SENIORS GET CHANCE TO SHINE SOME PLAYERS HOPING COLLEGES NOTICE.

Byline: Ramona Shelburne Staff Writer

Most of the seniors in the 18th annual Daily News All-Star softball game today have their college plans figured out.

But a few, such as Hart of Newhall's Jennifer Whitcomb and Littlerock's Tori Beaudette, see the game as an opportunity for college exposure.

Whitcomb is a standout defensive third baseman and has improved as a batter each season. She's received late attention from Cal State Northridge and the Matadors' coaches are expected to attend the game.

Last season, Northridge signed Verdugo Hills standout Laura Hovestreydt after watching her in the all-star game.

Beaudette, who has gone relatively unnoticed during her high school career, had a solid senior season and is one of the game's top outfielders.

Beaudette's coach at Littlerock, Sarah Adams, said her only regret from this season is that she only had one year to coach Beaudette or ``there's no way she wouldn't be signed with a Division I program right now.''

Adams though, has a personal reason to be optimistic that a scholarship might work out for Beaudette if she plays well today.

In high school, Adams was offered a scholarship after playing in her senior all-star game.

Other top unsigned seniors include Crescenta Valley of La Crescenta's Amanda Peek and Moorpark's Jonae Perez.

Perez took a recruiting visit to Long Beach State this week and Peek is also being heavily recruited by the 49ers.

--What's it about? Most of the players and participants in today's game will say it's all about having fun.

But East coach Jim Stone displayed some refreshing honesty when he was asked that question.

``Yeah, we all want to have fun, but it would be a lot more fun if we win,'' Stone said.

--Quick turnaround: Oaks Christian senior Tiffany Day and Village Christian of Sun Valley's Alex Kinney, Laura Stone, Lauren Nydam and Jaclyn Duree will have to make a quick turnaround for today's game after playing in Southern Section championship games this weekend.

Nydam said she was thankful the all-star game was soon after her team lost 1-0 in the Div. V championship to Ontario Christian because it gave her a chance to focus on something else.

``I'm just so thankful to have an opportunity to pitch to Laura again,'' Nydam said. ``She's been such an amazing catcher and I'm glad we have one more game together.''

Ramona Shelburne, [phone]

ramona.shelburne(at)dailynews.com

ALL-STAR SOFTBALL GAME

What: 18th annual Daily News game.

When: 3 p.m.; home run contest at 2 p.m.

Where: Glendale Sports Complex, 2200 Fern Lane, Glendale.

CAPTION(S):

photo, 2 boxes

Photo:

Littlerock's Tori Beaudette hopes a good performance at the 18th Daily News All-Star softball game will help earn her a college scholarship.

Jeff Goldwater/Staff Photographer

Box:

(1) ALL-STAR SOFTBALL GAME (see text)

(2) 2004 Senior All-Star Softball Players

- RAMONA SHELBURNE