Gabilan Division projected softball finishes

1. San Benito: State ranked and owners of eight consecutive CCS Division I titles, the Balers are one off the CCS record of nine straight titles held by Notre Dame. Enough said.
2. Notre Dame: If hurler Elizabeth Ray's back holds up in the circle, the defending CCS Division III champs are primed for a run at a record 14th section softball title.
3. Gilroy: A brutal preseason will only enhance the Mustangs chances of repeating as CCS Division II champions.
4. Salinas: Four freshmen are helping retool a program that has been to the Division I semifinals the last two years. This is still a playoff team that will be a factor in the second half.
5. Christopher: If you're looking for a darkhorse, the core is back for a team that is 5-1 in non-league play -- scoring 44 runs in their last three games.
6. North Salinas: Getting two starters back after an extended basketball season in time for league play is like an early Christmas gift for new coach Ashlee Trotter.
7. Seaside: I'm not sure Seaside was prepared to make the jump to the Gabilan Division after one title in the Pacific Division. This is a young team with eight freshmen on the roster. Yikes.

 Players to watch: Aireal Sakasagawa, Notre Dame; Elizabeth Ray, Notre Dame; Corina Salinas, Salinas; Nikki Mendoza, Salinas; Lauren Castro, Gilroy; Amber Gamboa, Gilroy; Adriana Ibarra, San Benito; Shayla Castaneda, North Salinas; Jordyn Enos, North Salinas; Karli Martinez, Christopher; Brittany Souza, Christopher; Malia Usrey, Seaside.