But coach R.J. Castro is anticipating that "looking up" will take on a whole new meaning for this year's team with a solid group of experienced varsity players returning for action.

Midfielder Ricky Dorrego leads the group that includes Marcos Medina, Mitchell Beutler, Taylor Yemm and Marco Heredia.

The Lions had the opportunity to discover early if things would be better this year when they opened Santa Teresa Division play last week against defending champion Westmont. They made a statement with a 2-0 victory, showing that they are indeed a force to be reckoned with this season.

The goals came from Rodolfo Gomez and Dorrego. Dorrego's goal was his fourth in three games, but unfortunately the Lions will not have his services for about six to eight weeks. On one play as he was dribbling toward the goal, three Westmont defenders attempted to make a tackle and knocked him to the ground, breaking his collarbone in the fall.

The excitement and thrill of opening league play with a win over the defending champ was somewhat tempered by the loss of a key player like Dorrego.

The Lions had their work cut out for them this week against a tough Willow Glen squad on the road on Tuesday and they will host Prospect on Thursday. Willow Glen handed an undefeated Yerba Buena its first loss in the league opener for both teams last week.

In pre-season play, the Lions paid the price of playing against some stiff competition in the Lovato Cup tournament and the Homestead Christmas Cup tournament. Lincoln went 0-4-1 in the tourneys with the highlight being a 2-2 tie against Saratoga in Christmas Cup play.

The Falcons had a 2-0 lead with about six minutes left in the game when Lincoln fought its way back and broke loose for two scores. Dorrego found the net twice with one coming on a penalty kick.

The Lions also suffered a 3-1 loss to powerful Leland and dropped a 3-2 decision to Aptos in the Christmas Cup.

Lincoln was down 1-0 at halftime against Aptos but came storming back to take a 2-1 lead. The first goal came on a penalty kick by Francisco Heredia. The second came from a blast by Luis Reyes that was set up by an excellent pass from Beutler. However, the Lions' defense faltered, allowing Aptos to put in two late goals to grab the win.

Lincoln opened the season losing two games in the Lovato Cup, 3-1 to Westmoor from Daly City and 6-0 to James Lick. The only score in the tourney came from Erik Rameriz, who was the leading scorer on the frosh-soph team last year.

Girls basketball

After struggling to a seventh-place finish in the BVAL West Valley Division last year, the Lions of first year head coach Angela Lyte-Crowther are focussed on moving up. The prospects of just how the season may unfold are uncertain. Although the Lions have five returning varsity players, they are still a very young team lacking in experience. The squad is made up of two seniors, five juniors, four sophomores and a freshman.

The group of varsity returnees consists of sophomores Alex Scoffone and Whitley Davis, juniors Nicole Smith and Nancy Adjei, and senior Corina Andre. Scoffone was a second team all-league selection last year and provides a solid force inside. Davis saw plenty of playing time and will provide speed and versatility. Andre offers valuable leadership as an experienced senior.

Lyte-Crowther is expecting some solid help from a group of junior varsity players moving up to varsity spots. Included in this group are sophomores Ashley Guin and Kaylin Mitsumori and juniors Bernice Baez, Andrea Nelson, and Isabel Tiscareno. Mitsumori was the leading scorer on the JV team last year and will provide offensive pop. Guin is known for her pressure defense and Baez is a bundle of energy.

Senior Stephanie Flores returns after a year away from the court and should contribute valuable speed at the point guard slot. Silvia Aguilar is the only freshman on the varsity but has proven that she has the tools to meet the challenge.

The Lions picked up a non-league 37-30 win over Cupertino last week to move to 3-4 in the young season. Lincoln led all the way with a balanced attack. Scoffone pounded inside, dumping in seven points, while Smith fired from outside, popping in seven. Aguilar didn't let youth get in the way, putting in six points, while Adjei and Mitsumori launched the long-range attack and tossed in five each with both nailing a three-pointer. Davis chipped in three and Tiscareno and Guin added two each.

The Lions will be participating in the Cupertino Tournament Dec. 15­17 and will host Notre Dame San Jose on Dec. 21 before opening West Valley Division play on Jan. 4 at Overfelt.