QUICKLY admitting its mistake, ABC Sports has relieved Lisa Guerrero of her “Monday Night Football” sideline reporting job after just one awkward season.

Guerrero will be replaced by the more experienced Michele Tafoya.

In making the announcement, “MNF” producer Fred Gaudelli said he didn’t think it was odd that a change was made so quickly.

“I’m a believer in Lisa’s talent,” Gaudelli said.

“I just didn’t think her talent and the role matched up.”

A year ago, Gaudelli felt differently, hiring Guerrero to replace Melissa Stark. Pregnant at the time, Stark left on maternity leave and to pursue a morning-news career.

She now works on the “Today” show and does occasional sports assignments for NBC.

Brought over from Fox Sports Net, Guerrero arrived on “Monday Night” with a lot of publicity and limited sports broadcasting credentials.

Her resume wasn’t as lengthy as others considered for the job, but “MNF” play-by-play announcer Al Michaels and the ABC brass vigorously defended their choice.

Guerrero struggled from the beginning, most notably after the regular season opener between the Jets and Redskins.

During an interview with Redskins’ quarterback, Patrick Ramsey, Guerrero said, “I saw you talking to Laveranues Coles, your ex-teammate [before the game.] What did he say to you?”

Ramsey didn’t answer because he and Coles were current teammates.

While this was Guerrero’s worst mistake, she didn’t improve much.

She was awkward in her delivery and, as the season went on, Gaudelli changed her role to produce pre-packaged stories instead of live news from the game.

Guerrero did not return calls yesterday.

With Tafoya, ABC has made a much safer choice. She is ABC/ESPN’s lead sideline reporter on its NBA telecasts and doesn’t figure to be overwhelmed by the new gig.

“I’m just really excited about the opportunity to do it,” Tafoya said.

Tafoya likely won’t be timid. Last October, a feisty Tafoya made some unwanted headlines.

While sitting in a Metrodome luxury box at a University of Minnesota game, she and her friends got into a verbal altercation with some Michigan fans in the regular seats. Tafoya proceeded to pour a beer on the fans.

She later apologized.

Gaudelli said he hopes Guerrero will remain with ABC Sports in other capacities. She has worked figure skating for the network. While her contract goes through this year, it contains a network option for 2005.

“Our thinking was based solely on what can we do to make ‘Monday Night Football’ a better show,” Gaudelli said.

Michaels played a part in ABC Sports deciding to go with Tafoya. After working NBA games with Tafoya, he threw his support behind her.