COMMUNITY SOFTBALL: CHARITY GAME BACK IN HANGAR : NEMBACK TO BE HONORED MON.

Byline: Gerry Gittelson Staff Writer

It was the first time in a long that Mike Nemback, still grieving after the death of his daughter, who was killed by a drunk driver, remembered feeling good.

Nemback was standing on the field one year ago at Lancaster Municipal Stadium, gazing at more than 2,200 spectators attending the first Erica Nemback Memorial Softball Game.

``It was very, very emotional for me,'' said Nemback, a California Highway Patrol sergeant.

Nemback's life, ironically, had been dedicated to protecting citizens from people such as Joel Kyne, a 50-year-old Quartz Hill resident who killed Nemback's daughter in a collision in Quartz Hill on Oct. 18, 1997 and is now serving a 15-years-to-life prison term. Kyne had six prior alcohol-related offenses.

The inaugural game raised almost $8,000, which was awarded to three area scholars to help with college expenses - appropriate because Erica Nemback, who died at 27, was a school teacher.

The second annual Erica Nemback Memorial Softball Game returns to the Hangar at 7:15 p.m. on Monday, featuring a matchup between the California Highway Patrol and Antelope Valley Sheriff's office. Tickets are $3, and a ceremony honoring the memory of Erica Nemback precedes the game.

``It's still tough for myself and Erica's mother, Lynette,'' Nemback said. ``Erica probably would be embarrassed as all heck by this, but I feel that out of all this misery, something good has come out. We've really gotten some nice support. At first, I wasn't sure how well the game was going to go - it was one of those things where you just invite everyone to the party and wait to see who shows up.''

The Highway Patrol won 19-17 last year, and Nemback, smiling, said the Sheriff Department has been vowing a comeback for almost 12 months.

``They've been talking some trash,'' Nemback said, ``but it's all for charity, so I think both teams are going out there with the idea to just have a good time.''

Scott Weldy, public affairs officer for the California Highway Patrol, said the response to the game has been exceptional, both from the public and from the law enforcement offices.

``There's a pride factor involved, and everyone plays to win,'' Weldy said. ``In fact, so many wanted to play, we had to limit the rosters. It started at 22 players on each team. Now I think it's going to be 25. A lot of people knew Erica, and the family has lived in Lancaster for a long time.''

Weldy said the format is seven-innings, co-ed and slow-pitch. He said sponsorship has been provided by the the Lancaster JetHawks minor-league baseball team, the City of Lancaster, the Lancaster Crime Task Force, and the Antelope Valley Sheriff's Boosters.