GIRLS' SOCCER NOTEBOOK: ERVIN NOT NICE ON FIELD.

Byline: Chris Cocoles Staff Writer

Soft-spoken and friendly, Melanie Ervin doesn't fit the profile of a girls' soccer player targeted by card-waving referees.

Which is why the bookings she received this season stun Valencia High senior Jaisa Creps, Ervin's teammate.

``You look at her and you think, `She's the nicest girl.' But she probably has the most yellow cards on the team,'' Creps said. ``But a lot of them aren't even big-time fouls. They just card her because she's just an aggressive player.''

And a tough one. The fourth-year varsity midfielder has been an integral part in Valencia's success, including a Foothill League title two years ago and what appears to be a second-place finish for the second consecutive season.

Despite being one of the less-vocal Vikings, Ervin was rewarded by coach Tony Scalercio with the team-captain honor before the season.

``She's very passionate about playing. Mel's one of those players that leads by example. When it comes to having someone make a difference, Mel's one of those people who digs in and does everything she possibly can,'' Scalercio said.

``But she's very tough at the same time. She's one of those players where if I was going to war, I'd want her to be in the same foxhole that I'm in.''

Ervin isn't an intimidating figure physically, but she is ``different on the field. I'm really intense and want to win. So I'll do whatever it takes.''

Valencia will play defending Foothill League champion Canyon on Friday. The Vikings lost 2-0 to Canyon on Jan. 21. It was their fifth consecutive loss to the Cowboys.

``We're what, 0-5 against them now?'' Creps asked. ``It's definitely a big game, especially if we want to win league. Especially since we tied Hart (last Friday), it's going to be a must-win.''

The 1-1 draw against Hart bothers the Vikings. After scoring what looked to be the go-ahead goal in the final minutes, Valencia promptly allowed Hart to score the equalizer. The result dropped the Vikings further behind unbeaten Canyon.

``To us, that was a loss. Canyon's a very good team and they don't screw up a lot,'' Creps said. ``We had to win that (Hart) game. That was another must-win for us, and it was really hard not coming out victorious in that. We were just as upset tying that game as we would have been with them winning. We knew physically we were a better team. You know what? They were a better team that day.''

Valencia figures to be a better team than it's been in recent matches. Stanford-bound midfielder Shari Summers sat out Tuesday's game against Burbank with a strained hamstring, which she suffered two weeks ago.

Ervin knows this is her last chance to beat the arch-rival Cowboys. She's already been accepted to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and was told she could walk on to the Mustangs' women's soccer team. But she's enjoyed her career at Valencia and wants to end it on a high note.

``I know everyone's going to come out and play hard,'' she said.

--Matador moments yet to come: Rachel Gillis and Mary Ortega have patrolled the back row as Saugus defenders for the past four seasons. It's been such a convenient partnership, they decided to spend another four years playing soccer together. Both have committed to Cal State Northridge.

``We're really close. It's going to be fun next year because we want to (stay in the same) dorm together,'' Gillis said. ``It'll be nice to have someone there that you know. It's going to be fun to meet the new girls, but at least I'll have one person that I already know. I'm really glad she's going to be there, too.''

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MELANIE ERVIN

Valencia girls' soccer captain has the Vikings battling with Canyon for the Foothill League title.