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Redwings return eight starters, including star shortstop Elayna Brdecka (Dayton), from team that went 15-17 but won a Class 3A regional. They have three all-conference outfielders in Samantha Mikitka (St. Mary’s Notre Dame), Grace Fajardo and Nina Pesare. Mikitka and fellow four-year starter Samantha Schilf will share time on mound.
METEA VALLEY
First-year coach Michaela Schlattman has six starters back from team that finished 6-17, led by senior outfielder Nia Lewis, a Morgan State recruit. Senior pitcher/shortstop Nevaeh Cruz, junior infielder Michelle Hess and sophomores Genevieve Gonzales, Riley O’Neill and Reese Valha are other key players.
NAPERVILLE CENTRAL
Redhawks have young but fairly experienced team. Pitcher Tela Meech and DH Annie Saran are four-year varsity players. Outfielders Julia Nicholus and Kendall Lenz, second baseman Courtney Fournier and shortstop Abby Hurst are returning junior starters. Also back are senior first baseman Abbie Schmidt and sophomore catcher Sydney Hurst.
NAPERVILLE NORTH
Huskies return seven players from team that won 12 of its last 14 games in 2021. Junior pitchers Shayna Woolwine (Winona State) and Charlotte Chelich headline deep pitching staff. Senior first baseman Kendall Kedziora and senior second baseman/pitcher Rhyan Hampton enter fourth year on varsity. Junior center fielder Kristina Donaldson (Washington University) anchors outfield.
NEUQUA VALLEY
Wildcats are loaded for a potential run to state behind pitcher/outfielder Hannah Meeks (Illinois State), catcher/infielder Kayla Shymkewich (Northern Kentucky), outfielder Alexa Carrozza (Minnesota State Moorhead) and shortstop Maia Clifford. Utility Stephanie Hause and pitcher/infielder Izzy Ernest also are key players. An upgraded schedule includes 10 ranked teams.
WAUBONSIE VALLEY
Warriors are hoping to improve upon 9-16 record behind sophomore pitcher Hannah Laub, who struck out 119 in 113 innings last season and also batted .435 with five home runs. Senior Megan Kennedy (Northern Kentucky) leads revamped outfield, while sophomore first baseman/pitcher Gia Cobert hit .407.
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.