El Toro

Coach: Jim Daugherty (eighth year)

1992: 24-9, 10-0 in league; 4-A semifinalist, lost, 3-2, to eventual champion Foothill; won South Coast League.

Key returners: Misty Lauby, Jr., pitcher, had 14 shutouts, including a no-hitter, struck out 134, posted a 0.28 ERA; Tricia Bulkeley, Sr., third base/outfield, batted .365 and drove in seven runs; Samantha Smithson, Sr., second base, hit a home run, batted .215 and fielded .959.

Key newcomers: Jenny Fricke, So., infield; Dana Gulick, Fr., infield; Jennifer Hamer, Fr., outfield.

Outlook: The addition of Mater Dei to the South Coast League is disconcerting for El Toro, and Daugherty gives the Monarchs the edge in league. But the Chargers have a few aces of their own, starting with pitcher Misty Lauby, a second-team Times’ All-County and CIF selection, first-team All-Orange County and league Co-MVP. Pitching--junior Jody Smith also returns--and team speed are big pluses. Biggest question mark is at infield, where the most experienced players graduated. Other returning starters are sophomore catcher Kelli Bruce and junior outfielder/first baseman Shannon Whitting.