SIX TEAMS TO WATCH : IRVINE

Coach: Scott Hinman (22nd year).

1995: 9-0, 5-0 in the Sea View League; finished runner-up to El Toro at the Sea View League finals, was sixth at the Southern Section Division I finals.

Key returners: Amy Aldinger, Jr.; Jennifer Bullock, Sr.; Kelli Johnson, Sr.; Lana Kraus, Jr.; Jaime Pack, Jr.; Erin Rollins, Jr.; Wendy O’Brien, Sr.

Key newcomers: Amanda Beard, Fr.; Alexis Hansen, Fr.; Morgan Hoestery, Fr.; Nicole Huszcz, Fr.; Hammy Kim, Fr.; Heidi Kraus, Fr.; Erin Lezak, Fr.; Romina Mosquera, Fr.

Outlook: With the strongest girls’ team in the school’s history, Irvine may well give Ventura Buena, the Southern Section Division I champion, a run for the title this season. Already loaded with returning swimmers, the Vaqueros also have a group of freshmen who should keep Irvine in the top 10 for the next few years. It is led by Beard, one of the nation’s top breaststrokers. Irvine is likely to have awesome relay times and may set some section records. Freestyle sprinter O’Brien will be attending California this fall,