Hawaii Beat

By Star-Bulletin Staff

Wednesday, April 17, 1996

Kop to defend Mid-Pac title

Brandan Kop, coming off a State Amateur Stroke Play Championship victory last month, will be defending his title as the Mid-Pacific Open begins tomorrow.

Kop beat a professional field to win with a 284 score last year at the par-72 Mid-Pacific Country Club course. Lance Suzuki, who has won the tournament eight times, was the low pro at 288 and earned the $5,000 top prize.

Suzuki returns for the 72-hole event which ends Sunday. Other pros entered are Kevin Hayashi, Brian Sasada, Keith Kollmeyer, Dean Prince and Casey Nakama.

RAINBOW VOLLEYBALL AWARDS

All-American hitter Yuval Katz picked up awards for most kills and services aces at Sunday's awards banquet for the University of Hawaii men's volleyball team.

Junior hitter Aaron Wilton and sophomore hitter Naveh Milo shared the award for best digger. Sophomore blocker Sivan Leoni tallied the most blocks.

The captain's award went to senior setter Erik Pichel. Senior hitter Mike Kantor was cited for the highest grade point average - 3.67 for the past two semesters.

The Rainbows open postseason play Saturday against Pepperdine. The 7 p.m. match at the Special Events Arena has been sold out.

If UH wins Saturday, it would host the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Tournament April 26-27, also a sellout.

KALINKA MONTHLY CHAMP

John Kalinka bested his age - and par - by four strokes to win the Aloha Section PGA Monthly Senior Division Tournament Monday. Kalinka, 72, shot a 4-under-par 68 to win the April event at the Barbers Point Course. Bill Schwallie and Larry Lee Sr. tied for second at 69.

LANAI HIGH CHAMPS

The Lanai High School boys' and girls' physical fitness teams captured their 22nd consecutive state title last Friday at the Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station.

The boys scored 2,280 points, led by senior Randy Ribucan's state-best 484. Bonnie Ayonayon topped the girls with 392 points.