Task Force Votes to Keep Programs

A task force studying Cal State Northridge’s move to the Big Sky Conference released a four-page preliminary report Monday suggesting that programs not be eliminated to fund additions mandated by the conference. Also mentioned in the report:

* Northridge should take full advantage of the three years the Big Sky has allotted for the school to meet conference requirements: tripling the football scholarships and adding men’s tennis and women’s golf.

* Northridge’s revenues are expected to increase because of rising enrollment and increased gate receipts, game guarantees, revenue sharing and sponsorships.

There will be a public forum on the report at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the conference room of the athletic administration building. The final report is due Nov. 22.

Tennis

Calabasas, a free-lance team, is seeded third in the Southern Section Division II playoffs, which begin Thursday. The Coyotes drew a first-round bye and will play host to either Marlborough or Flintridge Sacred Heart in the second round Saturday.

La Reina, the defending Division V champion, also seeded third, drew a first-round bye, and will play its first match at home Saturday, against either Northview or Sierra Vista.

In Division I on Thursday, seventh-ranked Westlake plays host to eighth-ranked Santa Margarita, ninth-ranked Thousand Oaks plays host to sixth-ranked Newport Harbor, and 10th-ranked Agoura visits fifth-ranked Dana Hills.

Volleyball

Harvard-Westlake, champion of the Mission League, is seeded second in the Southern Section Division II playoffs. The Wolverines play host to Crescenta Valley on Thursday.

Notre Dame, which finished second in the Mission League, plays host to Canyon, the co-champion of the Foothill League. Saugus, the other Foothill League co-champion, plays at home against Marymount.

Westlake High, tri-champion of the Marmonte League, opens Division I play at home on Thursday against the winner of Tuesday’s wild-card match between Mater Dei and Edison.

In Division III, La Canada, champion of the Rio Hondo League, faces the winner of a wild-card match between Walnut and San Luis Obispo.

Water Polo

Royal, champion of the Marmonte League, is seeded first in the Southern Section Division IV playoffs. The Highlanders play host to Calabasas on Friday at Rancho Simi Park.

Contributing: Mike Bresnahan, Jeff Fletcher, Peter Yoon.