1996 Softball Preview : Pacific Coast League

Aliso Niguel: 7-17, 6-4 in 1995. Coach: Kari Boothroyd (third year, 16-22). Prospects: Aliso Niguel is the most likely candidate to challenge Laguna Hills for the league title. The entire lineup returns and only one senior is on the roster. Boothroyd boasts that this is her strongest defensive team in her six years of coaching (she was at Sunny Hills previously). Third baseman Allison Batten (.328), first baseman Jamie Trevor (.320), second baseman Nicole Franko (15 stolen bases), pitcher Candice Heath (1.76 earned-run average), shortstop Stefanie Ruiz and outfielder Kelly Schafer all return to their starting positions. The major concern is inexperience at pitcher and catcher.

Costa Mesa: 17-8, 7-3 in 1995. Coach: Carrie Nelson (first year). Prospects: Costa Mesa finished second in league last season and lost in the first round of the playoffs to El Segundo. But the Mustangs have lost a lot of their talent to graduation: Jennifer Long (first-team all-league), Sara Snyder, Rayme Payne and Sarah Halverson. Three starters return, first baseman Nicola Woody, pitcher Niki Montgomery and shortstop Julie Collett. Sophomore Kristin Chisholm is also back and will switch between third base and catcher. Costa Mesa will have to work hard this season to earn a playoff spot.

Estancia: 4-16, 0-10 in 1995. Coach: Sharon Uhl (second year, 4-16). Prospects: Uhl had a hard time even getting enough girls to field a team, so this is definitely a rebuilding year. The only returning starter is pitcher Jill Black, a first-team all-league selection. Black will also be valuable at the plate, where she hit .325. Junior Erika Sunga is the only other returning player and will be at third base. The rest of the team is made up of freshmen, who have a lot to learn. After winning only one game last season, it figures to be another long year for Estancia.

Laguna Beach: 9-11-1, 3-7 in 1995. Coach: Mike Roche (15th year, 94-172). Prospects: Although Laguna Beach is strong in pitching, it won’t have enough talent to move into the upper ranks of the league. Pitcher-shortstop Jessica Roche (132 strikeouts) and Jennifer Roche (2.34 ERA) return to the mound. Charity Goodman, Carol Kittel, Lyn Brinkman, Shannon Chaffe and Liz Belloni all resume their starting positions for the Artists. The Artists are young and lack experience and will probably finish as they did last season, in fifth place.

Laguna Hills: 19-9, 10-0 in 1995. Coach: Cary Crouch (10th year, 164-60). Prospects: Laguna Hills is looking to repeat as league champions and their chances are good if they can hold off Aliso Niguel. The Hawks’, who lost in the second round of the playoffs, main loss is two pitchers: Therese Lee, a four-year starter, and Windy Scofield. Lee finished last season 12-3 with a .067 ERA, and Scofield was 9-5 with a .047 ERA. Misty Thompson (.320, five home runs) has also graduated. Laguna Hills has a lot of power returning. Sumer McMahon (.333) will be back behind the plate. Amber Journell (.308) will be at second, and Meghan O’Donnell (.350) returns to the outfield.

University: 8-12, 4-6 in 1995. Coach: Keith Atchley (first year). Prospects: Finishing fourth in last season’s race, University has a good chance this time around to make it into postseason play. The Trojans return six starters: pitcher Alysia Atchley (1.37 ERA), first baseman Jennifer Brigham, shortstop Adrienne Rice, second baseman Kari Rowberg, catcher Kristen Scarborough and centerfielder Jackie Shammas. University is still a young team with only one senior, four juniors and four sophomores. This season should be the beginning of good things in the future.