The Joliet Junior College softball team enters the 2022 season ranked #10 in the NJCAA Division III preseason poll. Last year's team finished 30-20, advancing to the Region 4 semifinals. 

The Wolves return nine players from last season including starting pitcher Lindsey Bouska, who led all NJCAA DIII pitchers in wins with 22 and was a second team NJCAA DIII All-American.

Bouska also finished third in appearances with 34 and fourth in innings pitched with 160.2. She was fifth in games started with 22. Offensively, Bouska ranked at the top of the doubles leaderboard with 26. She was named to the NJCAA All-Region 4 First Team as well as the All-North Central Community College Conference (N4C) First Team.

"Lindsey had an awesome year last year so we are really excited to have her back on the mound and leading our pitching staff this year," said Head Coach Emily Marino, who earned her 200th JJC coaching victory last season.

Also returning to the Wolves is starting shortstop Bailey Weck, who finished near the top of several NJCAA DIII offensive categories including second in total bases with 126, fifth in runs scored with 67, and fifth in home runs with 13. She was named to the All-Region 4 Second Team as well as the All-N4C Second Team.

"Bailey is always working hard. Not only was she our leadoff hitter last season but she played almost every game at shortstop for us," said Marino. "She's one of the strongest hitters in our region. She hits the ball well and she hits it to all fields, plus she's solid at the shortstop position. I look forward to having her back."

"It's great to have returning leadership at those two positions, and not only defensively but offensively as well," added Marino. "Lindsey and Bailey provided great offensive production for us last season so I'm looking forward to big things from them again this year."

Also returning to the team are utility player Brianna Murray and Gabrielle Trevino, who will see time at first base as well as on the mound in relief.

"Brianna's versatility makes it easy to mix and match her in our lineup depending on who we're facing," said Marino. "She had a good year offensively last season and I look for her to be even better this year."

"Gabby brings offensive power to our lineup – she's probably our team's hardest hitter," said Marino. "As her playing time increased, she really found her groove and settled in by the end of last season."

Returning behind the plate are Kassandra Langheld, Haley Lind and Rebecca Garner.

"Kassie was returning from an injury last season so she should see more playing time this year," explained Marino. "We have a lot of depth behind the plate this year so Haley and Becca will both see time behind the plate as well as in the field." 

Returning to the outfield are Zoe Ditter, who ranked fifth in the country in stolen bases with 24, and Ariana Irizarry. "Zoe is our returning center fielder, and she did really well defensively last season," said Marino. "Ariana has been working hard and her swing has improved, and defensively she can hold her own."

Adding some much-needed depth on the mound are freshmen starters Natalie Tatera and Jada Aguirre as well as relief pitchers Giavanna Colletti and Emily Johnske. 

"Natalie has a lot of movement on her pitches and she had a good fall, so I look for her to come in and make an impact," shared Marino. "Jada will also get some starts and provide some much needed depth in our rotation, and Gia and Emily should be able to eat up innings in relief when necessary." 

Adding more depth at catcher are Gianna Pullara, a transfer from Benedictine University, as well as Jackalyn Williams and Emily Schofield. 

"Gianna comes in with experience and does a lot of things well back behind the plate so I look for her to come in and lead right away," noted Marino. "Jackalyn and Emily will see time behind the plate as well, but they are so versatile and both have good arms so they can also play outfield or infield."

Adding depth in the outfield are Reese Dryier, Taylor Marasovich and Alyssa Schroeder. "Reese has some speed and she can play any position in the outfield," said Marino. "Taylor had a really strong fall. She hit well and she was solid in the outfield so I can see her playing left field for us this season. Alyssa will also see some time in the outfield, and she gives us some power on the left side."

In addition, two players from JJC's women's basketball team will join the Wolves after their season: Taylor Staton and Savannah Anderson. 

"Taylor will see some time in the outfield, but may also get some starts on the mound," said Marino. "Savannah is a solid middle infielder. She will give Bailey a break at shortstop, but she may also see time at second base."

Looking at her roster, Marino said "It's a good team. I'm excited. There is a lot of potential on this team. I have a lot of players who can play multiple positions so it will be interesting."

"I feel like we have more speed this year and we've added some pitching. We are deeper on offense and defense and these players have so much versatility," continued Marino. "I think we can play with anybody. It's not who we play - it's how we play that will make the difference."

The Wolves begin their 2022 season March 3-5 at the N4C Conference Softball Dome Jamboree in Rosemont.