Manteno Softball Ready for a Great Season

By Dennis Bowling

Manteno Girl Varsity Softball Coach Josh Carlile has plenty to smile about. The Panthers charged-up batteries of sophomore pitcher Alyssa Dralle and senior catcher Avery Osborn should help them have a very successful season.

“Alyssa is stronger and has a year of varsity playing experience,” said Carlile. “She is more vocal and comfortable and can go out and compete. She has the fire to win with every pitch.”

“Avery was voted our team captain last season,” noted Carlile. “She has a great mind set, along with being vocal and loud. She brings energy to the team every day. I am very excited. They work well together and have great chemistry. That makes us all the better.”

In the circle, Dralle did very well last season, as the Panthers finished with a 15-6 overall mark.

“We’re going to be a great team,” said Dralle. “We have the speed and power, plus many of my teammates play multiple positions.”

“I have been working on a variety of pitches,” commented Dralle. “My changeup is better, and my rise ball has improved. I work well with Avery, and she helps me when I get nervous. She also plays the game with lots of energy and is a great team leader.”

Osborn, who plays the game at a very high level, agrees that Dralle really has improved her all-around game.

“Alyssa is mentally stronger,” noted Osborn. “She is a team player, who is playing with confidence. She is much more relaxed on the mound, plus her curve and rise ball pitches are pretty good. She makes our pitching staff very strong.”

Carlile also will be counting on a pair of seniors – Gianna Boros, a utility player, and Chloe Boros, a second baseman and right fielder, in addition to juniors Lily Bivona at second, AJ Luebben in the outfielder, Ava Pequette – an infielder, and Drew Hosselton – a designated player.

“Gianna works hard and is working her way back to being healthy,” said Carlile. “Chloe has improved her knowledge of the game and has an aggressive mindset. Lily is a tough out. AJ is fast and can get to the balls in the outfield. I expect a lot from Ava, while Drew gives us a power presence in the lineup.”

Panther sophomores are Mackenzie Hespen, an infielder, and Syd Sosnowski, who is able to pay many positions. Freshmen players include Jaz Manau and Ava Peterson, who both play many positions, along with Maci Iwanus – a pitcher.

“Mackenzie is a perfect example of a quiet leader,” said Carlile, “while Syd really understands the game. Jaz can hit for power and plays several positions. She just loves to compete. Maci, a left-hander, makes her pitches really move. Ava, a leader as a freshman, is a real go getter.”

Look for the Panthers to have a great season in the Illinois Central Eight Conference.