All-area softball, second and third team

Font Size

Email

Bookmark

Black Text

White Text

Second Team

• Caitlyn Anderson, Plainfield North, sophomore, outfielder: Breakout varsity season ... All-conference by the Southwest Prairie ... Batted .356 with 36 hits, 6 doubles, 4 triples, a homer and 25 RBIs ... Had .422 on-base percentage ... "She's one of those kids who worked hard in the offseason," Tigers coach George Sam said. "She probably hit about .185 a year ago, but she turned it around big-time. She's an even-keel kid, and she's a little like the Cubs' (Ryan) Theriot in that she can drive it to the opposite field."

• Brittnie Boerema, Lincoln-Way Central, senior, catcher: Three-year varsity starter, the previous two at third base ... All-conference by the SouthWest Suburban Red ... Batted .313 with 40 hits, 20 runs, 10 doubles, 6 home runs and 31 RBIs for Class 4A state champions ... "We've had some good catchers in our program over the years and she might be the best defensively, and we know she is from an arm standpoint," Knights coach Dick Mandella said. "She had a tremendous, tremendous year."

• Hannah Berris, Plainfield North, junior, catcher/shortstop: Second varsity season ... Two-time all-conference by the Southwest Prairie ... Batted .323 with 30 hits, 5 doubles, a triple, 2 homers and 26 RBIs ... Second team all-area as a sophomore, batting .398 with 37 hits, 20 runs, 5 doubles, a triple, 4 homers and 11 RBIs ... "She has everything that you want in a player," Tigers coach George Sam said. "Her average was down a bit, but we asked her to put a lot on her shoulders and she took total control."

• Dana Bowler, Lockport, junior, pitcher: Two-year varsity rotation regular ... All-conference by the SouthWest Suburban Blue ... Ace of strong staff with 11-3 record, 111 strikeouts in 79 innings and a 1.87 ERA until season shelved late by injury ... Struck out 15 vs. Downers Grove South, 14 vs. Minooka and 12 vs. Andrew ... "She was a big reason why we were where we were at the beginning of the season," Porters coach Marissa Chovanec said. "Those huge performances really defined her as a pitcher."

• Andrea Carlson, Minooka, sophomore, catcher: Tall backstop earned rave reviews ... All-conference by the Southwest Prairie ... Batted .340 with 33 hits, 15 runs, 14 doubles, 3 triples and 27 RBIs ... Also walked 12 times ... "She's young, but her skilll level brings her up as someone with so much potential," Indians coach Amy Saelens said. "Defensively, she's rock solid behind the plate and I see the sky as the limit for as a leader and as a player."

• Mary Caron, Romeoville, senior, outfielder: Four-year varsity starter ... All-conference by the Southwest Prairie ... Batted .465 with a .565 on-base percentage and a .987 fielding percentage in center ... Two-time third team all-area selection, batting .321 as a a junior and .379 as a sophomore ... Signed for North Central College ... "Anything you wanted her to do, she would get it done," Spartans coach Brandy Brenwall-Smith said. "She was our captain for three years and she definitely led by example."

• Courtney Delach, Coal City, junior, shortstop: Third team all-state selection by the Illinois Coaches Association for Class 1A/2A ... All-conference choice of the Interstate Eight ... Batted team-high .493 with 38 hits, 29 runs, 9 doubles, a triple, 4 home runs and 32 RBIs ... Led Coalers with .646 on-base percentage ... "Courtney really came alive," Coalers coach Brad Schmitt said. "She was practically unstoppable for the first 15-20 games. She always made contact and she always made things happen."

• Amber Eisha, Gardner-South Wilmington, sophomore, pitcher: Capped second varsity season with a regional title ... All-conference by the River Valley ... Finished 20-8 with 182 strikeouts in 188 innings ... Also batted .379 with 2 doubles, 7 triples, a home run and 18 RBIs ... "She was dominant all year and pitched all the big games for us," Panthers coach Todd Severns said. "She's a workhorse, and she's the best fielding pitcher I saw this year."

• Julia Fink, Plainfield Central, senior, pitcher/first baseman: Consummate professional ... All-conference choice of the Southwest Prairie ... Finished 10-1 with 87 strikeouts in 62 innings and a 0.89 ERA ... Also batted .280 with 10 doubles, 2 triples and 21 RBIs ... Signed for Valdosta State University ... "Julia's one of those kids who never gets enough credit for our success or for what she does for a winning team," Wildcats coach Anne Campbell said. "She plays consistently for you, day-in and day-out, and she did an excellent job both at first base and on the mound."

• Hannah Gardner, Providence Catholic, sophomore, shortstop: Second varsity season ... All-conference choice of the East Suburban Catholic ... Batted .348 with 39 hits, 20 runs, 6 doubles, a home run and 20 RBIs ... Underclassmen committed only 6 errors for .955 fielding percentage ... "She did a phenomenal job, coming in and playing shortstop at this level of softball," Celtics coach Jay Biesterfeld said. "Offensively, she consistently made contact, she put the ball in play and she came up with the big hits."

• Mary Giancarlo, Plainfield South, senior, catcher: Three-year varsity starter ... Changed to catcher from second base ... Two-time all-conference choice of the Southwest Prairie ... Batted .383 with 44 hits, 15 runs, 9 doubles, a triple, a homer and 17 RBIs ... First team all-area selection as a junior, batting .432 with 51 hits, 32 runs, 16 doubles, a homer and 24 RBIS ... Signed for Lewis University ... "She never let anything faze her," Cougars coach Tara Singler said. "She's a clutch hitter and she helped us with a great arm behind the plate. She called a great game."

• Brianna Haag, Peotone, senior, catcher: Offensive juggernaut ... All-conference choice of the Interstate Eight ... Batted .547 with 25 runs, 17 doubles, a home run and 28 RBIs ... "She's a solid, solid catcher," Blue Devils coach Dick Visin said. "She threw out 68 percent of the runners that tried to steal on us, and she pretty much was my three-hitter all year. I wanted to get her up to bat as much as I could in the game."

• Lauren Hanford, Morris, junior, outfielder: Two-year varsity starter ... All-conference choice of the Southwest Prairie ... Batted .373 with 19 runs and 17 RBIs ... Marked a team-best 41 hits ... "Lauren was on a tear for the first three weeks of the season, hitting around .700," Redskins coach Amy Barr said. "She shows great discipline at the plate and she doesn't strike out very much. She knows the game well and is a good leader in the outfield."

• Stephanie Humbert, Dwight, senior, pitcher: Third team all-state selection by the Illinois Coaches Association for Class 1A/2A ... All-conference by the Interstate Eight ... Batted .371 with 36 hits, 25 runs, 8 doubles, 5 home runs and 17 RBIs ... As a pitcher, struck out 305 in 197 innings with a 0.78 ERA ... Allowed only 108 hits, 48 walks and 22 earned runs.

• Kara Komp, Joliet Township, junior, third base: Two-year varsity starter ... All-conference by the SouthWest Suburban Blue ... Batted .378 with 37 hits, 14 runs, 2 doubles and 7 RBIs ... Stole 11 bases ... "I'm expecting even bigger and better things from Kara in the future," Steelmen coach Laurie Markatos-Pappas said. "She's so reliable at third I'm almost relieved when the ball is hit to her, and she's a tireless worker. She will take about a thousand ground balls in practice if I let her."

• Ashley Linhart, Lincoln-Way East, senior, outfielder: All-conference choice of SouthWest Suburban Red ... Batted .357 with 13 RBIs and stole 5 bases ... As a junior, batted .300 with 33 hits, 19 runs, 4 doubles, 3 triples, a home run and 27 RBIs for Elite Eight qualifier ... Last name should be "Lionheart" to represent her effort ... Signed for Parkland Community College ... "Her aggressiveness and desire are contagious," Griffins coach Katie Meader said. "She's somebody who we knew always wanted it."

• Kirsten Luevano, Lemont, sophomore, pitcher: Second varsity season, first as the staff ace ... All-conference choice of the South Suburban Blue ... Batted .407 with 44 hits, 22 runs, 8 doubles, 4 triples, 2 homers and 28 RBIs ... Finished 19-11 with 174 strikeouts in 205 innings and a 1.54 ERA ... "She was outstanding offensively," Indians coach Chris Traina said. "So, she's not only the pitcher for us, she brings her bat to the team, and she's only going to get better and better as we go along."

• Angie McVey, Morris, senior, pitcher: Four-year varsity starter and captain ... Batted .414 with a .609 slugging percentage, 17 runs and 20 RBIs ... Was 12-12 as a pitcher with 151 strikeouts, a 1.62 ERA and 6 shutouts ... Third team all-area last year and second team all-area as a sophomore ... Hit .367 with 2 homers and 24 RBIs last year .. Will walk on at Butler University ... "She's just a solid player all-around," Redskins coach Amy Barr said. "She's a smart player and a good leader who took the ball against impressive teams."

• Leah Roman, Minooka, senior, shortstop: Two-time all-conference choice of the Southwest Prairie ... Batted .351 with 39 hits, 31 runs, 9 doubles, 2 triples, 3 home runs and 23 RBIs ... Walked 8 times and stole 5 bases ... First team all-area as a junior, batting .361 with 39 hits, 33 runs, 10 doubles, a triple, 7 home runs and 29 RBIs ... "She has great arm and great range at short," Indians coach Amy Saelens said. "She's also excellent at that drop-step catch on popups. I was impressed by her leadership, on and off the field."

• Alyssa Ronald, Bolingbrook, senior, outfielder: Three-year varsity starter ... All-conference choice of the SouthWest Suburban Blue ... Converted shortstop played left field and batted .367 in the second spot with a .520 on-base percentage ... "Alyssa had a good eye, and if she didn't put the ball in play, she would get walked," Raiders coach Jean Ryan-Moak said. "She also was very smart on the bases."

• Jacqueline Ryan, Peotone, junior, pitcher: Third team all-state selection by the Illinois Coaches Association for Class 1A/2A ... Batted .531 with 25 runs and 23 stolen bases ... Finished 16-7 on the mound with 268 strikeouts and a 1.83 ERA .. "The great thing is she's coming back next year," Blue Devils coach Dick Visin said. "She's fast, she has tremendous speed and she's a great athlete. I thought she also did an excellent job on pitch selection and throwing the ball hard."

• Jessica Tezak, JCA, junior, outfielder: Second year on the varsity, first in a full-time role ... All-conference by the East Suburban Catholic ... Batted .364 with 39 hits, 3 doubles, 2 triples and 14 RBIs ... Able to adapt well to change ... "We put her in the leadoff role and sometimes down at the bottom of the order and she did a great job considering that," Angels coach Dave Douglas said. "She showed that she was one of the top players on our team."

• Kirsten Verdun, Coal City, sophomore, pitcher/first base: Varsity debut for softball ... All-conference by the Interstate Eight ... Batted .375 with 30 hits, 17 runs, 10 doubles, a home run and 22 RBIs ... Finished 11-1 as a pitcher with 109 strikeouts in 70 innings and a 0.60 ERA ... "If you look at her stats pitching-wise, she's a horse," Coalers coach Brad Schmitt said. "She can throw a lot of pitches and get out of tough jams. And offensively, if you make a mistake, she will make you pay with power."

• Alanna Viken, Seneca, freshman, outfielder: Welcome to the varsity, indeed ... All-conference by the Interstate Eight ... Batted .406 with 39 hits, 25 runs, 9 doubles, 3 triples, 12 steals and 22 RBIs ... "She's a great kid who truly understands the game," Irish coach Dan Stecken said. "There are things that are hard to teach that she just understands instinctively. She knows what to do, she got a ton of big hits for us and was able to step right in like there was no pressure on her at all."

• Krista Watson, Coal City, sophomore, second base: Two-year varsity starter ... All-conference by the Interstate Eight ... Batted .386 with 34 hits, 32 runs, 7 doubles, a home run and 21 RBIs ... Had .566 on-base percentage ... "What's so underrated about Krista is her defense," Coalers coach Brad Schmitt said. "She's one of the best defensive second basemen around, and she's a competitor to the end. She has speed and makes good contact."

THIRD Team

• Alexa Alfaro, Bolingbrook, sophomore, third base: Leadoff hitter batted a team-best .379 ... Combined a .460 on-base percentage with a .826 fielding percentage ... A building block for Bolingbrook's program ... "She is still young, but she has a lot of potential," Raiders coach Jean Ryan-Moak said. "She did a nice job all season and I will be looking for her to do the same next year."

• Gina Brown, Lincoln-Way Central, sophomore, third base: Impact player in varsity debut ... Batted .296 with 34 hits, 18 runs, 8 doubles, 2 triples, 2 home runs and 21 RBIs for Class 4A state champions ... Also a setter in volleyball, but set the table for bottom of the batting order ... "She was outstanding at third base," Knights coach Dick Mandella said. "I think Gina has the chance to be one of the rising stars of the area. She's strong, athletic and a very, very good ballplayer."

• Lauren Budde, Coal City, junior, outfielder: Second season on the varsity ... Batted .419, second on team loaded with .400 hitters ... Also contributed 31 hits, 23 runs, 6 doubles, 3 triples, a home run and 29 RBIs ... Had .591 on-base percentage ... "Lauren hit for power, and her on-base percentage is something that stuck out to me," Coalers coach Brad Schmitt said. "She's somebody who could hit doubles and triples, but also get on base."

• Hilary Bunting, Morris, sophomore, outfielder/second base: Second varsity season a revelation ... Batted .333 with 28 runs and 18 RBIs ... Produced 5 sacrifice bunts ... Topped the team in home runs with 4 ... "She's a very quick player," Redskins coach Amy Barr said. "She puts the ball in play and beats out a lot of infield hits. She finds a way to manufacture runs and she's very versatile."

• Kelly Chesnut, Minooka, junior, pitcher: Full season of health lone thing eluding longtime varsity regular ... All-conference choice of the Southwest Prairie ... Finished 8-9 with 94 strikeouts in 105 innings and a 1.81 ERA ... Allowed only 79 hits and 9 walks, throwing a mere 2 wild pitches ... "To be honest, I still think the best softball is ahead of Kelly," Indians coach Amy Saelens said. "When she puts her mind to it, she's a Division I athlete. Her senior year should be her best year."

• Brittany Cook, Peotone, senior, third base: All-conference choice of the Interstate Eight .. Batted .300 with 4 home runs ... "You can get overlooked when you have a Jackie Ryan and Brianna Haag in the lineup," Blue Devils coach Dick Visin said. "But Brittany gave us some good power numbers."

• Desi DeMarco, Lincoln-Way Central, junior, outfielder: First full varsity season ... Batted .305 with 36 hits, 21 runs, 5 doubles, 2 triples, 2 home runs and 15 RBIs for Class 4A state champions ... Sister Carly on softball scholarship at UIC ... "Desi played a lot of infield before, but we put her in center field and she was real consistent in terms of throwing out runners in key situations," Knights coach Dick Mandella said. "And like against Marist in the sectional, she hit big homers."

• Jackie Frey, Plainfield South, senior, outfielder: Fourth year on varsity ... All-conference by the Southwest Prairie ... Bounced back from injury by batting .313 with 35 hits, 26 runs, 6 doubles, 3 triples, 3 home runs and 15 RBIs ... Finished 4-1 as a pitcher with 21 strikeouts in 22 innings and a 2.00 ERA ... Signed for University of St. Francis ... "She had a big, big bump from last season," Cougars coach Tara Singler said. "Her bat was solid all year long and she got a lot of clutch hits, plus she came up with the sacrifices in the second spot."

• Gabby Giovannini, Plainfield North, junior, second base: Two-year varsity starter ... All-conference by the Southwest Prairie ... Batted .367 with 29 hits, 2 doubles, a triple and 21 RBIs ... Third team all-area last spring, batting .379 with 39 hits, 12 runs, 7 doubles, 3 triples and 24 RBIs ... "Gabby had a decent glove at second base and did a great job defensively," Tigers coach George Sam said. "She struggled early, but then found her consistency at the plate."

• Tiffany Hashimoto, Bolingbrook, senior, shortstop: Backup guard for perennial state power in basketball ... Batted .317 and led the team in RBIs despite suffering from back trouble ... All-conference by SouthWest Suburban Blue ... "She was great for me at short," Raiders coach Jean Ryan-Moak said. "She's very fast, and when she got on, she had the go-ahead to somehow get to second. She's just an all-around athlete who played with heart and left it all on the field."

• Alyssa Henson, Dwight, senior, outfielder: Three-year varsity starter in the outfield for the Trojans ... All-conference choice of the Interstate Eight ... Batted .355 with 37 hits in 104 at-bats ... Scored 18 runs with 11 doubles and 17 RBIs ... Produced 3 walks and struck out only 8 times over 110 total plate appearances.

• Brianna Hickey, JCA, junior, catcher: Emerged as strong backstop in first varsity season ... Batted .372 with 32 hits, 6 doubles, 3 triples and 9 RBIs ... "It's funny," Angels coach Dave Douglas said. "We were talking earlier in the year about how we've had Division I catchers like (Lindsey) Major and (Emily) Marino, and 'Bree' did a nice job of stepping in at a tough position. She sacrificed herself for the team and you couldn't ask for anything more than that."

• Kolby Hoffman, Dwight, sophomore, shortstop: Already a two-year varsity starter at short for the Trojans ... All-conference choice of the Interstate Eight ... Batted .402 with 31 hits in 77 at-bats ... Also marked 5 doubles, a triple, 2 home runs and 15 RBIs ... Scored 22 runs ... Coaxed 5 walks and struck out only 9 times in 83 total plate appearances.

• Courtney Kutsulis, Lockport, senior, catcher: Utility personified for Porters ... All-conference by the SouthWest Suburban Red ... Batted .330 with 30 hits, 17 runs, 10 doubles, 3 home runs and 17 RBIs ... Signed for University of Dayton ... "She did a nice job of handling her role," Porters coach Marissa Chovanec said. "It's hard being a part-time player in several spots, catching, pinch-hitting or being the DH, but she came a long way. She worked hard in the offseason on hitting the outside pitch and that paid off."

• Layne Miller, Morris, freshman, shortstop: Another impressive varsity debut ... Batted .349 with 20 runs, 17 RBIs and 5 sacrifices ... Smacked 4 home runs to lead the team ... Future of Morris program in basketball and softball ... "Layne didn't play like a freshman once she got going," Redskins coach Amy Barr said. "It was a little rough for her at the beginning, but when she settled in and stopped trying to not make mistakes, her ability took over."

• Kaitlin Nolan, Wilmington, junior, catcher: Third year on varsity ... All-conference by the Interstate Eight ... Batted .324 with 23 hits, 11 runs, 8 doubles, a home run and 17 RBIs ... Hit .360 in conference ... "We've been blessed to have a great player behind the plate the last couple of years in Megan Flatt, and Kaitlin's in the same mold," Wildcats coach Jack Skole said. "She's a gamer -- a mature player who wants to win."

• Chloe Oprzedek, Providence Catholic, sophomore, third base: Two-sport grinder in basketball and softball ... Batted .302 with 32 hits, 27 runs, 7 doubles, 5 triples, 3 home runs and 17 RBIs ... Also contributed 12 walks and 7 stolen bases ... Committed a mere 4 errors at third ... "She's actually a natural shortstop," Celtics coach Jay Biesterfeld said. "We needed her with her quickness to play third, and she stepped in big-time. She went full-time lefty as a slapper and really took off."

• Emily Perish, Providence Catholic, senior, pitcher: Perish the thought of Providence without Perish ... All-conference by the East Suburban Catholic ... Batted .301 with 25 hits, 7 runs, 4 doubles, a home run and 18 RBIs ... Added 8 sacrifices and 8 walks ... Finished 13-9 with 84 strikeouts in 145 innings and a 1.49 ERA ... "I think she's one of the most underrated pitchers," Celtics coach Jay Biesterfeld said. "She has a great drop, a great curve, and she didn't walk people. She located her pitches."

• Bryanna Phelan, Coal City, freshman, outfielder: Leadoff hitting machine in varsity debut ... Batted .407 with 37 hits, 30 runs, 2 doubles and 13 RBIs ... Had .520 on-base percentage ... Exceptional speed to cover the gaps in center field ... "With her speed, all she has to do is put the ball in play and she has a strong shot at getting a hit," Coalers coach Brad Schmitt said. "She's so dangerous, and she will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come."

• Caitlin Santefort, Lincoln-Way East, sophomore, pitcher: Two-fold varsity debut ... All-conference choice of the SouthWest Suburban Red ... Batted .316 with 2 home runs ... Finished 6-5 with 89 strikeouts in 88 innings and a 1.43 ERA ... Tossed a 5-hitter and smashed a solo homer to beat Class 4A state champion Lincoln-Way Central 1-0 ... "That game says it all," Griffins coach Katie Meader said. "She's still developing as a pitcher, but she can be a dominant force for us."

• Kelsey Schluntz, Morris, sophomore, DH: Backup catcher emerged as a full-time force at DH ... Batted .341 with 7 runs and 19 RBIs ... Highlight of season was hitting a grand slam ... "We have a powerful hitter in Kelsey," Redskins coach Amy Barr said. "She had a little of a slump midway through the season, but toward the end of the year, she caught on fire again."

• Karla Shappell, Coal City, senior, catcher: Varsity veteran ... All-conference choice of the Interstate Eight ... Batted .400 with 26 hits, 21 runs, 11 doubles, a triple, 2 home runs and 23 RBIs ... Had on-base percentage of .479 ... "I think Karla can play any position," Coalers coach Brad Schmitt said. "She has a great arm, great range, and she would make somebody a great outfielder. She's a nice all-around athlete who goes at you with her very best."

• Rachel Siedentop, Seneca, senior, second base/shortstop: Played second base as a junior and shortstop as a senior ... All-conference choice of the Interstate Eight ... Batted .340 with 37 hits, 26 runs, 4 doubles, a triple and 20 RBIs ... Committed only 6 errors and stole 9 bases ... "She's a throwback player, a dying breed," Irish coach Dan Stecken said. "She'll eat grass and get dirty to make a play or knock the ball down. She's not always flashy, but she'll do whatever's necessary to get the job done."

• Brooke Twohill, Lemont, senior, outfielder: Varsity veteran ... Switched from first base to the outfield ... All-conference by the South Suburban Blue ... Batted .324 with 24 hits, 19 runs, 3 doubles, a triple and 8 RBIs ... Also stole 7 bases ... "We actually put her back in the outfield because that's her best spot," Indians coach Chris Traina said. "She stepped up when we needed her as a first baseman, but she saved us quite a few times playing in the outfield."

• Alyssa Vorel, Lockport, junior, pitcher/first base: Southpaw split time between pitcher and first base in first varsity season ... Batted .328 with 22 hits, 5 doubles, a triple and 12 RBIs ... Finished 9-1 with 66 strikeouts in 76 innings with a 1.47 ERA ... "She's just a quiet kid who let her play speak volumes," Porters coach Marissa Chovanec said. "Whether it was on the mound or at first base, she did the job. She found the holes with her bat, and being a lefty pitcher, she had great command of her changeup."