Servite

Coach: Curtis Marcell (first year).

1996: 15-2, 6-0 in the Golden West League; finished second in the team regional and ninth at the Southern Section Championship.

Key returners: Adam Ainbinder, first-team all-county, Sr.; Chris Arns, Jr.; Case Barnett, Sr.; Will Luciano, Jr.; Dave Lauder, Jr.

Key newcomers: J.D. Blashaw, Sr.; Matt Clark, Jr.; Robby Curry, Jr.; Ed Garabedian, Sr.; Jim Henderson, Sr.; John Lantz, So.; Jason Laurence, Sr.; Jed Leano, Sr.; Justin Ragognetti, So.; Matt White, Sr.

Outlook: Marcell, a computer and match teacher at Servite and junior varsity coach for three seasons, takes over for Jamie McCance and inherits another strong team. Ainbinder, a strong junior player who has signed with California, is among the county’s best. “He serious about his game and really wants a CIF championship this year, if not team then as an individual,” Marcell said. The Friars have four other starters back. Luciano and Lauder are playing to scratch handicaps, Marcell said, and Barnett and Arns are typically only a few shots back. They should win the league easily, and have the potential to challenge Santa Margarita and Sunny Hills for county supremacy.