Ching 2 shots back at eGolf championship

Punahou alum Alex Ching shot a 7-under 65 and is alone in second place at the $300,000 Million Dollar Championship Series eGolf Tour Championship in Hilton Head, S.C.

Ching was one of three Hawaii golfers who made the cut in the 72-hole event that offers the largest purse in mini-tour history. The event is being played on two courses — the Robert Cupp and Arthur Hills.

Nick Mason, who is expected to defend his Hawaii State Open championship next week at Mauna Lani, shot an even-par 72 for a 4-under 140 total, good for a tie for 21st. Moanalua graduate Tadd Fujikawa shot 1-under 71 for a 3-under total of 141, which puts him in a tie for 32nd.

The cut was even-par 144.

Ching birdied five of his first nine holes on the Hills Course to make the turn at 5-under 31. He eagled the par-5 15th to close with a 34. His 65 was the low round of the week on the Hills Course. Ching’s two-day total of 11-under 133 is two shots back of Ryan Nelson of Charleston, S.C., who shot a 67—131.

Ching, a former University of San Diego star, is making his second start of the year in eGolf’s MDCS following a tie for 48th at last month’s Championship at Red Hawk outside of Reno, Nev.

Late free throw lifts Hawaii Hilo women

Hayley Williams hit one of two free throws with two seconds left as Hawaii Hilo edged Chaminade 60-59 in a Pacific West Conference women’s basketball opener Thursday at McCabe Gym.

Kirstie Williams led the Vulcans (2-3 overall) with a game-high 16 points.

Kristle Henry paced the winless Silverswords (0-5) with 14 points.

» The Hawaii Pacific women’s basketball team improved to 5-1 overall Thursday after running away from BYU-Hawaii 86-53 in a PacWest opener at the Neal Blaisdell Center.

Morganne Comstock led four players who scored in double figures for the Sharks with 21 points.

Kjirsten Nelson led the Seasiders (2-2) with 12 points.