Cyclone softball team ready to attain their goals in 2016

With a strong dose of softball instinct on their side, the Cyclones are shooting for big gains and sizable goals in 2016.

Looking at the four returners and crop of newcomers, the team has a lot to be excited about this season. Hannah Theilmann (Andrew) is back and will be a dominant pitcher. Last year she not only won every Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference game she pitched but also batted .373 and was named to the All-NJCAA Region IV and All-Conference first teams. An all-around player, Theilmann can hit spots at the plate when needed and is expected to lead the RBI count. She is team captain along with returner Molly Pohrebny (Richards), who brings back her defensive wall. In addition to being a key, consistent hitter who averaged .397 at the plate last year, she also is tough to get the ball past at third. “She has some of the best glove work I’ve seen. Her defense is out of this world. She’s always diving for the ball,” said head Coach Natalie Wigginton, who starts her first season leading the squad. Rounding out the returners are shortstop/outfielder Nicole Roney (De La Salle), who batted .337 last year and will be pivotal at the lead-off spot, and outfielder Alyssa DeChene (Shepard) who has a strong arm and keen ability to track the ball.

Joining the crew is first basewoman Sam Owens (Stagg) in the three or four spot. She’s a strong hitter with a knack for getting multi-base hits, and on the field can scoop up tough throws. At second base, Morgan Williams (Homewood-Flossmoor High School) has fast feet and nice range to make accurate plays when needed. The primary catcher will be Emily Janozik (Queen of Peace High School), who has the ability to throw out any player at second base and is constantly aware of what’s happening on the field. Shortstop Selena Velasquez (Joliet Central/Prairie State College) will be an asset in the infield with quick feet and glove work. Second basewoman/outfielder Bailey Gala (Mother McAuley), outfielder Alexis Lyons (Shepard) and outfielder/pitcher Maddie Poole (Sandburg) also will contribute to the cause.

The outlook is strong for this group. With a solid lineup, the Cyclones hope to leave less runners on base like they did last season.

“We have a really good team, and the hitting lineup is stronger than last year. I see them doing great things at the plate. They can bunt or hit to the right side when needed,” Wigginton said. “My goal is for the hitters to be more aggressive. I think I’ve taught them different ways to approach different pitchers and make adjustments when needed.”

Helping Wigginton from the sidelines is new assistant coach and former Cyclone Arianna “Ari” Bulthius. She played with the Cyclones in the 2013 and 2014 seasons when she attained a .375 and .382 batting average with 23 RBIs and was named to the All-Conference team.

Collectively, the duo have a strong core to work with and are aiming high. “A lot of players have great instinct, and that’s hard to come by. I can’t teach that. We can do great things on defense and offense. It’s just one out at a time,” Wigginton said. “My goal this season is to win conference. I think we have a team that can do it. I want another Skyway Player of the Year and get more All-American nominees, too.”

The Cyclones head to St. Louis next week for spring training where they’ll face three colleges before their March 21 home opener with Joliet Junior College.

Visit www.morainevalley.edu/athletics or follow the Cyclones on Facebook at morainevalleycyclones and Twitter @MVCyclones.