ISLE FILE
Lajola to South America

Advertiser Staff

'Aiea's Dennis Lajola will represent the United States in an International Tennis Federation event in South America next week.

From Monday to Wednesday, eight Americans will compete in the XVIII International Taca Group Bowl in El Salvador, and the Costa Rica Bowl. The U.S. team will be split in half.

The U.S. Tennis Association views the Bowls as an "excellent developmental experience" and an opportunity to build ITF World Junior Rankings for its High Performance players.

The boys team is coached by Michael Sell, who has been working with Lajola the past year, and Roger Smith. Both are USTA High Performance Coaches.

Lajola, 15, was ranked second nationally in 14-and-unders when he advanced out of the age division last month. He finished third at the National Open Championships played in Hawai'i three weeks ago, competing mostly against 18-year-olds.

Lajola transferred from Iolani to the Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida in January.

BASEBALL

Vulcans top Leathernecks: Kaliko Oligo scored on Marc Caviglia's sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth to lift Hawai'i-Hilo over Western Illinois yesterday, 4-3, at Wong Stadium.

Brian Ebbs came in relief of starter Scott Siegfried in the top of the ninth and earned the win.

David Chu went 3 for 5, including a double, and Chris Savio and Sean Tamura each had two hits for UH-Hilo, which is 7-22. Western Illinois is 8-9.

SOFTBALL

HPU doubleheader postponed: Bad weather and poor field conditions led to the postponement of yesterday's scheduled doubleheader between Hawai'i Pacific and Point Loma Nazarene (Calif.).

The games were rescheduled for today at 2 p.m. at HPU Windward Field in Kane'ohe.