janna George (Jr., CF/SS), Danielle LaSusa (Sr., 1B/OF), Ava Pilas (Jr., 2B), Shannon Shipman (Jr., P/1B), Kayla Vargas (Sr., OF)

Pitchers: “Sarah Herbert will see most of the innings this season. Nicole Bendig and Shannon Shipman will also pitch.”

Goals: “Our team goal is to win the regional.”

 

Rolling Meadows Mustangs

Coach: Tony Wolanski (15th year, 199-269 record)

Last year’s record: 9-25

Key returnees: Mallory King (Sr., 3B), Parker Cavanaugh (Sr., OF), Sara Benner (Jr., 1B), Stephanie Thompson (Jr., OF/C), Elise Kowalski (Jr., P/1B), Emily Schmidt (Jr., SS), Caroline Slowik (Jr., 2B/OF), Sam Allen (Jr., C/OF), Kendra Herring (Jr., P/1B), Angela Vassos (Jr., 2B)

Key newcomers: Kelsie Campbell (So., OF), Samantha Benner (Fr., OF/3B)

Keys to success: “The expectations for this team are that we get better every day and we learn how to compete. We need to do the little things better and we need play as a team. We have to believe in each other and we have to believe we can compete. This team has a chance to be successful, but it all depends on our attitude and our willingness to be team players.”

Goals: “The goal is to win the MSL East!”

Outlook: “The Mustangs will return six starters and 10 varsity players from last year’s team. Their lineup and overall experience should be a strength for this year’s team, as they get back Sara Benner, who missed last year’s season with an injury and who will play first base and lead a very experienced infield. Mallory King, who has started since she was a freshman, will play 3rd with Emily Schmidt playing short. Caroline Slowik will start in the outfield or second base, and the catching duties will belong to Stephanie Thompson and Sam Allen, who will both play in the outfield when they are not catching. Kelsie Campbell, Parker Cavanaugh and Samantha Benner will compete in the outfield for playing time while Angela Vassos will do the same at second base. Elise Kowalski, Kendra Herring and Sara Benner will share the pitching duties.”

 

Saint Viator Lions

Coach: John Scotillo (4 years, 59-100 record)

Last year’s record: 18-15

Key returnees: Haley Robinson (Sr., INF), Jessica Taylor (Sr., P), Tori Scheidecker (Sr., INF), Cece Kaiser (Jr., INF), Maggie VanValkenburg (Jr., OF/P), Nicole Ardito (So., INF/OF), Morgan Bielfeldt (So., C/INF), Ava Davis (So., C/OF), Elise Bollard (So., P/OF)

Key newcomers: Annie Sweeney (Sr., INF), Mary Kate Cambria (Fr., C/INF), Mary Naughton (Fr., P), Gianna Saverino (Fr., INF/P), Marissa Zanon (Fr., C/INF)

Pitchers: Jessica Taylor (Sr.), Mary Naughton (Fr.), Maggie VanValkenburg (Jr.), Elise Bollard (So.)

Keys to success: “Last year we had strong hitting and pitching which led to an ‘Elite 8’ finish, but we graduated 6 seniors. This year the question for us is can our pitching keep us in the game. We have 5 new players and a lot of positions to fill.”

Goals this season: “Our goal this season is ‘progress, not perfection.’”

Key games: “Our non-conference games with the MSL teams are always a good measure for us.”

Coach’s thoughts: “Last year the lineup was pretty automatic, this year it will take awhile to find the right fit for everyone.”

 

Stevenson Patriots

Coach: Heather Ruchim (1st year)

Last year’s record: 14-19 (4-10 in NSC)

Key returnees: Riley Housinger (P), Maggie Trotter (1B), Anna Fossier (SS), Gina Shanley (UT), Carly Perkins (1B/OF), Gwen Heilman (OF), Illyssa Muise (P)

Key newcomers: Hailey Peterson (C), Maggie O’Brien (3B), Taylor Edelheit (P), Maitreyee Malpekar (OF), Miyah Brooks (UT)

Pitchers: Not listed in any specific order: Riley Housinger, Taylor Edelheit, Ilyssa Muise, Hailey Peterson, Maitreyee Malpekar

Keys to success: “Control the controllables! Identify what is within our control and what is not. Focus on mastering what is within our control and be prepared to make the necessary adjustments to the elements of the game that are out of our control. Understand that we all play a role and every role is important. We must have each others’ back, keep it simple, take advantage of our opponents mistakes, have a plan and a back up plan on every pitch, execute that plan to the best of our ability and leave our heart and soul out on the field in every practice and game.”

Goals this season: “Our goal is to be better than we were the day before.”

Key games: “The next one. Every game is important. We will attack the season one game at a time and stay locked in the moment.”

Coach’s thoughts: “I think we have the potential to do some damage right out of the gate. We have seven returning varsity players, five of which are seniors that want to end their careers on a high note. If we bring the right mindset, a solid approach and leave our heart and soul on the field, everyday, we will be a force to be reckoned with.”

 

Wheeling Wildcats

Coach: Mike Caringella

Last year’s record: 4-23

Roster: Olivia Walker (Sr., OF), Veronica Petzold (Sr., 3B), Dakota Medrano (Sr., P/INF), Karsyn Burgess (Sr., 1B), Rebecca ‘Becky’ McAtee (Jr., C), Nicolette Ferraro (Jr., OF), Elena Falkner (Jr., OF), Giuliana Geati (Jr., OF), Jessica Marquez (Jr., OF), Consuelo Martinez (Jr., OF), Emily ‘Emmie’ LaCaeyse (So., P), Sophia Stanke (So., OF), Peyton LaCaeyse (So., SS), Olivia Chavez (So., INF/OF), Taylor Glass (So., OF)

About the team: “(We are) returning 8 starters (from last year). Emily ‘Emmie’ LaCaeyse (So., P) returns to handle main pitching duties with returning battery mate Rebecca ‘Becky’ McAtee (Jr., C), Nicolette Ferraro (Jr., OF), Olivia Walker (Sr., OF) and Sophia Stanke (So., OF) will be the starters in the outfield. Veronica Petzold (Sr., 3B), Peyton LaCaeyse (So., SS), Dakota Medrano (Sr., P/INF) and newcomer Karsyn Burgess (Sr., 1B, all-conference bowler) will play the infield. Medrano will be asked to pitch and play all infield positions, including catcher. Elena Falkner (Jr., OF), Giuliana Geati (Jr., OF) and Jessica Marquez (Jr., OF) return as subs. Newcomers Olivia Chavez (So., INF/OF), Taylor Glass (So., OF) and Consuelo Martinez (Jr., OF) will also have roles as backups. We have a solid group of experienced players to go with some very athletic girls learning the game. Our goal is to compete in the MSL and continue to improve as the year goes on.”

 

Willows Academy Eagles

Coach: Sean Norris (1st year)

Key returnees: Emily Pater (Sr., P, captain), Isabella Ullman (Sr., 1B, assistant captain), Veronica Daly (Sr., 1B/C, assistant captain), Alex Ciesla (Sr., UT, assistant captain)

Rest of the varsity roster: Caelan Martin (SS/OF), Carmen Severino, Emi Ciesla (P/C/INF/OF), Avelyn Beltran (2B), Julia Massey (3B/OF), Maddy Black, Rhiannon Cassata (INF/OF), Tala Cassata (C/INF/OF), Talia Maso (C/3B/SS/OF)

Pitchers: Emily Pater, others are to be determined.

Keys to success: “Teamwork, conditioning and fundamentals.”
Goals this season: Win, grow as a team and grow as athletes.”

Key games: “All of them.”

Coach’s thoughts: “We have a strong team that is excited for the challenge of this upcoming season.”

Support local news by subscribing to the Journal & Topics in print or online.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.