Stagg Hopes to Hit Daily Double with Johnson, Dellorto

Around the horn with the Chargers

Coach: Missy Mason (career record 197-145).

Last year’s record: 26-10, 10-4 in the Southwest Suburban Red.

Returning starters: 7.

Opener: March 16 at Tinley Park.

Quick hit: "We will be highly competitive in the SWSC Red division," Stagg coach Missy Mason said.  "Early-season matchups with Oak Forest, Barrington, Marist, Normal and Olympia should help prepare us for conference play. Faith Johnson and Victoria Dellorto are two of the state’s best position players."

Position breakdown

Infield: Victoria Dellorto is a senior infield/outfield returnee who will provide speed and power from the leadoff position. She hit .430 with 43 runs and 30 stolen bases. She played shortstop last season because of an injury to Faith Johnson but could see time elsewhere in the infield or the outfield this season. Johnson was limited because of a labrum injury but hit .355 with 29 RBIs and 24 runs scored. She is expected to return as a senior to her shortstop slot. She earned all-state recognition as a sophomore. Catherine Michels is the projected starter at third base. Other infield candidates: Lizzy Rapacz (sophomore), Stephanie Lorenz (freshman/first base), Danielle Stark (senior/second base or outfield).

Outfield: Mary Kate Fournier (senior/starting center fielder last season), Tatiana Sawosko (senior/starting left fielder last season). Others who will battle for starting jobs: Kelly Sistos (sophomore), Becky Hassel (sophomore), Joey Crockett (sophomore).

 Pitching staff:  Lea LaSota. She returns for her senior season after going 10-7 with a 1.65 ERA. She is a three-year regular who had seven shutouts and 95 strikeouts in 89.33 innings. Freshman Stephanie Lorenz is expected to make an immediate impact working behind LaSota.

Catcher: Jessica Arebalo, junior. She returns after hitting .472 with 17 doubles, 33 RBIs, 25 runs and a .708 slugging percentage. She struck out six times. And she threw out 15-of-29 attempted base-stealers.

Diamond gems

Coach Missy Mason says: “Johnson and Dellorto are difference-makers and both are all-state candidates who have signed Division I scholarships. Dellorto is a triple-threat on offense and can play any position on the field.  Johnson is a five-tool player that will be one of the state’s best if she can bounce back from her injury to play on a daily basis.

“Our battery of LaSota and Arebalo will be strong, as LaSota has two years of varsity experience and Arebalo was an offensive and defensive leader last season as a sophomore.If LaSota, Arebalo, Johnson and Dellorto can stay on the field, we have the opportunity to have a great season.  They will be the offensive and defensive leaders on our team.  If some of our younger players can step up around them, 2011 will be very special.”

College recruits: Faith Johnson (UIC), Victoria Dellorto (Evansville), Jessica Arebalo is a strong junior prospect.