Manteno Softball Looking Forward to a Great Season

By Dennis Bowling

Manteno Coach Josh Carlile will have one of the best teams in this area. Carlile has three outstanding hurlers in junior Alyssa Dralle, plus sophomores Ava Peterson and left-hander Macy Iwanus.

“Alyssa is a three-year varsity player and can help to run this team,” said Carlile. “Her spin pitches are a real difference maker, which will help to keep us in some low scoring games. She is also hitting the ball much better.”

Last season, Dralle helped the Panthers to a regional championship and a very impressive 24-4 overall mark. With the bat, she had a .444 batting average and 24 RBIs.

“Ava really has increased her pitching velocity,” he continued. “She can throw the ball at 60-mph, plus has a nice rise ball pitch. She can eat up a lot of innings.”

Last season, Peterson had a 416 batting average, along with 24 RBIs, and 34 runs.

“Macy’s ball comes from the left side,” he remarked. “It comes in a different way, and there is not a lot of spin to it.”

Concerning the Panther catchers, sophomore Jazmine Manau and junior Sydney Sosnowski, Carlile added, “Jazmine is working toward being a starting catcher, and I expect her to be better. She does a nice job behind the plate and also is a left-handed hitter with power. Sydney is very good behind the plate and is able to do the little things right.”

Around the infield for the Panthers are very talented senior and third baseman Drew Hosselton, junior shortstop Sosnowski, senior second baseman Lily Bivona, and sophomore first baseman Iwanus.

“Drew is a very powerful hitter, can put the ball into the outfield, and get on base,” the Coach acknowledged. “Sydney is quick and understands where to be on the field. Lily always works hard, is a left-handed slapper, plus is a threat at the plate, while Macy is a power hitter, too.”

The Panthers lightning outfielders are sophomore and centerfielder Peterson, junior left fielder Mackenzie Hespen, and senior right fielder Ava Pequette.

“Ava is just a very good athlete and understands all aspects of the game. Mackenzie is a team player, while doing a lot of things to make our team better, and Ava is just very fast and can cover a lot of ground,” the Coach commented.

Panther Team Captain Lily Bivona said, “I am just very excited about this season. This is a great group of girls, and we work well together. We are all very good baserunners.”

“I am very confident in our pitchers; they will get the job done,” she continued. “Alyssa is a great teammate, Ava always gives it her best, while Macy has self-confidence. Drew, on the other hand, can hit and play great defense, plus Sydney has an accurate throw. All of my teammates are star players. We’ll be great!”

Coach Carlile also will be counting on contributions from junior Gabby Monterastelli – an outfielder and second baseman, and junior Adelynn Lubben – an outfielder, catcher, and shortstop.

“Gabby gives us flexibility and quietly does her job,” he noted, “while Adelynn is very fast and can cover a lot of ground in the outfield.”

The Panthers have great pitching, along with very impressive infield and outfielders. They also can hit the ball with power. Manteno’s batting average was a sizzling (.397), while scoring 261 runs.

Look for the Panthers to have a great all-around season.