Sports

GILROY—On Sunday, the Gilroy Junior Softball All Stars proved they are the best in North California.

Christopher High School 2015 graduate Makaio Duyao was one of four local baseball players who received the $250 Next Level Scholarship from The DUB Foundation. The Next Level Scholarship is awarded to South Valley baseball players who will be continuing their playing careers in college and are athletes who The DUB Foundation feel are “a great representation of baseball in our area.” Duyao will continue playing baseball as a member of the Gavilan College Rams next season.

The Spirit of Morgan Hill 10U B softball team, comprised of players from around South County, capped off a six-game winning streak by winning its final tournament of the season July 3-5 in Carmel.

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.