1. Mater Dei: School record-holders Ashlyn Rambo and the Radan sisters, Emma and Tara, put the Monarchs in the county’s top spot to open the season.
2. Mission Viejo: The Diablos want to wrestle the South Coast League title from Dana Hills, and Kennedy Gillian and Taylor Arco will help them in a big way.
3. Dana Hills: Seniors Michaela King (hurdles), Ashley Kelly and sophomore Emma Tremblay will aim for the Dolphins’ eighth consecutive league championship.
4. Los Alamitos: Griffins senior Mackenna Howard, a standout in shot put and discus, will aim to set the county record in both events this year, according to Coach Nathan Howard.
5. Canyon: The Comaches return an abundance of talent – Mia Hummel, Tai Crumsey and Alexis Turely-Young to name a few – from a team that has won six league titles in a row.
6. Santa Margarita: Kaitlyn Merritt is the star in pole vault and did well in the 100 last year, but watch for Haley McHugh, and Analise Prukop in their respective events.
7. Capistrano Valley: Natalie Herberg is strong in the 800, while Jennifer Munoz will shift from soccer fields to the track.
8. Fountain Valley: The Barons will compete for the Sunset League’s top spot with the likes of Crystal Eckman, Erica Davis and Lauren Delgadillo leading the way.
9. Edison: The Chargers are defending Sunset League champions, and return seniors Natalie Flores and Hailey Bond, who are among the top athletes in the league.
10. Rosary: Coach Jen Murphy‘s team will be led by Rachel Pau’u and Hayley Wilcox.
MORE IN THE O.C. TRACK 2014 SEASON PREVIEW:
Mission Viejo squads seek league sweep
Boys track O.C. preseason top 10
Contact the writer: amorales@ocregister.com
