SIX TEAMS TO WATCH : LAGUNA HILLS

Coach: Susan Lord (fifth year).

1995: 8-3, 5-0 in the Pacific Coast League; league champion finished fifth at the Southern Section Division II finals.

Key returners: Lindsay Dober, So.; Anna Fitzgerald, Jr.; Sarah Goffi, Jr.; Michele Pelnar, Sr.; Darcy Pinon, So.; Tiffany Putimahtama, Jr.; Carla Rodriquez, So.; Alexis Shubin, So.; Nicole Wieland, Jr.

Key newcomers: Morgan Class, Fr.; Leilani Fitzgerald, Fr.; Tiffany; Fung, Fr.; Emily Tanaka, Fr.

Outlook: Losing Giana Johnson, a Division II champion and All-American, to graduation will be big for the Hawks, but Lords said the team has a lot of depth and experienced swimmers to make up for Johnson’s departure. Loaded with breaststroke specialists and few seniors, Laguna Hills is strong in all events except distance swimming. Lords said while the team lacks one outstanding swimmer, the Hawks have enough talent and depth to win. She predicted a top-three finish at the Division II finals. “I expect to have a record number of [Southern Section] qualifiers this year,” Lords said. “I have no doubt we’ll win our league again.”