O.C.PRESEASON DUAL MEET TOP 10
1. Santa Margarita: The three-time defending CIF Division 1 champions will again be tough to beat. They return their blazing core from last season and add freshmen standouts Ella and Mia Ristic and Anicka Delgado.
2. Tesoro: The South Coast League juggernaut will again take aim at capturing a plaque at Division 1 finals. The Titans placed a distant third last year to Woodbridge.
3. Crean Lutheran: Coach Craig Brown was dismissed in late January, but transfer Eva Merrell joins forces with Elise Garcia and the defending state champions. They Saints still look formidable, especially in the relays.
4. Edison: CIF-SS champion Nora Deleske leads a veteran squad that looks to extend its Sunset League reign.
5. Woodbridge: Last season’s Division 1 runner-up should contend again thanks to CIF champion Kate Krolikowski and a strong supporting class.
6. Los Alamitos: The Griffins showed plenty of speed in water polo and have Coach Dave Carlson back at the helm. That’s a good combination.
7. Newport Harbor: The Sailors could produce their share of speed with the return of the sisters Ayla and Zoe Spitz and a healthy Melinda Stevens.
8. Foothill: Watch for the Crestview League power to contend in Division 2. The Knights look deep and added standout freshman Samantha Pearson.
9. Fountain Valley: The Barons boast plenty of experience but reside in the deepest girls league in the county. They will need to swim well to stay afloat in the rankings.
10. Marina: The rising Vikings feature their own sister act in Sage and Terra Matsushima. They’re also heavy on returners and took eighth in Division 1 last season.
Others to watch: Irvine, Mater Dei, Sonora, University, Villa Park.
Contact the writer: dalbano@scng.com
