AREA VOLLEYBALL BEAT: AREA COACHES ARE CONFIDENT.

Byline: Lee Barnathan Daily News Staff Writer

If nothing else, the Foothill League girls' volleyball coaches are confident.

Before Tuesday's first league games began, the four Santa Clarita coaches were asked who they thought would win the league. All chose themselves.

It should be noted that Burroughs and Burbank weren't included because no one thought those schools could finish in the top four.

After one match, it's difficult to know what to make of things. Hart (6-3), which edged Saugus (2-3) for first in the poll, lost to Valencia, which edged Canyon (3-2) for third place. Canyon and Saugus beat the Burbank schools, but Canyon needed five games to take care of Burroughs. Canyon coach Dean Conk said his team is talented but needs time to jell.

Perhaps Saugus coach Bobbie Estes has the best take on the league race: ``It will come down to confidence, not actual talent. Eighty percent of volleyball is in your head.''

Chalk one up for Valencia then. The Vikings won the first two games over Hart, dropped the next two and won the fifth 15-13.

All-league: The coaches also were asked to pick a preseason all-league team. Each coach selected at least one player from their team no other coach named. Again, Burroughs and Burbank were excluded because no one knew enough players' names.

Only two players were unanimous picks, while two others received three votes and two others were picked by two coaches. Since no one else received more than one vote, those six comprise the preseason all-league team.

The players, alphabetically:

Jamie Arnold, Canyon: One player to receive four votes. The 5-11 outside hitter wasn't even her team's kill leader in Tuesday's win over Burroughs, but everyone is aware of her, including Highland coach Mike Bird, who said Arnold is Canyon's one good player.

``She has so much experience, such a drive and determination,'' Conk said. ``Even Mike Bird said Jamie's a stud.''

``You know how in baseball, you have five-star players?'' said Valencia coach Ray Sanchez, who coached Arnold two summers ago before Conk took over. ``Jamie would be the equivalent: pass, defense, sets, hits, blocks. She does it all.''

Jamie Bolt, Saugus: The other player to receive four votes. Apparently, the coaches agree with Estes, who says, ``I still think I have the best setter.''

Sanchez agrees: ``If I could pick one setter, it's her.''

Gina Casillas, Hart: She doesn't have two fully developed hands, but it doesn't stop this 6-0 junior middle blocker, who earned three votes.

Her coach, Tiffany Coe, admires Casillas' desire to improve. Conk said without Casillas, the Indians aren't as good.

Heather Cessna, Saugus: The Centurions could use the 6-0 senior middle blocker's abilities, except she's hurt, which is why Estes didn't select her. But Conk is partial to her because he coaches her in Santa Clarita Athletic Club. Sanchez also thinks Cessna is a threat.

Sara Foster, Valencia: Sanchez insists this 5-11 junior is the league's best middle blocker. Other than Coe, who has Casillas, few would argue. That includes Bird, who watched as the Vikings beat Highland in the Whittier tournament. The team finished fourth, and Foster earned all-tournament honors.

``If you're looking at a purely athletic standpoint, quickness, agility, jumping ability, Sara's got it,'' Sanchez said.

Conk puts Foster on par with Arnold and Casillas. Coe said every time she hears about Valencia, she hears about Foster.

Marcy Hollis, Hart: Coe likes her opposite hitter's natural ability and defensive skills, but it's her inspirational on-court leadership that pleases the coach the most. Sanchez also picked her.

Six other players were chosen by one coach, making them the second team. Except where noted, they were picked by their own coach.

They are: Jessica Burns, Saugus; Julianna Diaz, Canyon; Jennifer Edwards, Valencia; Christina Luce, Hart (chosen by Estes); Nicole Stuka, Hart; Amy Warne, Saugus.

COACHES' POLL

How the Foothill League will finish, as picked by the four Santa Clarita coaches (first-place votes in parentheses):

1. Hart (1) 12-1/2

2. Saugus (1) 10-1/2

3. Valencia (1) 9

4. Canyon (1) 8

Note: Four points for first place down to one for fourth place. One coach picked a second-place tie between Hart and Saugus.

CAPTION(S):

Photo, Box

PHOTO Most observers believe Sara Foster, a 5-foot-11 junior, is the best middle blocker in the Foothill League.

Myung J. Chun/Daily News

BOX: COACHES` POLL (see text)