COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS NOTEBOOK: FIRST 2 NO-WINS WAKE UP COC.

Byline: Heather Gripp Staff Writer

VALENCIA - A week without a victory is not what the previously undefeated College of the Canyons women's soccer team envisioned as the way to head into division play. But when that's what the Cougars got, they realized it might have been a valuable wake-up call, reminding them of the intensity required to win a third consecutive Western State Conference Southern Division title.

COC begins Southern Division play Friday at Santa Monica after having its undefeated record blemished by a 3-0 loss to Ventura and a 2-2 tie to Moorpark last week.

``I think we needed that to show us that there are better teams out there and there are teams that can beat us'' sophomore forward/midfielder Kristine Marbach said.

Cougars coach Phil Marcellin said: ``The loss was difficult. But you try to make positives out of the negatives and learn from it. The great thing about it was they were all really angry about it. They came out the next day and were ready to practice really hard. We came out (against Moorpark) an played a phenomenal game. If it weren't for a few bad bounces, we would have won.''

--Deceptive record: The women's volleyball team entered Tuesday's WSC conference opener at Santa Barbara winless since sweeping its opener against Antelope Valley on Sept. 12. But before blaming the struggles entirely on the team's youth - the Cougars have just two sophomores- the quality of COC's opponents should be considered. The Cougars' nonconference schedule was packed with difficult teams such as Irvine Valley, Moorpark, El Camino and Fullerton, with El Camino being the the only team COC did not win a game against.

Those who vote for the state and Southern California rankings apparently appreciate the Cougars' tough schedule. COC is ranked 15th in the state and 10th in Southern California and other WSC teams with winning records, such as Pierce, were unranked.

--Showing off his arm: Even punter Jason Daily got in on the football team's pass-happy offense during Saturday's 56-7 victory over L.A. Southwest. He had a 36-yard scoring pass to Stephen Stokes on a fake punt early in the second quarter.

Although Daily is considered a potential All-American for his ability to punt more than 40 yards routinely, his ability to throw shouldn't be a surprise. The sophomore also pitches for the Cougars baseball team and was good enough to be drafted out of high school by the San Francisco Giants.

--Moving up: The football team moved back into the Southern California rankings this week at No. 13.

WSC rivals Bakersfield and Hancock also made the top 15 at No. 7 and No. 8, respectively.

The Cougars (2-1) entered the season ranked ninth in the nation but plummeted after a lopsided defeat in the season opener. Since then, COC has outscored the opposition a combined 100-27 in two victories.