Corona del Mar

Coach: Steve Conti (second year).

1996: 10-6 overall, 7-3 in Sea View League; tied for second place in league with Newport Harbor and advanced to the second round of the Division I tournament, where it lost to Capistrano Valley.

Key returners: Dennis Alshuler, 6-4, middle blocker, So.; Tim Andrews, 6-0, outside hitter, Sr.; Greg Burden, 5-11, outside hitter, Jr.; Blair Hoppe, 6-3, outside hitter, Sr.; Stephen Reese, 5-11, setter, Sr.

Key newcomers: Brady Beauchap, 5-8, setter, Sr.; Mark Burns, 6-1, outside hitter, Sr.; Greg Coon, 6-3, middle blocker, Jr.; Bill Messenger, 6-0, middle blocker, Sr.; Mike Pliha, 5-8, defensive specialist, Jr.; Gib Reese, 6-2, middle blocker, Jr.; Dominic Riccabona, 5-7, defensive specialist, Sr.; Marshall Rothwell, 6-0, defensive specialist, Jr.

Outlook: The Sea Kings lost three first-team, all-league selections to graduation after last season: outside hitter Brian Coleman, setter Derek Newcomer and middle blocker John Coon. Key returners are outside hitters Hoppe and Burden, who has been limited by a shoulder injury. Steve Reese will set and Greg Coon and Messenger will battle for the open middle blocker spot.