ORANGE LEAGUE

Anaheim

Coach: James Steen

1999 record: 7-12

League record: 3-7

With seven victories, Anaheim topped its output of the previous two seasons combined. This, and the return of five starters, has second-year Coach James Steen believing the Colonists have a legitimate shot at a playoff berth. Sophomore pitcher Jessica Lampton was a second-team all-league selection last season and will work again with senior catcher Lorena Inglesias. Steen hopes freshman Tina Palomina can take some of the pitching pressure off Lampton. Senior shortstop Monica Gutierrez and sophomore center fielder Alana Washington anchor the defense.

Brea Olinda

Coach: Sharen Caperton

1999 record: 22-8-1

League record: 10-0

The Division III runner-up returns four starters, including junior Erin Hessman (.348, seven home runs, 26 RBIs) and seniors Tiala Tagaloa and Michelle Greenwood. Hessman (3-1, 1.03 ERA) and junior Katy Perkins will pitch. In 10 innings, Perkins held opponents to a .150 batting average. Sharen Caperton (16th year, 241-117-1) feels another league crown is within the Wildcats’ grasp, but will need her playoff-savvy veterans to show the youngsters how it’s done. Stephanie Carew joins the coaching staff.

Magnolia

Coach: Debi Burlison

1999 record: 1-22

League record: 0-10

Magnolia returns five starters, pitchers Jessica Louwsma and Brenda Ruiz, catcher Katie Todd, first baseman Amanda Vandertip and center fielder Diana Rodriguez. Coach Debi Burlison (11th year, 117-116) says her return to Magnolia after a year’s absence could include a playoff appearance. Burlison is excited about the team’s speed, especially from newcomer Elysia McMahon. Megan Sutherland and Daurice Butler could bring added punch.

Savanna

Coach: Dan Plamann

1999 record: 6-16

League record: 3-7

Led by all-league sophomores Heather Morgan (.386, 24 RBIs) and Lauren Condon (.353, 15 RBIs), the Rebels return six starters to a roster that has 10 underclassmen. Despite the inexperience, Dan Plamann (fifth year, 25-59) thinks leadership will be a strong point. If juniors Stephanie Quam (.330), Nora Herrera (.265) and sophomore Victoria Garcia (.250) improve upon last season’s numbers, the Rebels could be a surprise.

Valencia

Coach: John German

1999 record: 20-12

League record: 8-2

Valencia returns six starters from a team that reached the Division III quarterfinals, including junior pitcher Michelle Whiteman (16-9, 0.85 ERA, 213 strikeouts), junior outfielder Kim Miller (.407, 14 RBIs, 22 stolen bases) and junior second baseman Krystal Zavala (.287, 15 RBIs), all first-team all-league selections. John German (third year, 36-25) is excited about two senior transfers, shortstop Michelle Pietka from Troy and third baseman Kristine Medina from Sparks, Nev.

Western

Coach: Ivy Pinkerton

1999 record: 9-16

League record: 6-4

The Pioneers appear loaded and ready to make it a three-team race for the league title. Western returns seven starters, including five all-league honorees. First-team shortstop Audra Ratajczak (.403), second-team outfielder Melissa Kozier (.360) and catcher Nicole Reyes (.317), all seniors, lead the charge. Sophomores Candyce and Constance McMorris also return. Ivy Pinkerton (third year, 14-37) will ask freshmen Hilary Goden and Mandy Eamello to hold the leads she expects her offense to provide; if it works out that way, the league race could get interesting.