Elms in final 9 for national award

Kelly (Majam) Elms already had a trip to Indianapolis lined up as one of the top 30 candidates for the NCAA Woman of the Year award. The former University of Hawaii softball standout will attend the ceremony on Oct. 20 among the final nine still in contention for the prestigious honor.

"Now it’s a little more nerve-racking," Elms said with a laugh. "It’s definitely exciting."

Elms overcame a knee injury and thyroid cancer early in her career to emerge as one of the Rainbow Wahine softball program’s most decorated performers. Her on- and off-field efforts earned her a place among the nine finalists for the award announced on Thursday. The award recognizes achievements in academics, athletics, community service and leadership.

A total of 455 student-athletes were nominated for the award and Elms was named to the top 30 in August, along with BYU-Hawaii tennis player I-Hsuan (Annie) Hwang.

Elms — UH’s career leader in home runs, doubles, walks and runs scored — was an integral part of three conference championships and was named to the NFCA All-West Region team three times and was a second-team All-American in 2010.

Elms graduated in the spring with a degree in secondary education in health and physical education and was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America second team in May.

UH Hilo tops BYU-Hawaii in men’s soccer

Justin Szymkowiak scored on a penalty kick in the 25th minute and Darwin Ortiz added an unassisted goal in the 83rd minute to lead Hawaii Hilo (1-1) to a 2-0 victory over Brigham Young-Hawaii (0-1-1) in a men’s soccer match Thursday in Hilo.

» Hawaii Hilo goalie Jenna Hufford had two saves and Brigham Young-Hawaii goalie Megan McCain one in 110 minutes of play as the women’s soccer match ended 0-0 Thursday in Hilo. UHH is 2-0-1, BYUH 0-1-1.