Beacon News’ top softball teams, players

TOP 5 TEAMS TO WATCH

1. Waubonsie Valley: Defending UEC Valley champ Warriors have new coach in Valerie Wood but return Beacon News Player of Year, junior pitcher Shannon Hohman (19-6) and all-area selections Amanda Lack (C) and Melaina Koulos (OF).

2. Kaneland: Coach Brian Willis has seven starters, including all-area outfielders Lexi Roach, Lanie Callaghan, back from 24-win team that’s bolstered by Burlington Central transfer, pitcher Angie Morrow.

3. Yorkville: All-area selections Corrine Rowe (SS), Rachael Owens (P/OF), Madeline Avery (C) return from 19-win regional finalist for coach Kathi Dockstader.

4. Geneva: Third-year SS junior Anna Geary returns from knee injury to head corps of six strong returnees who bolster Viking hopes that may hinge on two sophomore pitchers to improve on 16-17 record.

5. Aurora Central: First-year coach Tom Babyar takes over team that finished under .500 but went on amazing postseason run before losing in 2A supersectional. All-area selections, junior SS Gabi Alfaro, sophomore P Paige Miller, should lead way.

25 PLAYERS WORTH WATCHING

Gabi Alfaro, Aurora Central, Jr., SS

Ali Beatty, Sandwich, Sr., 1B/P

Lanie Callaghan, Kaneland, Sr., OF

Anna Geary, Geneva, Jr., SS

Meghan Grannan, Waubonsie Valley, Sr., IF

Kaylee Hayton, West Aurora, Sr., P

Shannon Hohman, Waubonsie Valley, Jr., P

Cara Jimenez, West Aurora, So., 1B/3B

Jordyn Klingbeil, Oswego East, Sr., OF

Melaina Koulos, Waubonsie Valley, Sr., OF

Nicole Krupp, Somonauk, So., SS/P

Paige Kuefler, Kaneland, Jr., C

Amanda Lack, Waubonsie Valley, Sr., C

Paige Miller, Aurora Central, So., P

Emma Molenhouse, Rosary, So., P/SS

Rachael Owens, Yorkville, Sr., P/OF

Tiffani Palmatier, Oswego East, Sr., OF

Alise Perna, Metea Valley, Sr., OF

Sam Phelps, Rosary, Sr., 1B/3B

Lexi Roach, Kaneland, Sr., OF

Ryane Rokos, Batavia, Jr., OF

Corrine Rowe, Yorkville, Sr., SS

Kirsty Tracy, Oswego, Jr., OF

Elayne Young, Rosary, Jr., P/1B

Kristine Zitt, Newark, Sr., P/1B