1993 PREP PREVIEW: BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL : TEAMS TO WATCH : Capistrano Valley

Coach: Ken Goldstone (sixth year)

1992: 17-3, 9-1 in South Coast League; reached Southern Section 4-A quarterfinals, losing to Newport Harbor; tied with Irvine for South Coast League title.

Key returners: Steve Airey, Sr., 6-0, outside hitter; Evan Alexander, Sr., 6-3, outside hitter; Mike Dalton, Sr., 6-2, middle blocker; Aaron Garcia, Sr., 6-3, outside hitter; Bryan Mayes, Sr., 6-1, outside hitter-middle blocker; Eric McKelvie, Sr., 6-0, setter; Eric Seiffert, Sr., 6-6, middle blocker, Steve Thornton, Sr., 6-4, outside hitter-middle blocker.

Key newcomers: Jeff Culver, Jr., 6-0, setter; Gus Culver, Sr., 6-0, back row specialist; Jeremy James, Sr., 6-1, outside hitter; Cooper Owens, Jr., outside hitter; Eric Weuve, Sr., 6-0, outside hitter.

Outlook: The county’s top-ranked team returns eight players, including starters Alexander, Garcia, McKelvie, Seiffert and Thornton. The Cougars won’t be playing in the Orange County championships March 12-13 but have scheduled non-league matches against second-ranked Esperanza and fifth-ranked Irvine.