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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, August 15, 2007

ISLE FILE
Smith carries Australia to win

Advertiser Staff

University of Hawai'i senior Tanya Smith had 10 points and 15 rebounds to help the Australia women's basketball team defeat Turkey, 96-62, yesterday at the World University Games in Bangkok, Thailand.

Smith made 2 of 5 field goals and 6 of 7 free throws as the Australians (5-1) advanced to today's semifinals against the Czech Republic (5-1). Russia (5-1) meets Poland (4-2) in the other semifinal.

Also yesterday, the U.S. softball team defeated the Czech Republic, 3-1. Kalaheo graduate Jessika Ngirblekuu, who played at Palm Beach Community College (Fla.), is a member of the U.S. team. The Americans (3-1) face Canada (4-0) in a playoff match today.


WHEELCHAIR TENNIS

ARNOULT-RITTHALER OPENS WITH EASY WIN

After receiving a bye Monday, top-seeded Beth Arnoult-Ritthaler, from Pa'ia, wasted little time advancing to the next round yesterday at the Parapan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Arnoult took 42 minutes to defeat Puerto Rico's Tania Tieso, 6-0, 6-0. Kaitlyn Verfuerth (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.), the women's No. 2 seed, also won easily, defeating Chile's Maria Ortiz, 6-0, 6-1.

"We're hoping to have an all-American final in the women's draw, and it's looking good for them," said U.S. assistant coach Jason Harnett. "They both played very well today."

Action resumes today with Arnoult playing Chile's Maria Mardones on center court. Verfuerth and Arnoult close down center court in women's doubles against Peru.


VOLLEYBALL

BYUH RANKED NO. 19 IN COACHES' POLL

The Brigham Young-Hawai'i women's volleyball team opened at No. 19 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association Division II preseason poll.

The Seasiders went 20-1 last year with their only loss to Cal State-Los Angeles in the first round of the NCAA Pacific regional. BYUH opens the season Aug. 24 with matches in Los Angeles against Central Washington and Cal State-Los Angeles.

Defending champion Tampa received the poll's top spot with 29 of the 36 first-place votes.


BASKETBALL

YOUTH CLINIC STARTS SUNDAY AT KAIMUKI

The Elite Basketball Academy will host a clinic for youths ages 8 to 18 at Kaimuki High School starting this Sunday.

The four-series clinic will be conducted by Kelly Grant, the boys basketball coach at Kaimuki, and will focus on various fundamental skills.

Clinic dates are Aug. 19, Aug. 26, Sept. 2 and Sept. 9. Cost is $65 per participant. Deadline to register is today.

Clinic times for youths ages 13 to 18 will be 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Youths ages 8 to 12 will take the floor from 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

For more information, contact 262-4538 or visit www.kamaainakids.com.