1993 PREP PREVIEW: GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL : CAPISTRANO VALLEY

Coach: John Gipe (13th year).

1992: 15-5, 9-1 in South Coast League; reached section Division I quarterfinals, losing in three games to Laguna Beach; four-time defending league champion.

Key returners: Erin Daley, Sr., 5-6, back-row specialist; Lena Malinowski, Sr., 5-10, outside hitter; Stephanie Wichmann, Sr., 5-9, outside hitter.

Key newcomers: Beth Burkholder, Sr., 5-10, setter; Carla Dane, Jr., outside hitter; Keri Gallup, Jr., 5-10, middle blocker; Nikole Moorehouse, Jr., 6-0 middle blocker; Suzzanne Shaw, So., 5-9, outside hitter; Christen Thuerback, Jr., 5-7, outside hitter.

Outlook: The Cougars have their eyes on a fifth consecutive league title but want to extend their playoff history as well. Loss of league MVP Shelly Smith (Northern Arizona) and Kelly Morrow (USC) to graduation hurt, but addition of Burkholder, a transfer from Bakersfield, should help, and the defense has shown improvement. Capistrano Valley had a promising summer, finishing third at Prep Nationals and second in the Summer League.