A number of teams could win Ocean title

"El Camino had a murderers' row of hitters," said Sequoia coach Scott Reynick. "The last two years you've seen other teams jump up into the mix. It's a five, six team race now. It makes it a little more exciting."

The following is a look at the local teams and their chances for success this year. Non-league records are in parentheses. The San Mateo coach could not be reached for this preview.

Sequoia (1-6)

The Cherokees came agonizingly close to qualifying for the CCS playoffs last season. They finished a game behind first-place El Camino and just missed out on the division's automatic bid.

As a result, coach Scott Reynick's pre-season schedule was built with toughening up the team in mind. Sequoia has won only one game in non-league play but the Cherokees faced some tough competition in tournaments such as the Twin Creeks tournament in Sunnyvale.

"We were probably the only 'C' league team (in these tournaments)," said Reynick, who figured out last year the only way to qualify for the playoffs is to win the Ocean Division.

"In a 'C' league, you're not going to get an at-large berth," Reynick said.

The Cherokees return five starters, including two pitchers that combined to pitch all their games last season. Jackie Leannah, a junior, and sophomore Kassi Hoelper are very similar, Reynick said. They both rely on their location to keep hitters off the basepaths.

"I think we really have two aces," Reynick said.

Expect to see Hoelper to start a majority of games. With only 12 players on the roster, Leannah's flexibility will come in handy at third base. She's also the team's leadoff hitter.

"Kassi doesn't play another position," Reynick said. "So [who starts] will all depend on who we're playing."

Handling the catching duties is senior Ducky Chisum, who is moving from the outfield. It will be the first time Chisum has been behind the plate.

"It's a completely new position for her," Reynick said. "She's doing really well for someone doing it for the first time."

Junior Kelly Baker returns for her second season at shortstop and gives the Cherokees some leadership on the infield.

A key newcomer to watch is freshman first baseman and cleanup hitter Alyssa Pignati who Reynick expects big things from.

"She has a pretty big bat," Reynick said. "She's not afraid of the ball."

Woodside (0-3)

With a new coach and a few new starters, the Wildcats are probably a year away from challenging for a title, coach Mike King said.

"I think next year's team will do real well," he said. "I think we'll end up in the middle of the pack (this season)."

But with six returning starters, plus an influx of new talent, don't be surprised to see the Wildcats challenge for a championship this season.

Senior shortstop Stephanie Swenson is one of the top shortstops in the league and has the ability to vacuum up anything hit her way. She's joined by Kristen Julian in left field. Both will provide senior leadership for a young team.

Two players who excelled at the frosh-soph level last season are making their first appearance with the varsity team, junior Heather King and Cassandra Housholder. King has big shoes to fill in the pitcher's circle, taking over for last season's freshman sensation Angie Pomi, who decided to play golf this season.

But King has the credentials. She was the league's frosh-soph Most Valuable Player last season. Coach King, who is Heather's father, is holding her back until the start of league play.

"She didn't pitch in any of our [non-league] games," King said. Heather King will also play third and second base when not pitching.

Coach King is also working with sophomore Molly Ranes, trying to turn her into a pitcher when she's not playing first base.

"You need two pitchers," coach King said. "[Ranes] has never pitched before. We'll just keep working with her throughout the year."

King is really excited about freshman second baseman Monica Boardman, who blew him away in tryouts. He's already put in the No. 3 slot in the batting order.

"She's very good," King said. "She's not intimidated (by playing varsity).

"You can wrap a team around this girl."