SOCCER PLAYER STRIKES OUT ON OWN : BIOLA POINTS LEADER RETURNS `HOME' TO FACE THE MASTER'S COLLEGE.

Byline: Lee Barnathan Daily News Staff Writer

When people ask Biola University's Nate Wright where he's from, he refers to Six Flags Magic Mountain. When his new teammates and a few instructors ask, he says it's near The Master's College.

``They asked, `Why didn't you go to Master's?' '' Wright said.

It's a fair question. Growing up around the school, with his father in the physical education department, his uncle a top administrator and his grandfather a former president of the college, it was always expected that Wright would attend the private Newhall campus one day.

The desire to make a name for himself was strong, and Wright went to Biola instead. Today, as a member of the Eagles' soccer team, Wright will step onto the field and play Master's in a nonconference match at 1 p.m.

Wright expects it to be a little strange.

``We're getting ready to come back to the field where I used to see people play,'' he said. ``Now, I'll play on it, but not for the team I thought.''

Added Biola coach Matt Orr: ``Nate's got a new identity. He's not tied into being a Master's boy.''

No, Wright's an Eagle and adapting well to his new surroundings, although he still doesn't know where anything is near the La Mirada campus.

About the only street he knows is Biola Avenue. When the team goes on the road, he has no sense of direction.

``La Mirada, it's smaller. That's for sure,'' he said.

Academically, he's piled it on this semester, taking 18 units. He said it hasn't been too difficult, as long as he keeps up with the reading.

However, term papers are due around the same time in several classes, so he expects future difficulties and maybe some sleepless nights.

On paper, the Eagles appear better than their 4-5 record, having had a successful recruiting class that included several All-Southern Section players, including Wright.

Wright blames the losing record on the team's troubles scoring goals. Wright, who's played forward and the two outside midfield positions, leads the team with eight points (two goals and four assists). Orr said Wright could have a few more goals if he didn't wait for the perfect shot, like he was able to do against high school opponents.

Still, Orr said he's impressed with Wright's adaptability to the speed of the college game.

``I'd say it's a lot faster,'' Wright said. ``You have to react faster. In some ways, it's easier because you've got better players around.''

But, Orr said, if you hold onto the ball too long, those better defenders will be all over you.

``He's got to look for second options to the ball,'' Orr said. ``He's learning a little more tactics, but as far as pure talent, I like his competitive attitude, and you know he's a winner.''

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Photo: Nate Wright opted for Biola instead of family-connec ted Master's.