Area Softball Preview: Seckman Relying on Pitching Tandem

Pitching is always the biggest key to a successful season in high school softball.

That gives Seckman coach Steve Bonastia a lot of confidence heading into the 2011 season as he returns seniors Lindsay Schaefer and Madison Leonard to the mound.

"I feel that our two pitchers are as good as any two in the area," Bonastia said.

Schaefer, a four-year varsity player who hit .424 with four homers and 26 RBI last season, was also 9-8 with a 2.21 ERA as a pitcher. Leonard was 6-3 with a 2.22 ERA.

Bonastia also feels that his team will be able to score more runs this season. That was shown in a season-opening 9-3 victory over Northwest.

Sophomore Alison Szydlowski led the team last season with a .452 average and she started with a bang this season with three hits, including a home run against Northwest. She has moved behind the plate after playing third base last season.

Senior Amanda McCarl anchors the infield at shortstop. McCarl, who is a smooth defensive player, hit .383 last season. She is a four-year varsity starter.

Sophomore second baseman Lauren Faulstich, who will bat leadoff, and senior outfielder Abby Hayden are other returning starters for the Jaguars.

A couple of freshmen, third baseman Amber Heath and center fielder Maddie Cooksey, should also help.

"Last year we did not have a lot of varsity experience and we still won 15 games," said Bonastia. "I have high expectations with this team.

We have the solid two pitchers and I think we will hit better. We have a chance to win a lot of games and make noise in conference, districts and the tournaments we play."

Fox High School Gets Younger, Increases Team Speed

Fox finished 12-15 last season and was 4-4 in the tough Suburban West.

The Warriors graduated their top five hitters, including Tory Ellis who hit .429 with three homers and 24 RBI. Also gone is pitcher Kayla Meier, who won 11 of the team's 12 games.

Sophomore Sarah Minkler takes over as the No. 1 pitcher after spending most of last season on the junior varsity team.

Seniors Jeanette Pisoni and Brooke Brown and sophomore Kelsey Brodbeck are returning starters, although there will be a couple of position changes. Pisoni moves behind the plate after playing in the outfield last season, while Brodbeck moves to shortstop from the outfield. Brown played both third and second base last season and will start at third this season.

Janelle Hackmann is the team's top newcomer. Hackmann is a speedy outfield who led state champion Oakville in stolen bases last fall.

"I just want the girls to go out and play every game as hard as they can," Fox coach Terri Williams said. "If they do that we have a chance to be a .500 team and maybe a little over."