Sports Shorts Sports Shorts (November 19, 2003)

MENLO WINS FINALE . . . When the dust finally cleared at Menlo College on Saturday, the Oaks football team were proud owners of a 44-41 nonconference victory over visiting Concordia-Moorehead of Minnesota in a game which featured a pair of high-powered offenses, both of which were in rhythm. The teams combined for 45 first downs and 867 offensive yards. Menlo (7-3) seemed to be chasing Concordia (7-3) the entire contest, overcoming seven lead changes to put the game away on a 61-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Frank Borba to Andre O'Neil with 1:43 remaining to play. Concordia scored the game's first two touchdowns but it became a see-saw battle once the Oaks came back to tie it when running back Duane Miller caught a 13-yard TD pass from Borba and later ran four yards for another score. Borba completed 23 of 37 passes for 333 yards and four touchdowns. Vinny Benedett caught two touchdown passes of 11 and 15 yards, and kicker Ray DeSenna was responsible for eight points on a 28-yard field goal and five extra points. Palo Alto grad Brandon Springer recorded a game-high 121/2 tackles for the Oaks.
CARDINAL CORNER . . . The Stanford softball team announced the signing of six recruits: Tricia Aggabao, Anna Beardman, Erin Howe, Becky McCullough, Lauren Nydam and Michelle Smith. "This is a tremendous recruiting class for our program," Stanford coach John Rittman said. "These six athletes are great people as well as ambitious students and I am eager to work with them." . . . The Stanford women's water polo program announced the signing of Jacquelyn Gauthier to a National Letter of Intent. "We are very excited that Jacquelyn will be joining our team," said coach John Tanner. "She is a fast, intelligent, tenacious player who is comfortable anywhere in the pool." Gauthier competed in two international tournaments over the summer with the U.S. National Youth Team . . . The Stanford women's gymnastics program signed five student-athletes to letters of intent: Lauren Elmore, Stephanie Gentry, Alexandra Pintchouk, Elizabeth Tricase, and Tabitha Yim. "The five recruits we have signed are unbelievable students and phenomenal athletes," said coach Kristen Smyth. "These exceptional young women bring international experience, explosiveness and power, elegance and artistry. It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know these student-athletes and their families." . . . Stanford women's volleyball senior Sara McGee and junior Ogonna Nnamani were named to the Academic All-District VIII first team . . . Stanford All-American women's soccer goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart earned CoSIDA Academic All-District VIII honors for her athletic and academic achievements. She had seven shutouts and 60 saves in 1,758 minutes of play . . . Stanford senior Abe Geiger and junior James Twellman were named to the CoSida District VIII All-Academic men's soccer team.

OF LOCAL NOTE . . . The Menlo-Atherton High boys and girls basketball teams are scheduled to play Alumni games on Saturday, Nov. 29. The girls play at 6:30 p.m., with the boys to follow at 8 p.m. Admission will be charged, with tickets priced at $4 for adults, $2 for students, and $1 for 12-and-under. Alumni interested in playing can contact M-A Athletic Director Pam Wimberly at 650-322-5311, extension 5706.

COACHING SPOTS . . . Palo Alto High is looking for a girls' junior varsity basketball coach for the upcoming season. Interested coaches can contact Paly girls' varsity coach Amy Stock at 856-5119. The Vikings also need a diving coach and JV soccer coaches for both boys and girls. Interested coaches with a solid background should contact Palo Alto Athletic Director Earl Hansen at 329-3886 . . . Woodside Priory is seeking a boys junior varsity basketball coach for the upcoming season. Interested coaches can contact Athletic Director Mark Stogner at 650-851-6107 . . . The Palo Alto Recreation Department is looking for volleyball coaches for the winter middle school sports season. Coaches are needed at Jordan, Terman and Stanford Middle Schools. For information, contact Chris Neier at 463-4926 . . . Sacred Heart Prep is looking for assistant swim coaches for the spring, as well as assistants for varsity and JV baseball. Interested coaches should contact SHP athletic director Mike Ciardella at 473-4031.