Softball Trio Named to All-conference Team

A pair of four-year varsity veterans and an up-and-coming sophomore standout who helped lead Batavia’s girls softball team to a 20-win season recently earned all-Upstate Eight Conference River Division accolades for the 2011 campaign.

The all-conference team was selected by the coaches from the seven respective schools: Batavia, Elgin, Geneva, Larkin, St. Charles East, St. Charles North and Streamwood.

The Bulldogs’ all-conference picks were sophomore slugger Katie Ryan, senior third baseman Christine Lynam, and senior pitcher/first baseman Brooke Nelson.

Ryan enjoyed a record-breaking season at the plate for the Bulldogs, tying the IHSA’s single-season mark with 18 home runs that was set by Becky Clark of Newton (1982) and also tied by Leyden’s Morgan Maize this year.

Batavia’s lead-off hitter finished with a .455 batting average and led the team in runs scored (39), slugging percentage (1.055), and RBI (38).

Prior to the season, Batavia coach Ashley Szymski knew Ryan had a lot of potential but surely didn’t expect anything like she delivered in her first varsity campaign.

“My assistant coach, Lupe Castellanos, coached Katie last season at the sophomore level and knew that she had power potential,” said Szymski. “But Katie definitely went above and beyond our expectations for her.

“She had an amazing season and we look forward to her future accomplishments within the program,” Szymski added. “I know this is just the beginning of a successful softball career.”

Ryan was a big reason why the Bulldogs belted a team-record 39 home runs this season. That number ranks third on the IHSA’s all-time single-season list behind Johnston City (47 in 2010) and Downers Grove South (40 in 2006).

“I knew the team had power potential but never did I believe that we’d have 39 team home runs,” Szymski said. “I think Katie’s home run success pushed her teammates to also be successful at the plate.”

Amazingly, Ryan’s best years may lie ahead of her.

“Katie doesn’t even know how good she really is,” said Szymski. “She just comes ready to play hard, and would run through the proverbial brick wall if need be.”

While supplying solid defense at the hot corner, Lynam batted .489 with seven home runs, 14 doubles, 16 walks, 27 RBI, and 29 runs scored. She also recorded a .561 on-base percentage.

“Christine is a leader on the field, a dynamo at third base and a powerhouse at the plate,” Szymski said.

Nelson was another steadying influence for the Bulldogs this past season. At the plate, she hit .327 with five home runs and 28 RBI. On the mound, the versatile senior compiled a 7-3 record and 2.11 ERA.

“Brooke is a truly dedicated player who sacrificed herself for the betterment of the team,” said Szymski. “She is a one-of-a-kind player and a great role model. She will be successful in life due to her strong work ethic and commitment.”

Despite the graduation loss of four mainstays, Emily Dorjath, Lindsay McEachern, Lynam and Nelson, the Bulldogs’ future looks bright for 2012 with the return of Katie Coleman, Katie Neubauer, Meghan Fabian and Erin Costigan.

“I would like us to improve the speed and the short game for 2012,” Szymski said. “I hope that the players will continue to improve and believe that they are a top contending program.”