Lyons Township High School softball players certainly are excited about new head coach Kelsey Warren and a beautiful new home diamond. Another reason is the leadership of many familiar faces, such as senior fourth-year starting shortstop Ava Jacklin, who was named Class 4A third-team all-state last season.
“Last year, we had a really strong pregame routine that got us locked in for games. However this year, we’ve got all of our plays memorized with such a strong roster,” senior Avery Hicks said. “Team morale is our biggest strength. We always know how to pick each other up and move forward. We have amazing coaches that always support us no matter what.”
The Lions look to boost their fortunes after finishing 11-19 in 2025 with an 11-0, six-inning loss to Riverside Brookfield in the 4A regional final. LTHS was fifth in the West Suburban Conference Silver Division at 5-7. Graduating just three starters, the Lions have 12 seniors that also includes Sarah Adams, Danica Bezanis, Paxton Cutler, Emma Gainey, Mia Jovicic, Maddie Lanoue, Lucy Lee, Maddie Luciano, Maddy Pieroni and Lyla Replin as well as juniors Julia Ahrens, Jillian John, Bella Luciano, Alyssa Mosqueda from Brookfield, Mia Olszowka, Mary Sandman, Caylee Wagner, sophomores Alice Bruckner and Megan Shurhay and freshman Sofia Kettanch.
The Lions (2-1) lost 6-3 to RBHS Saturday after beating Richards 5-1 Friday and Morton 5-1 in the March 19 opener.
“Our team gained a lot of experience last year, which strengthened our communication and bond,” said Replin, a co-captain and returning second baseman. “We come into this season ready to push each other so we can improve and be even better than last year. Everyone has a dedication to softball with a goal of getting better after each practice and game.”
Warren was the Lions’ junior varsity II coach last season and gives private coaching lessons for batting, primarily slap hitters. She starred at Naperville North and played college softball at Coastal Carolina for one fall season, College of DuPage for three seasons and North Central College for one. COD teammate Lindsey Onnezi is the new assistant.
“I feel like all of the players are playing extremely loose. They’re really excited and eager,” Warren said. “They’ve been performing extremely well in scrimmages and it seems like our hitting is going to be effective.”
Leadoff hitter Jacklin often sparked the offense last season with .490 on-base percentage and 1.195 OPS. Jacklin had a .420 batting average with four home runs, 15 runs batted in, 31 runs scored, 11 doubles and 14-for-14 in stolen bases.
Replin, Bruckner (catcher), honorable mention all-state volleyball libero Ahrens (outfield/catcher), Pieroni (third base) Wagner (first base/pitcher) and Jovicic (outfield) also started or played regularly. Injured most of 2025, varsity veteran Hicks returns at third and first base.
“I want to use my experience to help guide the team and encourage my teammates. My goal is to lead by example through my effort and attitude,” Replin said. “As a team, the key to success is playing together with confidence, having each other’s backs and maintaining strong communication and trust.”
Lyons Township’s coach Kelsey Warren congratulates Mary Sandman (7) as she rounds third base after hitting a homerun against Riverside-Brookfield during a nonconference game Saturday, March 21, 2026 in Brookfield, IL. (Steve Johnston/Riverside-Brookfield Landmark) 
Lyons Township’s pitcher Sofia Kettaneh (9) delivers a pitch against Riverside-Brookfield during a nonconference game Saturday, March 21, 2026 in Brookfield, IL. (Steve Johnston/Riverside-Brookfield Landmark) 
Lyons Township’s Avery Hicks (10) runs out a base hit against Riverside-Brookfield during a nonconference game Saturday, March 21, 2026 in Brookfield, IL. (Steve Johnston/Riverside-Brookfield Landmark)
Wagner and Lee handled most of last season’s pitching. That depth has been increased by the addition of Kettanch, who had a one-hitter with 12 strikeouts and no walks against Morton and a three-hitter with eight strikeouts against Richards.
“We were so lucky to have a great hitter and amazing pitcher come through (like Kettanch),” Warren said. “And there’s a lot of freshmen on the JV. There’s a lot of potential within the coming years.”
Also against Morton, Bella Luciano homered and Hicks and Pieroni were 2 for 3 with doubles. Pieroni (3 for 4) and Jacklin (triple) led the offense against Richards.
The Morton home game was played in Rosemont as the Lions await the completion of their new Stacy Ann Baker Field at south campus. The field will be officially dedicated April 7 with the possibility of first playing there the day before.
“I love the turf. Turf is so much better than dirt,” Hicks said. “It was incredibly generous to donate the field and as a senior I’m so excited to play on the field.”