Metea Valley, Naperville Central and Neuqua Valley all have returning players to contend in the DuPage Valley Conference, while Benet brings back nine starters but jumps to Class 4A.
BENET
The Redwings (25-12) return nine starters after finishing third in Class 3A last year and will compete in 4A for retiring coach Jerry Schilf. Senior center fielder Nina Pesare, a UIC commit who was an all-state third-team pick last year, leads the offense along with senior third baseman Bridget Chapman and sisters Angela Horejs, a junior shortstop, and Gianna Horejs, a senior second baseman. Senior Alex O’Rourke heads the pitching staff.
METEA VALLEY
The Mustangs (13-18) are on the rise with 11 returning players. Three are college commits: senior utility Reese Valha (Parkside), an all-state third-team pick; senior infielder Riley O’Neill (Wisconsin-Stevens Point); and senior outfielder Nora Erwin (Wisconsin-Stout). Also back are senior infielder Genevieve Gonzalez, an all-state third-team pick, and two other all-conference picks, junior pitcher Charlie Benesh and junior infielder Claire Desrosiers.
NAPERVILLE CENTRAL
The Redhawks (13-22) have seven starters back, including junior first baseman Jamie Saran, a masher who already has 20 career home runs and was an all-state third-team pick last season. Junior pitcher Shea Meech (St. Ambrose), senior infielder Sydney Hurst and junior catcher Riley Silvers bring experience for veteran coach Andy Nussbaum, whose goal is to win the DuPage Valley Conference.
NAPERVILLE NORTH
The Huskies (21-8) are rebuilding after the best back-to-back seasons in program history. Star pitchers Charlotte Chelich and Shayna Woolwine graduated, and junior Maddi Larsen, junior Ava Matthews and sophomore Gabi Chmiel will try to replace them. Senior outfielder Olivia Hebron will lead the offense for the two-time defending DVC champions.
NEUQUA VALLEY
Six starters return for the Wildcats (17-12). Among them are two all-conference players, senior utility Nadia Casanova (Rock Valley) and junior Ava Drehs, who will share the pitching duties with senior Trista Werner. Senior Kate Scardina and junior Jamie Heitman, both returning starters, will be joined in the infield by sophomore Nalia Clifford, who switches sports after playing baseball last year.
WAUBONSIE VALLEY
The Warriors (5-21) have only two returning starters, but they are good ones. Senior pitcher/first baseman Hannah Laub, an Army basketball recruit, and senior outfielder Gia Cobert are both three-time all-conference selections and among the best at their positions in the area. Outfielders Dezirae Kelly and Alyssa Tucker and shortstop Aislee Morgan headline a strong freshman class.
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.
