O.C. PRESEASON TOP 10
1. University: The Trojans will be loaded yet again, returning first-team All-County performers Yuki Asami, Celine Gruaz and Judy Kam in addition to Alyssa Rudin, a second-team selection.
2. Corona del Mar: While the loss of Kenzie Purcifull and Kimmia Naaseh will sting, the Sea Kings boast a talented core that features Siena Sharf and Jasie Dunk, second-team All-County in 2013.
3. Los Alamitos: Senior Jennifer Lu is a four-star recruit and returns as one of the county’s top singles players. Add super sophomore Erika Cheng into the mix, and the Griffins figure to be Sunset League favorites again this year.
4. Dana Hills: The Dolphins lost some key players, they showed depth while advancing to the CIF quarterfinals last year.
5. Santa Margarita: Katie Chang dazzled as a freshman, and she returns as one of the Trinity League’s top players. She’ll try to lead the Eagles to another 8-0 showing in league this season.
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6. JSerra: Jadie Acidera quickly established herself as one of the top singles players in the county as a freshman. If she can impress again, JSerra will compete for the top spot in the Trinity League.
7. Tesoro: Third-team All-County performers Kaitlyn Nguyen and Justine Huang will give the Titans a nice 1-2 punch to compete with Dana Hills for South Coast League supremacy. Tesoro already owns a nonleague win over Northwood.
8. Northwood: Like Corona del Mar, the Timberwolves went 8-2 in the stacked Pacific Coast League a season ago. Sophomore Kerisa Lin is one of the brightest young players in the PCL.
9. Laguna Beach: The Breakers return the Orange Coast League’s MVP in Kira Hamilton, the league’s singles runner-up in Ashley Shelton and a reigning doubles champ in Madeline Loomis. Add talented senior Summer Dvorak into the mix, and you have a squad that looks destined to go 10-0 again in league.
10. Villa Park: While Rachel Kim is the favorite to win her fourth consecutive league singles title, Clarisa Colling gives the Spartans a lineup that could dethrone Canyon atop the standings.
Contact the writer: kconnolly@ocregister.com
