The Fastpitch Chronicle

The McFarland Spartans are defending champions in the North Division of the Rock Valley Conference compiling a 15-1 conference record on their way to a 20-3 overall record and a sectional final battle losing to Monroe in a weather shortened game.  The Spartans graduated eight seniors, three receiving first team all conference honors.  Significant loses for the Spartans include player of the year Willa Papalia-Beatty at shortstop, Allison Kemnitzer, first base and Lauren Frazier center field a south central all district first team selection.  McFarland will be building around a solid battery consisting of seniors Maddie Hettinger, catcher, Kayla Easland - pitcher and sophomore pitcher/utility Lexi Kemnitzer.  The Spartans are coached by Dave Halverson.      

The Edgerton Crimson Tide finished second with a conference record of 13-3 ending their streak of five straight Rock Valley Conference titles, four of them in the newly formed North Division five years ago.  The Tide were led by seniors Tiana Eastman, shortstop and right fielder Olivia Zeimet.  Edgerton returns seven of nine starters from last season, led by seniors, Courtney Boss – pitcher, Allison Long – first base, Lauren Richardson – left field and Julia Snell – second base.  Look for solid performances from juniors Erica Richardson, third base, Jana Downing, center field and catcher Megan McNett.  The Tide are coached by Tony DeWar

With a record of 7-8, the Eagles of Jefferson lost second baseman, and first team all conference infielder Abbi Wellnitz to graduation.  Wellnitz has been a mainstay of the Jefferson infield for four years.  Jefferson returns many of their players from last year’s team.  Look for key contributions from seniors Brianna Caminiti – pitcher and Brianna Froelick both second team all conference players.  The Eagles are coached by Mike Mooney.   

The Whippets of Whitewater are coming off of their best conference record since inception of the Rock Valley North going 7-7 showing steady improvement in the last two years.  Graduating seniors Stephanie Nelson – outfield and Gina Hollingshead – infield are key loses that will have to be replaced by the Whippets.  The Whippets are coached by Tim Nelson.    

The Evansville Blue Devils 5-11 conference record return senior starters Bethany Gragg and Dana Powell, both players have been a mainstay of the program and were awarded second team all conference honors a year ago.  The Blue Devils are coached by Charity Kostroun.

The East Troy Trojans return 14 players from last years team, all seniors.  With a record of 3-13, look for the Trojans to make some noise in the North with valuable senior leadership and experience.  Senior catcher Paige Kloth and infielder Krystal Jacobs are returning second team all conference standouts.  The Trojans are coached by Greg Prince.