CLU BEAT: LAKOSE SAYS PRIORITY IS BUILDING FOR FUTURE.

Byline: Jim Inghram Daily News Staff Writer

The season ended just a month ago, but already plans are being made and implemented for the 1999-2000 season by Cal Lutheran women's basketball coach Tim LaKose and his staff.

Recruiting is the No. 1 priority even though the team will return four starters and five of its top six scorers.

``You also have to be looking to the future,'' said LaKose. ``We are optimistic about our chances of getting some great players. We know we are No. 1 (with) most players we are looking at. . . .''

The Division III level is different from the Division I and II levels. The school cannot offer academic scholarships, thus players do not sign letters of intent.

The school and coaches don't know someone will be coming to their school, for sure, until the athlete puts a deposit in on tuition. Even then the prospect can change her mind.

``It's always an anxious time,'' LaKose said, ``until you close the deal.''

Even if LaKose failed to land one recruit, the Regals will be solid next season with Nicole Sanchez, Katie Placido, Monica Flores and Haley Jones returning to the starting lineup.

Kate Carpenter, who was first off the bench, should probably move into a starting role at the post position.

``It's a way away,'' LaKose said, ``but we're excited.''

An arduous schedule is already in place. LaKose hopes it will have his team tested when the 2000 NCAA Tournament rolls around.

The team is in the Division II Chico State Tournament to open the season and will play in the Desert Classic in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Tournament will have the top teams in Division III from around the nation playing, including, Wisconsin-Oshkosh and Simpson of Iowa.

The Regals, who have a 20-game home-court winning streak, will open the home part of their schedule with Division I school Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Daily record: Amanda Daily broke her own school record in the discus throw Monday against Pomona-Pitzer, Redlands and La Verne.

She eclipsed her old record of 126-8 by nine feet and two inches with a throw of 135-10.

Softball numbers:Kathy Proffitt with a record of 4-3 has been the Regals' most reliable pitcher in 1999. She has an earned run average 1.26 has seven complete games and three shutouts. Opponents are batting under .230 against her. Melissa Eichenberger has been just as steady. She is 1-1 with a 1.75 ERA and one complete game.

Julie DiFatta (15-29), .517 and Mandy Comer (14-35), .400 lead the team in average.

Julie Gerughty leads in home runs (2) and RBI (8). Stephabie Cain has scored nine runs and Yvette McNally has 14 stolen bases and is second in runs with eight.

The team 6-8 overall after splitting its two games in the Sun West Classic last weekend. Two games were canceled because of rain. The Regals are 3-3 in the SCIAC.

Baseball: After suffering through a mini slump of two games, the baseball team has won three consecutive games. All three were in the California Invitational Tournament at La Verne during the weekend where the team finished in ninth place.

Golf: A third place finish with a 613 at Wood Ranch GC in the Kingsmen Invitational Monday followed consecutive dual-match victories over Redlands 296-306 and Whittier 318-373 for the Kingsmen.

The Kingsmen are 4-2 overall and 4-1 in SCIAC duals.