After reigning state runner-up Marist, watch out for Lisabella Dimitrijevic and Lincoln-Way Central.
Top 10 Teams
1. Marist (36-4)
RedHawks are well stocked to make a run at sixth straight state appearance. Power-hitting senior Gabi Novickas (Georgia), the 2024 Daily Southtown Softball Player of the Year, is back at third base. Other returning starters for the reigning Class 4A state runner-ups include sophomore infielder Mary Fortner, senior outfielder Bree Hanik (Penn State), senior pitcher Gianna Hillegonds (Bradley) and the sophomore duo of Soleil Tate and Lexi Kyros.
2. Lincoln-Way Central (33-5)
Once again, the Knights can be considered a serious state title contender. It starts with fourth-year pitching ace Lisabella Dimitrijevic (Florida State), who struck out more than two batters an inning last season. She hits for a high average as well. The support system is strong, paced by senior infielder Kayla Doerre, senior outfielder Teagan Berkshire (Lewis) and senior catcher/infielder Jaimee Bolduc.
3. Andrew (27-6-1)
With double digits in returning players and one of the area’s most all-around talented players, the Thunderbolts are looking for a long run in the playoffs. Senior infielder MaTaia Lawson (Texas) hits for power, plus has great speed and tremendous range at shortstop. Junior infielder Ana Cisek (Penn), senior outfielder Kaidence Bruno and senior pitcher Clare Hester (Carleton) also highlight a deep roster.
4. Lincoln-Way West (20-10)
Junior pitcher/infielder Reese Rourke (North Carolina State) is the only player in program history to earn back-to-back first team all-state honors. She also holds multiple records for Warriors and is a marvelous pitcher as well. Junior infielder Molly Finn (Valparaiso) is also coming off an all-state season, as is junior infielder Reese Cusack.
5. Lockport (28-9)
Porters have the depth to compete with the Southland’s best. Senior pitcher Kelcie McGraw (Colgate) earned all-area and all-state honors in 2024, as did junior outfielder Rheanna Slavicek (Olivet). Senior catcher Liliana Janeczko (Western Michigan) and senior infielders Leah McElligott (Purdue Northwest), Marie Baranowski (Wisconsin-Parkside) and Mikayla Cvitanovich (Indiana Tech) are among other recruits.
6. Lincoln-Way East (23-12)
There are some heavy hitters in this lineup, starting with junior outfielder Mackenzie Bacha (Louisville) and junior infielders Maddie Henry (Penn State) and Cassidy Jagielski (Notre Dame). Senior Jessi Szafoni (Washington) will split time between the circle and the infield.
7. Beecher (32-2)
Bobcats will be a strong contender for Class 2A supremacy behind the junior pitching duo of Ava Lorenzatti and Taylor Norkus. Offense? No problem there, with senior infielder Ava Olson, junior infielder Elena Kvasnicka and senior catcher Makenzie Johnson.
8. Shepard (24-7)
Former Astros standout Bridget McDermott is the new head coach, and she has a team that could very well match its 18-1 record in conference last spring. Senior pitcher Kailey Selvage (DePaul) throws with power and has a bat to match it. The .400-plus hitting club also includes junior infielder Meghan Potenza, junior outfielder Londynn Sedlak, senior infielder Abbie Statham-Ball and senior catcher Madison Scapardine.
9. Richards (20-8)
Bulldogs are set in circle with two-time all-conference junior Emily Chavosky and hard-throwing senior Christa Klonowski. Senior infielder Olivia Coglianese earned all-area honors last season. Senior Dateli Sandoval (Aurora University) is a smooth operator behind the plate.
10. Oak Forest (27-7)
Senior pitcher Melanie Andrysiak (Wisconsin-Parkside) is one of the Southland’s top strikeout pitchers. She’ll be joined in the circle by her freshman sister, Nadia. Two top hitters for Bengals figure to be senior catcher Imani Hogan and junior outfielder Kynzie Oliver.
The 25 Players to Watch
- Samara Agredano, De La Salle, junior, infielder.
- Melanie Andrysiak, Oak Forest, senior, pitcher/infielder.
- Mackenzie Bacha, Lincoln-Way East, junior, outfielder/infielder.
- Olivia Coglianese, Richards, senior, infielder.
- Angelina Cole, Providence, junior, outfielder.
- Danielle Dempsey, Oak Lawn, senior, infielder/outfielder.
- Lisabella Dimitrijevic, Lincoln-Way Central, senior, pitcher.
- Kayla Doerre, Lincoln-Way Central, senior, infielder.
- Molly Finn, Lincoln-Way West, junior, infielder.
- Bree Hanik, Marist, senior, outfielder.
- Gianna Hillegonds, Marist, senior, pitcher.
- Cassidy Jagielski, Lincoln-Way East, junior, infielder.
- Vanessa Kates, St. Laurence, junior, infielder.
- MaTaia Lawson, Andrew, senior, infielder.
- Ava Lorenzatti, Beecher, junior, pitcher/outfielder.
- Kelcie McGraw, Lockport, senior, pitcher.
- Gabi Novickas, Marist, senior, infielder.
- Natalie Pacyga, Lemont, senior, infielder.
- Sofie Panatera, Evergreen Park, senior, infielder.
- Megan Piotrowski, Tinley Park, senior, outfielder.
- Addy Rizzatto, Joliet Catholic, junior, infielder.
- Reese Rourke, Lincoln-Way West, junior, infielder/pitcher.
- Kailey Selvage, Shepard, senior, pitcher.
- Rheanna Slavicek, Lockport, senior, outfielder.
- Zoe Trunk, Sandburg, junior, infielder.
Tony Baranek is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
