1996 Softball Preview : South Coast League

Capistrano Valley: 11-14, 4-6 in 1995. Coach: Ron Willms (12th year, 132-132-3). Prospects: Gone is all-league third baseman Jackie Andersen (.328, 17 runs, nine runs batted in), but the Cougars return a sharp defensive team, anchored by junior second baseman Rachel Forbes (.338, 12 runs) and sophomore shortstop Heather McConnell (.274). Junior catcher Sabrina Sexton (.200) and pitcher Jennifer Sutherland (5-1, 0.97 earned-run average) also return.

Dana Hills: 14-12, 3-7 in 1995. Coach: Robert Alessi (second year, 14-12). Prospects: Alessi and the Dolphins went over .500 in his first season after going 7-16 in 1994. Back are starters Beccy Gordon, Tori Hamilton, Carissa Reiswig and Erin Gomez. Freshman catcher Liz Lefler and junior infielder-outfielder Carley Noyes could prove a valuable addition if Dana Hills continues to improve.

Mater Dei: 27-5, 9-1 in 1995. Coach: Doug Myers (third year, 46-10). Prospects: The Monarchs reached the Southern Section finals and didn’t lose a single starter from that game. They are led by returning third baseman Lisa Tully (.354, 23 runs, 11 RBIs, 16 stolen bases), the South Coast MVP and an All-Southern Section pick, and Colleen Boddy (26-5, 0.82 ERA, .342 batting average), whose victory total was second-best in section history. Boddy and sophomore second baseman Kelsey Kollen (.514, 29 runs, 13 stolen bases) were Times all-county second-team choices. Mater Dei batted over .350. Among those returning to the lineup are junior outfielders Shealee Dunavan (.330, 19 runs, 12 RBIs) and Kendra Meano (.324), sophomore shortstop Robin Walker (.306, 18 runs, 19 RBIs), and the catching tandem of Margaret Hollis (.320) and sophomore Courtney Ryan (.377). The Monarchs also have a transfer from Brethren Christian, pitcher Brooke Hofstetter (11-8, 0.34), and highly touted freshman pitcher-first baseman Marissa Young. The Monarchs are an easy choice to be the county’s top-ranked team.

Mission Viejo: 13-14-1, 4-6 in 1995. Coach: Gerry Mauro (third year, 19-36-1). Prospects: Junior catcher Jodi Favello (.373, eight runs, eight RBIs) anchors the offense that will need to muster some runs without standout Treva Whitaker (Saddleback), who graduated. The Diablos will be young, with juniors Melissa McIntyre (.267) at third and Brianne Ford (.177) at first, and sophomore Alyssa Mauro (.141) in center field. Two freshmen, Kelly Thoresen and Kristy Halagarda, could start at shortstop and second base.

San Clemente: 19-8, 5-5 in 1995. Coach: Bill Everhart (second year, 19-8). Prospects: The Tritons lost a lot of offensive production with the graduation of Heather Hollis (Loyola Marymount), a Times all-county first team player. Hollis batted .453 with four home runs and 38 RBIs. A strong nucleus returns, including pitchers Brittany Carlson (10-7, 0.78) and junior Stephanie Swenson (7-1, 1.07), infielders Kim Lower (.329) and junior Kelli Baker (.368, 10 runs, 14 RBIs), outfielder Jamie Stark (.395, 13 runs, nine RBIs 16 steals), and catcher Melissa Naylon (.395). Nine returning players give the Tritons pitching, catching, a strong outfield and plenty of speed.

Trabuco Hills: 13-13, 5-5 in 1995. Coach: Noel Smith (fourth year, 38-32). Prospects: Ann-Marie Froysaa (.415, 19 runs, 13 RBIs) have graduated, but there’s still some talent in the cupboard. Catcher Kim Yankie (.309), infielders Stephanie Rapel (.309) and junior Tiffany Hossler (.328), and first baseman Jennifer Griffiths lead the way. Sophomore pitcher Vanessa Saavedra (9-6, 1.71) and Natalie Galasso (4-5, 1.89) also return.