AVC NOTEBOOK: AVC SOFTBALL FACES CHALLENGE AFTER RECENT SLUMP.

Byline: Sean Ceglinsky Staff Writer

The Antelope Valley College softball team is attempting to regroup this weekend after losing three of its last five games to follow a seven- game winning streak.

``You have good times and bad times and we haven't had many good times lately,'' assistant coach Elliot Siler said.

Before the recent slump, AVC (16-7-1) had lost just four games all season. And if not for Saturday's 3-3 tie with Riverside, the Marauders would have lost two in a row for the first time this year.

``Confidence takes a long time to build and sometimes just a second to weaken,'' Siler said. ``It's time for us to wake up? Absolutely. ... I believe every team has to hit rock bottom and this is it for us. I'm anxious to see how we'll respond.''

The Marauders' first opportunity is today. The defending conference champions travel to Victor Valley, followed by four more league games over the next week.

AVC has been impressive in conference play, winning seven of eight games and outscoring opponents 74-21. Those statistics don't bode well for Victor Valley, nor does the fact it will face pitcher Marciea Ball. The Lancaster High graduate is 4-1 in conference with a 2.29 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 33 innings.

--Leading by example: Outfielder Katy Gonzalez is the Marauders' unquestioned leader. The sophomore from Highland High leads the team in at-bats (88), hits (39), home runs (3), runs (31) and stolen bases (31).

Her success can be attributed to a solid work ethic. The team was given the day off Monday, but Gonzalez chose to lead a group of five players in extra batting practice.

``Katy is our team leader and the extra work she does makes her a legitimate (Division I) prospect,'' Siler said.

Cal State Northridge, San Jose State and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo have expressed interest in Gonzalez, who earned first team all-conference honors last season.

``She's our emotional anchor, the girls look to her for strength and she gives it to them,'' Siler added.

--Grass is Green-er: After an eight-year hiatus, the women's tennis team has made a successful return to Foothill Conference play. Before Tuesday's late conference game against visiting Desert, the Marauders were 6-5 in conference and 8-5 overall.

The team is composed of eight freshman - La-Nay Batchelor, Alexia Comstock, Kim Manning, Shannon Murray, Monica Petit, Jamie Walker, Dionne Werthmann and Velsie Wilson - all of whom attended area high schools.

``As a first-year team, I was hoping to be somewhat competitive,'' said coach Barry Green, who served as an assistant at AVC in 1993. ``Some schools have been surprised at our caliber of play. I've had several good compliments from other coaches and that's rewarding.

``We didn't know what to expect this season. But we've had outstanding support. The administration and the athletic department have given us backing. It's been very important as we try to rebuild this program.''

Werthmann (Lancaster) and Wilson (Quartz Hill) are Nos. 1 and 2, respectively, in singles and also partner to form the Marauders' No. 1 doubles team. They figure to be the Marauders' best shot to make the Southern California Regional Tournament that begins May 3.