Tuipulotu will transfer to UH

Kaniela Tuipulotu, one of the state's highest-rated football recruits two years ago, will transfer from Arizona to Hawaii, the Kahuku graduate confirmed yesterday.

Tuipulotu, a defensive tackle, said he's been granted his release by the Arizona coaches and returns to Hawaii this week after finishing summer school in Tucson.

Tuipulotu grew up in Lahaina, but attended Kahuku for his last three years of high school. He said the chance to be closer to his family was the main factor in his decision, recalling a conversation he had with Warriors linebacker Blaze Soares.

“;He told me there's nothing like playing in front of your family,”; Tuipulotu said. “;That stuck with me.”;

Tuipulotu (6-foot-2, 300 pounds) will have to sit out this season under NCAA transfer rules, but is looking forward to “;helping out on the scout team.”; He will then have two years of eligibility remaining.

Hawaii football tickets go on sale

Season tickets for Hawaii football, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, go on sale tomorrow.

Tickets are available online at HawaiiAthletics.com, at the Stan Sheriff Center box office, and by phone at 944-2697. The Warriors play a seven-game home schedule that includes Boise State, Fresno State, Wisconsin and Navy.

Tickets range from $60 to $145, with the south end zone ($127) and sidelines ($145) requiring a premium seat contribution.

Also on sale is a $99 pay-per-view package for the five road games.

2 qualify for U.S. Amateur golf

Wailuku's Cassy Isagawa carded a 2-under 70 yesterday to claim medalist honors at the USGA Women's Amateur Sectional qualifier at Waikoloa Beach Resort Kings' Course.

Dottie Ardina of the Philippines shot a 71 to earn the second qualifying spot at the national tournament, Aug. 3-9 in St. Louis.

Cyna Marie Rodriguez of the Philippines defeated Pearl City's Mari Chun on the first playoff hole and is the first alternate.

Prep standouts at QB Club lunch

Four of Hawaii's top female high school soccer players headline the speakers program at tomorrow's Honolulu Quarterback Club luncheon at the Pagoda Hotel.

Speaking will be Kalani's Tani Costa, Meleana Shim of Kamehameha, and Punahou's Aisha Price and Jayann Gabrio. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by the noon program.

Stanley leads U.S. against China

Former Hawaii volleyball player Clay Stanley had a match-high 21 points, but it was not enough to lift Team USA over China in yesterday's FIVB World League match in Nanjing, China.

The Kaiser High graduate had 18 kills and three blocks as the U.S. slipped to 5-2 in the tournament.

Volleyball gold for Ka Ulukoa

The Ka Ulukoa Volleyball Club 13s team went undefeated to take gold at the USA Volleyball Boys Junior Olympics in Atlanta.

The team finished 11-0, capping its undefeated run with a 25-16, 25-19 victory over Puerto Rican power Borinquen Coqui yesterday. The Hawaii club dropped just two sets during the tournament, including one when defeating Fusion 25-19, 21-25, 15-8 in the semifinals.

In the 18 Club division, Onipaa fell to Molten Black of Arizona in the championship bracket quarterfinals to share fifth.

In the Girls Junior Olympics in Miami, Imi Ike lost in the semifinals of the silver bracket to tie for 11th.

Judoka Chow finishes fifth

Honolulu's Mindy Chow placed fifth in the 57-kilogram division at the Jikji Cup, an international judo tournament for junior players in Cheongju, South Korea, on Friday.

The 14-year-old won her quarterfinal bout by ippon over Maxine Mendoza of the Philippines. Jan-Di Kim of Korea threw Chow for ippon in the last 10 seconds of their semifinal bout.

The U.S. Junior Judo Team is coached by Honolulu's Derrick Kerr.

8 boxers medal at U.S. nationals

Boxers from Hawaii earned four silver and four bronze medals at the recent USA Boxing National Championships in Denver.

Losing in their respective title bouts were: Jonathan Benitez of Waianae BC, 101 pounds; Chazzette Sau, Southside Maui, 125; Alyssa Kane, Kawano BC, 132; and Garen Rabelliza, Waianae BC, 106.

Finishing third were Sharvell DeCastro, Waianae BC, 119; Kalynn Talalotu, Waianae BC, 145; Colleen Loo, Honolulu BC, 101; and Gardenia Sims, 165, Waianae BC.

The eight earned a top-four ranking by USAB and are part of the USA National Boxing Team pool for international competition.