Breakers have high hopes for spring
The spring sports season gets underway next week for several Laguna Beach High teams. Below is a capsule look at the softball, baseball, boys’ tennis and boys’ volleyball teams. Previews for boys’ golf, swimming and track and field will publish in the March 2 edition.
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Softball
Head Coach: Alan Ludloff (first year)
2011 record: 10-10, 5-5 in Orange Coast League (fourth place)
Returning players: Haley Putnam (P, all-league, Jr.); Kennedi Gherardini (C, all-league, Jr.): Corey Kent (SS, all-league, Jr.); Karina Reis (2B, Jr.); Jordan Hartman (3B, Soph.); Veronica Clancy (OF, Soph.); Samantha Purl (1B, Sr.); Carissa Collins (OF, Sr.).
Varsity newcomers: Halle Redfearn (P, Fr.); Jennifer Sorenson (OF, Fr.); Katyn Ott (2B, Fr.).
Coach’s take: “We have a young team but we should be able to compete for one of the top three spots in league this year. With so many Laguna Beach High teams doing well, like football, basketball, volleyball and water polo, we are challenging ourselves to perform at a high level. Our team motto is to play hard, play smart and have fun. If we do that, we will succeed.”
Season opener: 3:15 p.m. Wednesday at JSerra
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Baseball
Head Coach: Mike Bair (first year)
2011 record: 27-3 (school record), 15-0 in Orange Coast League (first place)
Returning players: Steven Harrison (C, all-league, Soph.); Larry Stewart, P/OF, all-league, Jr.); Jackson Rees (P, second-team all-league, Jr.); Travis Clawson (3B, all-league, Sr.); Robbie McInerny (2B, Jr.); Santi Pierini (OF, Sr.); Zack Graf (OF, Sr.).
Varsity newcomers: Grant Wilhelm (CF/P, Soph.); Preston GrandPre (SS, Soph.); Blake Hester (1B, Jr.); Kurt Rebone (P, Jr.); Kaito Lee (OF, Jr.); Adam Rodner (3B, Jr.); Luke Simon (C/1B, Jr.); Kristian Rieckhoff (OF, Jr.); Harrison Williams (C, Sr.).
Season opener: Thursday at Orange, Newport Elks Tournament
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Boys’ Tennis
Head coach: Don Davis (first year)
2011 record: 10-7 (CIF Southern Section Division 4 runner-up), 8-0 in Orange Coast League (first place)
Returning players: Teague Hamilton (No. 1 singles, all-league, Jr.); Morgan Lebby (No. 2 singles, all-league, Jr.): Austin Loomis (doubles, all-league, Sr.).
Varsity newcomers: Beau Heussenstamm, Sr.; Mathew Meisberger, Jr.; Andrew Koumas, Jr.; Jared Boetes, Jr.: Zachary Pratto, Jr., Samuel Wellsfry, Sr.; Casey Kimball, Jr.; Oliver Nasiell, Jr.; Tim Nguyen, Soph.; Nathaniel Colburn, Soph.; Alex Duong, Soph.; Noah Radach, Soph.; Schuyler Vanderveen, Jr.; Sebastian Roger, Sr.; Blair Hanson, Jr.
Season opener: 6 p.m. Monday vs. Foothill at Tustin High
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Boys’ Volleyball
Head Coach: Scott Panaro (first year)
2011 record: 23-11, 10-0 in Orange Coast League (first place)
Returning players: Jack Winn (setter, all-league, Sr.); Austin Hillemann (outside hitter, Sr.); Maxx McCarter (middle blocker, second-team all-league, Jr.); Connor Cooper (libero, Sr.); Weston Barnes (OH, Jr.).
Varsity newcomers: Jack Pillsbury (MB, Sr.); Michael Kimball (Opp/MB, Sr.); Grifan Fair (S, Jr.); Jackson Pries (Opp/OH, Jr.); Cole Kesler (OH/Opp, Jr.); Noah Blanton (MB, Soph.); Jake Hexberg (OH, Soph.); Lucas Capobianco (OH, Soph.); JP Wollam (libero, Soph.).
Season opener: 5:45 p.m. Tuesday at Edison
Twitter: @MikeSciacca