CSUN NOTEBOOK: CSUN DEFENSIVE LINE COULD BE THIN AFTER MASSIVE CHANGES.

Byline: Jill Painter Staff Writer

Even senior linebacker Cos Abercrombie has had plenty to learn in spring football.

Abercrombie, in his fourth season with Cal State Northridge, couldn't coast through his final spring season because of numerous defensive changes. Dave Robinson, who was promoted to defensive coordinator, implemented his defensive system in the spring.

``He brought in a new attitude and a new defense,'' Abercrombie said. ``We've all had to learn. We're still learning. But we have guys that are quick.''

CSUN finished spring football practices Friday but didn't end with a scrimmage because it has just five defensive linemen. The Matadors are counting on transfers and freshmen to contribute immediately in the fall.

Robinson said linebacker Lewis Blanton, defensive lineman Andy Zaldivar and free safety Travis Campbell all had great spring practices. Robinson has the task of beefing up a defense which lost most of its defensive line and defensive backs.

The defense, normally overshadowed by CSUN's offense, hasn't undergone a complete overhaul but there are noticeable differences. Abercrombie will be asked to be more of a pass rusher and line up in a three-point stance often next year.

``I think they've all responded well,'' Robinson said. ``The transition has been great. I think our packages have come in and done a good job so far. But for the most part, we can get better.''

--Near record: The CSUN men's volleyball team lost to the University of Pacific in three games Friday, thus ending its eight-match win streak. A Matadors victory would have tied the program's record for a winning streak.

--First for Allen: Freshman golfer Beth Allen won the Colby Classic at the Rancho Canada Golf Club - her first collegiate win - on March 27. Allen shot 72-73-145 to win by two strokes and was named Big Sky Conference golfer of the week for the second time this season. Allen helped the Matadors to a two-shot victory over the University of Denver. She is averaging 79.73 shots per round.

--AAU invite: CSUN forward Jeff Parris has been selected to participate in the AAU National Basketball Championship Tournament, April 19-23, in Sacramento. The team practices in Las Vegas and will play the IBL's Las Vegas Bandits at the Thomas & Mack Center.

--In the rough: The Matadors men's golf team, the preseason favorite to win the Big Sky, had last week off after finishing 13th in the Anteater Invitational, March 26-27, at the SCPGA Champions Course in Calimesa. CSUN plays in the Grand Canyon Thunderbird Invitational today and Tuesday in Goodyear, Ariz.

--Bring the broom: After being swept by UCLA in a doubleheader Tuesday, the CSUN softball team swept Sacramento State in a three-game series over the weekend. Pitcher Sara Farnworth won all three games. She threw a six-hitter and Summer Richardson hit a two-run home run in CSUN's 3-1 win in the first game Saturday.

The 25th-ranked Matadors are 21-19 overall, 5-3 in the Big West.