ISLE FILE
Waikoloa women's No. 1 loses
Advertiser Staff
The top-seeded player and the defending champion both lost in the semifinals of the women's draw of the Hilton Waikoloa USTA Challenger yesterday on the Big Island.
Jessica Kirkland defeated No. 1 seed Edina Gallovits of Romania, 6-2, 6-2, to reach today's final against fellow American Lila Osterloh. Osterloh ousted Marie Eve Pelletier, 6-3, 6-7 (3), 6-2.
In the men's semifinals, Yen Hsun Lu of Taipei beat Hyung Taik Lee of Korea, 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, and Frank Dancevic of Canada defeated Bobby Reynolds of the U.S., 6-3, 7-6 (5).
Competition concludes today, starting at 10 a.m.
SURFING
ETTINGER ADVANCES
Brad Ettinger, of Huntington Beach, Calif., eliminated 2004 winner Tom Dosland of Maui yesterday in the second round of the Monster Energy Pro at Banzai Pipeline on O'ahu's North Shore.
Ettinger scored a near-perfect 9.83 tube ride near the end of the four-man heat that included Dosland. Ettinger scored 13.66 points to win the heat while Dosland placed fourth with 6.40.
"Amazing. I just can't find the words," Ettinger said. "This is a career high for me. A dream come true."
Hawai'i's Flynn Novak scored the highest two-wave total of the day with 17.43 points for rides of 9.0 and 8.43.
Competition in the first pro surfing contest in Hawai'i this year will continue today if conditions allow.
VOLLEYBALL
BERG NOMINATED
Punahou graduate Lindsey Berg, who helped guide Team USA to a 26-15 record in 2005 under first-year head coach "Jenny" Lang Ping, is one of USA Volleyball's nominees for U.S. Olympic Committee SportsWoman of the Year. The national program also nominated beach player Misty May.
With Berg setting much of the year, the Americans earned medals in their final three events, getting gold at the FIVB World Championship Qualifying Tournament and NORCECA Championships and silver at the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup.
Berg, a 2004 Olympian, was recognized for her stellar play by earning "Best Setter" honors at the Pan American Cup in June, the World Championship Qualifier in August, and the NORCECA Championships in September.
Team USA won 15 of its last 17 matches.
Each year the USOC recognizes the top male and top female athletes and the top team as selected by their respective member organizations. The names of the athletes and teams are placed on ballots used to select the USOC SportsMan, SportsWoman, Paralympian (individual athlete or team) and overall Team of the Year.
MARATHON
EARLY ENTRIES CLOSING
The early entry period for the 2006 Honolulu Marathon ends today. The fee for local residents and military stationed in Hawai'i is $15 during this period.
After today, the entry fee rises to $60. Early entries are being accepted at Niketown, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Honolulu Marathon will be held on Dec. 10.
OBITUARY
RAY NAGEL'S WIFE DIES
Shirley Nagel, the wife of former University of Hawai'i athletic director and Hula Bowl executive director Ray Nagel, died Dec. 27, 2005, in San Antonio. She was 78.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by daughter Nancy Nagel, and sons Bruce, Tom, Ray and Scott. Correspondence may be sent to 715 Lari Dawn, San Antonio, TX, 78258.
