CLU NOTEBOOK: FRESHMEN HAVE GIVEN CLU SOCCER NEEDED KICK START.

Byline: Heather Gripp Staff Writer

Alix Rucinski made sure there was at least one constant.

The Cal Lutheran women's soccer team used a variety of players in search for the perfect combination, played at three fields in seven days and experienced different results. One thing the Regals learned in their opening week is they can count on scoring by Rucinski.

The freshman from Camarillo High scored in each of CLU's first three games - including twice in Sunday's 3-0 win against Dominican that improved the Regals' record to 2-1 - and entered Wednesday's contest against Westmont leading the team with four goals.

Midfielder Cathy Turpin and versatile Jessica Adams are other newcomers quickly making a positive impression on coach Dan Kuntz.

``We've got some freshmen that are helping out right away,'' Kuntz said. ``They've fit in well.''

The Regals start conference play Saturday at home against Pomona-Pitzer.

No place like the road: Four of the men's soccer team's first five games are away. The Kingsmen, who play their first home game Friday against Hope International, don't seem to mind. CLU opened with a 2-0 record on the road for the first time since 1974.

Jose Melgoza scored the lone goal in Friday's season-opening 1-0 win at UC Santa Cruz. Gary Cabanilla, Craig Chelius and Melgoza each scored in a 3-0 victory against Cal State Monterey Bay.

Finish more important than start: An 0-4 record is not a reason for concern for the Regals volleyball team. CLU began the 1997 season 0-4 and ended up earning a playoff berth.

Constant shuffling of the lineup in order to see where newcomers best fit accounted for part of the Regals' struggles at the season-opening Whittier tournament last weekend. CLU goes for its first win Saturday when the Regals play at Chapman.

Taking responsibility: The football team's 20-point comeback in the fourth quarter of Saturday's season opener against Pacific Lutheran was marred my two controversial calls by the officials.

Although the outcome might have been different if not for the calls, the Kingsmen were quick to admit their own early mistakes - including an interception and a fumble that resulted in PLU touchdowns - were just as costly. And that is the real reason for the loss.

The controversy began after Chris Czernek connected with Eugene Sullivan for a 15-yard touchdown to bring CLU within two with 2:20 left in the game. Sullivan was called for unsportsmanlike conduct, requiring the Kingsmen to start their two-point conversion attempt from 18 yards out. The attempt failed.

``It was a very critical play,'' Sullivan said. ``I guess I deserved it.

``I learned not to get flagged.''

Few knew what the penalty was for since Sullivan's celebration consisted of kneeling and pointing to his friends.

``I didn't see,'' Czernek said. ``I was too excited he caught that ball over his head.''

CLU appeared to have gained a final chance to take the lead when the Lutes decided to run on fourth-and-1 from the PLU 30.

Initial measurements showed Anthony Hicks fell just short of giving his team a first down, but as the Kingsmen celebrated, the chains were adjusted and PLU was awarded the first down, allowing the Lutes to hold the ball until time expired.

``There's calls, but there's plays at the beginning of the game,'' Czernek said. ``So I'm sure nobody on the team believes that's what did it. Our motto's gotta be, `You can't leave it up to the refs.' ''