Big Isle briefs, April 7

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UHH’s Kott takes pod honor

All of those thunderous kills UH-Hilo amassed in four victories at its school gym didn’t come by accident.

Many of them came thanks to Kendall Kott’s helping hands.

The sophomore setter Monday was named the PacWest Hawaii pod Player of the Week, averaging more than 10.5 assists per game over 14 sets.

The Shingle Springs, Calif., native turned in one of her finest performances Saturday night in a four-set win against Chaminade, posting 41 assists and 11 digs.

Overall, Kott contributed 149 assists, four block assists, 26 digs, two service aces and five kills, making just four ball-handling errors.

Kott’s honor comes two weeks after outside hitter Bria Beale won the award.

UHH-HPU at Murakami

Hawaii Pacific’s baseball team finally has an Oahu home, which is good news for PacWest pod partner UH-Hilo as well.

HPU and the Vulcans reached an agreement that allows the Sharks to host games at Les Murakami Stadium on the weekends that the Rainbow Warriors are traveling to the mainland, according to a Hawaii Pacific release.

The Vuls and Sharks will play this weekend at Murakami (six games, including the resumption of a suspended one) as well as a five-game series scheduled for April 30-May 2. A free video webstream will be available at HPUSharks.com.

Also, doubleheaders on April 17-18 will be played at UHH’s campus field. The Vulcans’ schedule previously had them finishing the season at HPU with doubleheaders April 24-25, but that is now a free weekend.

If all goes to plan, UHH (4-4, 4-1 PacWest) and HPU (1-8, 1-4) will play 20 of 24 originally scheduled conference games.

UHH women’s golf better, but finishes last

Kaelyn Uchida shot another 11-over 83 as the UH-Hilo women’s golf team made a five-shot improvement Tuesday, finishing last in the 17-team field at the West Texas A&M Invite in Tucson, Ariz.

Tia Kualii turned in a 89 to get to 179, Tori Hironaga’s 90 was a five strokes better than her Monday round, and Kasumi Goto closed with a 96. The Vuls were 118 shots behind the winner, No. 4 Texas A&M-Commerce (27-over 603).

Commerce’s Sarah Wongsinth survived a 76 and pocketed a one-stroke win at 3-over.

Pahoa seeking multiple coaches

Pahoa High has coaching openings for boys basketball, air riflery, soccer, cross country, golf and track and field.

“If you are looking to utilize your skills and talents and grow in the coaching field, while serving and strengthening our school and community, we would love to have you join our organization,” Daggers athletic director Hoku Haliniak said in a release.

For more information, contact Haliniak at 313-4242 or Cornelia.haliniak@k12.hi.us.

Hilo High steak-fry benefit

The Hilo Athletic Committee in partnership with the Hilo High athletic department will hold its steak-fry fundraiser from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday at the school gym to support athletics.

Kiawe-grilled steak plates will be on sale for $10 and available for pickup. All purchased tickets from last year’s suspended steak-fry will be honored.

For more information, please call 313-5600 or 896-7855.

Setting the record straight

UH-Hilo volleyball senior Taira Kaawaloa attended University Laboratory School and paddled for Kailua canoe club. Incorrect information was given in Sunday’s edition.