Florence bounced in Fiji quarterfinals

Hawaii’s John John Florence survived three rounds to reach the quarterfinals of the ASP Fiji Pro on Thursday before ending his run with a loss to Brazil’s Gabriel Medina.

Florence won his third-round heat against fellow Hawaii surfer Sebastian Zietz and finished second behind Medina in the fourth round to advance. Florence then defeated Taj Burrow of Australia in the fifth round before falling to Medina 14.20 to 6.34 in the quarterfinals.

Hawaii’s Fred Patacchia lost to Medina in the third round.

Kanoa Leahey joins Maui radio station

A familiar voice in Hawaii sports media, Kanoa Leahey has joined the Pacific Media Group as a member of ESPN Maui AM 900.

The former KHON sports director will debut a midday sports talk show, "Let’s Talk Sports with Kanoa Leahey," the week of June 9. The show is scheduled to air 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. He will also be added to the company’s broadcast schedule for coverage of Maui Interscholastic League events and the EA Sports Maui Invitational.

Leahey is the play-by-play voice for University of Hawaii men’s basketball and high school sports on Oceanic Cable and co-hosts "Leahey and Leahey" on PBS with his father, Jim Leahey.

UH reaches coed sailing finals

The University of Hawaii coed sailing team weathered less than ideal conditions to place fifth in its semifinal bracket on Wednesday and secured a spot in the finals of the Intercollegiate Sailing Association Gill Coed National Championship in St. Mary’s City, Md.

The top nine teams in the Eastern and Western brackets qualified for the two-day finals, which begin Thursday on the St. Mary’s River.

UH posted 60 points to advance out of its 18-team semifinal bracket. UH seniors Adam Pokras and Ana-Melissa Kea sailed in the A division and finished with 33 points after five races held over two days. Madeline Kennedy and Katrina Berry, who led UH to a 15th-place finish in the women’s national championship last week, placed fourth in the B division with 27 points. The points are reset for the finals.

Aloha World 7s at Kapiolani Park

The Aloha World 7s Rugby Tournament, Hawaii’s largest tournament for under-20 men and women, opens Thursday afternoon at Kapiolani Park.

The three-day event features a dozen sides from Hawaii, New Zealand and Australia. Play begins at 1 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday. The finals start at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Also, the AWS tournament features U10 keiki flag exhibitions with sides from Oahu, Maui and the Big Island Saturday at 3:15 p.m.

Kahuku captures state rugby title

Polikapo Liua and Celcius Tarawhiti each scored tries to lead the Kahuku Red Raiders rugby team to a 14-0 victory over defending champion Hilo Reign in the Hawaii Youth Rugby U-19 state championship last Saturday in Hilo.

The 15 per-side tournament was held at Malama Park.

Hilo featured USA High School All-American Suwaiter Poch, a recent Hilo High graduate. The Red Raiders handed the Reign its first loss of the season, 24-19 during Friday’s round-robin play.

Kahuku was coached by Seamus Fitzgerald and assisted by Nusi Tukuafu, who was Hilo’s coach last season.

Other members of the Red Raiders were Kalani Kanoa, Lono Kanongata’a, David Jackson, Kawika Fitzgerald, Lopaka Keoho-Lessary, Manu Napa’a, Pene Kaonohi, Uli Vaifo’ou. Also, Pupi Siilata, Ash Kaka, Misi Matagi, JJ Kawaauhau, Josh Muaina, Ammon Rillamas, Ocean Tuia and Makoa Fonoimoana. Also, Tevai Kaonohi, David Moti, Chance Letoi and Bubba Javon Mohetau.

By virtue of winning the title, Kahuku will host next year’s state championship, April 3-4.