Suburban Life softball preview: 5 Players to Watch in 2022

The high school softball season starts this week. Here are 5 Players to Watch in 2022.

Nikki Berger, Hinsdale South, senior, center field: Third team All-Stater, Hornets’ center fielder hit .500 with a .565 on-base percentage, 14 doubles, five homers and 20 runs batted in.

Emily Fujiwara, York, senior, second base: Second team All-State last season, Dukes’ second baseman hit .400 with nine doubles, seven homers and 28 runs batted in. Fujiwara leads a large group of returning players for the defending West Suburban Silver champions.

Sage Mardjetko, Lemont, junior, pitcher: South Carolina commit made sensational high school debut last season. Mardjetko posted a 0.285 ERA and struck out 259 in leading Lemont to second place in the state in Class 3A.

Kora Navarro, Montini, senior, pitcher: Last year’s GCAC Player of the Year and second team All-State selection, the Findlay recruit posted a 1.56 ERA and 137 strikeouts in the circle while hitting .466 with five doubles, six homers, 25 runs scored and 27 RBIs.

Lauren Vaughn, Wheaton North, senior, third base: Syracuse commit and 2021 All-Stater is currently hurt, but Falcons hope to have her back by mid to late April. Vaughn hit .457 with 12 doubles, eight homers, 32 RBIs and 39 runs scored last season.