SAUGUS HIGH GOLF: ADD VALENCIA INTO MIX HART, SAUGUS NOT ONLY CONTENDERS IN FOOTHILL GOLF RACE.

Byline: Dave Shelburne Staff Writer

Two-time defending champion Saugus High has a considerable advantage in front-end strength with state junior champion Melanie De Leon and U.S. Women's National Public Links finalist Stephanie Aston back for their senior years.

Hart, which won three titles in a row before the Saugus surge, has depth throughout its lineup and a literally brilliant player leading the way in senior Keshia Perris, who is not only a returning Southern Section finalist but also a Junior Philharmonic violinist who exceeds a 4.0 GPA while taking five advanced-placement classes.

But those two schools, which have ruled Santa Clarita Valley girls golf since the sport became a Southern Section-sanctioned event five years ago, might be welcoming another area school into their exclusive Foothill League champions club this season.

Valencia, realistically a year away from solid league favoritism, might have enough talent to take the title a season ahead of schedule in what is expected to be the most balanced and competitive Foothill race to date.

``We've got five returning starters, and our top two players are ambitious to play at the college level,'' said Valencia coach Andy Raevouri, whose Vikings set two school course records during a 22-12 league runner-up season last year.

Juniors Stevy Loy and Michelle Mannix lead a Valencia team that also has a solid No. 3 in sophomore Tracy White, who has improved dramatically over the past year.

Kristin Tayo and Andrea Ferris also return after starting as freshmen on the 2003 Vikings, who set school records with team totals of 207 at Vista Valencia and 201 at El Cariso.

Freshmen Jenny Kim and Jasnin Samson also have impressed Raevouri in tryouts, which will conclude this week.

``It's pretty exciting,'' Raevouri said. ``We're young and next year probably will be our best year, but we'll be competitive this year.''

So will Hart and Saugus in what might come down to a three-way showdown for the team honors when the league team and individual titles are determined Nov. 2-3 at Woodley Lakes.

Saugus not only has the league's top 1-2 combination in two-time league MVP De Leon and 2002 league champion Aston, but also enough supporting strength to contend for a share of Hart's record of three consecutive team titles.

Coach John Molocek's Centurions, who have gone a combined 67-0 in two consecutive undefeated regular seasons, add a solid new player in sophomore Alyssa Wohlfeiler, a longtime junior hockey standout, and welcome back junior Kim Haueter, who did not play last season but started as a freshmen.

Returnees Adrienne Miner, Ashley Gonzales and Wynn Shatkus also will contribute on a team Molocek believes has potential to wage a strong title defense.

``No. 1 through 4, we're going to be strong,'' he said, and that could be strong enough to let his 5-6 players develop, since De Leon and Aston both have the ability to shoot around par.

``I think on the courses we play, Mel should be below par, and I don't expect her to be over par at all,'' Molocek said. ``Stephanie isn't as consistent, but she has moments when she can tear up a course.''

Hart, which also has a strong 1-2 front with Perris and junior Eleanna Tan - who both average about 4 over par - includes juniors Ashley Redmond and Tessa Hart and senior Christian Sandnes in a top five that coach Rene Onori thinks can challenge for the school's fourth title.

``We've got solid players who can be consistent anywhere,'' she said. ``Our team plays consistent golf, and I'm not concerned about where we play.''

Dave Shelburne, [phone]

dave.shelburne(at)dailynews.com

FOOTHILL LEAGUE GOLF

Players to watch: Melanie De Leon, senior, Saugus; Stephanie Aston, senior, Saugus; Stevy Loy, junior, Valencia; Michelle Mannix, Valencia, junior; Keshia Perris, Hart, senior; Eleanna Tan, Hart, senior.

Key matches: Saugus vs. Valencia, Sept. 16, Elkins Ranch; Hart vs. Agoura, Sept. 20, Knollwood Country Club; Hart vs. Saugus, Sept. 23, Valencia Country Club; Valencia vs. Granada Hills, Oct. 28 at Knollwood Country Club; Foothill League team and individual finals, Nov. 2-3 at Woodley Lakes.

Did you know? Melanie De Leon of Saugus won the state girls junior championship this summer, and teammate Stephanie Aston qualified for the Women's U.S. Amateur Public Links championship.

Key number: Three - Hart won that many consecutive Foothill League titles before Saugus won the past two.

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

Junior Stevy Loy leads a Valencia girls golf team that figures to be a major player in the Foothill League race.

David Sprague/Staff Photographer

Box:

FOOTHILL LEAGUE GOLF (see text)