Spencer to coach at Saint Louis

Former Leilehua boys basketball coach Keith Spencer has accepted the same job at Saint Louis, athletic director Ed Paola said yesterday.

Spencer, who won a state title in his playing days at ‘Iolani, had been the head coach at Leilehua for the past 14 years.

"It was hard to even consider leaving there because I have been at Leilehua for so long and it’s like family out there," Spencer said. "My wife and I talked about what would be best for our family and decided a change would be good for me."

He replaces Dwight Moniz, who had coached at Saint Louis the previous two seasons.

Spencer said Conrad Shidaki and Alan Fadayaga would serve as assistant coaches.

HPU softball staff honored

The National Fastpitch Coaches Association has selected the Hawaii Pacific softball staff as its DIvision II coaching staff of the year.

Bryan Nakasone headed the staff that includes assists Howard Okita, Roger Javillo, Jon Correles and Richard Nomura. The Lady Sea Warriors won the first national title in May in their third NCAA tournament appearance.

The staff has been together for five seasons, compiling a 196-61-1 record with four PacWest titles.

Volleyball, tennis camps at La Pietra

The inaugural Diamond Head Volleyball Camp, a fund-raiser for the La Pietra-Hawaii School for Girls athletic department, will be held July 12 to 15 at the campus gym.

The camp is open to girls entering the sixth through 12th grades with sessions for the lower grades at 3 to 5:30 p.m., and the upper grades from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $100.

Among the staffers are Mahina Eleneki Hugo, a member of the 1987 NCAA championship team at Hawaii, and La Pietra coach Kent Kim, the 2009 ILH Division II coach of the year.

The school is also offering its first tennis camp, with a week-long session for beginners starting Monday and the session for advanced players beginning July 12. Both camps run from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and are open to boys and girls entering fifth through 12 grades. The cost is $100.

For information, call Ross Kinsler at 922-2744. The camp flyers and registration forms are available at www.lapietra.edu.

3 teams medal at volleyball nationals

Ka Ulukoa took gold, and Team Piko and I Mua won silver in their respective divisions at the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championships in Reno, Nevada.

Ka Ulukoa went 11-0 to win the 14 national division, defeating City Beach 25-16, 25-18 in the title match. Coached by Larry Tuileta Sr., the members of the winning team were Clare-Marie Anderson, Marissa Behrens, Shannel Chong, Puamana Danielson, Remo-Louise Gaogao, Silerolia Gaogao, Kayloa Guerrero, Savanah Kahakai, Faith Maafala, Alissa Mauga, Jamie Talbo and Kiani Tuileta.

Team Piko (10-1) lost its only match in the final of the 13 american division, falling to Rockwood Thunder, 25-21, 19-25, 15-13. Coached by Elisabeth Kadooka, members are Lynzi Ann Akeo, Reyn Akiu, Cassidy Apo, Chelsie Arume, Karley Demello, Kaila Kawelo, Mariko Lau, Sarah Lau, Haley-Mihana Leong, Kayla Muraoka, Marissa Nakasone, Tiare Pescaia and Payton Spragling.

I Mua (10-1) also lost its only match in the final of the 12 national division, losing to Puerto Rico’s Borinquen Coqui, 26-24, 24-26, 15-8. Coached by Rona Kekauoha, members are Anela Apo, Madison Shea Collier, Kyra Hanawahine, Kailihiwa Kane, Moeakama’ama’ama Kekauoha, Dallas Lishman, Brandee Marwith, Kealoha Wong and Lauren Yap.

Also, Jammers Volleyball Club went 8-1 to finish fifth in 13 national, 10-1 to place ninth in 15 national, 5-5 in 14 national for 22nd place and 7-3 for 25th in 12 national, Imi Ike (2-9) finished 26th in the 17 open and Oahu Volleyball Club (4-6) 45th in 17 national.

Still competing are Maunalani (6-2) in 18 national and Jammers (4-0) in 16 national.