CLU STARTS THE LEARNING CURVE; WOMEN'S TEAM IS 2-5, BUT STOCKED WITH YOUNG TALENT.

Byline: Heather Gripp Daily News Staff Writer

The season is still young, but so is the Cal Lutheran women's basketball team.

With just two seniors and one junior, youth has presented the Regals with some growing pains, but a difficult early-season schedule has given the Regals an opportunity to learn from the best.

After opening the season against nationally-ranked Alberton College, followed by defending NAIA champion Northwest Nazarene College, the Regals (2-5) continue to face stiff competition. CLU was handed a loss in its last game when the Regals took on the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, a Division III power and 1995 national champion. But if all goes according to plan, the Regals trying times should pay off when needed most.

``We were hoping that the tough schedule pays off come conference,'' coach Tim La Kose said. ``It should help in the long run.''

La Kose said the Regals' slow start is no cause for alarm and should be expected of such a young team. Only five players have previous playing experience at CLU.

``It's an adjustment to the college game,'' La Kose said. ``It's not the same as high school.

``They're getting better with every day. I think they'll come around.''

The Regals offense is led by junior center Missy Rider, averaging a team-high 13 points and six rebounds a game while shooting 88 percent from the line. Her performance has helped fill the void left by All-SCIAC center Evi Orologas, who led the Regals in scoring and rebounding last season as a senior.

``She's played exceptional,'' La Kose said of Rider. ``She's playing to her potential and then some.''

Senior forward Brandie Murrish has also been averaging more than six rebounds a game.

``We have a lot of different people that contribute both offensively and defensively,'' La Kose said. ``They've shown a lot of improvement.''

CLU's last chance to tune up for Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play comes as the Regals embark on a three-game road trip to Northern California beginning Monday. After more than two weeks without a game, the Regals take on Cal State Chico, Simpson College and UC Santa Cruz on successive nights in what will be a homecoming of sorts for Murrish, who is from Chico.

``Chico's a pretty good Division II team,'' La Kose said. ``Whenever you play a Division II team, it's always a good test as a Division III team.''

The Regals faced UC Santa Cruz earlier in the season and came away with their first victory of the season, defeating the Banana Slugs 88-42. La Kose said he expects similar results again this time.

``We should beat them again,'' he said. ``We can try some things we'd like to take in conference.

``That'll put the finishing touches on getting us ready for conference.''

CLU opens SCIAC play Jan. 13 at home against Whittier College as the Regals attempt to improve upon last season's fourth-place conference finish.

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Photo

PHOTO Freshman Lexi Miller, middle, is one of the newcomers who have helped the Regals in the early goings.

Phil McCarten / Daily News