It’s No Myth: Pacifica Could Repeat as No. 1

Garden Grove Pacifica finished last season ranked No. 1 in the nation by the National Fastpitch Coaches Assn.

The Mariners could repeat as mythical national champions, but to do it they will have to get through a tournament and league schedule that features some of the best softball teams and individual players in the country.

Here is a look at some of the teams to watch:

GARDEN GROVE PACIFICA (1997 record: 31-1-1): The Mariners have eight of their top nine players back from last season’s team that won the Division III championship, including pitcher Amanda Freed, who was 20-0 with an 0.23 earned-run average and had five perfect games. Catcher Toria Auelua (.340) and center fielder Tiffany Wallace (.341) also are standouts.

SANTA MARIA RIGHETTI (33-3): Senior pitcher Jocelyn Forest had all of her team’s decisions last year while compiling 505 strikeouts, 13 shy of the state record. The Warriors lost to Woodbridge, 2-0, in the Division II final, but could win it all this year.

SANTA ANA MATER DEI (28-6): This group of seniors reached the Division I finals as freshmen. Tia Bollinger (16-3, 0.06 ERA) and Marissa Young (10-2, 0.50) are the aces for a team that also has eight returning starters, including first baseman Monica Lucatero.

IRVINE WOODBRIDGE (34-2): The defending Division II champion has won 15 consecutive league championships and two of the last three section titles. Most expect the loss of Lizzy Lemire and Ashley Boone to affect the Warriors, but they have seven players back, including pitcher Christy Robitaille (24-2, 0.28 ERA) and senior second baseman Nichole Thompson (.445).

SANTA ANA FOOTHILL (29-3-1): The top-seeded Knights were regarded as one of the top teams in the nation in 1997, but they lost to unseeded Upland in the Division I championship game last year. They are intent on finishing this season with a victory. Foothill has seven starters back, including shortstop Jaime Clark (.470) and third baseman Lindsay Fossatti.

MORENO VALLEY VALLEY VIEW (26-2): Eight starters are back from a team that lost to eventual-champion Upland in the second round of the Division I playoffs last year. Sophomore pitcher Keira Goerl and senior shortstop Brea Smith were All-Southern Section. Other top players include third basemen Kristina Harvin and Katie Junge, second baseman Elena Cranmer, first baseman Marina Ramirez and catcher Sara Kline.

CERRITOS (29-5): The Dons’ girls’ basketball team had an outstanding season and the softball team is on track to do the same. Cerritos has won eight consecutive league titles and is expected to defend its Mission Valley League championship and challenge for a Southern Section title.

LA MIRADA (21-9): Sophomore pitcher Veronica Barnes is one of the top players for the Matadores who won the Suburban League championship last season. La Mirada is expected to go deep into the playoffs.

LA PALMA KENNEDY (23-6): The Irish reached the Division III semifinals last year and have eight starters back, including catcher Adrianna Wilson (.405, 20 RBIs). Pitcher Nicole Crouse, a backup last season, was 8-3 with a 0.09 ERA.

SIMI VALLEY (21-8): The Pioneers feature two outstanding pitchers in Lori Tande (10-6, 0.87) and Brittney Green (10-2, 0.80), who also combined for 34 RBIs at the plate. Junior shortstop Tracie Hall batted .345 last season, senior first baseman Dawn Carifi .333 for a team that has nine returning starters.