As Naperville Central tries to win the DuPage Valley Conference again, defending co-champion Neuqua Valley and Naperville North are teams to watch.
Benet
Juniors Sophie and Lanie Rosner, twin sisters who begin their third varsity season, will once again lead the Redwings (17-17). Sophie Rosner (Omaha) is a two-way force as the ace of the pitching staff and the top power hitter. She went 8-7 with a 1.47 ERA and 121 strikeouts in 104 2/3 innings last season, when she also hit .442 with six home runs and 32 RBIs. Lanie Rosner (Southern Illinois) is a top defensive catcher who hit .414 with 29 RBIs and 20 doubles.
Metea Valley
The Mustangs (8-21) have six returning players, including sophomore utility Maielle Ernser, who was an All-DuPage Valley Conference pick last season.
“The leadership and experience from our returning players will set the tone for our team culture and competitive mindset,” coach Michaela Paprota said. “We’re committed to competing with energy and grit in every single game.”
Naperville Central
The Redhawks (20-14) won a share of the DVC title for the first time in a decade, and veteran coach Andy Nussbaum is cautiously optimistic they can do it again. Senior shortstop Natalie Lau (Penn) is a fourth-year varsity player, while junior pitcher Avery Miller and junior outfielder Cali Lenz begin their third varsity season.
Sophomore outfielders Fiona Brown and Lacie Williams are returning starters.
Naperville North
First-year coach Nick Lago is impressed by how the Huskies (9-23) have jelled. They’re led by a pair of two-time unanimous All-DVC picks, senior pitcher Gabi Chmiel (Quinnipiac) and speedy senior outfielder Sara Rossi (St. Ambrose). Chmiel and Rossi are among seven returning starters.
Seniors Sona Hudakova and Addison Wade, juniors Reese Pedersen and Ava Ross, and sophomore Faelin Bretag also are back for a team Lago says has depth and versatility.
Neuqua Valley
With only 18 players in the program, the defending DVC co-champion Wildcats (17-15) lack depth. But they have two Class 4A all-state third-team picks, senior shortstop Nalia Clifford (Wisconsin) and junior outfielder Ashley Pape, who is healthy after missing the last 13 games of last season due to injury.
Junior Tegan Spellerberg, who moves from outfield to catcher, and sophomore first baseman Cora Dickson also are back. Senior Sydney Benedict succeeds graduated ace Ava Drehs.
Waubonsie Valley
The Warriors (8-21) are looking to make strides. Junior second baseman Grace Riggs, an All-DVC pick who batted .301, and junior utility Alyssa Tukker will lead the way.
Coach Valerie Wood said sophomore pitcher Molly Quinn has worked hard in the offseason and that improving the defense is a point of emphasis. Freshman shortstop/catcher Avery Gage could help with that.
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.
