Lajola qualifies for ATP World Tour event

Former University of Hawaii men’s tennis player Dennis Lajola qualified for his first ATP World Tour event on Monday, winning the singles qualifying for a berth in the SAP Open main draw. The event is being held through Sunday at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

Lajola, the former Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year, defeated Rajiv Ram 6-4, 7-6. He followed that with another straight-set win (6-4, 6-4) over Yuki Bhambri to get into the main draw.

Lajola, who celebrated his 23rd birthday on Sunday, takes the court today for first-round action against Bulgaria’s Dimitar Kutrovsky. The start is set for 6:30 a.m. Hawaii time. Fans can catch the action live online at sapopentennis.com.

Okamoto is WAC tennis athlete of week

Hawaii freshman Chas Okamoto is the Western Athletic Conference men’s tennis athlete of the week after earning the Rainbows’ only win against ninth-ranked Stanford last week.

Okamoto, a freshman from Kapaa, was the 2011 state high school champion. Last week he beat the Cardinal’s Denis Lin in the No. 2 singles flight. It was Okamoto’s third singles victory against an opponent from a ranked team this season.

Dominican defeats Chaminade in hoops

Kimi Nakamura scored 21 points to lead Dominican past Chaminade 90-83 in women’s basketball at McCabe Gym on Monday.

Stephanie Carnes added 16 points for the Penguins (4-19, 3-10 Pacific West Conference).

Dianna Zane scored 22 points, while Rhani Kaneaiakala scored 18 points with 15 rebounds for the Silverswords (1-17, 1-11).

» In the men’s game, Jammall Clark scored 18 points as Dominican improved to 8-16 overall and 7-6 in the PacWest by beating Chaminade 70-65 on Monday night at McCabe Gym.

Dominique Cooks led the Silverswords (9-10, 7-5) with 15 points.

Cal State Los Angeles tops UHH in tennis

Cal State Los Angeles defeated Hawaii-Hilo 8-1 in men’s tennis on Monday in Phoenix.

Emelie Laussen was the only winner for the Vulcans. She beat Larn McShane 7-5, 6-0 in No 2 singles.