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Season opener: Junior Jayme Hefler added a third run in the second inning on a two out infield single. Photo by Steve Woltmann

Romeoville, Ill. - Most softball teams would be envious of Lewis University, as the Flyers have earned back-to-back Great Lakes Valley Conference titles and advanced to the NCAA Midwest Regional Final in each of the last two season.

See all Lewis women's softball news.

Lewis head coach George DiMatteo, however, wants more, including bringing the regional tournament back to Romeoville.

"We're going for the three-peat, and we want to host the regional tournament." DiMatteo said. "It would give us a home field advantage, which is something we haven't enjoyed since 2006."

Helping DiMatteo's cause is the return of seven starters, including the designated player, and two-time All-GLVC pitcher, Karissa Habel.

In 2011, Lewis batted over .300 as a team and had a team earned run average of 2.66 on their way to a record of 36-14.

"We should have the same kind of output offensively with power, but we have a faster team," DiMatteo said. "You're going to see us run more and try to manufacture runs."

The focal point of Lewis' offense will be junior Jayme Hefler, the team's leadoff hitter and 2010 All-American. In two seasons, Hefler has compiled a career batting average of .409, which is currently the best in school history, along with 81 stolen bases, which is second in school history. She also is the school's record holder in on-base percentage (.485).

"Jayme is about as steady as they come," DiMatteo said. "Her speed makes her a difficult out, not only at the plate but on the base paths as well. I expect her to steal 40-plus bases again and hit for a high batting average with her ability to bunt and slap. All Jayme needs to do is play her game, and I usually don't have to worry about that."

Batting behind Hefler will be junior shortstop Michelle Vucsko. A two-time All-GLVC selection and All-Region First Team honoree as a freshman, Vucsko batted .310 with four home runs and 41 RBI in 2011. She currently is fourth in school history with a .368 career batting average.

"Michelle is a lot like Jayme, because all I ask of her is to play her game," DiMatteo said "Her average dropped a bit last year, but I thought she hit the ball as well as she did as a freshman, but ran into some tough luck. There's no doubt in my mind that she'll bounce back."

Freshman Carissa Ramirez will back up Vucsko at shortstop.

Habel is the Flyers' final returning All-GLVC performer, following her 2011 campaign where she went 13-4 with a 2.51 ERA, including a nine-inning no-hitter against Bellarmine. In three seasons, Habel has accumulated 36 wins in the circle for the Flyers and figures to step into the shoes left by 2011 All-GLVC First Team pitcher, Diana Pickrum.

"Karissa will induce a lot of ground balls with her drop ball and it will keep our defense on its toes," DiMatteo said.

On the receiving end of Habel's pitches will be senior catcher Mary Giancarlo. The Plainfield, Ill., native owns a .309 career batting average, along with 55 RBI. Giancarlo is solid defensively and is often lauded by DiMatteo for her game calling and her ability to turn it up offensively once playoff time rolls around.

"Mary is one of our top hitters come tournament time," DiMatteo said. "I think she's one of the best catchers in the conference."

Backing up Giancarlo will be junior Alexis Munaco. In two seasons, Munaco owns a career batting average of .287 with 16 RBI. Sophomore Lauren Pratl will also compete for playing time behind the dish.
Senior infielder Traci Freitag will return to start at third base for the third-straight season. Last season, Freitag roped a career-best 32 base hits and swiped a career-best 15 bases, while manning a capable hot corner. Freshman Bianca Garcia will serve as the backup to Freitag.

"Traci is a slap hitter, but she's very fast," DiMatteo said. "If she can get her on-base percentage higher, she'll do well."

Sophomore Jessica Rourke returns to left field for the Flyers after a productive rookie campaign. Rourke, a converted infielder, connected for three home runs and finished with 14 RBIs in 43 games, including 37 starts.

"For someone who has never played left field, Jessica has never made a mistake out there," DiMatteo said.

"She has gap to gap hitting ability and could hit a ton a doubles for us."

Junior right fielder Lauren Hanford returns for her third-straight season as a starter. She appeared in 40 games for the Flyers in 2011, including 34 starts, hitting for a career-high .275, while adding 12 RBI.

"Lauren really dedicated herself in her off-season workouts and she's clearly a much faster and quicker player," DiMatteo said.

Other players expected to compete for playing time include senior Katie Healy and freshmen Gianna Coduti and Justina Doll.

The replacement for Stephanie Harmon, Lewis' all-time home run leader, has yet to be decided, as it's a battle between juniors Phoebe Conner, Courtney Makowski and freshman Kelsey Ullrich.
Conner has appeared in 50 games over two seasons and owns a career batting average of .241. DiMatteo commended Conner on her off-season workouts.

"Phoebe has done a great job getting herself ready offensively," DiMatteo said. "She is a workaholic and has gotten herself into tremendous shape."

Makowski has seen limited action for the Flyers in two seasons, and will move to first base due to a shoulder injury.

"Courtney has a great attitude," DiMatteo said. "She's a very good defensive player, but hasn't quite found her stroke at the plate."

Ullrich impressed DiMatteo during the fall campaign.

"Kelsey Ullrich has already proven that she could be a starter on this team as a freshman," DiMatteo said. "She hits the ball very well and could be a factor for us It's our own three-headed monster."

"I'll give everyone an opportunity, but ultimately, we'll play the hot hand."

DiMatteo will have to search for a new starting second baseman, following the graduation of four-year starter Kayla Smith. Senior Alicia McKendry is eager for that chance.

McKendry, has seen action in 88 games for the Flyers during her career, primarily as a pinch-runner. In 2011, McKendry batted a career-high .308 with 14 runs scored.

"Alicia is finally in a position to prove herself," DiMatteo said. "She's waited three years for this opportunity and she had a wonderful fall season."

Battling McKendry for playing time will be freshman Frankie Rys.

Returning at designated player for the Flyers will be sophomore Alyssa Moseley. As a rookie, Moseley batted .309 with three home runs and 16 RBI. The Crown Point, Ind., native also saw action in the circle for the Flyers, as she went 4-4 and struck out 25 batters in 51.1 innings of work.

"Alyssa is a power pitcher, but needs to keep developing her other pitches, including a change-up," DiMatteo said. "Offensively, she's a tremendous hitter and I expect big things from her."

DiMatteo also welcomes freshmen Ali Brems and Kelly Bowler as the third and fourth pitchers on the squad. He figures both are fully capable of making an impact for Lewis as rookies. Bowler is a power pitcher who relies on her fast curve and has a solid change-up to boot. Brems doesn't throw quite as hard as her fellow pitchers, but has a devastating rise ball.

"It's been a long time since I had a team where I could depend on four different pitchers," DiMatteo said.

"Competition within the team will help motivate them as well."

The key motivation, however, will be that third-straight GLVC Tournament title and that elusive NCAA Midwest Regional Championship for the Flyers. The Flyers open the season on Friday (Feb. 10) morning against California Baptist in the opening game of the Desert Stinger Tournament in Las Vegas. First pitch is slated for 11:30 a.m. (PST).