Softball: Yorkville Aiming for Another Regional Title

There have been few very unforgettable seasons in Yorkville softball history.

There was an under .500 season, but a regional championship in 2002. There was the huge upset of No. 3 seed Hinsdale South as a No. 15 seed in 2007. And there was last year's 19-19 campaign and a regional title. It was the first time the team finished .500 since at least 2000. Yorkville coach Kathi Dockstader isn't sure when it last occurred, but the records listed at www.ihsa.org only go back to 2001 and the Foxes haven't finished above .500 since that time.

After a wonderful season last spring, and with several key players returning for their senior season, the Foxes are aiming high, hoping to finish above .500, win another regional title and to redeem themselves for a poor showing in last year's 15-4 sectional loss to Geneseo.

"After winning as many games as we did last season and the regional title, we have pushed the team forward and would like to go even further this season," Yorkville center fielder Sonja Gilbertson said. "We have the talent to do it. We just need to the keep our concentration."

Gilbertson is one of the team leaders. An all-conference selection last spring, Gilbertson hit over .400. Seniors Tara Young and Stefanie Miller will likely sandwich Gilbertson in the outfield. Miller will also play first base and Gabby Rowe, Devin Turner, Kristin Gilbertson, Nicole Hersem, Jordan Toschak and Aly Avery are also available in the outfield.

"I like people looking up to me because I know I can excel," Gilbertson said. "Our offense looks great and our defense looks strong. I know that's pretty much the whole game, but we think we're pretty solid."

As a formidable threat each time she steps into the box, Gilbertson knows opponents will be careful with what they throw her, but she likes the added challenge it presents.

"I like the intimidation factor of it all," she said. "You feel powerful."

The Foxes graduated pitcher Maxine Bieritz and don't have a clear-cut ace of the staff. Senior Lina Serio, junior Lauren Rhodes and Rowe all are likely to split time in the circle.

"Losing our pitching is probably our biggest area to fill," Dockstader said. "Last year we had (Bieritz) pitch in all but three of our games. She would go all the time, while this year it'll be more of a few innings here and there, so we're going to use that philosophy a lot more than we have had in the past."

With new faces taking over on the mound, defense could be even more important for the Foxes. Thankfully, they've got senior Allison Haskins taking charge at third base.

"I can't explain it but I love third base," she said. "I like to hit, everyone does, but I love playing defense. Being a leader out there and covering bunts is my favorite part of softball. I love when a girl slaps or bunts at me. I get excited and look forward to that."

With Megan Kuhn at second base and senior Devin Turner at shortstop, the infield is an experienced one. Miller, Rhodes and Toschak are all listed as first basemen for the Foxes while Heidi Dockstader and Kaity Anderseon will catch. Cacey Maciejewski is also available to catch or play shortstop.

"The seniors have been together for four years now so we've come together as a team and it shows on defense because we know where everyone is at and communicate so well," Haskins said. "I think defense is one of the things that will lead us throughout the season."

Since the Western Sun Conference dissolved, the Foxes caught a break and no longer will have to face teams like Batavia, Geneva and Glenbard South. While they're familiar with their Northern Illinois Big 12 opponents, they'll get to know some new teams in crossovers.

"We could be one of the first teams here to ever win back-to-back regional titles," Kuhn said. "It would be very cool to do that."

Dockstader has been pleased with the talent and leadership of the senior class which has secured eight roster spots, but she also is excited about the influx of new talent as last year's sophomore squad is coming off a 20-win campaign.

"The kids that are seniors led our team as juniors and the sophomore team had a very good year," she said. "They've set higher standards and want a .500 season and want to win a regional title, and that's a big thing because they really want it."

Yorkville opens its season today at Rosary.

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