The Top 10

1. Mater Dei

What’s not to like about the Monarchs? They reached the Division I finals last year and lost only one player. They have three pitchers who are very good. With all that depth, they’ll have a lot of opportunities to win.

2. Pacifica

Of course, Mater Dei lost three times last year to Pacifica, which has two pitchers, sophomore Amanda Freed and junior Toni Mascarenas, who are excellent. And while Mater Dei lost only one key player, Pacifica lost only two.

3. Foothill

Foothill lost three key players but return junior Lauren Bauer, senior Marie Gieron and senior Marisa Holmes, who made The Times Orange County all-county team last year; that’s more than any other county team.

4. Woodbridge

OK, the Warriors have already been no-hit--by Foothill’s Gieron. But they do have seven starters back from last year’s Division II championship team. They have pitching, defense and speed--like another team that wears red.

5. Kennedy

With the graduation of Lisa Pitt, the primary question surrounding the Fighting Irish involved pitching. Kristi Hensel already has pitched a five-hitter against Mater Dei. That’s an answer they can live with.

6. Fountain Valley

The Barons hit as if they’re playing slow-pitch. There’s not much speed, but you don’t always need it if you clobber the ball. However, you must play defense. With seven starters back, they should know how. If they do, they will win big.

7. Los Alamitos

If only Fountain Valley could play defense like the Griffins. Los Alamitos has a pitcher, Mandy Rockwell (11-1), who should be even better after last year’s semifinal run, and a hitter, Cyndi Tredway (26 RBIs), to lead the way.

8. Rosary

The Royals reached the top 10 last year for the first time. With five returning starters (who averaged two at-bats per game) hitting a combined .377, and another who batted .455, Rosary’s ascension again is inevitable.

9. La Habra

Six starters from a 19-7 team return. With another year of maturity for sophomore catcher Jenny Topping (.394, 5 home runs, 24 RBIs), La Habra’s the best from the Freeway League until Fullerton’s injured Angie Fancuberta returns.

10. Ocean View

Ever play a hunch? With the graduation of overpowering pitcher Kathy Ponce, the Seahawks are ripe to get overlooked. However, they have five players back, including their entire infield. That’s comforting on most teams.