AREA COLLEGE NOTEBOOK

Call it anything but Old Timers’ Day.

Members of the 1970 national-champion Cal State Northridge baseball team might take offense.

Plenty figure to be in attendance Saturday when Northridge celebrates the 30th anniversary of the first of its two NCAA Division II baseball titles. A luncheon and pregame ceremony will take place before the Matadors’ 1 p.m. game against UCLA.

Of 31 players and coaches on the 1970 roster, at least 25 are expected to attend--including Brian Ford, who pitched a two-hitter with 11 strikeouts in a 2-1 victory over Nicholls State at Springfield, Mo., for the national title.

Now in their early 50s, many former players still reside in Southern California, although some are expected to travel from Colorado, Nevada, Oregon and Florida for the reunion.

“It has really blossomed,” said Phyllis Wade, athletic secretary and reunion director. “We’ve been able to contact everyone but two people, and the response has been great.”

The luncheon is scheduled for 11:30 at Matador Field. The cost is $15. Information and reservations: (818) 677-3215.

*

The 2000 baseball season for Northridge continues to be a struggle. The Matadors dropped to 12-23 with a 6-5 loss at San Diego on Sunday.

Freshman Aaron McKenzie and junior Bobby Koba have been bright spots for Northridge. McKenzie, a designated hitter, was five for nine with three doubles and a home run in two games last week. McKenzie is batting a team-high .397.

Koba, a second baseman, had three hits, including a home run, against San Diego. He is batting .347.

*

Cal Lutheran and The Master’s, teams with blistering team batting averages, meet in a nonconference baseball game today at Master’s.

Cal Lutheran (18-5) is batting .349 with eight players above .300.

Master’s (24-7) is batting .334 with seven players above .300.

*

The Northridge women’s tennis team finished first in the Big Sky Conference Pacific Regional and will have a first-round bye in the Big Sky championships April 21-23 at Idaho State.

Northridge defeated second-place Weber State, 5-1, on Sunday.