Corona del Mar not alone at elite level

Corona del Mar's girls water polo team boasts eight collegiate prospects, including a U.S. junior team goalie.

But The Register's preseason No.1-ranked squad isn't an overwhelming favorite to capture its first CIF-SS Division I title.

With the reconfiguration of the Southern Section's playoff divisions, Corona del Mar will be challenged by rising power Dos Pueblos of Goleta among others. Last season, Dos Pueblos and standout Kiley Neushul captured the Division II crown.

Other leading contenders include traditional Division I powers Newport Harbor and Foothill, and emerging Los Alamitos.

"It's going to be pretty tough," Corona del Mar coach Aaron Chaney of Division I. "I think it's going to be like the boys season - anyone can win it."

Corona del Mar returns five of seven starters, led by first-team All-County goalie Kate Baldoni, who signed with Stanford.

Chaney said his squad also took advantage of another new wrinkle to the season: the elimination of the association rule.

The coach said Corona del Mar and Back Bay rival Newport Harbor scrimmaged "four or five" times. Corona del Mar also participated in and captured the Evan Cousineau Cup last month. In the semifinals, Corona del Mar defeated club team SET, 4-3.

"I like my team," Chaney said.

Corona del Mar will be tested in its season opener Friday. Corona del Mar plays at Dos Pueblos. Like Corona del Mar, Dos Pueblos returns five starters. The Chargers also have a newcomer to watch in freshman Kodi Hill, sister of standout goalie Sami Hill.

In other changes to the playoff divisions, Division I powerhouse Montebello now resides in Division II with Laguna Beach among others.

The Freeway League, which sent Sonora and La Habra to the Division VI finals last season, is now in Division V. The Freeway League again appears to be strong.

The Garden Grove League is the county's only league in Division VII, a new playoff grouping. Garden Grove has captured six consecutive league crowns but could be challenged by Bolsa Grande.

MORE CHANGES

Foothill senior Katie Groff has moved from the field to goalie, Knights coach Dave Mikesell said. Groff started her playing career as a goalie, Mikesell said. … Estancia standout Haley Kunert, who scored 50 goals last season as a freshman, has transferred to Edison. The Chargers also have a talented freshman in Alys Williams. … Los Alamitos senior April Lembi is pursuing triathlon and is not playing this season, Griffins coach Dave Carlson said.

Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com