Leading Off
Delhi track athlete commits to Warriors
First-year Cal State Stanislaus track and field coach Geoff Bradshaw made a local athlete one of his first recruits, receiving a commitment from Delhi long and triple jumper Rashee Dean. The Hawks senior currently is second in the state with a mark of 48 feet, 7 inches in the triple jump, and has a season-best 23-3 in the long jump. High jumper Ray Nikzat of Lodi High also committed to the Warriors.
Modesto, Merced baseball advance
Seven out of the eight baseball teams in the Big 8 Conference advanced to the Northern California Super Regional playoffs, including Modesto JC. The Pirates (21-18), seeded 12th, open against No. 5 Chabot (26-15) in Hayward on Friday at 3 p.m. The best 2-of-3 series continues Saturday at 11 a.m., with a third game to follow if necessary. Merced (32-9), seeded ninth, travels to Sacramento to face No. 8 Feather River (27-15).
Modesto's Burda leads senior event
Modesto's Jeff Burda, 55 and eligible for the first time for the 47th Northern California Golf Association Senior Championship, made an impressive debut Monday by shooting a tournament-leading 6-under-par 66 at Saddle Creek in Copperopolis. Burda gathered early momentum via six birdies on his front nine. The local bank president, a three-time NCGA Master Division champion, takes a five-stroke lead over nearest pursuers Gary Vanier and Earl Stewart going into today's final round.
Four CC athletes sign with colleges
Four girls from Central Catholic High signed national letters-of-intent to play their sports at the collegiate level. Stephanie Manseau, who scored the winning goal in the Raiders' Western Athletic Conference-clinching victory over Hilmar last Friday, will play soccer for Division I Montana. Two more soccer standouts committed to Division II Stanislaus State: defender Devon Lapenias and midfielder Nichole Meyer. Volleyball player Stephanie Armstrong signed with Franklin and Marshall College of Lancaster, Pa. The Division III Diplomats are part of the Centennial Conference.
Tornados prevail
The Turlock Tornados under-18 boys soccer team won the State Cup Championships on Sunday, beating Diablo Valley Black Pearl 3-2 in Morgan Hill. Captain Jesse Trellez Horta, Pablo Lopez and Nate Thompson scored Turlock's goals. The Tornados now represent the CYSA North at the Region IV Championships in Honolulu from May 16-22.
Hornets sting Spurs
Chris Paul had 30 points and 12 assists, leading New Orleans to a 102-84 victory and a 2-0 series lead over San Antonio. NBA, Page C-3
This story was originally published May 6, 2008 at 5:14 AM with the headline "Leading Off."