PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Brethren Christian

Coach: Mike Davis

2000 record: 2-16

League record: 1-9

The more experienced Warriors should improve dramatically for Mike Davis (third year, 3-34). Six starters are back, including junior third baseman Danielle Hall, who batted .500 in league. Pitching should be stronger with junior Andrea Rosado and freshman Jennifer Winford. Two transfers from Southern California Christian, senior Tiffany Nakimoto and junior Mai Ogoshi, should shore up the outfield.

Calvary Chapel

Coach: Dave Rolph

2000 record: 16-9

League record: 10-0

The Lions lost four key players, but Dave Rolph (second year) has two outstanding players returning, senior pitcher Stephanie Williams (16-5, 0.40), who was the league’s most valuable player, and sophomore left fielder Amerra Kesterson (.418, 25 runs). A transfer, versatile junior Chelsea Caraway, arrives from Foothill.

Capistrano Valley Chr.

Coach: Shannon Justice

2000 record: 21-3

League record: 10-0

Some of the top players from last year’s top-seeded Division VI team return, hoping to erase the memory of a second-round loss to Liberty Christian. Senior Lindsay Fait (.456, 21 runs, 33 RBIs), junior Jill Jeranko (.349, 39 runs, 19 RBIs) and sophomore Lynn Andrews (.435, 38 runs, 18 RBIs) lead the way for Shannon Justice (third year, 39-10), along with sophomores Laurelle Grove (.320) and Whitney Smith (.375).

Connelly

Coach: Mark Otsuji

2000 record: 1-10

League record: 1-9

Mark Otsuji (second year) has four starters back, including senior catcher Ghia Espino, a four-year starter. She is backed by senior outfielder Jackie Applegate, senior first baseman Diana Delgadillo and junior outfielder Bridget Ricco. The Koalas should get considerable help from two newcomers, freshman pitcher Lollie Gonzalez and junior infielder Kristin Sophea, a transfer from Long Beach Wilson.

Eastside Christian

Coach: Joey Bahash

2000 record: 0-0

League record: 0-0

Eastside Christian, which was Heritage Christian two years ago, did not field a team in 2000. Three seniors from the Heritage Christian days remain with the program, shortstop Tiffini Diebold and outfielders Jeanette Feria and Sarah Hancock. Three transfers from Southern California Christian have joined the program, Molly Oliver, Deara Kearns and Stephanie Mata.

Fairmont

Coach: Jale Beliueau

2000 record: 5-14-1

League record: 1-9

The Huskies have seven players back, led by first-team all-league first baseman Erin Gaynor and second-team shortstop/outfielder Veronica Shin. Jale Beliueau (third year, 11-24-1) says most of the team has played together for three years, and he thinks the familiarity is ready to pay dividends with an improved record.

Liberty Christian

Coach: Armando Fernandez

2000 record: 17-3

League record: 8-0

Armando Fernandez (fourth year, 51-13) should have the players to repeat as Express League champion. Junior pitcher Danielle Mershon (14-2, 0.61) returns, along with sophomore catcher Tiffany Fernandez (.618, 24 runs, 43 RBIs), junior shortstop Katie Linke (.378) and senior first baseman Theresa Raia.

Mater Dei

Coach: Ed Ulloa

2000 record: 31-2

League record: 5-1

Pitching hasn’t been a question mark for years, but with the graduation of Tia Bollinger to Washington, Ed Ulloa (third year, 59-7)) and the Monarchs must adjust. Junior Marissa Becerra will get the chance to fill those shoes, though Ulloa has experimented with several players, including all-county shortstop Christina Clark (.385, 18 RBIs), a junior. Mater Dei made the Southern Section finals the last three seasons, and with seven returning starters, experience won’t be an issue. The other top returning players are junior third baseman Sheila McCorkle and senior left fielder Jessica Young.

Orange Lutheran

Coach: Steve Miklos

2000 record: 23-7-1

League record: 8-2

The Lancers should be in good shape with eight starters back for Steve Miklos (fourth year, 69-23-1). Even though pitcher Jessica Edwards graduated, Laura Miklos (11-3, 0.26) is solid, and she also batted .471. She will be backed by freshman Caroline Waitts. There’s a lot of speed in the lineup, which includes sophomore shortstop Rachel Bomgren (.327) and junior catcher/third baseman Kimmy Miklos (.314).

Oxford Academy

Coach: Dave Clifton

2000 record: 0-0

League record: 0-0

A first-year program, the Patriots are composed of freshmen and sophomores. Dave Clifton thinks his team’s strength is its battery, freshman pitcher Melissa Porche and sophomore catcher Mallory Taylor. Five freshmen will probably start for the Cypress school.

Rosary

Coach: Tom Tice

2000 record: 23-9

League record: 4-2

The Royals were the top-seeded team in Division III before losing to their nemesis, West Hills Chaminade, in the quarterfinals. Senior Mallory Anderson (18-6, 0.54), a second-team all-county pitcher, is among five returning starters for Tom Tice (eighth year, 149-59). Speedy outfielder Dana Kenney (.427, 19 runs), a first-team all-county selection, is coming off knee surgery. Christa Arriaga (.320, 13 RBIs) joins Kenney in the outfield.

Saddleback Valley Chr.

Coach: Bruce Harbin

2000 record: 0-0

League record: 0-0

The Warriors are playing varsity for the first time and will operate as a free-lance team. Two pitchers who were in the program last year lead the way, junior Danielle Harbin and freshman Heather Aldridge, and a junior outfielder, Kelsey Harvey, will be counted on too.

St. Margaret’s

Coach: Nancy Linaweaver

2000 record: 10-9

League record: 6-4

Nancy Linaweaver (seventh year, 87-40) says Downey Calvary Chapel is the team to beat in the Academy League, and if the Tartans are to do that, they will rely heavily on the contribution of senior pitcher Monique Kettler and junior Rachael Stoddard, a utility player. Junior infielder Taylore McClurg and two sophomores, catcher/infielder Brooke Birtcher and outfielder Ashton Spatz, also return.

Santa Margarita

Coach: Bud Clark

2000 record: 16-13

League record: 3-3

Senior Katie Reiss (9-2, 0.39) returns to the circle and will be backed by a squad that has its work cut out for it in the Serra League with Rosary and Mater Dei. Junior outfielder Kimmie Hopkin returns, along with the other pitcher, Nicole Bartholomew (7-9, 1.51). There are eight seniors, six of whom have already signed with colleges: third baseman Pam Sulick (Massachusetts), outfielder Alexandra Prattes (Coastal University), middle infielder Brittany Mynsberge (Bradley), outfielder Ashley Hunt (Loyola Marymount), catcher Alycia Fitzpatrick (Holy Cross) and Bartholomew (Providence).

Whittier Christian

Coach: Gary Guy

2000 record: 13-9

League record: 6-4

Gary Guy (seventh year, 68-75) has eight players returning, including both pitchers, senior Jennifer Benavidez (0-7, 1.10) and sophomore Tammy Fox (4-2, 1.19). Benavidez batted .393. The other top players are junior outfielder Nicole Stephan (.333, 17 runs) and senior catcher/infielder Vanessa Zamorano (.300, 15 runs).