Tinley Park Girls Must Answer One Question

Coach: Wendy Podbielniak.

Last year's record: 18-13 overall, 13-5 in the South Suburban Blue.

Returning starters: 8.

Opener: March 16 vs. Stagg.

Quick hit: “Our season will be successful if our defense improves from last season and we keep our offensive mentality," Tinley Park coach Wendy Podbielniak said. "We will have a new person on the mound, so we will need to score some runs and play tough defense to keep the pressure off.”

Infield: The Titans' infield will be lead by seniors Staci Bonezek, a shortstop who hit .537 with 31 RBIs and six homers, and Megan McCampbell, a second baseman who brings a  .975 fielding percentage. Sophomores Alyssa Gunther and Alyssa Williams will take over on the corners.

Outfield: Junior Amber Buss returns to play center after hitting .410 with six home runs. She will be flanked by seniors Kayla Blume in left and Kaitlyn Stupegia in right.

Pitching: The only returner is senior Staci Pickrum. She boasted a 3-6 record with a 2.33 ERA last year. She struck out 37. Pickrum will have sophomores Sarah Gillespe and Lauren Lorenzen working behind her in the rotation.

"The mound will be the question this season," Podbielniak said. "We are solid around the horn, but we do have a big question mark in the middle. We are confident that our senior, Staci Pickrum, will lead the way with some younger talent behind her. The two sophomores have not seen varsity action, so it should be exciting to see how everything unfolds."

Catcher: Junior Danielle Graca brings a fielding percentage of  .965.

Coach Podbielniak says: “The strength in our team lies within the hearts and souls of our kids. We have great kids. Their character and work ethic are untouchable. They have the desire to be champions, and they share the love of this game. Our athletes are responsible in the classroom and well-respected by their peers at Tinley Park High School. We demand nothing but the best, and they are willing to rise to our expectations both on the field and in the classroom. They are very coachable and an absolute joy to be around.”

College recruits: Stacey Bonezek (DePaul),  Amber Buss (Northeastern Iowa), Alyssa Gunther (Michigan), Megan McCampbell (St. Francis).