South Coast, Sunset to Begin League Play

There are several big league games in the South Coast and Sunset scheduled for today at 3 p.m. when league play begins.

In the South Coast League, third-ranked Mission Viejo (11-2-2) plays at fourth-ranked Mater Dei (9-2) and second-ranked Capistrano Valley (10-2-2) hosts sixth-ranked Dana Hills (8-3). Mater Dei is the defending league champion and Mission Viejo advanced to the Southern Section Division I final last season.

In the Sunset League, fifth-ranked Esperanza (10-3-3) will play seventh-ranked Los Alamitos (10-3-2). The Griffins, who tied Mission Viejo in the Southern Section final last season, are the defending league champions and the Aztecs finished in fourth place in league last season. But the Aztecs are expected to make a run at the title this season after advancing to the final of the Excalibur tournament Jan. 3.