Four players with Hawaii ties have been named to the preliminary roster of the U.S. Men’s National Team’s FIVB World League, including three 2016 Olympians.
Returning from the American team that took bronze in Rio last summer are setters Micah Christenson (Kamehameha) and Kawika Shoji (‘Iolani), and libero Erik Shoji (Punahou). Kawika Shoji has been named team captain.
Also on the roster is former Hawaii All-American middle Taylor Averill.
The U.S. finished fifth at last year’s FIVB World League and currently is tied for No. 2 in the world rankings with Poland. The team officially began its training on Monday at the American Sports Center in Anaheim, Calif.
The Americans begin World League play June 2 versus Serbia in Novi Sad, Serbia.
HPU men fall in NCAA quarterfinals
The No. 4 Hawaii Pacific men’s tennis team fell to No. 1 West Florida 5-0 in the NCAA Division II quarterfinals in Alamonte Springs, Fla.
The Sharks (17-5), who won the national championship last year, opened with losses in all three doubles flights to the Argonauts (30-1). Having to win five out of six singles flights to advance, the Argos clinched it with victories by Sebastian Sanchez and Serdar Bojadjiev.
BYUH women advance to quarterfinals
The No. 1 BYU-Hawaii women’s tennis team (28-0) opened play in the NCAA Division II Championships with a 5-0 sweep over Queens (NY) in Alamonte Springs, Fla.
The Seasiders’ top pair of Nannan Zhang and Xin Wen set the tone with an 8-0 victory over Emily Alplund and Angelika Sobiecka. Michelle Li Sha Khoo and Jeong-Min Keon added an 8-0 victory of their own moments later to give BYUH the lead for good over the Knights (14-4).
The Seasiders face No. 2 Barry (27-0) in quarterfinal action today.
>> The No. 6 Hawaii Pacific women’s team also advanced with a 5-2 victory over No. 12 St. Mary’s (TX). The Sharks (15-5) came from behind to down the Rattlers (18-3), who led 2-1 after doubles competition. HPU faces No. 23 Southeastern Oklahoma (21-2) in today’s quarterfinals.
Herrera finishes second at regionals
BYU-Hawaii men’s golfer Nicolas Herrera finished in a tie for second individually at the NCAA Division II Men’s West/South Central Regional in Stockton, Calif., with a three-round total of 12-under 204. Herrera tied with Chico State’s Kelley Sullivan. California Baptist’s Trevor Lampson finished first with a 15-under 201.
As a team, the Seasiders finished 12th out of 20 with a team total of 4-over 860. California Baptist took the team title with a 30-under 834, topping Stanislaus State by 11 strokes.
Hawaii gymnasts compete at nationals
Eight Hawaii female gymnasts competed in the 2017 Women’s Junior Olympic National Championships in Indianapolis, Ind., after qualifying for the competition through local, state and regional competitions.
Ela Mulligan (HITs) earned a 34.950 (55th) in the Junior A Division. Kalyxta Gamiao (HITs) earned a 37.050 (T-26th) in the Junior B Division. She also scored a 9.50 (T-21st) on vault and a 9.375 (19th) on floor. Madeline Tyau (HITs) scored a 36.40 (40th) in the Junior C Division.
In the senior division, Jenna Domingo (HITs) earned a 35.825 (43rd) in the Senior A Division, Mya Mulligan (HITs) earned a 36.126 (48th) in the Senior B Division, Ciello Magsanide (Rainbow) scored a 34.550 (54th) in the Senior B Division, Britney Wolfe (Island Tumblers) scored a 34.450 (56th) in the Senior C Division, and Chloe Camello (Rainbow) scored a 35.625 (55th) in the Senior F Division.
