While the lengthy list of returning pitchers commands a double take, a solid group of returning offensive players also adds excitement to what could be a big year for a number of area softball teams.
Right off the bat, Bartlett (Class 4A) and Burlington Central (3A) stand out on paper as the top tier. However, Genoa-Kingston (2A), Huntley (3A), Jacobs (4A) and possibly Upstate Eight Conference up-and-comers Streamwood and South Elgin could all turn some heads by the time the postseason rolls around in the new four-class system.
Bartlett, an Elite Eight qualifier a season ago, returns its talented battery of senior Lauren Wydra, the Courier News Pitcher of the Year, and junior catcher Elizabeth Kay -- a threat at-bat, on the bases, and in the field, whether it's center field or behind the plate.
After beginning the season 3-3 overall, the Hawks caught fire and rode a memorable streak that included memorable victories against St. Charles North, UEC nemesis Lake Park and Marengo. Downers Grove South eventually got the better of Bartlett 3-2 in the quarterfinals.
"These girls are excited to get back after it," Hawks coach Jim Wolfsmith said. "They feel like they have some unfinished business left. But they know there is a lot of work ahead of us. We loved the experience of (State Finals) and we want to get back there again."
Burlington Central boasts one of the state's top pitching combinations in senior Erica Maisto and junior MacKenzie Scott. An offense spearheaded by speedy shortstop Kayla Oranger, who led the area in hits (63), runs (52) and stolen bases (41), will also help the team's bid to win its fourth straight Big Northern Conference East Division title. East rival Marengo enters the season as the top-ranked team in the Illinois Coaches Association 3A poll.
In the BNC West Division, Genoa-Kingston is also a strong candidate to repeat as champ. Led by senior Lindsay Decker, the two-time West pitcher of the year, the Cogs have their sights set on postseason success.
Huntley and Jacobs also return talent at the plate and on the mound. The Red Raiders welcome back senior pitcher Sam Clemons, who emerged as one of the area's elite last season, and sophomore RBI-machine Jenna Mychko (area-high 40 in 2007).
Jacobs returns dual threat senior Lauren Arceneaux and senior Lizzie Andrews. On the hill, Arceneaux has tallied 22 wins with a sub-2.00 ERA the past two seasons. At the plate, she led the area in batting (.531) and home runs (7) last season while stealing 28 bases. Andrews hit .422 with 39 RBIs a season ago.
"We've got a good team on paper and we are ready to take that out on the field and see how good we can play as a team," said Golden Eagles coach Jeremy Bauer, whose team tied for first last season with Crystal Lake South in the Fox Valley Conference's Valley Division. "There are a lot of anxious people around here, including myself."
Senior ace pitchers Rebecca French and Barb Posinger and supporting talent could help make South Elgin and Streamwood sleepers in the Upstate Eight Conference, next to Bartlett, Lake Park and Waubonsie Valley.
Around the area, Westminster Christian will field a team for the first time this season. Elgin Academy has discontinued its program.
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