Homewood-Flossomor Solid Where it Matters Most

Coach: Katie Rice-Hoger (first season).

Opener: March 24 vs. Munster (Ind.).

Quick hit: "Our season will be a successful one if we stay motivated and committed to growing and developing as a unit," Homewood-Flossmoor coach Katie Rice-Hoger said. "We need to blend our returning starters with some talented newcomers."

Did you know? H-F plays in one of the toughest conferences in the state (Southwest Suburban Blue) and enters this season as one of the picks to click in informal polling of opposing coaches.

Infield: Adrienne Contreras, senior, second base. Kaitlyn Shereyk, sophomore, shortstop.  Jessica Taylor, junior, first base. Sydney Battle, junior, third base.

Outfield:  Jessica Markanich, senior, left field. Melanie Hamilton, senior, center field. Ayanna Daniels, junior, right field.

Pitching staff: Kassidy Kleinow, junior, returning varsity ace. Sarah Burke, junior, known for moving the ball in-and-out, up-and-down.  Adrienne Contreras closer.

Catcher: Alex Bitto, senior. Marissa Werner, senior.

Coach Katie Rice-Hoger: “The strength of our team will be consistency behind the plate and on the field. We have nine returning varsity athletes with great experience and knowledge of the game. We have a positive outlook on the season and are anxious to get the ball rolling.”

College recruits: Jessica Markanich, (South Dakota State), Alex Bitto, (Ashford University, Clinton, Iowa), Marissa Werner (considering Prarie State), Melanie Hamilton (St. Mary’s University, Winona, Minn.)