All-Area Softball First Team

All-Area MVP

KIRSTEN VERDUN

Coal City, junior, pitcher

Highlights: Two-time all-conference choice of the Interstate Eight ... Finished 31-3 with 447 strikeouts in 241 innings and a 0.32 ERA ... Only allowed 72 hits, 58 walks and 11 earned runs ... Batted .528 with 57 hits, 39 runs, 16 doubles, a triple, 6 homers and 42 RBIs ... Second team all-area as a sophomore, batting .375 with 10 doubles, a homer and 22 RBIs while posting an 11-1 pitching record with 109 strikeouts in 70 innings and a 0.60 ERA.

Coach Brad Schmitt said: "She's a phenomenal player and a true impact player."

OLIVIA BELL

Plainfield S., junior, outfielder

Highlights: Dominant varsity debut ... All-conference choice of the Southwest Prairie ... Batted .393 with 33 hits, 5 doubles, a triple, a homer and 9 RBIs ... Batted .442 in conference with 19 hits ... Set single-season school records for on-base percentage at .463 and slugging percentage at .512 ... Verbally committed to Loyola University.

Coach Tara Singler said: "Olivia came out right away this year with a solid bat and she found ways to get on base. She has a lot of speed, so she can lay down the bunt and execute the slap, and she also has decent power. She has shown a good mind for the game."

HANNAH BERRIS

Plainfield N., senior, shortstop

Highlights: Three-year varsity starter and three-time all-conference by the Southwest Prairie ... Slugging leadoff hitter, co-captain and converted catcher ... Batted .395 with 34 hits, 27 runs, 14 doubles, a triple, a homer and 17 RBIs ... Two-time second team all-area pick, batting .323 with 2 homers and 26 RBIs last year and .398 with 4 homers and 11 RBIs as a sophomore ... Signed for Loyola University.

Coach George Sam said: "She has a cannon of an arm at catcher, but we needed her in the middle of the infield. We had to lead her off, but she would have batted third on any other team."

HAYLEY BRIDWELL

Lemont, senior, 2B/outfielder

Highlights: Four-year varsity starter between second base and outfield ... Three-time all-conference choice of the South Suburban ... Batted .411 with 37 hits, 27 runs, 12 steals, 2 doubles and 6 RBIs ... Delivered 70 singles over the past two seasons ... First team all-area as a junior, batting .422 with 35 hits, 23 runs, 13 steals, a homer and 12 RBIs ... Signed for Valparaiso University.

Coach Chris Traina said: "Hayley played outfield and we brought her to second base last year, but we needed her back in the outfield again this year. We needed her leadership in center field and she provided it every game."

GINA BROWN

Lincoln-Way C., junior, 3B/SS

Highlights: All-conference choice of the Southwest Suburban Red ... Second year as varsity starter ... Recovered from a torn labrum to bat .405 with 41 hits, 22 runs, 8 doubles, 2 triples, a homer and 22 RBIs ... Third team all-area as a sophomore, batting .296 with 34 hits, 18 runs, 8 doubles, 2 triples, 2 homers and 21 RBIs for Class 4A state champions ... Verbally committed to Northern Iowa.

Coach Dick Mandella said: "Gina is a tremendous infielder and a very good athlete. She's so sure-handed. We switched her to short early in the year, which shows what type of athlete she is."

LIANNA CAMPOS

Plainfield N., senior, third base

Highlights: Three-year varsity starter ... All-conference choice of the Southwest Prairie and named conference MVP ... Cleanup hitter cleaned up, batting robust .488 with 39 hits, 19 runs, 6 doubles, a homer and 28 RBIs ... Recorded a .551 on-base percentage and a .588 slugging percentage ... Signed for Milwaukee School of Engineering.

Coach George Sam said: "The numbers that Lianna put up this season were simply great. There were maybe one or two conference games this year that she didn't get a hit, and she didn't strike out very often at all. She put the ball in play and she was a player that you could rely on. She will be missed."

COURTNEY DELACH

Coal City, senior, shortstop

Highlights: Two-time all-conference choice of the Interstate Eight ... Batted .416 with 42 hits, 23 runs, 13 doubles, 13 walks, a triple, a homer and 28 RBIs ... Posted a .594 slugging percentage with a .553 on-base percentage as Coalers placed third in Class 2A ... Also went 2-0 as a pitcher with a 1.40 ERA and a save ... Second team all-area as a junior, batting .493 with 29 runs, 9 doubles, a triple, 4 homers and 32 RBIs ... Will play for Kankakee Community College.

Coach Brad Schmitt said: "Courtney had to be the cleanup hitter behind (Kirsten) Verdun. We had to have a good hitter behind her, and she kept coming through time and time again."

LYNDSAY DOYLE

Minooka, junior, outfielder

Highlights: Two-time all-conference choice of the Southwest Prairie ... Leadoff hitter landed led team at .438 with 42 hits, 39 runs, 5 triples and 23 stolen bases in 24 attempts ... First team all-area selection as a sophomore, batting .437 with 45 hits, 35 runs, 13 stolen bases, 6 doubles, a triple and 18 RBIs ... ... Verbally committed to the University of Michigan.

Coach Amy Saelens said: "With 42 hits and 39 runs, that means every single time that Lyndsay got on base, she basically scored. She's a great offensive threat, but she's a great defensive player as well. She covers a ton of ground out in center field, she has amazing speed and her arm is second to one."

JACKIE DUGAN

Lincoln-Way C., senior, pitcher

Highlights: Three-year varsity regular ... Two-time all-conference choice of the Southwest Suburban Red ... Finished 18-9 with 192 strikeouts in 153 innings and a 0.92 ERA, allowing only 31 runs (29 earned), 80 hits and 13 walks ... First team all-area as a junior, pitching the Knights to the Class 4A state title with a 19-7 record, a 1.21 ERA and 202 strikeouts in 168 innings ... Signed for Saint Xavier University.

Coach Dick Mandella said: "Jackie pitched in all of our big games against some great teams. She's obviously a great competitor, and our weakness this year was we didn't score a whole lot of runs. None of her wins were easy."

MAGGIE DUGAN

Lockport, senior, first base

Highlights: All-conference choice for Southwest Suburban Blue champions ... Second year on varsity, first as full-time starter ... Did not commit an error this spring, totaling 238 putouts and 5 assists ... Batted .400 with 38 hits, 14 runs, 5 doubles, a triple, a homer and 24 RBIs ... Also walked 10 times ... ... Signed for St. Joe's of Indiana.

Coach Marissa Chovanec said: "Maggie filled in last year when Jenny Festin, now at St. Francis, broke her hand. She did not expect a lot of time last year, but still was able to perform. She came out on fire this year, batting over .350 most of the year and then getting better and better for us at the end."

AMBER EISHA

Gardner-SW, junior, pitcher

Highlights: Two-time all-conference choice of the River Valley ... Batted .422 with 35 hits, 21 runs, 3 doubles, 5 triples, a homer and 31 RBIs ... Mowed down Class 1A hitters with a 16-5 record and a 0.81 ERA ... Struck out 223 in 152 innings ... Second team all-area as a sophomore, going 20-8 as a pitcher with 182 strikeouts in 188 innings while batting .379 with 2 doubles, 7 triples, a homer and 18 RBIs.

Coach Michelle Lardi said: "Amber was pretty much our top player, both as a pitcher and as a hitter. She pitched almost every game, she always kept her composure and she got us going at the plate. She was our power hitter, too."

HANNAH GARDNER

Providence, junior, second base

Highlights: Two-time all-conference choice of the East Suburban Catholic ... Switched from short to second and batted third in the order ... Had a 22-game hitting streak this spring, finishing at .375 with 48 hits, 30 runs, 12 doubles, 12 steals, 2 triples, 4 homers and 29 RBIs ... Posted a .994 fielding percentage ... Second team all-area as a sophomore, batting .348 with 39 hits, 20 runs, 6 doubles, a homer and 20 RBIs.

Coach Jay Biesterfeld said: "Hannah's one of our most consistent hitters, plus she only made one error for us at second base. In my opinion, her and Chloe (Oprzedek) were as good of a middle infield as there was in the entire area."

BRITTANEY GONSOULIN

Lockport, senior, outfielder/3B

Highlights: Two-time all-conference choice of the Southwest Suburban Blue ... Batted .341 with 30 hits, 23 runs, 5 doubles, 3 triples, 3 homers and 16 RBIs ... Also walked 18 times ... First team all-area selection as a junior, batting .388 with 38 hits, 28 runs, 4 doubles, a triple, 5 homers and 31 RBIs ... Signed for Southeast Missouri State.

Coach Marissa Chovanec said: "At the plate, Brittaney can hit the long ball, but she can bunt very well, too. She can run fast, and she's just a diamond-in-the-rough player. She can play anywhere in the field, she has great range at both third base and in the outfield, and she has a cannon for an arm."

JHAVON HAMILTON

Joliet Township, senior, outfielder

Highlights: Three-year varsity starter ... Batted .352 with 31 hits, 19 runs, 2 doubles, 4 triples, 2 homers and 16 RBIs ... Stole 16 bases and walked 10 times ... First team all-area and all-conference as a junior, batting .442 with 38 hits, 30 runs, 24 steals, 21 walks, 3 doubles, 2 triples, 4 homers and 15 RBIs ... Signed for Illinois State University.

Coach Heather Suca said: "Due to injury, Jhavon spent a lot of time on the mound, and she's not a pitcher. But did what we asked of her, and she's very versatile in the field. She can play center field, right field and even first base. As our No. 2 hitter, her speed was unbelievable. If she gets on base, she scores."

LAUREN HANFORD

Morris, senior, outfielder

Highlights: Three-time all-conference choice of the Southwest Prairie ... Batted third for the past three years ... Ended up hitting .396 with 36 hits, 18 runs, 13 doubles, 2 homers and 15 RBIs ... Closed the season with a 20-game hitting streak ... Finished 12-10 as a pitcher with a save and a 1.66 ERA, striking out 96 in 139 innings ... Second team all-area last year, batting .373 with 41 hits, 19 runs and 17 RBIs ... Signed for Lewis University.

Coach Amy Barr said: "Lauren is a complete player. She was our best pitcher, but even more impressive were her hitting stats. Her bat was big for us and she didn't make an error in the field."

KARA KOMP

Joliet Township, senior, third base

Highlights: Two-time all-conference choice of the Southwest Suburban Blue ... Three-year varsity starter ... Batted .452 with 52 hits, 5 doubles, a triple and 9 RBIs ... Scored 32 runs and stole 17 bases ... Second team all-area as a junior, batting .378 with 37 hits, 14 runs, 11 steals, 2 doubles and 7 RBIs ... Will attend UIC and attempt to walk on.

Coach Heather Suca said: "Kara is a lefty who batted leadoff for us, and she proved to be a tremendous asset in that spot as well as being a great overall leader. She always worked on her fundamentals, she kept the team up on defense, and then she was usually the one to give our offense that spark."

NELLIE KOSOLA

Lincoln-Way E., senior, outfielder

Highlights: Two-time all-conference choice of the Southwest Suburban Red ... Batted .327 with 34 hits, 22 runs, 12 steals, 6 doubles, a triple and 11 RBIs ... First team all-area selection because of her clutch performances, including the game-winning hits for the regional championship and in the sectional semifinals ... Repeat first team all-area pick, batting .398 with 27 runs and 14 stolen bases last spring ... Signed for Grand Valley State University.

Coach Katie Meader said: "Nellie gave us an experienced leader in the top spot the past two years. She's a threat to lay down a bunt, beat out an infield grounder with her speed or rip a shot in the gap."

MORGAN KRISCH

Plainfield C., junior, first base

Highlights: All-conference choice of the Southwest Prairie ... Second year on the varsity, including starting as a sophomore at Joliet Catholic Academy ... Solidified third spot in order ... Transfer batted team-best .429 with 39 hits, 19 runs, 8 doubles, a triple and 20 RBIs ... Also stole 16 bases and offered a silky .980 fielding percentage, chalking up 193 putouts and 8 assists.

Coach Anne Campbell said: "Morgan was a great addition to our program. We lost a very good first baseman the year before in Julia Fink, so getting her was a very nice surprise. She brought a good bat and a tremendous eye, and she scoops up a lot of balls at first."

KAITLIN NOLAN

Wilmington, senior, catcher

Highlights: Four-year varsity starter behind the plate ... Two-time all-conference choice of the Interstate Eight ... Missed part of her freshman year due to injury ... Batted cleanup as a senior, finishing at .382 overall and .407 in conference with 17 runs, 11 doubles, a homer and 40 RBIs ... Mighty at the plate with a .539 slugging percentage ... Threw out 10 runners trying to steal ... Signed for the University of St. Francis.

Coach Jack Skole said: "Kaitlin is the kind of girl who could call her own game behind the plate. She has a great arm, able to keep runners at bay, and she's a smart player. She took our sophomore pitcher under her wings."

CHLOE OPRZEDEK

Providence, junior, shortstop

Highlights: Three-year varsity starter, including third base as a sophomore ... All-conference choice of the East Suburban Catholic ... Leadoff hitter extraordinaire ... Batted .402 with 47 hits, 29 runs, 8 steals, 13 doubles, 4 triples, 3 homers and 12 RBIs ... ... Third team all-area as a sophomore, batting .302 with 32 hits, 27 runs, 7 doubles, 5 triples, 3 homers and 17 RBIs ... Verbally committed to Wright State University.

Coach Jay Biesterfeld said: "Chloe set the table for us at the top of the order. And she's not just an offensive threat. Her range at shortstop and her overall defensive ability made us tough up the middle. She has improved every year."

JACQUELINE RYAN

Peotone, senior, pitcher/DH

Highlights: Three-year varsity regular ... Two-time all-conference choice of the Interstate Eight ... Batted .515 with 51 hits, 24 runs, 8 doubles, 4 triples, 2 homers and 12 RBIs ... On the mound, went 12-9 with 255 strikeouts in 149 innings and a 1.88 ERA ... Second team all-area selection last spring, batting .531 with 25 runs and 23 stolen bases while going 16-7 as a pitcher with 268 strikeouts and a 1.83 ERA ... Signed for the University of Chicago.

Coach Dick Visin said: "She's a straight-A student and she's a very coachable athlete. She has a tremendous personality, she's a tremendous hitter, and she was always on base."

CAIT SANTEFORT

Lincoln-Way E., junior, pitcher

Highlights: Two-time all-conference by the Southwest Suburban Red ... Batted .387 with 20 runs, 8 doubles, 3 triples, 6 homers and 28 RBIs ... Finished 22-4 with a 0.69 ERA 201 strikeouts in 163 innings, allowing only 84 hits and 47 walks ... Tossed 7 shutouts, 2 no-hitters and 5 one-hitters ... Third team all-area last year, batting .316 with 2 homers and adding a 6-5 pitching mark with 89 strikeouts and a 1.43 ERA ... Verbally committed to Saint Louis University.

Coach Katie Meader said: "Cait is someone who leads by example and earns the respect of her teammates and opponents. She sets the tone with her intimidating, composed demeanor."

SAMANTHA STANICEK

Lockport, senior, catcher

Highlights: Four-year varsity starter ... Three-time all-conference choice of the Southwest Suburban Blue ... Batted .391 with 43 hits, 18 runs, 10 doubles, 3 homers and 22 RBIs ... Daughter of Lockport baseball coach also coaxed 17 walks ... First team all-area as a junior, batting .330 with 35 hits, 26 runs, 11 doubles, 2 homers and 24 RBIs ... Signed for Southern Illinois Edwardsville.

Coach Marissa Chovanec said: "Sam was a stable player for us behind the plate. I've seen a lot of players come through our program, with the Dyer sisters (Erin and Kelly) and the Findlays (Sam and Angela), and she was able to build on what they did as a leader."

TAYLOR TOOLEY

Plainfield C., senior, shortstop

Highlights: Three-time all-conference choice of Southwest Prairie ... Switched from second to short and from No. 3 to leadoff spot in batting order ... Finished at .419 with 39 hits, 36 runs, 17 steals, 5 doubles, 6 triples, 2 homers and 24 RBIs ... Three-time first team all-area selection, batting .450 with 14 doubles, 6 triples, 7 homers and 43 RBIs as a junior and .473 with 53 hits, 31 runs, 11 doubles, 7 triples, 7 homers and 46 RBIs as a sophomore ... Signed for Southern Illinois Edwardsville.

Coach Anne Campbell said: "Taylor has all the tools. She has speed, strength, power, great range and a great arm. She had a phenomenal career here."

KRISTA WATSON

Coal City, junior, catcher/2B

Highlights: Three-year varsity starter and two-time all-conference choice of the Interstate Eight ... Batted .352 with 42 hits, 37 runs, 11 doubles, a triple and 18 RBIs as Coalers placed third in Class 2A ... Started at second base, then switched to catcher due to an injury ... Second team all-area as a sophomore, batting .386 with 34 hits, 32 runs, 7 doubles, a homer and 21 RBIs.

Coach Brad Schmitt said: "Kirsten (Verdun) didn't let that many runners get on, but they wouldn't run on Krista. She's a smart, hard-nose, good all-around athlete. She has a fantastic arm, and she did a great job going from second base to being our catcher."