The girls water polo O.C. preseason top 10 for 2015-16:
1. Laguna Beach: The two-time defending CIF Division 1 champions will show their depth now that junior Aria Fischer has opted for the U.S. national team and Makenzie Fischer has graduated. “There’s definitely some disappointed seniors who want (Aria) out there, but at the same time, we’ve got a really strong group of seniors and a really strong group of girls who are ready to rally without her,” Laguna Beach coach Ethan Damato said. “It’s OK, (Aria) will be back senior year.”
2. Orange Lutheran: The defending Trinity League champions are aiming to take the next step after reaching the Division 1 quarterfinals last season. The return of all six starters in the field gives Orange Lutheran hope. So does the addition of a few talented freshmen, led by Hannah Palmer and goalie Alyssa Barnuevo.
3. Foothill: The Knights move into reload mode after graduating several seniors from last season’s CIF Division 1 runner-up team. Foothill shouldn’t slip much with Kenzie Snyder in goal, Brooke Maxson leading the counter and emerging Noelle Wijnbelt at center. Val Ayala is another player on the rise.
4. Corona del Mar: The Sea Kings find themselves in a similar position as Laguna Beach. Their top returning player, senior Maddie Musselman, is playing with the national team, but their depth and goalie Heidi Ritner should keep them competitive in Division 1. Ex-Santa Margarita coach Kevin Ricks takes the reins but San Marcos and Dos Pueblos loom as critical foes.
5. El Toro: The Chargers return several key players for their title defense in Division 2. They have three first-team All-CIF players, led by defender Maddy Damato. El Toro is ranked No. 1 in the Division 2 preseason poll, but watch out for San Clemente and Murrieta Valley.
6. Mater Dei: The Monarchs appear improved from last season when they reached the Division 1 quarterfinals. Grace Thawley is an emerging force at center, but there’s plenty of depth in the field with Stanford-bound Kayla Constandse and her freshman sister, Hannah. The question will be in the goal.
7. San Clemente: The Tritons finished a narrow runner-up to El Toro in Division 2 last season and return some key components. Left-handed Amber McCutcheon is one of the best centers in the county and Alaina Cousineau is a crafty playmaker at attacker. If the senior duo gets support on both ends, watch out.
8. Newport Harbor: The post-Bill Barnett era begins with a lot of new faces in the water and longtime assistant Brian Melstrom calling the shots. The Sailors will be counting on some young players to navigate the difficult Sunset League. “We will give every team our best effort,” Melstrom said.
9. Los Alamitos: Veteran coach Dave Carlson returns for the Griffins. The squad is young with only two top seniors but Carlson’s teams have been known for their smarts on defense and movement on offense. Don’t expect things to change.
10. Huntington Beach: The Oilers’ stockpiling of talent could help them emerge as one of the county’s surprise teams. The Sunset League, however, doesn’t leave much room for error. Edison is another traditional playoff contender. Injuries and transfer eligibility make Santa Margarita a team to watch for this spot later in the season.
More in the girls water polo preview for 2015-16:
Girls water polo preview: Top 5 players to watch
Girls water polo preview: Other players to watch
Girls water polo preview: Mission Viejo wants this to be a breakthrough season
Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com
