College Athletes of the Week

DANNY HOFF

Cal State Stanislaus golf

Being paired with a familiar face made a big difference for Hoff on the final day of the Notre Dame de Namur Invitational.

The junior transfer from Bakersfield College played with former Moorpark College opponent Rudy Estrada, now at Hawaii Hilo. Hoff shot the lowest score of the tournament, a 68, to help the Warriors rally from ninth to tie for fourth.

It was a quick turnaround for Hoff, too, who finished 78-82-68--228 and tied for 28th at the par-72 Poppy Hills Golf Course in Livermore.

"I was a little more relaxed that rounds I normally play," Hoff said. "The other days I played with a guy where we spent two hours of the day looking for his ball. It's hard to get in a rhythm dealing with that.

"I got in a rhythm and was making putts."

Hoff was working and not thinking about continuing his education when he was sought out by first-year Cal State Stanislaus coach John Cook -- no relation to Bakersfield coach Larry Cook. Hoff, a communications major, is happy with his change of plans.

"I want my average (74) to drop," Hoff said. "I just want to play better golf. The competition we play against in this conference is great. We're only going to get better."

KAYLA OSTORERO

MJC tennis

Except for a loss in No. 1 singles on Tuesday, Ostorero has been a consistent winner at the No. 2 spot. She teamed with Logan Harden to beat Fresno City's doubles team 6-4, 6-4, boosting Modesto to a 6-3 victory and into second place in the Big 8 Conference.

"I'm happy we're stronger than we were last year," Ostorero said of the Pirates. "I just like to be out there having fun."

Tuesday's victory was the Pirates' second over Fresno. Ostorero and teammate Brooke McCawley won on Feb. 24 to clinch a 5-4 victory.

Ostorero started taking tennis lessons through the Modesto Parks and Recreation program when she was in middle school.

She played softball and took dance classes, but never left the courts.

Between her freshman and sophomore seasons, Ostorero said she built strength and endurance by working out more often, including jogging with coach Milan Motroni.

"I feel like I'm more fit this year," Ostorero said. "I can run down balls and hit winners from any part of the court."

Though she isn't sure if she'll play tennis at the college level beyond this year, Ostorero said she will continue her education and plans to keep competing.

Modesto plays host to Reedley on Tuesday at 1 p.m.

-- KELLY JONES

This story was originally published March 13, 2009 at 8:48 AM with the headline "College Athletes of the Week."