ESPN RISE

Boys' Tennis - Sacred Heart Prep

Sacred Heart Prep is on quite a run. Over the past four years, it's hard to imagine any program experiencing as much success as the Gators' tennis squad: a cumulative 100-8 record in dual matches, three Central Coast Section championships and two NorCal titles. "We've been fortunate to have a lot of great players come through and play here," says coach Losaline Mafileo. "We just want to keep it going." Coming off a CCS win and the NorCal championship last year, the Gators are positioned to be just as good this season. Leading the way will be sophomore Andrew Malozak, who emerged as the top singles player last year as a freshman. Malozak is capable of stepping into the No. 1 singles spot and giving the Gators a solid performance in every match. He played his best in the postseason a year ago, so don't expect the pressure to affect him. "Andrew showed tremendous poise in a lot of big matches last year," says Mafileo. "He's ready to be one of the leaders of this team." No. 1 doubles figures to be a strength as well, with the senior duo of John Michael Hansen and John Parsons returning. Malozak wasn't the only impact freshman last year, either, as sophomores Mario Paganini and Mark Westerfield will also bolster the team's singles lineup. "We're a little young," says Mafileo, "but that isn't as big of a concern because these players have all played in the playoffs and won championships."

Girls' Track - James Logan

The Colts have some accomplished athletes coming out for the spring track season, and they could help Logan finish near the top of the standings at the sectional meet. Junior sprinter Thandi Stewart, an ESPN RISE All-Area first team selection, excels in the 200 and 400, and junior Erinn Jones finished second in the shot put at the NCS Meet of Champions last year with a distance of 38-5.50. If Stewart and Jones get some support from their young teammates, Logan will be tough to beat.

Baseball - Junipero Serra

The Padres are poised for a big season, led by senior infielder Tony Renda. The Cal recruit batted .486 last year, with seven home runs, 46 RBIs and 19 stolen bases, and he will be counted on to use his speed and power to drive the offensive attack. Senior pitchers Zack Turner and Dan Chavez are ready to step into the rotation full time after showing promise last season. Chavez went 3-0 with a 1.30 ERA as a junior, while Turner posted a 2.30 ERA in 21 innings.

Girls' Swimming - Archbishop Mitty

The Monarchs have their sights set on the Central Coast Section title this season, and the talent is there to make it happen. Mitty will rely on its experienced core of seniors Stephanie Wei and Laurence Delisle and junior Monica Garcia to accumulate most of the points. Wei, a Rice recruit, is the two-time defending CCS champ in the backstroke, and Delisle is headed to UCLA in the fall. Garcia excels in the backstroke and freestyle and is capable of winning events as well.

BREAKOUT TEAMS

BOYS' TRACK  PITTSBURG
Senior Avery Patterson is one of region's top hurdlers.

SOFTBALL  MOREAU CATHOLIC
Keep an eye on senior SS Kayla Griffin and sophomore pitchers Alyssa Castillo and Shelby Long.

BASEBALL  CALIFORNIA
Seniors Kyle Gallegos and Jason Kochan look to lead the young Grizzlies.

GIRLS' TRACK  DEER VALLEY
Juniors Chizoba Okodogbe and Unique Marshall can compete with the best in the state.