PREP SOFTBALL 1995: PREVIEW : PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE

Coaches: Kari Boothroyd, Aliso Niguel; Rick Buonarigo, Costa Mesa; Sharon Smyth, Estancia; Mike Roche, Laguna Beach; Cary Crouch, Laguna Hills; Mike Bouchard, University.

Facts and Figures: Despite returning only three seniors from last year’s league champion, Laguna Hills is picked to repeat. Three-time all-league shortstop Misty Thompson anchors the Hawks’ lineup. . . . Boothroyd is glad to be competing in a league, and should be competitive, returning shortstop Stefanie Ruiz (.522, four home runs, 41 RBIs). . . . Costa Mesa’s Buonarigo will have a tough time replacing leadoff hitter Tabby Cleveland. He will rely on senior second baseman Raeme Payne. . . . University’s Corby Bouchard (0.89 ERA) and Laguna Beach’s Jessica Roche (1.27) are the top two returning pitchers.

1994 In Review

League Overall School W L W L Laguna Hills 9 1 18 10 Trabuco Hills 8 2 12 11 Costa Mesa 6 4 11 11 Century 5 5 7 14 Laguna Beach 1 9 5 16 Estancia 1 9 2 18

Highlights: Laguna Hills made a surprisingly early exit from the Southern Section Division III playoffs, falling in the second round, 1-0, to Whittier La Serna in 18 innings. Hawks’ outfielder Alycia Stevens was named the league’s most valuable player, hitting .542 with 24 runs, 10 RBIs and 16 stolen bases. . . . Costa Mesa’s Tabby Cleveland finished fourth in the county in batting average (.542), earning all-league and all-section honors.