Sandburg Looks to Bottle Winning Chemistry

Around the horn with the Eagles

Coach: James Fabianski.

Last Year's Record: 40-2, 11-1 in the Southwest Suburban Blue. The Eagles won the Class 4A state championship.

Returning players: 10.

Opener: March 19 at Moline.

Quick hit:  "I'm hoping for good chemistry," Fabianski said. "This is a new group of girls from last year. Our seniors are great role models and leaders. My goal is to help them understand how important and how fun it is to like the person you're playing next to."

Infield: Jessica Perkins will be the senior leader at third base. After hitting near the .375 mark, she returns for her third year of varsity softball. Senior Lizzie Wojtowicz will be splitting time between first and short with her strong defensive skills.

Outfield: Kelly Sherridan is the senior leader of an outfield that boasts speed and plenty of pop, too. She will be joined by junior Karissa Kouchis. Kouchis was often used as a pinch-runner last year and a back-up catcher.

Pitching staff: Seniors Laura Olson and Jori Boren will be splitting time in the center circle. Olson earned all-area and honorable-mention all-state honors after compiling a record of 18-0 with a 1.00 ERA. Boren is also used at first base and as a designated player. She had several clutch hits during the Eagles' run to the Class 4A title.

Catcher:  Senior Lexi Bryant returns after batting .500 with 15 home runs. She earned the Southtown Star Player of the Year award last year.

Coach Fabianski says: "I'm not concerned with how others view us on their schedules. I'm more concerned with how we view ourselves. I'm very optimistic.  I like the girls this year. They are fun to be around."

College recruits: Lexi Bryant (Kansas), Laura Olson (Indiana), Jessica Perkins (Illinois), Kelly Sherridan (Ohio Northern).