2014 SOFTBALL TEAM CAPSULES
2014 SOFTBALL TEAM CAPSULES
Below are the 2014 softball team capsules for teams located in the coverage region for www.northoaklandsports.com and The Real Deal Sports Magazine. Profiles compiled by Senior Editor Daniel Stickradt based on surveys emailed to coaches. Email updates, scores and other information to Dan.Stickradt@northoaklandsports.com or Results@northoaklandsports.com. Follow on Twitter @LocalSportsFans or on multiple other social media networks.
Auburn Hills Avondale
COACH: Lisa Allain, 10th season (non-consecutive).
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: Overall record unavailable, 6-6 OAA Blue Division (third).
STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in D-1 district semifinals to Rochester Adams (16-6).
RETURNING STARTERS: Hannah Susick, sr. OF (all-league); Theresa Hinman, sr. 2B-P; Mackenzie Blomberg, jr. C (all-league); Clair Gwilt, jr. 1B; Caroline Riley, jr. P-OF (all-league); Madison Fox, jr. SS.
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Alexa Hill, jr. P; Lauren Wojtowicz, jr. INF-OF; Allie Powell, jr. 3B; Marissa Yagley, jr. OF; Lexi Gallagher, jr. OF; Nicole Wagner, jr. INF.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Unavailable.
KEY LOSSES: Eva Hudak, P-2B; Leah Powell, OF.
NOTABLES: The Yellowjackets ventured down a rebuilding path last season, as Coach Allain kept a roster full of sophomores. With only two players and one starter departing to graduation and with 12 returnees, the future is looking brighter.
Auburn Hills Christian Academy
COACH: Unavailable
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: Unavailable
STATE TOURNAMENT: Withdrew from state tournament
RETURNING STARTERS: Unavailable
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Unavailable
KEY NEWCOMERS: Unavailable
KEY LOSSES: Unavailable
NOTABLES: Unavailable
Auburn Hills Oakland Christian
COACH: Mike Tyson, first season.
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: Overall record unavailable, 2-6 MIAC Red Division (fourth).
STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in D-4 district finals to Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes (17-0).
RETURNING STARTERS: Fran Golus, sr. RF; (all-league); Kayla Tison, jr. P-INF (all-league); Livy Mullally, jr. P-OF (all-league).
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Sara Wright, jr. OF; Erin Curd, jr. OF-INF; Abigail Jones, jr. OF; Reagan Elrod, sr. OF-INF; Alex Kline, sr. 1B.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Emmaleigh Cox, fr. OF; Strarr Sumner, fr. 3B; Genna Castillo, fr. CF; Emi VonAllmen, fr. LF; Claire Barba, fr. INF; Kavaria Smith, fr. INF-C; Katelyn Taukert, fr. OF.
KEY LOSSES: Becky VanSloten, 1B (all-league).
NOTABLES: This might be the right year to go young, as a new head coach and seven freshmen are on the roster. There are only three regular starters back and five others that saw time on the diamond. Only one player that put up significant numbers graduated, so the Lancers might improve just by addition over subtraction. If the young talent grows substantially this season, then the Lancers might be able to claw back after not even fielding a team four years ago. Once a power in the 1990s, this program had not accomplished much in the past 15-plus years. Could it be time for a rebirth?
Clarkston
COACH: Don Peters, 10th season.
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 24-12, 4-6 OAA Red Division (third).
STATE TOURNAMENT: Def. Oxford (1-0); lost in D-1 district finals to Lake Orion (3-2).
RETURNING STARTERS: Madeline Maday, jr. P (All-State First Team); Rachel Allie, sr. OF; Mikayla Blaska, jr. SS-OF; Rachel Vieira, jr. 2B (all-league; .508 avg.); Candace Kitchen, jr. OF-P (all-league; All-State Honorable Mention); Abby Skvarce, soph. C-INF; Machenzie King, sr. 3B.
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Alex Favazza, jr. P-OF; Mariah Hood, soph. INF-OF; Katelyn Kuenzel, sr.; Victoria Sharkey, jr.; Victoria Wycoff, jr.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Brooklyn Williams, jr.; Ashley Skaggs, jr.; Savannah Spring, soph.; Maddy Scarsella, fr.
KEY LOSSES: Sydney Hasselbach, C-INF (All-State First Team; all-league); Katie Nelson, OF.
NOTABLES: With seven returning starters and 11 total players back in uniform, Clarkston will try to overcome some inconsistency from last year. The Wolves won 24 games behind three All-State players, but finished below five-hundred in the league and failed to get past the districts. Clarkston is well-coached and again has a bevy of talent and experience. The Wolves just need to put it all together on a consistent basis this season.
Clarkston Everest Collegiate-
Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes Unified
COACH: Steve Troy, sixth season.
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 26-8, 12-0 CHSL-Intersectional Division; lost in CHSL C-D tournament finals.
STATE TOURNAMENT: Def. Auburn Hills Oakland Christian (17-0, district finals); lost in D-4 regional semifinals to New Lothrup (6-5).
RETURNING STARTERS: Ashley Lowney, jr. C-OF (all-league); Angie Mastromatteo, sr. INF (All-Catholic; all-district; all-region); Sarah Kowalczyk, sr. P (all-league, all-district); Olvia Imber, sr. C-OF; Madison Ebel, sr. INF-OF; Lauren Hingst, sr. OF-INF; Becky Wolanin, sr. OF; Sarah Szakal, sr. OF; Kathleen Balan, soph. SS (all-league, all-district); Beth Meehan, soph. OF; Alex Troy, soph. OF (all-district).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Olivia McCallum, soph. P-1B; Megan Ross, soph. OF; Claudia Mastromatteo, soph. 2B-OF; Renee Campbell, jr. OF-2B; Taylor Piot, jr. 1B.
KEY LOSSES: Abbey Kline, P (won 20 games last season).
NOTABLES: With a veteran pitcher last season, the Lakers shined by winning league and district crowns. There are plenty of quality and experienced players in the lineup, this team still features a new ace from the circle and six sophomores. WOLL-CEC will battle with Wixom St. Catherine of Siena, Madison Heights Bishop Foley, Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard and Royal Oak Shrine Catholic in a six-team race in the eight-school CHSL-Intersectional Division again this season. The Lakers will also bump up to Division 3 for the postseason.
Holly
COACH: Matthew Kessler, first season
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 6-22, 2-14 Flint Metro League (eighth).
STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in D-1 district semifinals to White Lake Lakeland (13-0).
RETURNING STARTERS: Katie Ordiway, sr. INF (all-league second team); Megan Louis, sr. 3B-P-2B; Jayme Watkins, sr. OF; Kaytlin Topolnicki, sr. C.
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Jessica Ricksgers, jr. OF; Hannah Landwerlen, soph. OF.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Kathryn Dewey, fr.; Lilly Raymer, fr.
KEY LOSSES: Ashley Noren, 1B (all-league first team); Jessica Ricksgers, OF.
NOTABLES: Holly welcomes in a new coach in Matthew Kessler, who is facing the daunting task of changing a culture. Holly has had little success in the past two decades and has not won a league since 1993. There are 16 players on varsity this season, as Kessler hopes to build the right chemistry and get this team to play fundamental softball. The bright note is the freshmen class, where two will start on varsity and close to 20 tried out for the program. There are several young prospects to build around. Perhaps in a couple of years, the Bronchos will be near the top of the FML again.
Lake Orion
COACH: Joe Woityra, fifth season.
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 34-5, 10-0 OAA red Division (first).
STATE TOURNAMENT: Def. Waterford Mott (13-0); def. Waterford Kettering (10-8); def. Clarkston (3-2, district finals); lost in D-1 regional semifinals to Hartland 6-3).
RETURNING STARTERS: Kennedi Thomas, sr. OF; (all-league; all-district; all-region; signed with Saginaw Valley State; 42 RBI); Alex Carpenter, jr. 3B (all-league, all-district, 51 runs); Rachel Dolland, jr. 1B (all-league, all-district, 43 RBI); Hannah Hamay, jr. C-SS; Megan Hall, jr. 1B; Sierra Gonzales, soph. P-SS (22-2 as pitcher last season; all-league, all-district, all-region, all-county); Kayla Knoblock, sr. OF (all-league, all-district, 50 RBI).
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Jennifer Warznie, sr. OF; Liz Carpenter, jr. OF; Kersten Thomas, sr. OF; Alyssa Geis, sr. P.
KEY LOSSES: Alicia Gronowski, SS-P; Julie Malear, C; Sierra Woods, 1B; Hayley Gilbertson, OF.
NOTABLES: The Dragons surprised some pundits by not only winning the loaded OAA-Red last season, but going undefeated in doing so. Lake Orion also won a very tough district to validate this cause. The program is headed in the right direction as 11 players are back and there are only three seniors on the entire roster. This team will be in the thick of the OAA race again this season and if it can escape one of the state’s toughest districts, the Dragons have the right mixture of talent to make a long run in the postseason.
Ortonville Brandon
COACH: Liz Henderschott, second season.
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: Overall record unavailable, 6-10 Flint Metro League (seventh).
STATE TOURNAMENT: Def. Davison (13-9); lost in D-1 district finals to Grand Blanc (13-0).
RETURNING STARTERS: Genna Ortel, sr. OF (all-league second team); Miranda Zimmerman, sr. INF-OF (all-league first team); Katelyn Hendershott, jr. P-INF three-time all-league basketball player; .500 AVG); Elizabeth Walls, jr. C-3B; Megan Genslak, jr. C-3B-P; Hunter Mateer, sr. INF.
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Kiana Goltz jr. OF.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Unavailable.
KEY LOSSES: Rae Beadlescomb, OF; Emily Wheatcraft, INF; Erin Kneller, INF-C; Katlyn McConkey, P-INF.
NOTABLES: With six starters back and a pair of highly-talented players, the Blackhawks should be able to put their nine-win season of two years ago to bed. This team should be one of the most improved in the nine-school FML and be capable of contending for a district title.
Oxford
COACH: Jessie Granger, first season.
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: Overall record unavailable, 6-4 OAA White Division (third)
STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in D-1 district semifinals to Clarkston (1-0).
RETURNING STARTERS: Cherilyn Banas, jr. 2B-OF (all-league); Skye Donaldson, jr. SS-OF; Alyson Edgemon, sr. 2B; Jordan Romaine, jr. P-INF; Alicia Agular, soph. P-INF.
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Maddie Ellinger, soph. OF; Alica Angular, soph. OF.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Madison Dinges, fr. OF-INF; Jordyn Zyngier, fr. C; Makayla Marshall, soph. OF; Logan Medel, soph. 3B.
KEY LOSSES: Lou Downey, OF; Autumn Cervantez, C-INF (North Dakota State; all-league); Jessica Palumbo, INF (Olivet College; all-league); Brooke Harris, P; Alexis Straub, U.
NOTABLES: The Wildcats are under their third head coach in three years, but this year’s head coach is a fine replacement. Jessica Granger was an All-State pitcher at Troy a decade ago and one of the top pitchers in Oakland County in the past 25 years. She also starred at Wright State and Oakland University in college and has a great knowledge of the game. Positioned in an area of loaded teams like Lake Orion, Clarkston and Romeo, Oxford might not have great success this season but could be a team on the rise in the near future. The program has some fine young talent in its ranks and a bright future.
Pontiac
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: Overall record unavailable, 0-10 OAA Gold Division (sixth).
STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in D-1 pre-district to Troy (15-0).
NOTABLES: Due to severe budget cuts and declining enrollment, the Phoenix will not field a team this season.
Pontiac Academy For Excellence
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: Unavailable
STATE TOURNAMENT: Withdrew from state tournament
NOTABLES: The Cougars will not field a team this season.
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
COACH: Betty Wroubel, 22nd season.
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 21-16, 11-9 CHSL-AA Division (second).
STATE TOURNAMENT: Def. Bloomfield hills Andover (13-0); def. Birmingham-Detroit Country Day (4-3, district finals); def. Clawson (16-0); lost in D-1 regional finals to St. Clair (6-0).
RETURNING STARTERS: Hannah Antosz, jr. SS (all-league); Katie Swartz, jr. OF (all-league, all-district); Lauren Perkins, sr. 3B (all-district); Victoria Bayliss, sr. OF-P-INF (all-league, all-district, all-region); Liz Swartz, jr. OF (all-district); Hannah Bullard, jr. C (All-State Honorable Mention); Hailey Atkins, jr. 2B.
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Emma Cochran, jr. OF-2B; Lauren DeFiore, jr. 1B; Madeleine Fazio, soph. U; Brooke Krausman, jr. OF.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Madison Fox, jr. SS-1B-U; Micaela, fr. P; Madison McClune, fr. U.
KEY LOSSES: Olivia Daye, 1B; Carly Joseph, P (all-league, all-district).
NOTABLES: Like most years, NDP will play a tough schedule and will contend for league and district titles. How far this team can advance come postseason time will be on the shoulders of pitching. If the young arms can make an impact, then this team will compete at a high level and be capable of matching last year’s run to the regional finals.
Rochester
COACH: Laura Guzman, third season.
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 15-16, 4-6 OAA White Division (fourth).
STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in D-1 pre-district to Romeo (11-0).
RETURNING STARTERS: Haley Lenderman, jr. P (missed last season with injury after earning all-league as a freshman); Emily Smith, sr. C-OF (all-league; signed with Ferris State); Maddie Williams, sr. OF; Alexa Haupt, sr. SS-2B; Katie Swart, sr. 2B; Lexi Troy, soph. INF-P; Alex Brinkman, sr. OF-INF; Colette Cloutier, jr. P-OF; Jenna White, jr. C; Lexi Troy, soph. P-1B.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Rose Meyers, fr. P-INF.
KEY LOSSES: Emily Ellis, SS; Mackenzie Duff, INF-OF.
NOTABLES: With its top pitcher sidelined last season with an injury, Rochester struggled to a 15-16 record. There are 10 players that started games last season back, plus the addition of one versatile freshman that will help re-establish the Falcons as a team capable of challenging for a league title. A healthy Haley Lenderman in the circle will go a long ways in determining the Falcons’ fate.
Rochester Adams
COACH: Fran Scislowicz, 27th season.
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 22-13, 8-2 OAA White Division (second).
STATE TOURNAMENT: Def. Auburn Hills Avondale (16-6); lost in D-1 district finals to Troy (3-0).
RETURNING STARTERS: Kristen Novack, sr. 1B (all-league. 487 BA); Kelly McCasland, jr. P (all-league; .457 BA); Megan Eggleton, sr. OF; Natalie Kinnie, sr. CF.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Unavailable.
KEY LOSSES: Breanna Poclyn, C (all-league); Madeline Phelps, SS (all-league).
NOTABLES: The Highlanders finished second to Birmingham Groves in the OAA-White last season and evidently have the pieces to contend for the league crown this season. Adams has a reliable pitcher and a potent offense that will keep them dangerous against power teams and make them capable of contending for a district crown this year as well. With six seniors, six juniors and two sophomores on the roster, Adams is also very experienced and very balanced all around the horn.
Rochester Stoney Creek
COACH: Jerry Price, fourth season.
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 22-10, 10-0 OAA Blue Division (first).
STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in D-1 district semifinals to Romeo (15-0).
RETURNING STARTERS: Jen Semaan, sr. SS (all-district; all-league; .523 AVG); Sara Beyer jr. P-3B (all-league); Casey Cribbs, jr. C (all-district; all-league; .522 AVG); Emily Garman, jr. OF-P; Jessica Yankee, sr. OF-INF; Jessica Chapie, jr. OF;
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Sarah Newman, sr. INF-OF; Charlotte Spehn, sr. OF; Meghan Glaser, jr. P.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Jennifer Moss, soph. 1B; Lilly arbour, soph. 3B; Alyssa Sekulovski, soph. C.
KEY LOSSES: Brittany Gadigian, 3B-1B (all-league); Hannah Aman, 1B-OF; Karlee Bednarowski, 2B (all-league).
NOTABLES: The Cougars enjoyed their best season to date last season, and although there was a one-game hiccup in the districts against a state powerhouse (mercied by Romeo), this team was quite competitive. Now Stoney Creek has advanced up to the OAA-White, where the competition is a little stronger. The Cougars, however, have some quality talent and should hold their own in this division. The program has come a long ways the past couple of seasons under Price.
Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest
COACH: Jeff Ludwig, 10th season.
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 18-12, 5-7 MIAC Blue Division (fifth).
STATE TOURNAMENT: Def. Macomb Lutheran North (6-1); def. Madison Heights Bishop Foley (8-6, district finals); def. Dearborn Henry Ford Academy (16-1); lost in D-3 regional finals to Allen Park Cabrini (4-1).
RETURNING STARTERS: Paytin Riethmeier, jr. P (won two district titles); Emily Kimmell, soph. CF; Ashley Gryzwac, jr. 1B; Emily Griffith, sr. 2B (fourth-year starter).
KEY NEWCOMERS: Kelly Dyer, jr. INF (transfer from Lake Orion); Lisa Dyer, jr. INF (transfer from Lake Orion); Ali Magiera, fr. C.
KEY LOSSES: Brianna Neumeyer, C (all-league); Rachel Dober, 3B-SS.
NOTABLES: The Crusaders started slow last season but came on strong during the final month and made a push to the Sweet 16 in their first season in Division 3. There are four cornerstones and three key newcomers that will help this team contend in the MIAC and for another district crown this season.
Troy
COACH: Tom Calnen, 25th season.
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: Overall record unavailable, 8-2 OAA Red Division (second).
STATE TOURNAMENT: Def. Pontiac (15-0); def. Troy Athens (1-0); def. Rochester Adams (3-0, district finals); lost in D-1 regional semifinals to Romeo (3-1).
RETURNING STARTERS: Cory Mittelbrun, sr. 1B-P (all-league); Allie Cianciiolo, sr. OF; Ashley Messina, jr. C-INF (all-league); Sydney Heath, sr. OF (committed to Michigan State; all-league); Allie Cianciolo, sr. OF; Sally Mueller, sr. 2B;
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Unavailable.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Unavailable.
KEY LOSSES: Taylor Schmidt, soph. P-INF (moved to Florida); Jesse Pappas, 1B-P; Katy Krajenta, P-3B (all-league); Sally Muller, OF; Hannah Emerick, SS.
NOTABLES: The Colts won a district after some ups and downs last season. The program suffered a blow when its ace pitcher moved down to Florida earlier this school year, but there is always talent in the Colts lineup that will keep them quite competitive. Challenging for league and district crowns are a given at Troy.
Troy Athens
COACH: Dave Marr, 38th season.
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 23-13, 3-7 OAA Red Division (fifth).
STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in D-1 district semifinals to Troy (1-0).
RETURNING STARTERS: Haley Zemmer, sr. P-INF (signed with Oakland; all-league, all-district, all-region); .496 BA, 52 RBI, 6 HR); Mary Grace Stark, sr. 3B-SS (gold-glove type infielder); Sarah Watson, sr. LF; Amanda Mildfelt, sr. RF; Lauren Genereau, sr. 1B; Jensen O’Branovic, jr. C; Sam Stosiak, soph. RF-INF.
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Stacey Gross, jr. OF; Julia Douglas, sr. OF; Melissa Doozan, jr. U; Rebecca Bussa, jr. OF.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Mady Ellinger, soph. 2B-P (transfer); Maria Trotta, jr. OF.
KEY LOSSES: Erica Siismets, CF (all-league); Maddie Rizzo, OF; Jackie Klein, 2B; Lauren Atwell, sr. OF; Avery Springer, soph. U.
NOTABLES: With seven starters and 11 total players back in uniform, Athens is eying another strong season. The program won league and district crowns two years ago and won 23 games last season against tougher competition. With its experience and depth (five fourth-year players are on the roster) and one of the state’s top two-way players in Zemmer and there’s no telling how good this team will be in 2014.
Above are the 2014 softball team capsules for teams located in the coverage region forwww.northoaklandsports.com and The Real Deal Sports Magazine. Profiles compiled by Senior Editor Daniel Stickradt based on surveys emailed to coaches. Email updates, scores and other information to Dan.Stickradt@northoaklandsports.com or Results@northoaklandsports.com. Follow on Twitter @LocalSportsFans or on multiple other social media networks.
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