THE MASTER'S COLLEGE NOTEBOOK: IMPROVED SIZE GIVES MASTER'S ADDED HOPE VOLLEYBALL TEAM LOOKS STRONGER.

Byline: Mayar Zokaei Special to the Daily News

While this year's Master's College women's volleyball team might be reaching for the stars, fifth-year coach Karen Peterson is content with her team merely having reach.

``Last year we lacked height,'' Peterson said. ``We didn't have the key big players to go out and get the blocks.''

Erika Sansoni, a 6-foot middle blocker who transferred from the University of New Mexico, changes all that. Peterson says she has another capable 6-foot reserve at the position, and the pattern exists throughout the lineup.

``On the right side, we have girls who are 5-10, our outside hitter is 5-10, two inches more than last year, and we have a couple of other bigger players,'' Peterson said.

The Lady Mustangs, who played as an independent in 2001, made their Golden State Athletic Conference debut Thursday, losing to Concordia 8-2.

Despite posting a 2-5 record, Peterson says this season's squad has managed to keep it close in many of its matches. Three of the Master's five losses went five games, and the Lady Mustangs lead their opponents in many categories.

The Mustangs block and kill advantage over opponents per game, 2.6 to 1.7, and a 13-12, respectively, underscore the team's potential to pull out close games.

``We could easily be 5-2, but that's where the leadership on the court comes into play,'' Peterson said. ``We need someone to emerge and help us maintain our composure.''

Though freshman Natalia Durso of Simi Valley won't be counted on to fill that position, Peterson has been impressed by her effort. Durso ranks fourth on the team in kills and is one of three freshman starters.

--Cruising north: Led by last season's leading scorer, senior Anthon Brueggeman, the men's soccer team is 7-0.

The Mustangs lost to Bethel in the championship of the National Christian College Athletic Association playoffs and are looking to improve on their 18-5 record.

The squad features a balanced attack and experience, with 10 juniors and seniors.

Juniors Celine Chenoweth, last season's MVP, and Sarah Riojas, who scored a team-high 21 goals last season, return for the 2000 NCCAA West Region champion Lady Mustangs.

The men's and women's teams travel to Fresno Pacific to play in a mini-invitational against Notre Dame College from San Francisco and Alliance International this weekend.

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Senior Anthon Brueggeman led The Master's College in scoring last season and has started fast this year, leading the team to seven wins in its first seven games.

David Crane/Staff Photographer