WSC Hopes Conference Games Are Not a Washout

Weather forecasts finally are favorable for baseball. And just in time for Western State Conference teams, which begin conference play today.

The wettest February on record in Southern California has forced numerous nonconference and tournament games to be rained out. Most will not be rescheduled. Pierce is 4-4. But the Brahmas have had six games rained out that likely will not be played, Coach Bob Lofrano said.

Glendale Coach Denny Barrett, whose team is 7-5, said he has written off tournament games rained out at Visalia, Harbor and Oxnard.

“Everybody’s pretty much in the same boat,” Lofrano said.

And how. Canyons’ field remains unsuitable because of standing water. The Cougars, who play today at Valley, have yet to play a home game. Canyons’ doubleheader Saturday against visiting Pierce likely will be moved to Pierce. A decision will be made today, Canyons Coach Len Mohney said.

“People have all lost between three, four and five games,” Mohney said. “I don’t see nonconference games being made up.”

Conference games are a different story. Conference bylaws mandate that postponed games be rescheduled.

BASKETBALL

Waves honored: Three Pepperdine players have been selected to the West Coast Conference All-Academic teams.

The women’s team includes juniors Krista Stark, from First Lutheran High, and Dana Sulenski. Both are majoring in sports medicine. Stark has a 3.62 cumulative grade-point average, Sulenski 3.56.

Sophomore Aaron Butler, a business major with a 3.55 GPA, was selected on the men’s team.

Last chance: The Cal Lutheran men’s basketball team tonight goes after one last chance to claim at least a share of the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title for the first time since 1994.

The Kingsmen (14-10, 10-3 in conference play) host La Verne (18-6, 10-3) and the winner would catch Pomona-Pitzer (20-4, 11-2) if the Sagehens lose to Whittier tonight at home.

If there’s a two-way tie for first place, the teams would be co-champions but would have to play at a neutral site on Saturday to determine who receives the automatic berth to the NCAA Division III playoffs.

Cal Lutheran (16-7, 11-1) already clinched the SCIAC women’s championship.