Scouting DuPage County softball
The high school softball season started this week. Here’s a look at what to expect in DuPage County.
Addison Trail
Coach: Mark Olson (13th season)
Last season’s record: 16-15, 7-5 West Suburban Gold
Top returning players: Marisa Lloveras, sr., P-IF, Nina Matthews, sr., C, Erin Parker, sr., OF
Other key players: Guiliana Clementi, sr., IF, Alison Haag, sr., P, Alexandra Marcinkowski, sr., IF, Emma Caniglia, sr., OF, Julia Hecht, sr., Utility, Maddie Housley, soph., IF
Worth noting: Addison Trail has 7 starters back, including 5 four-year starters. “We need to stay healthy and committed to the program to be successful,” Olson noted. Lloveras (NCAA Division III University of Chicago), Matthews (Division II Roosevelt University in Chicago) and Parker (Division III (St. Mary’s in Winona, Minnesota) were all-WSC Gold selections from a year ago. Olson said Downers Grove South is again the team to beat on the Gold side of the West Suburban. “We are hoping to be competitive,” he said.
Benet Academy
Coach: Janet Royal (1 st season)
Last year’s record: 22-7, 10-2, second East Suburban Catholic, 4A regional champion
Top returning players: Angela Horejs, sr., SS, Lanie Rosner, soph., C-Utility, Sophie Rosner, soph., P-Utility
Key newcomer: Esther Rossi, soph., IF
Worth noting: Royal takes over for Jerry Schilf, who enjoyed a 20-plus-year run at Benet. Royal played for Schilf, was an assistant under him and co-head coach in 2024. Benet is coming off a 2024 campaign where it won its fourth regional title in a row. Sophie Rosner was the ESCC pitcher of the year after going 11-4 with a 2.05 ERA and 106 strikeouts as a ninth-grader a year ago. She also hit .321 (.595 slugging) with 5 homers and 32 RBI. Her sister, Lanie, hit .400 (.600 slugging) with 7 doubles and 21 RBI. Horejs is back at short after hitting .333 (.505 slugging) with 3 homers, 26 RBI and 32 runs scored. Royal has 7 seniors on the team. “Our strength will be the leadership that our seniors will put into getting the team to play as one,” she said. “We lost some strong offensive bats, but these seniors are ready to step up and prove that our team is going to be strong. We have solid pitching depth (Sophie Rosner and Gianna Cunningham) in the circle, and our defense will definitely help keep us in games.” Royal called the Rosner sisters “the hardest-working players out there,” she said. “Both of them are always present giving their all and their success will show from it.” Royal said the ECAC will be loaded again with Chicago Marist and Joliet Catholic providing strong competition, in particular.
Downers Grove North
Coach: Eric Landschoot
Last year’s record: 24-9 overall, 11-1 West Suburban Silver (first place), lost to Marist 1-0 (12 innings) in sectional championship.
Top returning players: Ashlynn Durkin, sr., P/1B; Libby Encina, sr., C; Sammy Lehnherr, sr., IF/OF; Sofia Barofsky, sr., IF/C; Ella Bonk, jr., OF/IF; Vik Czech, so., IF.
Worth noting: The Trojans, ranked 10th in the Illinois Coaches Association preseason Class 4A poll, return six starters from last year’s team that won the West Suburban Silver and took eventual Class 4A runner-up Marist to 12 innings in the sectional final. Leading the way is Florida Atlantic recruit Durkin, ICA first team All-State last year and one of the area’s top pitchers who posted a 10-3 record last season with a 1.86 ERA and 169 strikeouts over 101.2 innings. Encina hit .306 with a .333 on-base percentage, Lehnherr .302 with a .358 on-base percentage, Barofsky .292 with a .337 on-base percentage, Bonk .280 with a .343 on-base percentage and Czech .268 with a .375 on-base percentage. “Pitching and defense will certainly be an upside for the Trojans,” Landschoot said. “With a very good strength of schedule, DGN is looking forward to seeing what they are made of.”
Downers Grove South
Coach: Jim Cushing
Last year’s record: 22-11 overall, 12-0 West Suburban Gold (first place).
Top returning players: Gabby Ruchniewicz, sr., 2B; Ella Kardazke, sr., 1B; Addison Yurchak, jr., SS; Victoria Colorato, jr., LF; Alyssa Borowski, sr., CF; Danielle Carson, sr., P/U; Morgan Hahn, jr., P; Aubree Potter, so., C/U.
Top new players: Alyse Carlson; jr., C/OF; Jacklyn Meyers, jr., OF; Emily Hines, jr., C/U; Jenna Portell, so., IF/OF; Natalie Zalud, so., IF.
Worth noting: The Mustangs, ranked 15th in the ICA preseason Class 4A poll, have eight girls back who started at some point for last year’s West Suburban Gold and regional champions. Kardazke hit .384 with eight homers, Yurchak .356 with five homers, Colorato .330 with six homers, Gabby Ruchniewicz .410, Borowski .321 and Carson .500. “We are a mixture of veterans and newcomers, and how good we develop and come together will decide our goals,” Cushing said. “Hahn will lead us on the mound.”
Fenton
Coach: Dave Mello (18th season)
Last season’s record: 17-20, 6-12, seventh Upstate Eight
Top returning players: Elizabeth Delgado, sr., CF, Kailey Bernero, soph., Utility, Sophia Hollis, soph., P-3B, Keira McGown, sr., RF
Key newcomers: Isabella Delgado, fresh., P, Ryleigh Mitchell, fresh., C
Worth noting: Ten of Fenton’s players also were with Mello during the girls basketball varsity season this winter. “The bond they had during basketball is carrying over to softball season,” he said. Delgado, headed to JUCO Triton College in River Grove, hit .380 in 2024 with 7 triples, 3 homers, 33 RBI, 46 runs scored and 18 steals on her way to all-state, All-Area and all-conference honors. Bernero (.342 batting, 3 HR, 31 RBI, 6 wins pitching) and McGowan (.319 batting, 12 RBI, 25 runs, 13 steals, slapper) also earned postseason honors (Bernero honorable-mention All-Area and McGowan all-UEC honorable mention). Hollis hit .342 with 3 homers and 31 RBI and also had 6 wins as a pitcher as a freshman last season. Mello said togetherness and motivation to win a regional are key strengths this spring. “We should be strongest in the circle,” he said, pointing out the Bison has 5 girls who will pitch. “Eventually, our defense should also be a strength. We need to get a lot of reps outside to build that up.” Mello also is high on sophomore left fielder-pitcher Emma Siekierski (coming off a strong varsity hoops season), junior shortstop Alyssa Alanis (second season at short) and senior catcher Natalia Staszel, who got off to a hot 2024 start before suffering an injury. Mello said the East Division of the Upstate Eight will be loaded. “All the teams we will be facing have the potential to win the conference,” he said. “We plan to go out and compete like we always do in those 12 games.”
Glenbard East
Coach: Dawn Chantos (2nd season after hiatus)
Last season’s record: 19-7, 14-4 Upstate Eight, third place
Top returning players: Missy Saldana, sr., CF-3B, Claire Bolda, soph., P, Lilly Carver, soph., SS, Ally Amrhein, soph., C-3B
Key newcomers: Maddie Krillies, sr., C, Lorelai May, fresh., P-3B
Outlook: Saldana, currently on her way back from ankle surgery, Chantos noted, was a second-team all-state pick (.575 batting average, 5 HR, 48 RBI, 5 strikeouts in 97 plate appearances), as well as a Daily Herald All-Area and all-UEC selection, while Bolda earned all-area and all-conference accolades (12-5, 3.30 ERA, 103 strikeouts in 104 innings, .321 batting as a freshman on the big club), and Carver (all-UEC, .417, 42 runs, 9 doubles, 19 RBI) and Amrhein (all-UEC honorable mention, .423 batting, 2 HR, 22 RBI, .718 slugging) also were cited for 2024 excellence. Saldana is headed to play at Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne, while Krillies will continue her career at College of DuPage. “The strengths of this team will be the leadership we will get from our returning players, the competitive nature of the players and the desire to work hard and improve every day,” Chantos said. Chantos is excited to have Bolda, Carver and Amrhein back in key positions after all-conference seasons, as well as senior Marley Szeluga (.327 batting average in 2024) back as a veteran starter in the outfield. Chantos had 4 freshmen, Bolda, Carver, Amrhein and Althea Fitzgerald (.318 batting), up on the varsity as ninth graders last season. “They are back as sophomores,” she said. “We have very high hopes for our team this year,” she said. “The potential is great to build off our 19-7 record last season.” In terms of the Upstate Eight, Chantos said South Elgin and West Chicago are potential top-tier teams.
Glenbard North
Coach: Josh Sanew (18th season)
Last year’s record: 19-9, 10-4, second DuKane
Top returning players: Tru Medina, sr., SS, Gia Whelan, jr., 2B, Lauren Kozlovsky, jr., CF, Avery Miller, jr., P, Alexis Frcek, sr., 1B, Alyssa Abderhalden, sr., OF, Kylee Sisco, sr., 3B, Gianna Frcek, soph., OF, Maddie Wojtas, soph., OF-C, Gina Brown, jr., P
Key newcomers: Aubry Miller, fresh., P, Sam Gonzalez, sr., C, Sarah Bilek, jr., C, Abbie Wojtas, sr., OF
Worth noting: The Panthers return 3 all-state players in Northwestern-bound Medina, the 2024 Daily Herald DuPage County All-Area captain, Kozlovsky (2024 Daily Herald All-Area) and Miller. Sanew noted Whelan and Kozlovsky also are getting college looks. North has 10 returning players, all of whom either started or saw significant playing time last spring. “We should be strong offensively and we have good pitching,” Sanew said. Sanew noted the DuKane Conference once again will be a buzz saw. “Our conference is one of the most difficult in the state,” he said. “We should compete well, but it will be a battle in our conference with such good pitching, talent and coaching.”
Glenbard South
Coach: Julie Fonda (20th season)
Last season’s record: 13-20, 8-8 Upstate Eight, tied for third, Class 3A regional champion
Top returning players: Brooke Lange, jr., P, Delaney Nelson, jr. ,CF, Delaney Spontak, OF-C, Evangeline Dupuis, soph., SS, Emma Full, soph., 3B
Outlook: Plenty of experience returns for regional-champion Glenbard South. Dupuis (.381, 5 HR, 22 RBI), Full (.355, 15 RBI) and Lange (.322, 18 RBI, 114 strikeouts in the circle) were all-UEC picks in 2024. Nelson hit .315 (.406 on-base) with 12 stolen bases and Spontak (headed to Benedictine University in Lisle next season) drove in 19 runs last season. “We return a solid core of players with a variety of strengths,” Fonda noted. “We will be a solid defensive team with experience on the mound.” Fonda noted Lange is coming into her own as a pitcher and a hitter, while Dupuis returns after a strong all-conference debut as a freshman. “Brooke is a solid all-around player,” Fonda said. “Evangeline is coming off a great offseason and will be a huge asset in our lineup.” Fonda said Riverside-Brookfield and Glenbard East are teams to keep an eye on in the UEC.
Glenbard West
Coach: Mary McGrane
Last year’s record: 16-15 overall, 6-6 West Suburban Silver, lost to Elk Grove in regional semifinal.
Top returning players: Ellie Adduci, sr., P; Olivia Salerno, sr., P; Alexa Trybus, jr.; Ainslie Bobroff, sr.; Morgan Putnam, sr.; Megan Stieglitz, sr.; Caroline Semprevivo, jr., SS; Emma Eltrzoth, sr., IF; Ellie Frank, sr., OF.
Top new players: Cece Atkinson, so., C/IF; Shelby Bobroff, so., OF.
Worth noting: The Hilltoppers return 11 players from last year’s team. Adduci posted a 7-6 record with a 4.846 ERA and 92 strikeouts in the circle and batted .279 with a .392 OBP, six doubles, six homers, 21 RBI and 22 runs scored. Salerno was 9-9 with a 4.07 ERA and 145 strikeouts. Offensively, Trybus, third team All-State, hit .426 with a .482 OBP and nine doubles, three homers and 22 RBI, Bobroff, second team All-State, hit .376 with a .412 OBP and 10 doubles, eight homers, 38 RBI and 29 runs scored, Stieglitz hit .317 with a .405 OBP with 12 doubles, a triple, five home runs, 19 RBI and 30 runs scored and Putnam .333 with a .380 OBP and 25 runs scored. “We have a solid core returning and look to outperform our capabilities this spring,” McGrane said.
Hinsdale Central
Coach: Brittany Zust
Last year’s record: 9-18 overall, 4-8 West Suburban Silver.
Top returning players: Sophie DiPasquale, sr., SS; Giorgio Georganas, jr., OF; Madeline Kubesh, jr., C; Audrey Araujo, jr., U; Malia Kuo, so., P; Elle Kinder, so.; Kaleigh Kozlowski, so.; Evelyn Skay, so.; Emersyn Willits, so.
Top newcomer: Anusha Sekhadia, fr.
Worth noting: The Red Devils have something to prove coming off a nine-win season. Zust said Hinsdale Central has good speed that if used correctly can be a huge asset. The Red Devils are carrying the most pitchers they’ve had in Zust’s 11 years coaching there. Hinsdale Central only lost three seniors off last year’s team. “That is a huge benefit as we navigate the season ahead,” Zust said. " Last year was a learning year and I am certain these girls have an extra chip on their shoulder that is hungry to get to work and win some ball games. We can and should play a higher level ball."
IC Catholic Prep
Coach: Frank Reaber
Last year’s record: 28-6 overall, 10-2 GCAC White, lost to North Boone in supersectional.
Top returning players: Ari Zito, so., IF; Kelly Cahill, so., C; Lexi Russ, so., 3B; Maddy Dinino, jr., P.
Worth noting: The Knights, ranked 10th in Class 2A in the preseason, will look a little different this season without Analisa Raffaelli around. The four-year starter now at Colgate hit .653 with a program record 67 stolen bases in leading the Knights to a record 28 wins and sectional title. But IC Catholic’s hitting should still be good with three key returners that started as freshmen and its two returning pitchers threw the majority of the team’s innings. Zito, third team All-State as a freshman, hit .396 with 10 doubles, two triples, two homers and 31 RBI and went 8-2 in the circle. Cahill, third team All-State, hit .443 with seven doubles, one homer and 25 RBI and Russ, second team All-State, batted .578 with 20 doubles, one triple, four homers and 46 RBI. Dinino posted a 17-4 record and at the plate hit .389 with eight doubles, one triple and 33 RBI. “We are looking to have a good season this year, even though we graduated a lot of starters,” Reaber said. “Although we have a number of new and young players, they all seem to mesh well and work hard together.”
Lake Park
Coach: Lynsey Gunnells
Last season’s record: 21-10
Top returning players: Ari O'Connell, sr., SS; Ava Arenz, sr., C; Gaetano Calo, sr., P/1B,; Gianna Furlano, so., P; Alex Kiefer, jr., 3B
Key newcomers: Isabella Marinaro, fr., C
Worth noting: There’s plenty of college talent on the Lancers this season. O'Connell will play next year at UIC, Arenz is headed to Northern Colorado, and Calo will play at Olivet Nazarene. Lake Park won a regional championship last year before an extra inning loss to eventual state champion St. Charles North at sectionals. Furlano pitched 148 innings last season with a 14-8 record. Arenz batted .408 with 7 homers while catching 90% of the games. O'Connell hit .358 with 9 homers. Kiefer finished with a .356 average while Gunnells praised the defense of Reese Nolbertowicz in center field. The Lancers are headed to Myrtle Beach for spring break to play in the Cal Ripken tournament.
Lisle
Coach: Jen Pomatto-Zimmerman (11th season)
Last season’s record: 9-15, 0-14 Illinois Central 8, Class 2A regional champion
Top returning players: Madysen Cole, sr., C-OF, Megan Bradley, jr., Utility, Erin Bradley, jr., 1B-P, McKenna Riley, sr., P
Key newcomers: Sophie Crescenzo, fresh., C, Jaya Claussen fresh., Utility, Emily Bieniasz, fresh., 1B-OF, Zoey Buchelt, fresh., Utility
Worth noting: The Lions bring back some notables, including NCAA Division III Lake Forest College recruit Cole, who hit .391 last year and was hit by a pitch 11 times (28 walks or HBP combined). Erin Bradley hit .448 and drove in 37 runs, while Megan Bradley hit .350 and scored 25 runs. Riley is back after hitting .347. “We have player with a lot of experience who are willing to lead both on and off the field,” Pomatto-Zimmerman said. “This team is focused and is ready to step in and support each other to meet the team goals we have set.” Lisle has three returning pitchers, who all logged a good-number of innings last spring. “This experience on the mound will definitely be a strength. Pomatto-Zimmerman added she’s looking for the Bradley sisters to continue to swing a hot bat, while Cole, a 4-year starter, will get some help behind the plate and be able to play the outfield. Pomatto-Zimmerman said the Illinois Central 8 will again be challenging. “It’s one of the toughest conferences around. Every year it is a battle,” she said. “Manteno, Wilmington and Coal City always have good programs. We will be more competitive than we have in the past and think we will surprise some of our conference schools this year.”
Metea Valley
Coach: Michaela Paprota
Last season’s record: 16-13, 11-4 DuPage Valley reg. season and tournament champions
Top returning players: Charlie Benesh, sr., P-Utility, Claire Desrosiers, sr., IF, Grace Feeley, sr., OF
Worth noting: Benesh was an all-state and all-DVC pick and is headed to NCAA Division III Salem State University in Massachusetts, while Desrosiers earned all-DVC honors and is off to Division III Concordia University Chicago to continue her career. Feeley was an all-DVC honorable-mention selection. Paprota has 6 returning players. “We have many key returners with years of experience who bring great leadership to the team,” she said. “We had a lot of success last year and we are looking to build and grow as a program throughout the season. We are going to compete with energy and grit every game.”
Montini
Coach: Amy Bukovsky
Last year’s record: 12-22 overall, 4-8 GCAC Red, lost to Fenwick in regional final.
Top returning players: Katherine Filkowski, sr., MIF; Ariana Macias, sr., P/1B/3B; Cedona Barrett, so., P/1B/3B; Bridget Ryan, so., C/OF/1B; Aubry Raffen, so., IF/C; Sierra Urban, sr., OF; Liliana Aumann, sr., U; Alexandria Kalins, so., U.
Top new players: Cameron Fox, fr., P/MIF; Danika Lucadello, fr., U.
Worth noting: Montini has eight girls returning who started games last year. Filkowski batted .433 with 45 hits, 10 doubles and 32 runs scored. Macias struck out 92 over 115.2 innings and hit .375 with 36 hits and 17 RBI. Barrett hit .421 as a freshman with five homers and 33 RBI and struck out 67 over 81.2 innings. Ryan hit .376 with 22 RBI as a freshman and caught 169 innings behind the plate. A third returning sophomore, Raffen, hit .398 with a .723 slugging percentage with five homers and 29 RBI. Montini will travel to Pigeon Forge, Tenn. over spring break to play five games against competition from Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Naperville Central
Coach: Andy Nussbaum (42nd season)
Last season’s record: 20-17, 11-4 second DuPage Valley reg. season and tournament
Top returning players: Riley Silvers, sr., Jamie Saran, sr., Shea Meech, sr.
Worth noting: Silvers, headed to NCAA Division I Florida International in Boca Raton, hit .478 last season with 11 homers, 34 RBI and scored 59 runs, while Saran, off to D-1 Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, hit .508 with 10 homers and a massive 61 RBI on a 37-game slate. Meech, headed to St. Ambrose, hit .348 with 8 homers and fanned 112 in 81 innings in the circle, posting a 3.36 ERA. “We have 6 other players returning (a total of 6 seniors) who are letter winners,” Nussbaum pointed out. “We hope to be very good.”
Naperville North
Coach: Jerry Kedziora
Last season’s record: 11-23, 5-10, fourth DuPage Valley
Top returning players: Maddie Larsen, sr., SS-P, Ava Matthews, sr., P-1B, Eliza Patterson, sr., C-3B, Dylan Witzigreuter, sr., 2B-OF, Alex Yaeger, sr., OF, Aly Burke, sr., OF, Gabi Chimel, jr., P-IF, Sarah Rossi, jr., CF, Addison Wade, jr., 1B, Reese Pederson, soph., C-3B
Key newcomers: Cory Newbold, soph., OF-C
Worth noting: Larsen (.367 batting, 8 doubles, 23 RBI, 16 runs, 3-7, 59 K pitching) and Patterson (.260 batting, 7 doubles, 23 RBI) are back for their fourth season as leaders of the team, Kedziora noted. “Both will be prominent hitters in the top of the lineup,” he said. Matthews, the coach noted, finished 2024 strong, while all-conference pick Chimel will carry the bulk of the innings in the circle, the coach added. Rossi, another all-DVC pick, looks to pick up where graduated CF Olivia Hebron left off in center and near the top of the lineup. Sophomore Pedersen will look to help out an experienced pitching staff behind the plate, while Burke, Witzengreuter, Yaeger and Newbold could play important roles in solidifying corner outfield spots on defense, Kedziora said. Larsen (NAIA St. Ambrose in Davenport, Iowa), Matthews (Division III Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia), Patterson (Division III Southern Virginia in Buena Vista, Virginia), Burke (College of DuPage) and Rossi (verbal to St. Ambrose) all have plans to play at the next level.
Neuqua Valley
Coach: Dani Asquini (4th season)
Last season’s record: 14-18, 10-5, tie second DuPage Valley
Top returning players: Ava Drehs, sr., P, Nalia Clifford, jr., IF, Ashley Pape, soph., OF-P, Krista Waldusky, sr., C
Key newcomers: Sydney Benedict, jr., P-IF, Esha Agrwal, soph., OF-C
Worth noting: Veteran pitcher Drehs, off to Division I Creighton in Omaha, Nebraska next season, fanned 230 in 140 2/3 innings of work and posting a 2.34 ERA across 612 batters faced (47 earned runs) on her way to all-state second-team honors. Clifford hit .379 with 23 RBI, while Pape hit .387 with 36 hits and 21 RBI. Waldusky, off to Division III Millikin University in Decatur, hit .308 with 32 hits and 23 RBI. Clifford and Pape were all-state third-team picks. “Defensively, it will be a solid group with Ava returning in the circle and a strong field behind her,” Asquini said. Asquini said Waldusky is strong behind the street and brings power to the plate, while Clifford is a top-notch defender and big RBI producer, while sophomore Pape is solid on the outfield and strong at the plate. In terms of the DVC, Asquini said Naperville Central, in particular, is a team to watch. “Our conference is always competitive,” she said.
St. Francis
Coach: Ralph Remus (27th season, 534-246)
Last season’s record: 17-7, third conference, regional champions
Top returning players: Lauren Kennedy, jr., SS, Maggie Stewart, sr., 1B-P, Hannah Grivetti, soph., OF, Lilly Konen, jr., 2B, Mackenzie Murlick, soph., C-IF
Key newcomers: Alyssa Freeman, fresh., P-IF
Worth noting: Kennedy has committed to the University of Louisville, which currently plays in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Spartans have 7 starters back from a Class 3A regional title team a year ago. “We should have a solid offense and a very solid defense that will allow us to compete very well in the conference and all season,” Remus said. Remus noted the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference should be well-balanced.
Timothy Christian
Coach: Lindsay Slovey (8th season)
Last season’s record: 15-6, 7-3, second Chicagoland Christian; Class 2A regional champion
Top returning players: Sophia Mook, sr., SS, Lauren Kottke, soph., C, Grace Hoffman, soph., IF, Chloe Wetterquist, sr., 2B
Key newcomers: Maci Woerner, sr., P-IF, Chloe Granger, fresh., IF
Worth noting: Mook (.431 batting average in 2024) and Kottke (.484) are returning all-conference players, while Wetterquist (.466) and Hoffman (.413) also were key contributors at the plate in 2024. Woerner is back after suffering a season-ending injury last spring. “We will have great leadership from some 4-year starters and coming off a big regional win for our school after 10 years,” Slovey noted. “We have a strong returning infield, key positions are covered by returners and having Maci back is also great.” Slovey said Hoffman is strong, determined and always works hard, while Kottke and Mook bring great leadership and strong minds to the table. “The girls genuinely like each other,” Slovey said. “I am so excited to have this program be bas big and as competitive as we have become. I am looking forward to a great year.” Slovey is hopeful the Trojans can compete once again in that upper CCC tier. “I think we look good,” she said. “We are hoping to be even more competitive than last year. We’re hoping we can compete with the first-place team this year.”
Waubonsie Valley
Coach: Valerie Wood
Last season’s record: 15-18, fourth DuPage Valley
Top returning players: Aislee Morgan, soph., SS, Samantha Wiertelak, sr., P
Key newcomers: Molly Quinn, fresh., P
Worth noting: Both Morgan (.348, 39 hits, 34 RBI, 22 runs as a freshman) and Wiertelak (12-12, 151 1/3 IP) were all-DuPage Valley selections. Quinn, a ninth grader with good movement and speed, Wood noted, joins the varsity rotation. “We have more depth in our pitching staff, allowing us to avoid relying solely on Sammy Wiertelak from game to game,” she said. “Several of our returning players have made significant improvements to their skills and are poised to make a substantial impact. With a faster, more dynamic team, we plan to be more aggressive on the base paths, creating new opportunities to generate offense.” Wood is looking for even more progress from shortstop Morgan, while sophomore outfield Addison Powell also will be a key contributor. “Aislee should be a standout player this season and Addison should make a substantial impact at the plate and on the base paths,” she said. Wood added the Warriors have been zeroing in on the mental part of the game, “emphasizing positive self-talk and staying composed under pressure,” she explained. “They have been practicing mindfulness techniques to stay present and focused during key moments. By building mental resilience, they are preparing to handle adversity and stay confident throughout the season.”
Westmont
Coach: Josh Ott (2nd season)
Last season’s record: 4-17, 0-8 conference
Top returning players: Reagan Kelly, jr., SS-3B-C, Desaree Shobutte, soph., SS-3B-P, 1B
Key newcomers: Gwyneth Jindra, fresh., P-SS-CF, Cate Jackson, fresh., 1B, Emilia Meza, fresh., P-2B-OF
Worth noting: Westmont starts its first season in the Chicago Prep Conference where Ott said the squad should be in the mix for a top-tier position with Walther Christian also being a key contender as well. The Sentinels have no seniors and only 2 upperclassmen on the squad. Kelly hit .297 with 7 extra-base hits and 10 RBI, while Shobutte had 9 RBI. Both were all-conference a year ago. Ott said Kelly brings good power to the plate and has emerged as a solid backup catcher behind 2024 team MVP Grace Détente. Ott also is high on freshman Jindra, who he calls “a 5-tool player. She can do it all,” he said.
Wheaton Academy
Coach: Sydney Heinrich (2nd season)
Last year’s record: 6-18, 4-8 Chicagoland Christian
Top returning players: Tatiana Chavez, sr., P-1B, Moriah Husted, sr., IF, Emily From, soph., C
Key newcomer: Reese Dryfhout, fresh., P-OF-SS
Worth noting: Wheaton Academy returns a couple key lineup pieces in Chavez (.444 batting average a year ago) and Husted (.428) — both were all-CCC selections in 2024. Heinrich said From also will be a key contributor at the plate as will freshman newcomer Dryfhout, who also will bolster the pitching ranks for the Warriors.
Wheaton North
Coach: Allie Ravanesi
Last year’s record: 28-7 overall, 12-2 DuKane Conference.
Top returning players: Reagan Crosthwaite, sr., SS; Makayla Grantz, sr., OF; Makayla Hammer, jr., OF; Moriah Herr, so., C; Ava Hartnett, sr., IF; Alyssa Savenok, jr., OF; Hannah Wulf, jr., P; Abby Del Preto, sr., OF/IF; Hana Stoner, sr., OF; Emma Dodge, jr., IF.
Top new players: Madison Moore, jr., P; Delaney Surber, so., DH/IF.
Worth noting: The Falcons, ranked 12th in Class 4A in the preseason, are coming off a banner season, the program’s first conference and regional titles in 38 years and a sectional final appearance that ended with a 1-0, extra-inning loss to Oswego. Ace and All-State pitcher Erin Metz has graduated, but Wheaton North returns quite a bit from that team. Leading the way is Crosthwaite, who broke the program’s career home run record and hit .455 with 18 homers, 52 RBI, 51 runs scored and 46 hits and was a second team All-State pick. Grantz hit .354 with 34 hits, 20 RBI and 11 runs scored, Hammer hit .267 with six homers, 22 RBIs and 20 runs scored and Hartnett had 18 RBI and 24 runs scored. “We are looking to build on an exciting 2024 season,” Ravanesi said. “So many pieces of our 2024 team are returning for 2025 — which is a key factor for us, so we will hopefully take another step further in the postseason. We are definitely looking for previous players to step up and newcomers to come in and compete at a high level. Our expectations are high this year and we need to go out and prove ourselves every day.”
Wheaton Warrenville South
Coach: Jeff Pawlak
Last year’s record: 23-10 overall, 7-7 DuKane Conference, lost to Oswego in sectional semifinal.
Top returning players: Presley Wright, sr., P/SS; Abby Mease, sr., CF; Alli Michalowski, sr., 1B; Becca Chaney, jr., SS; Caroline Schulz, jr., OF; Nelia Kirichun, jr., OF.
Top new players: Lily Bobor, fr., C/3B; Avery Arnold, so., P/MIF; Rachel Chaney, so., MIF; Ellie Grout, so., 3B/1B; Maria Knorr, so., OF; Cami Bielenda, jr., OF; Kate Hasbrouck, jr., 1B/P; Alli Hubsky, jr., C/3B; Jordyn Wilson, jr., OF; Isabella Franzone, sr., OF.
Worth noting: Pawlak said he has some good returning leadership which helps an overall young and inexperienced varsity team. Wright, who will play collegiately at Keiser University in Florida, will set the tone and pitch quite a bit while also playing shortstop. Leadoff hitter Mease, a third team All-State pick and unanimous all-conference pick, hit .471 and will set the table. Michalowski was honorable mention all-conference and hit .309. Chaney hit .286 with the game-winning hit against Neuqua Valley in regionals Schulz, who hit .340 last year, will likely move to left field. “This is a group that I expect to improve with experience as the season goes along,” Pawlak said. “Our returning starters will need to take a step forward beyond their success last year and lead the way as we head into the heart of our schedule and overall conference play.”
Willowbrook
Coach: Nick Hildreth
Last year’s record: 21-11 overall, second in West Suburban Gold, lost in regional final.
Top returning players: Allie Coppersmith, jr., OF; Marli Smrz, jr., OF; Sonia Ruchala, sr., IF; Isabel Bates, sr., P/IF.
Top new players: Aleena Mcnamara, so., C; Liz Pettinger, so., OF; Adrianna Weaser, jr., P
Worth noting: The Warriors must replace Karman Rowe in the circle, but Hildreth has a good deal of talent back in his second season as head coach. Ruchala, committed to Indiana-Indianapolis, was limited by injuries last season to eight games but hit .600 with eight extra-base hits, nine runs scored and 15 RBI. Bates batted .424 with eight extra-base hits, 33 runs scored and 32 RBI. Smrz, third team All-State, hit .425 with 19 extra-base hits, 35 runs scored and 35 RBI. Coppersmith, also third team All-State, hit .394 with six extra-base hits, 37 runs scored and 23 RBI.
York
Coach: Lisa Fraticola
Last year’s record: 15-15 overall, lost in first round of regionals.
Top returning players: Lilly Burda, jr., SS; Sara Steinecker, so., 3B/OF; Avery Kanouse, sr., P; Maggie Demopoulos, jr., 2B; Morgen Balfanz, jr., 1B; Taylor McMillen, sr., P; Sophia Lancilloti, jr., P/OF; Nubia Toledo, sr., C.
Top new players: Kayla Winters, so., OF; Emily McNichols, jr., OF; Myka Matykiewicz, so., OF/P; Brin Matykiewicz, so., 2B/3B.
Worth noting: With five returning starting players, and a veteran pitching staff, the Dukes are looking to capitalize on experience defensively and in the circle. Burda, second team All-State, hit .464 with a .514 on-base percentage, six homers and 20 RBI. Kanouse, also second team All-State, hit .343 with a .387 on-base percentage, four homers and 13 RBI and posted a 2.26 ERA and 1.036 WHIP over 120 innings in the circle. Steinecker, third team All-State, hit .353 with a .385 on-base percentage with three homers and 17 RBI. Demopoulos hit .260 with a .302 OBP and 11 RBI and Balfanz hit .256 with a .347 OBP and 11 RBI. McMillen posted a 3.62 ERA over 61 innings, Lancilloti a 4.50 ERA over 23 innings and Toledo hit .256 with nine RBI. “The program has put the work in this offseason to develop a strong, competitive program by lifting in the weight room and speed and agility training with JK Fitness,” Fraticola said. “Healthy competition during practices and adapting an attitude of expect nothing, earn everything, will push us throughout the season.”
– Joshua Welge from Shaw Local News Network contributed to this preview