Lancers should benefit from experience

Brookfield Central coach Doug Lange took a young team and finished fourth in the Greater Metro Conference with an 8-6 record and finished 12-10 overall.

The Lancers have 10 returning letter winners, several with Greater Metro Conference all-conference honors tied to their name.

Leading the way are senior co-captains are Carly Sobrilsky and centerfielder Lauren Schweitzer.

Sobrilsky is a slugging catcher who was a first-team all-conference and All-Suburban choice, called by Lange "the best in the state."

Schweitzer, a second-team all-conference performer, is an outstanding defensive centerfielder.

Junior outfielder Gabby Tierney is a second-team all-conference rightfielder, who is an excellent defender with a strong arm.

Lange calls junior shortstop Angie Chartier, who is an honorable mention all-conference choice, "the best shortstop in the area."

Junior Laura Hauser is another letter winner who was an honorable mention pitcher and infielder and a top hitter.

Senior first baseman Katie Bews, who was injured last year, returns after lettering as a sophomore.

Four other returnees Lange can call on are junior first baseman Maddie Culver and junior utility player Ashley Rossman, and sophomore outfielders Courtney Cain and Rachael Bucholtz, all four letter winners.

Juniors Jenny Drees (utility) and Jenny Jenders (outfield) join the group along with some promising freshmen - third baseman Ally Smyczek, pitcher/infielder Crystal Sicard and first baseman/pitcher Abigail Strebig.

"We do have a large returning group and we should be stronger defensively," Lange said. "Our team has an outstanding attitude and great work habits.

"But we need to improve our depth of pitching. We play in one of the top Division 1 leagues in the state which will be very challenging."