Esperanza

Coach: Kurt Kersten (fourth year).

1995: 10-5, 7-3 in the Sunset League; placed second in league and lost to Dana Hills in the first round of the Southern Section Division I playoffs.

Key returners: Erica Gamst, 5-8, setter, Sr.; Trina Kightlinger, 6-2, opposite, Sr.; Amy Nihipali, 6-2, middle blocker, Sr.; Sheila Sarhangi, 5-3, back-row specialist, Sr.; Jessica Sudduth, 6-2, outside hitter, Sr.; Kristin Van Kurin, 5-9, outside hitter, Sr.

Key newcomers: Toni Anderson, 5-9, setter/opposite, Fr.; Aprille Brown, 5-10, outside hitter, Jr.; Dana Chuha, 5-10, opposite, Jr.; Jennifer Sarna, 6-2, middle blocker, Sr.

Outlook: Esperanza has height, experience and talent. UCLA-bound Nihipali, a first-team all-county selection last season, will lead the Aztecs but they are inexperienced at the other middle blocker spot. Their starting lineup includes four 6-2 players. They will miss first-team all-league setter Allison Anderson, who graduated. Chuha, Gamst and Anderson will share the spot. The Aztecs will have to improve their ball control from last year to be a factor in the playoffs.