Metzger-Wong snaps
South America streak

ESPINHO, PORTUGAL >> The ninth-seeded team of Stein Metzger and Kevin Wong scored a pair of wins over higher-ranked teams from Brazil to capture an FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Gold Medal in the eighth annual Portugal Open.

The win for the Punahou pair snapped a string of 14 consecutive gold medals for South American teams on the Beach Volleyball World Tour.

Metzger and Wong, who won their second FIVB title and fourth overall together, scored a 17-21, 24-22 and 15-12 win over fifth-seeded Marcio Araujo and Benjamin Insfran of Brazil in the 65-minute title match to claim the $22,500 first-place prize. The Americans withstood three match points in the second set to overcome Araujo and Benjamin in the third set.

"Their serve pressure was too much for us," Metzger said. "But fortunately they couldn't keep the pressure and Kevin started to handle their service much better. The South Americans really took over the leading role in Beach Volleyball. That's no problem for us, because we love them, but I think it is time for the U.S. teams now."

Meanwhile, at Rhodes, Greece, Holly McPeak and Elaine Youngs defeated Natalie Cook and Kerri Pottharst 21-17 and 21-16 to win the Greek Open, capturing their third gold medal of the FIVB season.

It was the first time two United States beach volleyball teams won gold medals on the same day at different sites.

Hawaii paddlers successful in Oregon

COLUMBIA RIVER, Ore. >> Hawaii outrigger canoe paddlers won five individual and one team gold medal at the Ford Gorge Games last week.

Kai 'Opua Canoe Club of the Big Island won the women's O-6 race and four of its members won their respective O-1 divisions. Carrie Sue Judd Hendricks was first in the women's open race in 47 minutes and 13 seconds with teammate Cheryl Villegas second in 47:19 over the 8-mile course.

Hendricks' brother Mike Judd, who competes for Lanikai Canoe Club, was the men's open winner, finishing the 15-mile course in 1:29:03. Hendricks' husband Nate, another Kai 'Opua paddler, won the men's masters division in 1:33:5.

Ronona Della Cioppa of Kai 'Opua won the women's masters division in 51:58 and Patty Eames the senior masters race in 51:53.

Pigskin Pigout date set for Aug. 22 at Murphy's

The seventh annual Murphy's UH Warrior Football Pigskin Pigout has been scheduled for Aug. 22 starting at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are $100 and include dinner, entertainment, and a live auction. All proceeds from the event will go to the football program.

Tickets are available at Murphy's or call the restaurant at 531-0422.