GIRLS' SOCCER: DESERT CHRISTIAN'S FIKE READY FOR REDEMPTION.

Byline: Erik Boal Special to the Daily News

Megan Fike sees many parallels between her soccer career at Desert Christian High and the sport itself: exhilarating and rewarding one moment, frustrating and unforgiving the next.

During her four years as a varsity starter, Fike has helped the Knights win 72 games, including the program's first Southern Section title in 2003, scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Milken Community of Los Angeles in the Div. VI final.

She has also been selected High Desert League most valuable player, received All-Southern Section honors and will continue her playing career at UC Riverside this fall.

For all the high points in Fike's career, she has endured her share of disappointments as well. She was issued a red card in last year's playoffs - forcing her to sit out Desert Christian's 2-1 quarterfinal loss to Sage Hill of Newport Beach - and missed the first five games this season after rehabilitating her right knee following surgery in June.

Through her experiences, the 17-year-old midfielder has gained a better perspective on not only soccer, but life itself.

``It comes both ways,'' said Fike, who has 10 goals and seven assists in 13 games for Desert Christian (16-1-1).

``You just have to learn to go through the highs and lows. You have to expect the worst as well as the best. It's made me stronger, mentally and spiritually, in so many ways.''

Fike's career began in storybook fashion, as she was a central figure during the Knights' championship season, as well as their run to the semifinals her sophomore year.

``(Winning a championship) is just a really great feeling, but so much has happened since,'' said Fike, who shares team captain responsibilities with Alyse Alcaraz and Megan Couch.

``I can still remember that day, being there with my teammates. That was an awesome experience.''

Unfortunately for Fike and her teammates, those memories were overshadowed by forgettable playoff experiences the past two years.

During Desert Christian's 2004 semifinal match against Windward of Los Angeles, Fike had a breakaway opportunity late in the first half whistled dead as she was preparing to go one on one with goalkeeper so the referee could attend to an opposing player who had fallen down in the midfield area.

During the second 10-minute overtime period, the Knights had the potential go-ahead goal disallowed as a result of a similar situation. After the teams played to a 1-1 tie after 120 minutes, Desert Christian lost 8-7 in a penalty shootout.

In last year's second-round match against Alverno of Sierra Madre, with the Knights leading 3-0 in the second half, Fike accidentally bumped into the opposing goalkeeper chasing after a loose ball near the top of the penalty box. Although she hadn't been called for a foul the entire game, Fike was immediately given a red card, bringing a premature end to an otherwise brilliant season.

``It didn't hit me until a few seconds later that I would have to miss the next game,'' said Fike, who could help her team secure a second-round rematch with Alverno, should the Knights defeat Villanova Prep of Ojai in Saturday's playoff opener.

``But I have to be thankful for it all. I've been tested, but it's helped me grow as a person.''

Fike was also forced to be a spectator in the early part of this season, recovering from surgery in June to repair a torn ACL and meniscus in her right knee, which she injured playing club soccer in May.

Upon her return, it took Fike a while to regain her rhythm, even switching from her usual striker position to the defensive midfield to take advantage of her playmaking skills.

``We were so strong up the middle, so it was like 'if you move Megan here, then where do you play this person?''' said first-year coach Deann Lewis, whose team has outscored opponents 135-3.

``She might have been a little discouraged at first, because she wanted to step up and play to the level she was used to. But it was cool to see her push through it.''

Through all the obstacles and setbacks, Fike's leadership hasn't wavered. She hopes her final postseason journey ends the same way her first one did - as a champion.

``She's such a great asset physically on the field, but also spiritually with her leadership and how she relates to her teammates,'' Lewis said. ``A person of her character helps them grow and learn, and I've been really fortunate to have her around this year.''

Erik Boal, [phone]

erik.boal(at)dailynews.com

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Photo:

Desert Christian's Megan Fike is aiming to help the Knights to a second Southern Section title.

Jeff Goldwater/Staff Photographer