Blasberg falls in US Women's Amateur

UA sophomore Erica Blasberg came up short in her bid to win the U.S. Women's Amateur Championship, falling in the quarterfinals to Paula Creamer.

Blasberg tied for third in the medal play portion of the tournament, behind Aree Song and 13-year-old phenom Michelle Wie, but couldn't withstand a strong charge by Creamer, who won 6-5 in match play.

Taking control of the match on the fourth hole with a birdie, Creamer added three more birdies and four pars over the next eight holes, stretching her lead to 6-up. Creamer won the match on the 13th hole after she and Blasberg collected pars on holes 12 and 13.

Blasberg was trying to bring a second consecutive U.S. Amateur golf title to the UA. Last year, then-UA senior Ricky Barnes won the U.S. Men's Amateur Championship.

Pac-10 coaches pick UA volleyball to finish third

The Arizona Women's volleyball team was picked to finish third in the Pac-10 by conference coaches, while defending national champion USC remained in first.

Arizona, which returns four starters, tied with UCLA for third with 68 points, while the Women of Troy edged Stanford with 90, eight more than the Cardinal. This past weekend, the Wildcats traveled to Prescott, Ariz., for a three-day camp in preparation for their opening match in Malibu, Calif., against Notre Dame in the Pepperdine Classic on Aug. 29.

The Wildcats engaged in two-a-day practices at Yavapai Community College in Prescott.

Kerr retires after 15-year career and five rings

For a player who won five NBA championships, it seemed right for former Wildcat Steve Kerr to retire on top, and last week he did.

Kerr will work for Turner Network Television (TNT) broadcasting one of their weekly games, the All-Star Game weekend and the playoffs.

Kerr won championships in 1996, 1997 and 1998 with the Chicago Bulls, including the series-clinching shot in 1997. He added two more rings with the San Antonio Spurs in 1999 and 2003.

Kerr played for the UA when it was becoming a national power, culminating with the school's first Final Four in 1988. Kerr's jersey is one of two basketball jerseys currently retired and in 1988 he was voted the Most Courageous Athlete by U.S. Basketball Writers.

"He's had an unbelievable career," said UA head coach Lute Olson. "I don't think there were a whole lot of people who thought Steve Kerr would ever play in the NBA, and for him to retire with five rings and a 15-year career is just unbelievable."

Frye and Stoudamire named to preseason award list

The Arizona men's basketball team's two returning starters, junior center Channing Frye and junior guard Salim Stoudamire, were named to the Wooden Award Preseason All-American team last week.

Arizona is one of 12 schools with two players on the list. The list consists of 50 players initially under consideration for the 2004 John R. Wooden Award, given annually to the national player of the year.