Senior stars lead Port softball team

Both all-conference players return for the Port Washington High School softball team this season, and high hopes come with them.

Senior Ashley Zygowski, one of the fastest and most prolific strikeout pitchers in the North Shore Conference, is back after being chosen to the second team as a utility player last year.

Zygowski struck out 175 batters last season, which was among the top 15 in the state, according to wissports.net.

She went 5-11 with an earned-run average of 3.32. In 113-2/3 innings pitched, she allowed 97 hits and 95 runs (54 earned).

At the plate, she hit .424 with five home runs, 29 RBI and 21 runs scored.

Her pitch speed has increased thanks to offseason work.

“She has been working hard,” coach Ben Navigato said. “She has gotten a lot stronger.”

Zygowski now throws between 57 and 64 mph. Last year, she topped out at 62 mph. She will pitch for the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point next season.

Also back is Peyton Mueller-Stenz, a shortstop who earned honorable mention recognition last season.

She hit .409 batting leadoff and tied Zygowski for the team lead in hits with 36. She had 12 RBI and led the team with 31 runs scored.

Of 95 chances in the field, Mueller-Stenz had 70 putouts for a fielding percentage of .832.

“Peyton is our leader. She takes control in the infield,” Navigato said.

Next year, Mueller-Stenz will play Division 1 softball at Cleveland State.

She already hit a home run this season and can bunt.

Freshman Hope Gilhooly will primarily play catcher. Navigato said she is a rising star.

“She probably has 10 to 12 RBI already. She’s a tough hitter and a great catcher,” he said.

At first base is Kate Cavanaugh, who is also the team’s No. 2 pitcher and one of the Pirates’ captains.

“She’s a good leader. Girls go to her to talk, and that’s good to have,” Navigato said.

At second base is freshman Sierra Miller, who throws right handed but bats lefty and is hitting third in the order. Navigato said he is working on slapping with her.

“She’s going to be something special,” Navigato said. “She also has great base running and a great attitude.”

At third base is junior Emily Pujanauski, who is back after struggling through a knee injury last season.

“The knee brace is off. She’s doing well,” Navigato said.

Junior Josie Tetzlaff is patrolling center field after playing left and right last season. Freshman Paige Scheunemann has converted from third base to outfield, and sophomore Maddy Schlehlein and freshman Aaliyah Lathrop will see time in the outfield.

One of the keys, Navigato said, is that the girls get along well.

“They’re a good bunch of girls. They rally around each other and they can joke around a little bit too and still get out there and play,” he said.

Port went 5-13 in the NSC and 6-19 overall last season, winning its first playoff game and losing in the regional final.

The team is looking to improve on that and make some noise in the NSC.

“Our senior leaders made a point in the beginning of the season — we’re going for it and going hard. I love their attitudes,” Navigato said.