Dukes’ first-year coach has mix of key veterans and newcomers.
By Mike Miazga
Correspondent
The cupboard was left far from bare for first-year York softball coach Elizabeth Munn.
Munn, an assistant in the program under former coach Jenna Nolan who was promoted to the top position, returns several key performers from last year’s team that went 13-12 overall and 6-6 in the tough West Suburban Conference Silver Division. That team also won a Class 4A regional title.
Back for the Dukes are plenty of players with varsity experience, including Kyra Kroll (CF), Andrea Meagher (P, 1B), Katherine Karnatz (SS, 2B), Mia Tran (2B-OF), Julia Durkowski (P), Izzy Smith (3B) and Madison Collins (C).
Kroll, a junior and three-year varsity starter, has committed to Western Illinois University. “Kyra is an excellent hitter,” said Munn.
Key newcomers to the squad include Juniors Jane Moran (OF), Maria Gentile (OF), sophomore JoJo Moyer (OF-3B) and freshman Sydney Fuglsang (utility).
“We are still very young and we are in a rebuilding year after losing several seniors,” said Munn. “We are very quick, which has so many benefits to offer in the game. I am looking forward to our competitiveness and coherence with this team. Rebuilding always is tough, but I definitely have confidence in this team and how they are going to grow together.”
Munn is optimistic about her team’s potential in the three key phases of the game. “Our offense is shaping up well with a variety of players who understand the crucial need to make adjustments,” she said. “We will be good defensively if everyone executes and understands their position. Our pitching staff will continue to grow and learn with three returners from last year. These girls have worked hard in the off-season to increase speed and spin on the ball.”
Munn saw her team get after it during preseason practices. “They are a young team that continues to strive to be the best it can be on and off the field,” she said. “I am enjoying the determination and hard work they are putting in.”
Once again, York will battle it out in the highly competitive WSC Silver. “The conference always is tough,” said Munn. “We are setting our goals high and going to compete against some great teams with great pitching.”
In recent action, the Dukes scored a 6-5 non-conference win against Lincoln-Way West.
York was down 3-1 at one point but scored two runs in the third and three more in the fourth inning to take the lead. The Dukes finished with 10 hits.
Karnatz was 2-for-4 with a run scored. Smith went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI. Kroll was 2-for-4 with two runs scored. Fuglsang had a double and two RBI, while Meyer had a double and two RBI as well.
Lauren Wojick went the distance and picked up the win. She allowed only one earned run on five hits, while striking out six in seven innings.
