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Hawaii Beat

By Star-Bulletin Staff

Friday, March 17, 2000

Garcia wins Billabong

Hawaii's Sunny Garcia began his 2000 World Championship Tour assault in style yesterday at Queensland, Australia, winning the Billabong Pro surf meet.

Garcia defeated Western Australia's Jake Paterson in the punchy, 3-foot beach break conditions at Duranbah.

Garcia, who hadn't won on the Association of Surfing Professionals circuit since 1996, dominated his opponent with pure power throughout the 35-minute final. Garcia scored a 24.70-18.55 win.

"It's been a long time since I won an event on the ASP tour and this feels pretty sweet," said Garcia.

Garcia won the Triple Crown of Surfing title in Hawaii last December and then the ASP sanctioned "Shoot-out'' last month at Sunset Beach.

Vuls win on Hipwell HR

Melanie Hipwell ended a marathon softball game when she rocketed an 0-2 pitch over the fence in the 13th inning, giving Hawaii-Hilo a 2-1 victory over 12th-ranked Texas Women's University yesterday at Hilo.

The game had been tied since the sixth inning.

Michelle Canchola (7-4) pitched the distance for the Vulcans, giving up 10 singles and striking out 10.

The second game was canceled and the teams were to finish the series with a doubleheader today.

Hipwell, who caught all 13 innings of the 3-hour, 20-minute game, collected three hits and scored both runs for the Vulcans (16-10).

The Pioneers fell to 16-6.

Water polo win for UH

Eighth-ranked Hawaii struck for four first-quarter goals and went on to defeat No. 16 Indiana, 8-2, in a women's water polo match last night at Duke Kahanamoku Pool.

Eight Wahine scored goals and UH goalies Christa Tackaberry and Sarah Shepard combined for seven saves.

The Wahine (10-7) and Hoosiers (7-6) tangle again today at 6 p.m.

State Junior gym meets

Junior State Olympic Gymnastics Championship meets will be held in Kaneohe this weekend and next, with state winners qualifying for regional title meets on the mainland.

The boys state meet is tomorrow, starting at 3:30 p.m. and Sunday starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Hawaiian Island Twisters gym The girls will compete on Sunday, March 26, at the Kokokahi gym.

The meets are open to the public for a small admission fee.

Maui Marathon Sunday

More than 2,500 runners from 46 states and 20 other countries are entered in Sunday's Maui Marathon.

Among the favorites are Hungarian champion Erika Csomor in the women's field and Disdery L. Hombo of Tanzania, Tekalign Shewaye of Ethiopia, John Delascurain of Oklahoma, James Sheremeta of California and Dror Vanknin of Florida among the men.

Tinman Biathlon entries

Entries postmarked by Monday will be accepted for the 16th annual Tinman Biathlon, to be held at 6:30 a.m. in Ala Moana Park.

Entry forms are available at most running and bike stores. Entry fee is $14.

Late entries also will be accepted at The Bike Shop and on race day.