In projected order of finish

Avocado League

1. La Costa Canyon

Coach: Pat McDougall

Last year: 37-1 overall, 10-0 first in league

At a glance: Three starters graduated from last year's CIF State Division I champions ---- Katie Fuller (USC), Lydia Rudnick (Princeton) and Nikki Chu (Princeton softball). The Mavericks are aiming for a sixth consecutive CIF San Diego Section Division I crown with first-team All-CIF setter and Palomar League player of the year Kendall Polan (5-10) and second-team all-league OH Natalie Hagglund (5-9) leading the way. Natalie Loos, a 6-1 senior middle blocker, will miss the season after tearing her ACL. OH Hannah Townsend (5-9) is back, along with junior OH Megan Groess (5-11) and junior OH Maddie Rudnick. Taking over the middle blocker duties will be senior Kaitlyn Ziegler (5-11), sophomore Natalie Bausback (6-2) and sophomore Lisa Kramer (6-2).

2. Torrey Pines

Coach: Jim Harrah

Last year: 21-10 overall, 8-2 second in league

At a glance: The Falcons have not forgotten losing the CIF San Diego Section Division I title match to rival La Costa Canyon after winning the first two games. Four starters are back from that team, including senior S Jenny Woolway (5-10). Committed to UC Davis, the second-team All-CIF performer is joined by senior MB-OH Katie Dutchman (6-0), a second-team all-leaguer, senior OPP Alyse Hensley (6-2) and junior MB Alexa Armstrong (5-10). There are 10 new players this season, giving the Falcons a roster of 18 players.

3. Escondido

Coach: Lori Becker

Last year: 13-15 overall, 2-8 fifth in league

At a glance: Becker has never fielded a team so shy of experience. OH Kaeli Plaks (5-7), OPP Emily Eastman (5-10) and BR Mary Williams (5-3) are all seniors and returning starters, but the other 10 Cougars are new to varsity. Junior S Kelli Day (5-11) at least knows most of the players from last season. Sophomore MB Katie Sylakowski (6-0), junior MB Madison Clark (5-9), junior OH Hannah Rey (5-8), junior OPP Karra Day (5-11) and junior BR Kylie Hayes (5-6) are the core of this year's starting lineup.

4. San Pasqual

Coach: Caroline Monahan

Last year: 12-16 overall, 2-8 fifth in league

At a glance: The Eagles are switching from a 5-1 attack to a 6-2 under Monahan, who took over the program this fall. She has plenty to work with in returning starters senior MB Claire Carpenter (5-11), junior OH Jaci Schork (5-9), junior OH Courtney Lyon (5-9), junior S Lexi Wilhelm (5-11) and junior OPP Mariah Degussme (5-10). L Chiara Costanza (5-8), junior BR Ali Bonar (5-6) and sophomore MB Jazzy Rivera (5-10) should see lots of playing time.

5. Fallbrook

Coach: Peter Peng

Last year: 20-14 overall, 4-6 third in league

At a glance: Sha'Dare McNeal (Texas) and Erica Wilson (Arizona State) graduated and are playing in college, so the Warriors have a lot to replace. They have returning starters in senior S Ellyn Grantham (5-10), junior MB Kendall Haldi (6-0), senior MB Leigh Lawrence (5-11) and senior OH Jessica Kohls (5-10). The offense will have to run a lot faster this season with the loss of the power attack.

6. Mission Hills

Coach: Cindy Matthews

Last year: 9-12 overall, 4-6 third in league

At a glance: Matthews sees a brighter future for this team, starting with junior OH Megan Fryday (5-8) as the go-to attacker. Junior MB Kayla Safarik (5-9) and senior S Brooke Bagdasar, an honorable mention all-leaguer in '08, are back to lead the way for newcomers junior OH Jalynn Rupe (5-9), senior OPP Sarah Rupe (5-8), sophomore L Olivia Yvellez (5-5) and junior MB Jacqueline Delauries-Moore (6-0).

Palomar League

1. Poway

Coach: Steve Lamb

Last year: 19-13 overall, 8-2 second in league

At a glance: With league MVP Lauren Plum back, the Titans have a shot at their first league title since 2003. But Plum, a 5-8 senior setter who was a first-team All-CIF performer in 2008, is still recovering from a broken ankle she suffered in June. There are three other returning starters: first-team all-league senior OPP Mariah Horvath (6-0), MB Laura Barker and honorable mention all-league S-OH Marian Counts (5-8). Plum has committed to Oregon and Horvath chose Rutgers. Lamb figures to have freshman L Shabnam Bonyadi (5-4), junior OH Anna Kernus (5-7) and junior OH Courtney Atkinson (5-8) in his starting lineup.

2. Rancho Buena Vista

Coach: Leanne DeBora

Last year: 23-11 overall, 6-4 third in league

At a glance: The Longhorns could contend for a league title for the fist time since 2005 despite being a young team. Three starters are back on the tallest team in recent memory, including first-team All-CIF OH Chloe Buckendahl (6-0). Also back are sophomore OPP-MB Tori McRae (6-1) and junior L Alyssa Nelson (5-8), a pair of honorable mention all-leaguers, and junior S Kayla Abata (5-6). Senior MB Lily Staight (6-0) leads a group of nine newcomers. Senior OH Jenny McRae (5-10), junior OH Kiana Abraham (5-11), junior OH Jordan Fett (5-11) and senior MB Shelby King (5-11) all figure to play quite a bit. Staight and Jenny McRae did not play last season.

3. Carlsbad

Coach: Kristin Tomkinson

Last year: 26-9 overall, 10-0 first in league

At a glance: Not having second-team All-CIF OH Summer Ross, who decided to sit out the season to concentrate on beach volleyball, is a blow to the Lancers, who graduated eight seniors and return just three starters in senior OH-MB Cassie Belk, a second-team all-leaguer, senior MB Kendra Keith (5-10) and senior OPP Emily Krak (5-8). There is more than enough size at the net with junior OPP-OH Danielle Rivers (6-0), senior OPP Kristen Hart (5-11), junior MB Katie Simpson (5-11) and sophomore MB Mackenzie Guerre (6-1). Senior Cheyenne Haggard will be the setter.

4. Vista

Coach: Julie Kaiser

Last year: 4-23 overall, 2-8 fifth in league

At a glance: Kaiser is hopeful the pain of last year will pay dividends this season. Having five starters back ---- only two of them are seniors ---- is a good start, led by honorable mention all-leaguer OH Hannah Nothern (5-8). Junior MB Merry Ackema (6-0), junior S Naomi Tilford (5-11) and sophomore OH Alex Sandejas (5-10) give the Panthers a tall front. Senior BR Roxy Pfaffenberger (5-4) is also back as a starter. Sophomore OH Lily Barrier (5-7) and senior S Ryana King (5-6) will see considerable playing time.

5. Rancho Bernardo

Coach: Jay Van Vark

Last year: 7-18 overall, 4-6 fourth in league

At a glance: Returning starters OPP Rachel Zacchilli and OH Bailey James were both honorable mention all-leaguers last year. S Melissa Billings is another returning starter. Van Vark is counting on L Jenna Hering, OH Kristina Serhan, OH Megan Kempa, S Audrey Van Vark and MB Taylor Gee to return the program to contender status.

6. El Camino

Coach: Mani Santos

Last year: 5-20 overall, 0-10 sixth in league

At a glance: The Wildcats will lean on senior Lito Ululeita (5-5) and Jessica Haebel (5-6) to share the setting duties for senior OPP Amanda Koshley (5-11), OPP Emily Goebel and junior OH Marylu Ortiz (5-11).

Valley League

1. Valley Center

Coach: Nathan Rendon

Last year: 26-11 overall, 11-1 first in league

At a glance: Thanks to a Mt. Carmel loss late in the regular season in '08, the Jaguars claimed the league crown. They return OPP-OH Stephanie Becvar (5-9), OH-OPP Megan Glennie (5-9), junior MB Nikki Paredes (6-0), senior MB Rebecca Stehly (5-9) and junior OH Alexis Comes (5-8). Becvar was the league's MVP, Glennie was a first-team all-leaguer and Paredes and Comes were honorable mention all-leaguers. Junior S Morgan Marcon figures to round out the starting lineup.

2. Mt. Carmel

Coach: Bri Raphael

Last year: 20-9 overall, 10-2 second in league

At a glance: All three returning starters ---- among the 10 returners ---- earned postseason honors. Junior OPP Sierra Moran (5-7) was named second-team all-league. The Sundevils will have more height to utilize this season. Senior OH Carly Voris (6-0) and senior L Sara Shantz (5-9) were both all-league honorable mention. Waiting in the wings are sophomore MB Shelley Wermuth (6-0), sophomore S Carolyn Zin (5-7), senior S Victoria Low, senior OH Maddie Anderson (5-8), junior OH Kelly Rooks (5-10) and senior BR-L Sydney Benson (5-7).

3. Ramona

Coach: Connie Halfaker

Last year: 11-19 overall, 5-7 fourth in league

At a glance: The Bulldogs have plenty of size up front with senior MB Kayla Lawlor (6-0), junior OPP Grace Hollums (5-10) and senior MB Morgan Gross (5-10). Senior S Bailey Kotas (5-9) is back from a torn labrum to guide the offense, which includes senior OH Jaycee Arthur (5-9), an honorable mention all-leaguer, junior L Tori Sheppard (5-3) and junior OH Terra Klem (5-9). Arthur and Lawlor are expected to be the go-to girls up front. If the Bulldogs can solve the question about serve-receive, they may challenge late in the season.

4. Westview

Coach: Nancy Ros

Last year: 21-16 overall, 9-3 third in league

At a glance: The Wolverines boast three returning starters, but the return of senior OH Dana Cotter (5-10) from ACL surgery is the best news. Senior L Lea Leatherman (5-4), sophomore MB Lauren Aikels, an honorable mention all-leaguer, and junior S-BR McKinley Agatha-Mancedo (5-1) all started last year. Junior Taylor Suggs (5-11), senior Nicole Cassedy (5-9), junior S-OPP Karen Gellerman (5-10) and junior OPP Maddi Rasmus (5-11) are slated to be starters this year.

5. San Marcos

Coach: Huy Nguyen

Last year: 8-22 overall, 1-11 seventh in league

At a glance: Despite having just one senior, Nguyen likes the upside of his team that includes nine new players. Senior S Justine Turner (5-6), senior OH Casey Worsham (5-8) and junior L Natalia Ortuno (5-4) started last season and should again, along with sophomore S Devyn Ludwick (5-4), sophomore OPP Alexis Ramirez (5-9) and junior Nikki Rademacher (5-9).

6. Orange Glen

Coach: Elise Hope

Last year: 10-16 overall, 2-10 sixth in league

At a glance: Hope, a first-year coach, has four returning starters in senior S Alina Borja (5-6), sophomore OH Chantelle Truong (5-8), senior MB Alyssa Flores (5-8) and sophomore OH Sami Bernard (5-8). Junior MB Michelle Howe-Kelton (5-8), junior OPP Yolanda Canedo (5-7) and junior L Jane Fontelera (5-4) will gain valuable playing time early.

7. Oceanside

Coach: Kristi Benson

Last year: 13-14 overall, 4-8 fifth in league

At a glance: With three returning starters and nine new players, the Pirates have a rough road ahead. Senior MB Brittney Brown (5-9), senior OPP Brandy Brown (5-7) and senior S Heather Chance (5-7) will lead the way. Senior OH Lauren Godinet (5-6), junior MB Sonas Angell (6-0) and junior BR Olivia Souza (5-2) will also start.

Coastal League North

1. Tri-City Christian

Coach: Kristen Wright

Last year: 23-15 overall, 3-3 second in league

At a glance: The Eagles, who were one point from winning the CIF State Division V title last year, have not forgotten how close they came to claiming that state crown. They have five starters back, led by four-year starter Mira Ramirez, a 5-9 senior outside hitter who earned second-team All-CIF honors. Sophomore OH Joy Reinke (5-10) might be the most improved player in North County, according to Wright. Junior L Marissa Smith (5-6), junior Victoria Rodriguez (5-11) and junior S Emily Stoehr (5-8) are also back after starting in '08. Junior OPP-MB Jessica Chappell (5-10) rounds out the starting lineup with junior OH-BR Natalie Mondle (5-7) and sophomore MB Haley Mohr (6-0) also getting lots of playing time.

2. San Dieguito Academy

Coach Dexter Harvey

Last year: 17-13 overall, 3-3 second in league

At a glance: There is no height problem here. The Mustangs have seven players taller than 5-10 and returning starters in senior OH Jourdyn Aiken (5-9), senior L Anna Kobara (5-5), senior OPP Kathryn Merchat (6-2) and junior OH Kim Rabii (5-7). Junior S Sydney Crowe (5-7) and junior MB Catherine Oswald (6-0) are also starting, with junior MB Alyssa Neal (5-11) and junior MB Jessica Vahalla (6-0) coming in off the bench. Harvey thinks Kobara might be one of the best liberos in the county.

3. Santa Fe Christian

Coach: Gail Malone

Last year: 32-6 overall, 6-0 first in league

At a glance: The defending CIF State Division IV champions must defend that crown without its trademark abundance of height. Only three girls are taller than 5-10 this year. Junior L-OH MacKenzie Gilbert (5-7), senior OH Nicole Wimsatt (5-8), senior S Alexa Long (5-3) and junior MB Annie Francis (5-10), who moved from outside hitter, are returning starters. Sophomore MB Viviyan Zoechling (5-11) has moved into a starting slot with the opposite slot still up for grabs.

4. Calvin Christian

Coach: Doug Van Solkema

Last year: 6-20 overall, 0-6 fourth in league

At a glance: Van Solkema, who has been out of coaching since 1996, returns to the bench with three starters back in senior OH Melissa Brouwer (5-8), senior S Julianna Cooper (5-4) and senior MB Carla Ramelli (6-0). Sophomore Beka Miller (5-9) and sophomore MB-OPP Kara Steenstra have secured starting spots while the final starter is still to be named. Junior OH Brittany Kooistra (5-7) could be that missing starter.

Coastal League South

Canyon Crest

Coach: Ariel Haas

Last year: 21-13 overall, 4-4 fourth in league

At a glance: After its best season since opening, the Ravens return just one starter, although it's a pretty good one in junior MB Samantha Cash (6-3). Four of the early starters were not even on the team in '08. While senior OPP Brooke Munson (5-9), senior L Jennifer Djavaherian (5-3) and junior MB-OPP Carly Gutner-Davis (6-0) have made the jump from the bench to start, sophomore S-OPP Kyana Miller (5-8), freshman OH Delaney Sullivan (5-8) and freshman OH Katie McCallister (5-7) are slated to see a lot of playing time.

Other teams in league: Bishop's, Horizon, La Jolla Country Day, Parker.

Western League

Cathedral Catholic

Coach: Kelly Drobek

Last year: 34-4 overall, 12-0 first in league

At a glance: Most teams graduate quite a bit of talent off a state championship team like the CIF State Division III champion Dons, who graduated section player of the year Lexi Williamson. But they have 10 players taller than 5-10 this season, led by senior OH Kelly Reeves (6-0), who committed to UCLA. Other starters include senior S Rachel Oemcke (5-10), junior OPP Taylor Milton (5-11), sophomore MB Morgan Cormier (6-0), senior L Sam Shafer (5-7) and junior MB Lindsay Elgin (6-4). Drobek figures freshman OH-MB Kristen Witous (6-0) and senior OH Brittany Parnell (5-10) will get into the mix as well.

Other teams in league: Christian, La Jolla, Mira Mesa, Point Loma, Scripps Ranch, University City.

Citrus League West

(In alphabetical order)

Escondido Adventist

Coach: Doug Zimmerman

Last year: 1-19 overall, 0-9 sixth in league

At a glance: Though the Hawks are still young, there is hope for a better season this year. Zimmerman has a handful of returning starters in sophomore MB Kacey Hawkins (5-10), senior OH Alex Ramos (5-7), senior MB Celina Cuevas (6-0), senior S Sarah Peterson (5-8) and junior OH Katelyn Phillips (5-7). Junior BR Karissa Barton (5-6) is the other new starter.

Guajome Park Academy

Coach: Chip Dykes

Last year: 3-8 overall, 3-4 fifth in league

At a glance: The outlook is better for the Frogs, who boast six players who played on a club team during the offseason and four returning starters in senior S Shannon Dykes (5-2), a three-year starter, sophomore S Angela Rhine (5-4), junior MB Kelsey Lara (5-9) and junior MB Nikki Beggs (5-7). Sophomore OH Sachi Pitkin (5-9) and senior L-BR Chelsea Tate (5-0) have captured the other starting slots.

San Pasqual Academy

Coach: Francisco Romero

Last year: 7-6 overall, 4-4 fourth in league

At a glance: The Dragons start out with four returning starters in senior OH Chelsea Murphy (5-6), senior OH Adrianna Ruiz (5-5), senior S Belen Gomez (5-4) and senior MB Derranette White (5-9). Eight new players have made their way onto the roster this year.

Vista Calvary Christian

Coach: Erin Harris

Last year: 13-10 overall, 7-1 second in league

At a glance: The Lions will make a run at the league title thanks to the return of six starters. Senior S Taylor Waters will run the show on a team that includes senior MB Alyx Marasciullo, senior OH Christa Meier, senior Megan Whetsel, senior OPP Yesenia Ramos and junior OH Shannon Hoskins.

Other teams in league: Lutheran, San Diego Jewish Academy.

Frontier League

Escondido Charter

Coach: Joe Milo

Last year: 17-12 overall, 12-0 first in league

At a glance: The White Tigers have five starters back to defend their league title. Junior S-OPP Missy Glassett (5-9), senior MB Sarah Wentworth (5-11), senior OH Ashlin Steele (5-10), senior OPP Caitlyn Brunn (5-5) and senior OH Kelly McNutt (5-6) lead the way, with freshman Taryn Rovell (5-8) joining the starting lineup. Junior L-OH Brynn Rovell will be the first sub off the bench.

Maranatha Christian

Coach: Mark Pittman

Last year: 12-10 overall, 8-4 third in league

At a glance: Pittman noted that all 12 players will play, but he has three returning starters in senior OH Gabby Clark (5-7), junior MB Sarah Knutson (5-9) and senior BR Sarah Estes (5-4). Freshman Jessica Sanchez (5-6) and sophomore Chloe Spinato (5-7) will share the setting duties. Sophomore OH Hailey Harper (5-6) and Clark will stay on the court all the time, while the rest of the team subs out. This is the first year the team has seniors.

St. Joseph's Academy

Coach: Kevin Allen

Last year: 14-5 overall, 8-3 second in league)

At a glance: Heading the five returning starters for the Crusaders, who have no seniors, is league MVP Rachel Robinson, a 5-7 outside hitter. She is joined by junior OH Monique Robinson (5-7), junior S Kaitlyn Heiskell (5-3), junior OH Julie De La Torre (5-7) and junior BR Juliana Maola (5-5).

Pacific Ridge

Coach: Melissa Sullivan

Last year: 6-6 overall, 5-5 fourth in league)

At a glance: The starting lineup has been set since the end of last year. Junior S Kelsey Smith (5-4), junior OPP Sydney Minchin (5-7), junior MB Tyler Smith (5-10), junior OH Alex Cortes (5-5) and sophomore Stephanie Sapp (5-4) have joined by freshman S Richelle Pirajic (5-9). Junior MB Jazzi Merrifield (5-5) is set to come off the bench.

Other teams in league: Chula Vista High Tech High, Preuss, Rock Academy, San Diego High Tech High.

---- Terry Monahan