FREEWAY LEAGUE
Buena Park
Coach: Lisa Scott
2000 record: 7-15-1
League record: 1-9
The Coyotes have two returners from a team that won one league game last year. “We have a good team talent-wise, but we don’t have a lot of experienced players on the varsity level,” said Coach Lisa Scott, who is in her second year. “We will not be able to dominate anyone.” The only senior is outfielder Amanda DeLeon. The only other returner is pitcher/infielder Dee Anna Galeener. Freshmen Lindsey Watson, Yolanda Negrete and Devin Lopez and junior Jenna DeLeon are considered the top newcomers.
Fullerton
Coach: Paula Dobrowolski
2000 record: 13-11
League record: 5-5
After barely missing a playoff berth last season, Fullerton Coach Paula Dobrowolski (fifth year, 36-57-1) will benefit from seven returning starters. Joanna Gray, who pitched a no-hitter last season and batted .259, is expected to carry the pitching load with help from newcomer Amanda Alvarez. Most of the infield returns--first baseman Ashley Frisby, shortstops Lacey Kraft and Gina Saucedo and third baseman Ashley Chadwick--as well as outfielders Courtney Crosley and Jennifer McEnterfer. Jennifer Arce will contribute at second base and in the outfield.
La Habra
Coach: Sue Briquelet
2000 record: 10-15-1
League record: 3-7
After winning four consecutive league titles, the Highlanders fell to fifth place last season, and veteran Coach Sue Briquelet says, “Our team will come back in 2001 hungrier that ever. We’re going to have to prove ourselves every practice and every game.” La Habra loses just one starter. Infielder Erin Murray had two homers and 15 runs batted in last season, and catcher Rhonda Borbon hit .357. Amber Turner went 6-5-1 with a 1.37 ERA. Leadoff hitter Nicole Shan batted .432 and stole 20 bases last year before missing most of league play after wrist surgery.
Sonora
Coach: Michelle Rodriguez
2000 record: 25-8
League record: 8-2
Michelle Rodriguez replaces John Link, who stepped aside after coaching the Raiders to league titles the last two years. Rodriguez inherits a talented roster quite capable of the three-peat. Returning pitcher Carrie Wisen is a three-time all-league selection who posted an 0.57 ERA last year. Outfielder Nicole Smith batted .300 and shortstop-outfielder Michelle Miller finished at .295 with 14 stolen bases. Both made the all-league team. Juniors Erica Brooks, Allison Gerber, Stephanie Guzman, Merideth Hughes and Allison Lewis add to the Raiders’ depth.
Sunny Hills
Coach: Geodi Sunabe
200 record: 13-12
League record: 6-4
New Coach Geodi Sunabe takes over a team that finished third in league a year ago but will face a tough road to return to the playoffs. Shannon Deutschman, with 100 strikeouts in 120 innings and a 1.29 ERA in 2000, gives the Lancers an experienced pitcher. Catcher Cameron Danly, shortstop Amy Kim and first baseman Stacy Monaco round out the returning starters for Sunny Hills. Top newcomers are outfielder Heather Spraggins and pitcher/infielder Katie Shaw.
Troy
Coach: Marlon Buttram
2000 record: 21-8
League record: 7-3
The Warriors finished second in Marlon Buttram’s first season as coach. Pitcher Emily Hively and shortstop Lisa Jackson are expected to be keys to the team’s success in 2001. Hively posted a 6-2 record and 0.55 ERA with five shutouts last season. Jackson batted .363 with three homers and 26 RBIs to earn all-league, all-county and All-Southern Section recognition. Other returning starters include outfielders Nikki Shepard, and Jill Timmons and infielder Molly McMasters.