GIRLS' SOCCER: LEADING FROM THE BACK DUO HEADS WESTLAKE TITLE HUNT.

Byline: ERIK BOAL Special to the Daily News

Kirsten DiPippo says and then does. Krystin Shanklin does and then says little.

Although the Westlake High junior defensive standouts might not be future college roommates or sorority sisters, they can't imagine life without one another on the soccer field.

Whether it's DiPippo yelling instructions or encouraging words to her teammates, or Shanklin motivating the Warriors with her blue-collar work ethic in the midfield, the results can't be argued.

``Dip is a winner, that's why I like her personality,'' Westlake coach Frank Marino said. ``You've got to have that swagger, and not only does she have it, but she backs it up. She runs the show out there.

``Shanks is a quiet leader. She busts her butt every game. She's a rock who leads by example.''

With the Warriors (6-1-5 overall, 4-0-3 Marmonte League) battling through several obstacles -- including season-ending knee injuries to Megan Connor and Hilary MacDonald -- the leadership demonstrated by DiPippo and Shanklin has enabled Westlake to extend its league unbeaten streak to 17 consecutive games entering today's showdown at 6p.m. against visiting Moorpark (4-2-5, 3-0-4).

``Playing soccer is something I love to do, and that's why I don't take anything for granted. I don't ever want to deal with watching from the sidelines while other people play,'' said DiPippo, who leads the team with five goals as a sweeper.

``I look at it as more of a duty or a responsibility to inspire people. It only takes one person to spark another person to get it all going.''

The painful lessons of finishing a point out of first place the past two seasons have provided the motivation this season for the Warriors, who are relying on their defense and the offensive presence of seniors Kate Edwards (committed to Rice) and Kylie McDonald (committed to Pepperdine) to capture their first league title since 2004.

``We've just learned from the past two years that excuses don't cut it. You can't blame it on the refs or the weather, you just have to get the job done,'' said Shanklin, a defensive midfielder who has helped Westlake surrender only seven goals in 12 games.

``Before I came to Westlake, they were beating teams like 10-0 and that had a lot to do with individual talent. But now we're learning to play together as a team. I think when those players went down, a lot of teams expected us to give up, but we stepped up to the plate and proved them wrong.''

DiPippo and Shanklin first played soccer together on a local under-10 all-star squad, but played with different club teams before they reunited at Westlake.

After playing supporting roles their first two seasons, they've emerged as the catalysts in Westlake's 10-game unbeaten streak.

``Me and her have chemistry, so I was really excited to play with her,'' said DiPippo, who has scored three free-kick goals in the past three games.

``She's quiet on the field, but she's got this subtle spunk about her. Shanklin will kill herself to get a goal.''

Both girls have unique relationships with Marino, often shouldering the majority of their coach's frustration at halftime or after games, because he knows they have their finger on the pulse of the team.

``Dip has matured so much. She's grown as a player and a person,'' Marino said. ``And Shanklin is never satisfied, even when you compliment her.''

Although Shanklin has often been responsible for setting the tone for the Warriors' attack, the presence of Kelly Adamski, Michelle Osinski and Becky Witwer along the backline has been instrumental in Westlake recording six shutouts.

``I feel safe with the four of them back there,'' Shanklin said. ``(Dip) trusts me and I trust her. Knowing she's behind me makes me feel more comfortable.''

Although Shanklin rarely lets an opponent get the best of her on the field, she is still getting used to being one of the Warriors' high-profile players.

``It's definitely a change,'' she said. ``The past two years, I wasn't that prominent a figure, so I try not to let it get to my head. It's such a privilege to be in my position. I take it as a blessing.''

And as long as DiPippo remains healthy enough to be on the field for Westlake, she'll count her blessings one free kick or one shutout at a time.

``It's been really rewarding to play like this,'' DiPippo said. ``It's a confidence booster for us that we can keep things going consistently without our best.

``Some people have a knack for scoring, I have a knack for defending. So far it's working and it helps my team, and that's all that matters.''

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Krystin Shanklin, left, Kirsten DiPippo and the Westlake girls' soccer team are after their first Marmonte title since 2004.

Tina Burch/Staff Photographer