Sports

I was 10 years old the last time the U.S. women’s soccer team won the World Cup in 1999— and I went nuts.

GILROY—Butterflies fluttered in Matt Corona’s stomach as he took the mat May 7. Eight long months of intense dieting, training and wrestling led to this moment, but after a 15-year layoff, Corona understandably was nervous.

GILROY—Danger pulled off four consecutive wins to capture the champ-ionship of the 43rd Co-Rec Fourth of July Softball Tournament on July 4 at Christmas Hill Park.

SUNNYVALE—The Spirit of Morgan Hill 12UB softball team, which includes players from Gilroy, tied for fifth place at the Nor Cal ASA Championships June 26-28. The Spirit’s fifth place finish secured their spot in the ASA Girls’ 12B Western National Tournament July 27 to Aug. 2 in Medford, Ore.

Hundreds of South Valley youth got the chance to learn the game of football Saturday at the Morgan Hill Sports Complex during the San Francisco 49ers Gatorade Jr. Training Camp. Kids ages 7 to 14 were invited to come out and train like a 49er. The participants honed their football skills in areas such as passing, ball carrying and tackling, all while learning how to stay properly hydrated. They also got a chance to play some flag football.

head football coach Mike Dovenberg could easily be mistaken for one of his players. During Thursday’s practice, the fresh-faced coach was out on the field, tossing the ball and training alongside the Rams. Temperatures rose into the high 80s, but that did little to wear Dovenberg down. The newly minted head coach’s energy is infectious and it has spread to his Rams players.

GILROY—Gilroy Unified School District granted a deadline extension to raise funds for the Bert Mar Gymnasium Project, but it turns out it wasn’t needed.

GILROY—Unladylike clinched the regular season Women’s Softball League title June 24 at Las Animas Veterans Park, topping Just 4 Fun 18-10.

OAKLAND—The Golden State Warriors claimed the NBA Championship crown, beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 105-97 on June 16 in Cleveland. It was the first title for the Oakland-based team in 40 years and the city celebrated the feat with a victory parade June 19. Gilroy residents, from left, Jimmy Pena, Zach Loo, Ryan Frascone, Travis “Small” Moulden and Eduardo Castro, were among the hundreds of thousands of fans who turned out to show their love for the newly minted champion Warriors. 

GILROY—Gavilan College defensive lineman Troy Donovan was beaming as he signed his letter of intent with Trinity International University Thursday. As he peered out at the crowd of friends, family, teammates and coaches who came to share in the moment with him, he couldn’t help but remember who was missing.