2026 Triton College Softball Season Preview

Once again, Triton College softball coach Ken Jurasz's blueprint centers around a catcher-team leader working as batterymate for a hard-throwing right-handed ace pitcher.

The Trojans' best chances come when Jocelyn Gonzalez calls the right pitches for Leah Lowery while clearing the fences at bat.

"If I'm a battalion chief," Jurasz said of a role that mimics his Chicago Fire Department status," then Jocelyn is my (firehouse) captain."  In fact, Chicago Lincoln Park alum Gonzalez is the team captain for whom Jurasz does not need to second guess on mound visits and calling together the infielders for strategy briefings.

"I'm looking for great things from Jocelyn," Jurasz said of the first-team All-Region star who led the Trojans with 16 homers last season.

Fenwick alum Lowery is expected to follow in the footsteps of hard-throwing aces Alyssa Stramaglia and McKenzie Johnson. Interestingly Stramaglia has returned as Triton pitching coach to tutor Lowery after playing at Ball State University.

"She tops out at 59, 60 mph," Jurasz said of Lowery. "She reminds me of McKenzie. She had 11 strikeouts in a game last fall against South Suburban College."

Jurasz tout's freshman Alexa Norgard as "filling the bill" of a classic third baseman. Oakton College transfer Genciana Ortiz is a "godsend" taking over at shortstop, possessing "great range and ability to hit for power." Rounding out the infielder is second baseman Kelley Tyler, a Riverside-Brookfield alum, and first baseman Miabella Herrera, a Chicago Taft product.

Jurasz expects to employ speedy players Gianna Olan, a Leyden product, and Elizabeth Delgado in left field. Mackenzie Bickhaus returns as a speedy, reliable center fielder. Anaiyah Costoso is slated for right field, and can move over to spell Bickhaus in center.

Right-hander Andi May, a pitch-to-contact control artist, is projected as the second starter in the rotation after Lowery. Elmwood Park native Anjelina Dwyer is Jurasz's only left-hander who also will see some action at first base. Leyden alum Arianna Gallo and Chicago Prosser product Emily Cruz will also garner innings.

In hiring Stramaglia to counsel the pitchers, Jurasz said he "loves bringing back former Trojans" in coaching roles. He has known Stramaglia since her travel ball days in Melrose Park.

The Trojans open the season on Friday, February 27 against Elgin Community College at the Rosemont softball dome, part of a five-game indoor opening schedule over the weekend. On March 12, they begin a 10-game Florida trip.

Follow Triton Athletics on Twitter @TritonTrojans1 or on Instagram @Triton_College_Athletics

(Story by tritonathletics.com contributor George Castle)