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UH alum Ulbrich honored

Hawaii alumnus Jeff Ulbrich is the 2004 recipient of the San Francisco 49ers' Matt Hazeltine Award, the team announced yesterday.

The award is a team honor named for the former 49ers linebacker/center, who played more seasons at linebacker than any San Francisco player. The award was established in 1987 by then-49ers coach Bill Walsh after Hazeltine died from complications of ALS that year.

The award is given to the team's "most courageous and inspirational defensive player," the 49ers Web site said.

Ulbrich leads San Francisco with 144 total tackles, a career high.

Vulcans win at Cal State Los Angeles

Two players gave Hawaii-Hilo big production in a short time to help the Vulcans to a 72-68 win yesterday at Cal State Los Angeles.

Steven McMaryion scored a season-high 12 points in 14 minutes off the bench, shooting 5 of 6 from the field. West Hawthorne played just 15 minutes in his first action back after missing the previous two games with an injury, but hit three 3-pointers and scored 11 points.

Vulcan teammate Skip Esene led all scorers with 19 points to help Hilo move to 8-1 in NCAA Division II men's basketball action.

The Vulcans play at Cal State Dominguez Hills tonight.

Wie to headline new LPGA event at Turtle Bay

Hawaii golf prodigy Michelle Wie has accepted an invitation to play in the Ladies Professional Golf Association's newest event, the SBS Open at Turtle Bay.

The 15-year-old will be among the elite field in the Feb. 21-26 event thanks to a sponsor's exemption by the Korean independent television network Seoul Broadcasting System. Annika Sorenstam, Grace Park, Se Ri Pak, Christie Kerr and Paula Creamer are also expected to compete on the resort's championship Arnold Palmer Course.

The event boasts a $150,000 first prize and $1 million total purse.

Ticket proceeds will benefit Friends of Hawaii Charities Inc. For information call 792-9333.

Rainbow Wahine No. 8 in final volleyball poll

The Hawaii women's volleyball team placed eighth in the final AVCA Coaches Poll of 2004.

The Rainbow Wahine finished tied for 9th in the NCAA Tournament after losing their Sweet 16 match to Wisconsin. It was Hawaii's only loss of a 30-1 season.

National champion Stanford finished at No. 1, followed by national runner-up Minnesota. Washington and Southern Cal, the other two final four semifinalists, placed No. 3 and 4.

BYUH coach to conduct tennis clinics

Brigham Young-Hawaii coach Dave Porter will conduct tennis clinics at Kapalua Resort Jan. 6 and 8.

Porter was U.S. Professional Tennis Association College Coach of the Year and the Hawaii Division Pro of the Year in 2003. His Seasider women's teams have gone 204-1 since 1998. His men's and women's teams have won a combined nine national championships.

The junior clinic Jan. 6 is free. The Jan. 8 adult clinic is $15. For information call Kapalua Tennis Garden at 808-669-5677.