FREEWAY LEAGUE
Buena Park
Coach: Lisa Scott
1999 record: 10-8
League record: 4-6
Lisa Scott, a first-year coach, doesn’t know what to expect from her team or the league, but that’s OK because she feels that nobody in the league knows what to expect from her. She replaces Brenda Sapp, who compiled a 94-118-2 record over 10 seasons. After coaching six years at the college level--three years at Whittier College and three more at the University of La Verne, both as an assistant--Scott certainly has the background to instill some life in the program. She hopes the Coyotes can finish among the top three in league. They have six returning starters: shortstop Lolani Alvarez, third baseman/pitcher Carra Cook, infielder Cerry Jessup, catcher Kristin Huisenga and infielders Kelli and Kristine Britton.
Fullerton
Coach: Paula Dobrowolski
1999 record: 11-14
League record: 2-8
Coach Paula Dobrowolski (fourth year, 23-46-1) has seven returning starters, including junior Joanna Gray (.371), a first-team all-league selection. Defense should be a strong point for the Indians, whose hitting also should be better. Returning starters include sophomore Ashley Frisby (first base/shortstop), senior Rachelle Bock (center field), senior Katie Hall (pitcher), junior Ashley Blockburger (catcher), senior Carrie Cohen (third base) and junior Jennifer McEnterfer (left field).
La Habra
Coach: Sue Briquelet
1999 record: 14-14
League record: 7-3
Coach Sue Briquelet (ninth year, 153-65-1) realizes that teams such as Sonora, with whom the Highlanders shared the league title last season, may be the favorites once again, but that’s not stopping her from picking her team to play the role of spoiler. Briquelet thinks this team will be much better than last year’s, even though it lost five seniors. La Harbra will count on Cassie Preece, a four-year starter who was runner-up in league most valuable player voting last year. Preece (8-7, 0.95) is a pitcher who, according to Briquelet, is also one of the county’s best fielders. Shortstop Erin Murray (.405, 17 runs, 16 RBIs), catcher Rhonda Borbon and outfielders Nikki Shan and Lisa Whitney are the other returning starters.
Sonora
Coach: John Link
1999 record: 23-8
League record: 7-3
Many coaches think the Raiders are still the team to beat despite losing most position players to graduation. Coach John Link (fourth year, 60-30) will rely on returning pitcher Andee Lindgren (13-5, 0.37), who set three school records and batted .333. She will be joined by power-hitting senior catcher Dawn Ramynke (.300) and sophomore Michelle Miller (.357, 14 stolen bases). Pitcher Carrie Wisen (6-3, 0.56) and field player Tonie Sutherland are also returning starters.
Sunny Hills
Coach: Kathy Bevill
1999 record: 13-12
League record: 4-6
Although her team may have some problems scoring runs, Coach Kathy Bevill (seventh year, 68-74) isn’t ruling out a third-place finish because of solid pitching and defense. The Lancers will look toward returning starters Shannon Deutshman and Erin Jones for leadership. Deutshman, a sophomore pitcher, had a 0.57 earned-run average. Jones (.262), a senior third baseman and shortstop, has signed with Illinois. Both were first-team all-league selections last year.
Troy
Coach: Marlon Buttram
1999 record: 18-10
League record: 6-4
Pitching will be the strength for the Warriors and first-year Coach Marlon Buttram. Although Troy compiled an impressive record last season, it stumbled in league play, finishing third. The Warriors look to senior pitcher Lindsey Knoff (18-8, 0.51) to lead the way, with help from freshman Emily Hively.