COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS NOTEBOOK: GOT BATS? CHECK. BUT GLOVES LACK.

Byline: Heather Gripp Staff Writer

VALENCIA - At least part of the College of the Canyons softball team appears consistent and strikingly similar to last year's conference champion. The Cougars just hope they can get the remainder to be as steady.

COC opened its season this week with an offense that lives up to the program's traditionally productive standards. The Cougars have scored 19 runs in their first two games. Even in defeat, they had 14 hits. However, a sporadic defense leaves COC with plenty to address when it plays host today to Antelope Valley and Saddleback.

COC made six errors in Monday's season-opening 11-10 loss to Victor Valley. The sloppy play was especially discouraging to Cougars coach Ray Whitten, since he had seen his team turn four double plays and not make any errors last week in a scrimmage at Cal State Northridge.

The Cougars made one error in Wednesday's 9-4 victory over Pasadena.

Both solid fielding and hitting are needed today as the Cougars face two traditionally strong teams.

Among those COC can rely on for offense is sophomore Amanda DeFusco, who went 2 for 2 with two triples and two walks on Wednesday.

``We're hitting the ball really well,'' Whitten said. ``I feel very good about our bats. It's been a total team effort. Basically the whole team did well with the bats. Hopefully, that will continue Saturday.''

--Tee time: The men's golf team opens its season Monday at the Bakersfield tournament.

The Cougars are the defending Western State Conference champions who finished tied for third in the state last year. Key returnees include Tommy Barber, last year's WSC Player of the Year who had a 72.3 stroke average. All-conference selections Brad Uptgraft and Anthony Harju are also back to help coach Gary Peterson try to win his 10th conference title in 19 seasons.

--Streak is over: The men's basketball team won at home for the first time in nine games with a 76-65 victory over Citrus on Wednesday. The win also was COC's first in WSC South play. Dax Grooms led the Cougars (11-13, 1-5) with a team-high 17 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals. Matt Nelsen, who had 15 points and six assists, was one of four other COC players to score in double figures.

--Back on the rise: The women's basketball team returned to ascending the state and regional polls this week. After an upset loss to Santa Monica had dropped the Cougars in last week's polls, COC moved up two spots to No. 8 in this week's state rankings thanks to last week's upset victory over No. 2 L.A. Valley.

The Cougars, who are also ranked sixth in Southern California, continued to show their power with a 108-49 victory over Citrus on Wednesday. L'Tanya Robnett scored a game-high 27 points in addition to 10 rebounds and four assists as COC improved to 18-7, 5-1.

The Cougars begin the second half of division play today at Glendale, a team COC defeated 104-53 in their previous meeting. Tipoff is 5:30 p.m., followed by the men's game at 7:30 p.m.