Northridge Shines Against All-Stars

The heralded Northridge men’s basketball team made good on a dress rehearsal Wednesday night at the Matadome, coming from behind for a 94-88 exhibition victory over the California West All-Stars, a collection of former Division I players.

Markus Carr had 23 points and nine assists for the Matadors, picked to finish first in its final season in the Big Sky Conference. Northridge plays another exhibition against the All-Stars on Nov. 13 at the Matadome.

“I’m not too high on any of the rankings,” said Carr, a junior point guard and All-Big Sky selection last season. “But we worked hard in the off-season and if we practice hard every day, we’ll be OK.”

Northridge, 20-10 last season and runner-up to Northern Arizona in the Big Sky tournament, opens the season at home Nov. 19 against Howard.

“This year, we’re going in with a lot of confidence,” said guard Carl Holmes, a returning starter. “We’re picked first. I’ve been here four years and that hasn’t happened.”

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The Matadors posted two of their biggest victories ever last season with a 69-66 triumph at Fresno State and a 79-77 victory at Oregon 12 days later. Both upsets caught the attention of national media.

Northridge again faces formidable competition this season. In addition to early season matchups with UCLA and USC, the Matadors will complete in the Nike tournament at Hawaii and the Coca-Cola Classic at Marquette.

Northridge is scheduled to play Kent State and Centenary College at Marquette on Dec. 1-2. The Matadors play at Honolulu against Alabama-Birmingham, Hawaii and Georgia State on Dec. 21-23.

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Melissa Cleal, who led Northridge with four goals and five assists, was selected to the All-Big Sky women’s soccer team.

Cleal is a sophomore forward from Chaminade High.

Senior midfielder Riya Gough was a second-team selection for Northridge.

Goalkeeper Jenny Willemse, midfielder Shannon DeVos and defender Joanna Parker received honorable mention.

Jodi Campbell, who helped lead Montana to the Big Sky title, was chosen offensive most valuable player.

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The men’s soccer team concludes a disappointing season Sunday against UC Santa Barbara with a Mountain Pacific Sports Federation game at North Campus Stadium at 6 p.m.

With only 18 goals in as many games, Northridge (6-12) needs two goals to avoid becoming the lowest-scoring team in the program’s history.

Northridge had 20 goals in 1996.

Freshman Charles Mitchell from Escondido leads Northridge with four goals and could become the first freshman to lead Northridge in scoring since Michael Preis in 1996.

The Matadors, who lost a nonconference game at UC Irvine, 2-1, on Wednesday, won only one road game this season, a 2-1 victory last week at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

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The Northridge men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams will participate in the Big West Shootout today and Saturday at UC Irvine.

Also entered are Irvine, UC Santa Barbara, Pacific and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

The Matador women won their first dual meet of the season, 115-83, over Loyola Marymount last week.

Senior Lisa Andrade paced Northridge with victories in the 100 freestyle (56:31) and 100 breaststroke (1:06.50). Junior Stephanie Shapiro, formerly of Chatsworth High, placed first in the 1000 freestyle (10:58.63) and 100 butterfly (1:02.08).