The Times’ top 25 softball rankings

1. Etiwanda (29-2, SS-Div. II) The defending Southern Section Division II champions return a strong offense and defense, have hitters up and down the lineup and excellent pitchers in Natalee Pulver and Melissa Taukeiaho.

2. Vista Murrieta (27-5, SS-Div. II) With Taylor and Tatum Edwards, the Broncos will be very strong this season.

3. Anaheim Canyon (24-8, SS-Div. I) The Comanches return all but two players, including ace pitcher Cheyanne Tarango.

4. El Modena (22-10, SS-Div. I) The Vanguards are a good nine-person team with an excellent pitcher in junior Haylie Wagner.

5. Riverside Poly (24-9, SS-Div. I) Pitcher Desiree Ybarra could lead her team to a Big VIII League title because Norco and Corona Santiago graduated their star pitchers.

6. Valencia (25-7, SS-Div. I) The Vikings return all but one player and have six seniors who have earned Division I scholarships.

7. Ayala (23-10, SS-Div. III) The Bulldogs could make some noise with seven seniors, including UCLA-bound pitcher Jessica Hall,

8. Foothill (19-8-1, SS-Div. I) The Knights return 12 players and will most likely claim the Sea View League title again and go deep into the playoffs.

9. Norco (32-2, SS-Div. I) The Southern Section Division I champions have graduated the Gerhart triplets, but return Nicole Sappingfield, Emily Lockman and four other talented players.

10.Mater Dei (20-5-1, SS-Div. I) The Monarchs have a very deep, talented team despite the tragic loss of superstar pitcher Brianne Matthews.

11.Edison (21-6, SS-Div. I) The Chargers have talented hitters and good pitchers in Allyson Hecht and Samantha Cordova.

12.Garden Grove Pacifica (21-11, SS-Div. I) Coach Mark Campbell will take this defensively solid team far.

13. Los Osos (20-10, SS-Div. II) The Grizzlies return a lot of their players after making it to the Southern Section Division II semifinals last season.

14. San Pedro (28-4, City Section) The Pirates are looking to win their fifth consecutive City Section title with pitcher Kailee Cuico on the mound.

15. Trabuco Hills (19-9-1, SS-Div. I) The Mustangs return all but two players after tying for second place in the Sea View League.

16. Los Alamitos (23-9, SS-Div. I) The Griffins have sound pitching and excellent defense, and will be very successful if their offense is strong.

17. Corona Santiago (27-5, SS-Div. I) Even without pitcher Kamerin May, the Sharks could be a threat in the Big VIII League.

18. Upland (20-7, SS-Div. II) The Highlanders are a strong team with a sound pitcher in Whitney Jones.

19. Marina (22-6, SS-Div. I) The Vikings graduated a lot of talent, but could still be competitive with pitchers Jamie Sullivan and Kristen Struett.

20. Crescenta Valley (26-2, SS-Div. III) The Falcons should have a near perfect record until they are tested in the playoffs.

21. Orange Lutheran (19-12, SS-Div. I) The Lancers are very balanced, have good speed and return most of their players, including three Division I commits.

22. Laguna Hills (21-7-2, SS-Div. II) With seven returners and good hitting, the Hawks could go very far if their pitching is sound.

23. Aliso Niguel (16-10-1, SS-Div. III) The Wolverines have an ace pitcher in Mandy Gardner but lost excellent coach Joe Miller.

25. El Toro (16-16, SS-Div. I) With power-hitter Lauren Chamberlain, the Chargers shouldn’t be underestimated.