U.S. sweeps Russia in World League play

The U.S. Men’s National Volleyball Team, with two players from Hawaii in the starting lineup, remained unbeaten in FIVB World League play Saturday night with a 25-19, 25-23, 25-17 sweep over Russia in Long Beach, Calif.

Setter Micah Christenson (Kamehameha, USC) was credited with eight assists, three kills and an ace, while libero Erik Shoji (Punahou, Stanford) finished with four digs as the U.S. improved to 4-0. Also on the roster was setter Kawika Shoji (‘Iolani, Stanford), who did not play.

Opposite Matt Anderson (Penn State) led the U.S. with 14 kills and an ace. Russia, the defending World League champion, dropped to 0-4.

The U.S. next hosts Serbia, June 13-14, in Chicago.

Kaiser coaches at QB Club

New Kaiser football coach Cameron Higgins and Keven Kruszona, the Cougars’ track and field coach, will be the guest speakers at Monday’s meeting of the Honolulu Quarterback Club.

Higgins, a former Saint Louis and Weber State quarterback, served as Kaiser’s offensive coordinator the past two seasons, helping the Cougars win the Division II state championship last fall. He was hired as head coach following the departure of Rich Miano.

Kruszona has been Kaiser’s track coach for 15 years and is also an assistant cross country coach. He is also a past president of the Hawaii Masters Track Club.

The meeting will be held at the Maple Garden restaurant on Isenberg Street. Lunch starts at 11:30 a.m. with the program to begin at noon. The luncheon cost is $15. The general public is invited.

Manoa Cup opens Monday

Three past Manoa Cup champions will be among 95 entrants vying for 64 spots in the match-play field in Monday’s qualifying round at Oahu Country Club.

Four-time champion Brandan Kop (1983, ’86, ’97, ’98), 1990 winner Dick Sieradzki and 2012 champion Matthew Ma are entered in the 106th Manoa Cup, with the top 64 scorers in Monday’s stroke play round qualifying for the state amateur match play championship.

Bracket play begins Tuesday. The 36-hole championship is scheduled for Saturday.

Jared Sawada won last year’s tournament but turned pro earlier this year and will not return to defend the title.