THE TOP 10

The Times’ Orange County Preseason Rankings

1. Fountain Valley

Experience, excellent offense can ably support one of the county’s best pitchers, Natalie King.

2. Mater Dei

Pitcher Marissa Young may be gone, but Tia Bollinger remains the same--or better.

3. Foothill

The excellent Fossatti-Bendig rotation should again prosper behind one of the quickest lineups around.

4. Pacifica

Three-time section champion has many new faces, but is likely to have the same old results.

5. Kennedy

A tad young, but should compete among the elite provided Michelle Turner holds up.

6. Marina

It’s the same old story--Vikings don’t look like much until they beat you.

7. Los Alamitos

Kristin Farber and Phelan Wright can manufacture runs, but pitching will be critical.

8. Rosary

The Royals have power and most speed ever, and should benefit from more mature pitching staff.

9. Woodbridge

Several steady performers return, but pitching is key to a 17th consecutive league title.

10. Laguna Hills

Center fielder Leslie Simien, the human run machine, leads off any discussion of the Hawks.