Kono moves on at U.S. Amateur

UCLA sophomore Stephanie Kono advanced to today's quarterfinals of the U.S. Women's Amateur and faces USC rival Jennifer Song, who is trying to become the first woman to win the Public Links and Amateur in the same year.

The Punahou graduate advanced to the final eight of the event played in St. Louis by defeating Allie White of Lancaster, Ohio, 2 up. Song edged Cydney Clanton of Concord, N.C., 2 and 1.

“;I'm feeling really good,”; Song said. “;Obviously, I am very confident going in. My short game is coming back.”;

Wahine No. 7 in volleyball poll

The Hawaii women's volleyball team was picked seventh in Volleyball magazine's media preseason poll yesterday.

The Rainbow Wahine, 31-4 last season, were ranked behind defending national champion Penn State, Texas, Nebraska, Washington, Stanford and Cal. Rounding out the top 10 were Minnesota, Florida and UCLA.

Hawaii opens the season Aug. 28 against Western Michigan in the Chevron Invitational. The AVCA coaches poll will be released Aug. 18.

Wichmann WAC's representative

Recent Hawaii graduate Annett Wichmann added yet another honor to her long resume when selected as the Western Athletic Conference's nominee for the 2009 NCAA Woman of the Year.

The award recognizes senior female student-athletes who have excelled in the areas of academic achievement, athletics, service and leadership. Wichmann, from Jena, Germany, graduated with a degree in kinesiology and rehabilitation science last spring.

Considered the most decorated track and field athlete in school history, Wichmann qualified for seven NCAA Championships, earning All-America distinction four times, and broke more than 40 school records.

The national winner will be announced in October.

Kailua loses at Legion regional

Kailua came back from six runs down but fell to Greeley, Colo., 7-6 in the American Legion Western Regional at Fairfield, Calif., yesterday.

Greeley jumped out to a 6-0 lead but Kailua tied it in the top of the eighth before giving up a run in the bottom of the inning.

Both teams will play their second games of the tournament today.