GARDEN GROVE LEAGUE

Bolsa Grande

Coach: Steve Howard

2000 record: 0-17

League record: 0-12

Since making the playoffs in 1997, the Matadors haven’t won a game. The goal this season for Steve Howard, the first-year coach, is to turn things around. To do so, he will have to get big seasons from sophomore pitcher Christine Ly, senior first baseman Quyen Nguyen, junior outfielder Marcy Lara and junior second baseman Natalie Castaneda.

Garden Grove

Coach: Patrick Silva

2000 record: 10-16

League record: 6-6

League coaches think Garden Grove could finish as high as second. Patrick Silva, the first-year coach, will rely on senior infielders Jody Campbell and Victoria Torrez, and senior outfielder Courtney Pixler. Sophomore pitcher/outfielder Jessica Nunez should shoulder the pitching burden. Junior Erin Means is the team’s other pitcher.

La Quinta

Coach: Jeff Nadeau

2000 record: 8-12-1

League record: 4-8

Seven starters return for the Aztecs, including shortstop Amber Wolf, second baseman/outfielder Mindy Nielson, first baseman Channyn Rowe and center fielder Lori Rodriguez, all seniors. Sophomores Jenna Martinez and Shimona Wolf will split catching duties. Jeff Nadeau, in his first year as coach, hopes someone from the group of Jean Luu, Heather Lee or Shimona Wolf can step up to handle the pitching load.

Los Amigos

Coach: Jamie Allen

2000 record: 6-15

League record: 3-9

Jamie Allen is Los Amigos’ third coach in three seasons and comes in with a three-year plan. The goal is for a winning record this season, and junior pitcher Kristen Orem must play a key role if that is to happen. Senior Monica Cordoza will be Orem’s catcher, and fellow senior Elise Burke will start at shortstop on the young team.

Pacifica

Coach: Rob Weil

2000 record: 24-9-1

League record: 11-1

The Mariners failed to win a section championship for the first time in four years last season, but don’t feel sorry for the Mariners and Coach Rob Weil (12th year, 242-59-2). Among the seven returning starters are four first-team all-league selections: pitcher Jessica Marical (17-2, 0.92 ERA), third baseman Mallorie Lenn (.292, 30 RBIs), catcher Angie Ortega (.298), all juniors, and sophomore shortstop Jodie Legaspi (.380, 21 runs). They make the Mariners a good bet to win their 10th consecutive league title. Starting outfielders Amber Gaines and Amy Mayrhofer, and pitcher Kasey Carter also will contribute.

Rancho Alamitos

Coach: Mike Gogan

2000 record: 19-5

League record: 11-1

Seven starters from last year’s surprising league co-champions return. Absent is second-team all-county pitcher Kristina Hyllested (18-4, 0.57 ERA), who graduated. Pitching is a concern, and Mike Gogan (third year, 32-17) will rely on freshman left-hander Crystal Neer. Senior catcher Jami Weddle and junior shortstop Becky Gutierrez, both first-team all-leaguers, lead a solid offense that includes Vanessa Brown, Jackie Gogan and Vanessa Vigil, and the DeHoog sisters--Katie, Karie and Kristie.

Santiago

Coach: Erica Pilkington

2000 record: 13-12

League record: 7-5

Erica Pilkington, a former Santiago and Santa Ana College pitcher, takes over for Corky Driver, who becomes an assistant after 13 seasons. Ten players with varsity experience return, including senior first baseman/pitcher Jody Robertson, who batted .508 with six home runs and 33 RBIs, and senior catcher Jenay Angevine, who batted .367.