Mater Dei

Coach: Austin Sharp (second year).

1995-96: 18-5-2, 8-1-1 in the South Coast League; won league and advanced to the second round of the Southern Section Division I tournament, where the Monarchs lost to Torrance.

Key returners: Kim Buccola, midfielder, Sr.; Alison Fennell, midfielder, So.; Kristie Hoback, defender, Sr.; Sara Stratton, forward, Sr.; Katie Ticehurst, forward, Sr.; Tracy Winzen, defender, So.

Key newcomers: Kelly Kersch, goalkeeper, Sr.

Outlook: Ticehurst, a first-team All-Southern Section Division I selection last season, returns to provide the Monarchs with an excellent scoring threat. Buccola, a first-team all-league selection, returns in the midfield. Defensively, Kersch transferred from El Modena after helping the Vanguards to the Division II title last season. She will take over for Amanda Fox, who graduated after last season and currently is playing at Oregon. Stratton, who broke her foot in the last game of the regular season and missed the playoffs last season, is expected to make a big impact. “I think for her to come back, that’s going to be a big deal,” Sharp said.