GOLDEN WEST LEAGUE

Ocean View

Coach: Lisa Parra

1999 record: 15-14

League record: 7-3

First-year coach Lisa Parra says she isn’t up on all of last year’s statistics, but she and her new staff believe the Seahawks have enough firepower returning to be an offensive threat in the league. The defense looks solid, too, but it’s pitching that concerns Parra. Sophomore shortstop Courtney Tuggle and junior third baseman Nikki Barton were second-team all-league selections. First baseman Jessica Carney and pitcher/second baseman Ashley Kinney should also play pivotal roles. Kinney will share pitching duties with Krystina Cruz.

Saddleback

Coach: Homero Martinez

1999 record: 4-15

League record: 0-10

Homero Martinez (second year) wasn’t pleased with last year’s record, but he believes the Roadrunners will be more competitive this season. Six starters return. “We come back with much more experience,” he said. “Concentration is needed to jump back from a disappointing season.” Sophomore pitcher Denise Guzman, who had a 2.31 earned-run average a year ago, returns, as does junior outfielder Adrianna Diaz, who batted .308, senior catcher/first baseman Jannet Gonzalez (.302), and senior center fielder Brianna Mares (.286). Also returning are junior Christina Razo and senior second baseman Aracelli Flores and right fielder Alma Guerrero. Sophomore pitcher Olivia Bell is slated to back up Guzman. Sophomore infielders Lizette Flores, Chrystal Ibarra and Joanne Saragosa and senior left fielder Sara Bell all figure to see playing time.

Santa Ana

Coach: Glenn Mitchell

1999 record: 7-13

League record: 2-8

Defense figures to be a strong point for the Saints, who return five starters. “I really like our chances,” said Glenn Mitchell (11th year, 48-172). “Our pitching will be young and unproven, but I feel very confident in them.” Among those expected to make big contributions are sophomore first baseman Marcia DeLeon (.308), junior shortstop Vanessa Bernal and catcher Michelle Paz (.283). Also back are a couple of sure-handed fielders in senior second baseman Jessica Barela and senior outfielder Belinda Garcia. Seniors Claudia Aguero and Davina Gonzalez figure to battle for the starting job at third base.

Tustin

Coach: Erin Gallagher

1999 record: 11-12

League record: 4-6

Seven starters return for Erin Gallagher, who believes her young team can compete for one of three available playoff spots. “We have a team of experience, but we’re really young. I had a lot of freshmen I used last year,” Gallagher said. “The problem is, there is no middle ground with this team. I only have three seniors.” Sophomore right-handed pitchers Diana LaRiva and Shawna Silvas return, and that also has Gallagher excited about the future. But things were tempered a bit last week when utility infielder Liz Cosme suffered a badly sprained ankle in practice. Also back is the team’s top hitter from last season, catcher Ashlee Cappucci. A leadoff hitter, she batted .333 and drove in 18 runs. Another top hitter, third baseman Mayra Vazquez (.302), also returns.

Westminster

Coach: Gretchen Bock

1999 record: 16-11

League record: 7-3

After four years away from the program, Gretchen Bock returns as coach for her eighth season. She has four lettermen returning and, like several teams in the league, will rely on youth. The returners are outfielders Lynette Smith, Lauree Tolen and Kellie Wright and utility player Erica Gonzalez. Top newcomers expected to see a lot of playing time are freshman shortstop Nicole Moojen, freshman catcher Crissy Marlett, freshman utility player Kellie Trombley and sophomore infielder/pitcher Katrina Fischer.