by Rhiannon Potkey. rpotkey@VenturaCountyStar.com , Ventura County Star

Considering 50 percent of his players are freshmen, Rider can't avoid throwing them into the fire.

The trial begins tonight when Cal Lutheran opens its season against La Sierra at 7:30 p.m. at the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center.

"It will definitely be on-the-job training, no question," Rider said. "It's a fast-forward learning process. Normally with young people, you want to pause every once in a while. But we have to fast forward."

CLU, the co-defending Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champion, has followed the eco-friendly mantra of going green.

The Kingsmen have no seniors and six freshmen on the roster.

The leadership is being provided by their two returning junior starters - forward Andy Meier and guard Kyle Knudsen.

Meier, a two-time all-SCIAC first-team selection, averaged a team-leading 14.3 points and 7.7 rebounds as CLU finished 21-5 last season.

Knudsen averaged 9.3 points and hit a team-best 44 3-pointers.

"Andy and Kyle know the definition of what it takes to be competitive and they are displaying that in practice every day," Rider said. "They have been very consistent and it helps paint a picture for the young guys of what it takes to play college basketball."

The most improved player on CLU's squad is sophomore forward Aaron Fisher.

"He had a tremendous offseason," Rider said. "He changed his body type and he is much stronger and much more aggressive. He will be one of the keys, no question."

Although Rider is not expecting instant success, he's not setting the bar low.

"I have high hopes for this team," Rider said. "But to truly judge this team we will have to wait until January, because the learning curve is quite long."

Ladies first: The Cal Lutheran women will kick off the first part of CLU's doubleheader tonight. The Regals host Cal State East Bay at 5 p.m. in the debut of head coach Roy Dow.

CLU returns seven players from last year's 13-12 team and welcomes nine newcomers.

The revamped backcourt will include junior transfer Kelsey Paopao from Saddleback College.

Junior Nita Sims and sophomore Christina Cherry return in the frontcourt.

The incoming freshmen class includes local products Meaghan Goodenough (Simi Valley) and Shana Moore (Royal).

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