Hawaii Beat Star-Bulletin staff

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Sopoaga gets $20 million deal

Nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga came to agreement with the San Francisco 49ers on a five-year contract that could bring the former Hawaii star $20 million, NFL sources said.

Sopoaga was a fourth-round draft pick in 2004. When the 49ers converted to a full-time 3-4 scheme last season, Sopoaga made a career-high 58 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks while starting five games and sharing playing time with Aubrayo Franklin.

"Isaac wanted to continue to be a 49er and they wanted to keep him in San Francisco," said Kenny Zuckerman, Sopoaga's agent.

Star-Bulletin sports grabs honors

The Associated Press Sports Editors honored the Star-Bulletin sports department with two national awards yesterday.

"Warriors Report," the magazine previewing the Hawaii football season, was named one of the top 10 special sections by a newspaper with a circulation of 40,000 to 100,000 -- the fifth year in a row the Star-Bulletin has been lauded in that category.

Also, Kalani Simpson, who left the Star-Bulletin in September, was named one of 10 finalists among columnists for a selection of his work.

Baughman, Robinson pitch shutouts

Courtney Baughman and Kate Robinson both pitched shutouts and the 15th-ranked Hawaii softball team swept UC Riverside 2-0 and 6-0 yesterday in Riverside, Calif.

Baughman (6-0) struck out six in the first game, and senior outfielder Brandi Peiler belted her first home run of the season.

In the second game, Kate Robinson (4-2) tossed a five-hitter with six strikeouts. Robinson also contributed on offense, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Tanisha Milca went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and a triple.

Hawaii plays Western Kentucky tomorrow in the first game of the Eller Media Stadium Classic in Las Vegas, Nev.

Frick dives for gold; Hawaii in second

Senior Magnus Frick took gold in the 1-meter diving final and Hawaii shared second place after the first day of the Conference USA Championship in Houston.

Senior Mats Wiktorsson finished third in the 1-meter event. Two Rainbow Warriors placed second in two events, the 200- and 800-yard relays.

Hawaii was tied with East Carolina with 104 points, four points behind leader SMU.

[ PACWEST PLACE ]

Sea Warriors slip past Vulcans

Ashley Jenkins had 14 points and 14 rebounds and Jocelyn Norris added 13 points and 10 rebounds to lead Hawaii Pacific past Hawaii-Hilo 53-49 yesterday in Hilo.

The Sea Warriors converted 27 of 37 free throws en route to breaking their three-game conference losing streak.

Sheila Azevedo scored 13 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Vulcans.