PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE
Corona del Mar
Coach: Terry Cristiano
2000 record: 7-11
League record: 4-6
Nine starters from last year’s second-place team return to the lineup for Terry Cristiano (second year), including catcher Amy Tyson and pitcher/shortstop Alissa Zoelle, who was co-MVP and a first-team all-leaguer. Shortstop Mijanou Pham and second baseman Lauren Loe provide strength up the middle, with Casey Bunney, Melanie Cole, Andrea Gruber and Lauren Jacobson competing for outfield spots. Meghan Bunney returns to first base. Outfielders Lauren Biggs and Jennifer Newfield have varsity experience, and newcomers Taylor McCormick and Tina Chikeovian will vie for playing time.
Costa Mesa
Coach: Rick Buonarigo
2000 record: 9-12
League record: 6-4
Four starters from last year’s third-place team return for Rick Buonarigo, with utility player Cara Molter and outfielder Erica Melcer providing senior leadership. Pitcher Tess Lindsay and outfielder Kari Snyder also started last season. Buonarigo said sophomore shortstop Ann Marie Topps may make an impression this year, and third baseman Katie Renish, catcher Sarah Watkins and outfielder Jade Moss will also see playing time.
Estancia
Coach: Adam Thunell
2000 record: 4-20
League record: 1-9
Adam Thunell replaces Jenny Hart (one year), and has four starters back, senior second baseman Stephanie Cachola, junior outfielder Rebecca Zenus and sophomores Gaby Acosta, a catcher, and Laura Morton, a first baseman. Senior pitcher Allison Coash didn’t play last season. Freshman shortstop Rebecca Kaplan will be a major contributor.
Laguna Beach
Coach: Mike Roche
2000 record: 8-14
League record: 2-8
With seven starters returning, Mike Roche (24th year, 123-232) hopes his team will improve on last season’s fifth-place finish. The Artists are experienced up the middle with catcher Kelsey Offield, shortstop Hilary Frimond and second baseman Casey Jones. First baseman Autumn Pearce and third baseman Martina Speare anchor the corners. Infielder Amber Clark and outfielder Quinn Johnson will see plenty of playing time. Roche will also need strong performances from his newcomers, particularly pitcher Jocelyn Turner.
Northwood
Coach: Lori Peterson
2000 record: 17-3
League record: 10-0
The Timberwolves move up to Division IV this season. All nine starters return from last year’s league-championship team, including league MVP Allison Lewis, who was 15-3 with a 0.30 ERA. The team also has five first-team all-league selections returning: shortstop Allyson Pizula, who hit .400; second baseman Teresa Leyden (.348, 3 HRs); center fielder Amanda Garza (.377); catcher Melissa Ota (.359), and outfielder Amanda Ching. First baseman Leslie Curtis and outfielder Kimiko Ferrante earned second-team all-league honors. Coach Lori Peterson (second year) expects freshmen Amanda Smith, Kelly Clarke and Shannon Robinson to see playing time this season.
University
Coach: Ed Gonzalez
2000 record: 9-18
League record: 7-3
Eight starters return from last year’s second-place team, but Coach Ed Gonzalez must replace Tiffany Waldman, who pitched in 24 games and 184 innings in 2000. Linda Baker, who was the team’s second-leading hitter, gets the pitching assignment. Kelle Watkins, Stephanie Fitch, Jenny Jones and Jenna Kageyama, who stole six bases last year, provide most of the team’s offensive threat. Allison Mercer, Valene Alvarez, Samara Fishbein and Niaz Ghassemi also saw playing time last season.