Wilson will defend state title

Hawaii's Dean Wilson, who completed another successful season on the PGA Tour, will return home to defend his title at the Hawaii State Open next Thursday through Sunday at the Hawaii Prince Golf Club in Ewa Beach.

Wilson, born and raised in Hawaii, has finished in the top 10 four times this season which helped him earn $1,350,002, 79th on the money list. That earned him his seventh straight full tour privileges for 2009.

  “;We're very honored to have Dean Wilson play in the Hawaii State Open again,”; said Donn Takahashi, president of title sponsor Prince Resorts Hawaii. “;His story is an amazing one of inspiration for athletes of every age—inspiring Hawaii's junior golfers to set their goals high and expect to reach their dream.”;

Golfers from around the state will participate in Hawaii's premier local golfing event with the winner earning $7,000. This year's combined purse is $60,000.

Rainbow Wahine fill out staff

Dallas Bolla, wife of head coach Jim Bolla, was named the University of Hawaii women's basketball team's new assistant coach yesterday. She is a former head women's basketball coach at Long Beach State, where she led for eight seasons (1995-2003).

Kevin Hashiro, the former KKEA (1420-AM) play-by-play broadcaster for the team, was named director of operations.

The Rainbow Wahine open the season against Loyola Marymount today in Hilo as part of the Bank of Hawaii Invitational.

Fujiwara takes over at Radford

Candice Fujiwara has taken over as head coach of the Radford girls volleyball team, Rams' athletic director Kelly Sur announced yesterday.

Fujiwara previously coached the girls team from 1999 to 2003, leading the Rams to the state tournament in 2000.

She takes over for Kahala Kabalis, who stepped down at the end of this season.

PACWEST PLACE

Seasiders lose finale

The Brigham Young University Hawaii women's volleyball team ended its regular season with an exhibition loss to Division I Utah Valley State, 25-13, 22-25, 25-23, 25-23, on Wednesday in Laie.

Agnes Tuilevuka led the Seasiders with 15 kills, and Losaline Faka'osi added 14 kills. Freshman setter Lacey Laycock had 24 assists.

It was the final home game for two Seasider seniors, setter LeeAnn Mapu and middle blocker Faylynn Merrick.

The PacWest champion Seasiders begin regional play next week at a site yet to be determined.