GIRLS’ TRACK AND FIELD 1995: PREVIEW : SIX TEAMS TO WATCH : Mission Viejo

Coach: Fred Almond (15th year).

1994: South Coast League champion and third at county championships.

Key returners: Taryn D’Agostino, 800, So.; Nikki DeLange, 100 LH, 300 IH, TJ, 200, Jr.; Erica Dickson, LJ, TJ, 100, Jr.; Marlena Godbolt, SP, DT, Jr.; Tammi Hygham, HJ, LJ, TJ, So.; Beth Merkle, 300 IH, 400, LJ, Sr.; Stephanie Moses, SP, DT, Jr.; Kelly Phillips, 100, 200, Sr.

Key newcomers: Ashley Bethel, LJ, 100 LH, HJ, Fr.; Latasha Dicus, HJ, 100 LH, 100, 200, Fr.; Margaret Enoch, 800, 1,600, So.

Outlook: The Diablos look to move up from a third-place finish at last season’s county championships. Almond’s team won its 15th consecutive league title, and the future looks even brighter. Merkle has long been the Diablos’ workhorse, but she will get immediate help from freshmen Bethel and Dicus. Bethel is one of the nation’s finest heptathletes and will make a huge splash on the local and state scene in her first season. Dicus will give the Diablos a legitimate high jumper; Phillips again will handle the sprints.