Huntington Beach

Coach: Rocky Ciarelli (13th year).

1996: 20-2 overall, 9-1 in Sunset League; tied Esperanza for the league title and advanced to the Southern Section semifinals, where it lost to Capistrano Valley.

Key returners: Lyle Carlson, 6-3, middle blocker, Sr.; Scott Cincotta, 5-10, outside hitter, Sr.; Brian Davis, 6-2, middle blocker, Sr.; Mike Fischer, 6-1, outside hitter, Sr.; Dennis Masuda, 5-10, setter, Sr.; Dave McKienzie, 6-3, opposite, Sr.; Mike Roulette, 6-0, outside hitter, Sr.

Key newcomers: Calebe Guimaraes, 6-3, outside hitter, Sr.; Josh Hickman, 6-1, outside hitter, Sr.; Steve Mackey, 6-3, middle blocker, Sr.; Brian Markham, 6-0, setter, Jr.

Outlook: The Oilers lost league most valuable player Evan Hook, an outside hitter, and first-team all-league selection Greg Markham, a setter, to graduation, but they should be able to fill in those blanks. Guimaraes sat out last season after transferring to Huntington Beach from Rio de Janeiro. Masuda is ready to take over the setting duties after getting plenty of playing time last season behind Markham. The Oilers should challenge Esperanza for the league title.