La Habra

Coach: Sue Briquelet (second year)

1992: 25-3, 10-0 in league; reached 4-A Southern Section semifinals, where the Highlanders lost to Valencia Hart, 1-0; won Freeway League.

Key returners: Dani Ortega, Sr., pitcher, Freeway League MVP and The Times’ All-County first team, pitched eight no-hitters and struck out 215 before playoffs; Stefanie Bakke, Sr., catcher, drove in a team-high 16 runs, batted .311, league first-team selection; Aimee Weathers, So., shortstop, batted .422, had 10 RBIs, league first-team choice; Meagan Mirth, Sr., first baseman, four-year starter.

Key newcomers: Lacy Eshilian, Fr., back-up catcher, tough hitter; Kristie Bravo, Fr., infield/utility, left-hander boosts team speed.

Outlook: Loss in section semifinal was “traumatic,” for top-ranked La Habra, according to Briquelet, who insists her team has learned its lesson and will be better as a result. Team must pull together and forget about home-run hitter Sara Mallett and base stealer Cathy Turner, two four-year standouts who are now playing on full scholarships at Nevada Las Vegas and Hawaii, respectively.