Wahine close to hosting
defending champion

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Star-Bulletin staff

Hawaii is quickly becoming the spring destination of defending national champions.

Last year, 2001 champion Stanford visited Hawaii for a scrimmage in April. This year USC could make a similar visit.

"I think it's likely to happen," Rainbow Wahine coach Dave Shoji said. "They're on the West Coast, it's not too far to go."

Plans have not been finalized but Shoji expects them to be completed next week.

Arizona State ruins Hilo's baseball opener

Tom Henderson went 2-for-4 but six Arizona State pitchers shut out Hawaii-Hilo 9-0 in the Vulcans opener at Wong Stadium last night.

Robert Shimabukuru took the loss for the Vulcans after surrendering three runs in 3 2/3 innings. Brett Bordes got the win for the Sun Devils and catched Joel Bocchi hit a home run.

UH-Hilo fund raisers coming next month

Two events are set for early next month to benefit Hawaii-Hilo athletic teams.

A benefit for the men's and women's tennis teams will be Feb. 8 at the Waiakea Racquet Club.

The schedule that day includes a drill session (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.), clinics (1:15-2:15 p.m.), skills challenges for prizes (2:15-3 p.m.) and an exhibition match (3-4:30 p.m.).

For information call 961-5499 or 938-5757.

A benefit golf tournament for women's softball program will be held Feb. 9 at the Hawaii Naniloa Resort's Course.

The format is a two-person scramble with a 7:30 a.m. shotgun start. The $60 individual fee includes green fees, cart, lunch and prizes. The entry deadline is Feb. 3. For information, call UHH softball coach Callen Perreira at 974-7703.

Division II top performers

>> Mike Donegan, Chaminade basketball: The senior forward from LaVerne, Calif., recovered from a concussion to score 18 points on 6-for-9 shooting from the field and 6-for-8 from the line to help the Silverswords steal a conference game at Hilo. Donegan leads the conference in shooting percentage with a .624 mark.

>> Marvin Noble, Hawaii Pacific basketball: Noble played every minute of the past three games and scored 17 points to help the Sea Warriors beeak Montana State-Billings' 38-game home winning streak. Noble is fifth in the conference in scoring with 16.1 points per game and fourth in steals at 1.86.