U.S. women open qualifying with 5-0 win
Alex Morgan scored 12 seconds in and added another goal in the 62nd minute and the U.S. women’s team opened CONCACAF qualifying for the Rio Olympics with a 5-0 victory over Costa Rica on Wednesday night at Frisco, Texas.
Morgan’s goal was the fastest in CONCACAF Olympic qualifying history, and the team said it is believed to be the fastest in U.S. history.
The Americans have won three straight Olympic titles and four of the five in women’s soccer.
BIRD DOG FIELD TRIALS
In Wednesday morning’s brace 5 at the National Bird Dog Championship on Ames Plantation near Grand Junction, Tennessee, Just Irresistible, handled by Jamie Daniels, had two covey finds before he was picked up at 2:12. Walnut Tree Fred, handled by Steve Mills, had no bird work. In the afternoon brace 6, Dunn’s Tried N True, with handler Luke Eisenhart, had four finds and finished within three hours. Miller’s Creative Cause, with handler Gary Lester, had two finds before being picked up at 2:29.
COLLEGES
Two University of Memphis sophomore men’s tennis players are ranked by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. Ryan Peniston is in the rankings for the first time this season at No. 46, and Andrew Watson remains at No. 87.
The Tiger softball team opens its season today in the six-team Florida Gulf Coast Kickoff Classic at Fort Myers, Florida. The U of M plays Kent State at 10:15 a.m. CST today and Illinois-Chicago at 12:30 p.m. CST.
This weekend’s baseball series between Christian Brothers University and visiting William Woods has been changed to today and Saturday instead of Saturday and Sunday due to this weekend’s weather forecast. The teams will play a 1 p.m. doubleheader this afternoon and a single game Saturday at 1 p.m.
TENNIS
At Rotterdam, Netherlands, second-seeded Marin Cilic reached the World Tennis Tournament quarterfinals by defeating Gilles Muller of Luxembourg 7-6 (2), 7-6 (7) in the second round Wednesday. The 2014 U.S. Open champion next plays Philipp Kohlschreiber, who won against qualifier Ivan Dodig of Croatia 6-4, 6-2. Also, fifth-seeded Gael Monfils of France beat 19-year-old Borna Coric of Croatia 6-3, 5-7, 6-2. ... Top-seeded Venus Williams took a 6-3, 6-2 win over Taiwanese wild card Lee Pei-chi in her opening match at the Taiwan Open in Kaohsiung. Williams next faces Urszula Radwanska of Poland. ... At St. Petersburg, Russia, second-seeded Roberta Vinci reached the quarterfinals of the St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy by beating Belgium’s Yanina Wickmayer 6-2, 7-6 (2).
BASEBALL
American League MVP Josh Donaldson and the Toronto Blue Jays have completed their agreement on a $28.65 million, two-year contract. Donaldson led the AL with 123 RBIs, and hit .297 with 41 home runs. ... Outfielder J.D. Martinez and the Detroit Tigers finalized their $18.5 million, two-year contract. ... First baseman Mitch Moreland has agreed to a $5.7 million, one-year contract with the Texas Rangers. ... First baseman Brandon Belt and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a $6.2 million, one-year contract. ... Houston designated hitter Evan Gattis underwent surgery to repair a sports hernia and will be out four to six weeks.
BASKETBALL
The WNBA has named Lisa Borders its new president. Borders, who helped bring the Dream to Atlanta in 2008 as the city’s vice mayor, will be the league’s fourth president.
COURTS
Cleveland Browns linebacker Armonty Bryant has been indicted on two felony drug charges. Bryant and former teammate De’Ante Saunders were arrested on Christmas after a traffic stop. Police say they found marijuana, prescription drugs and a loaded handgun in Saunders’ car. He also was cited for drunken driving. Memphis Open top-seed Kei Nishikori returns during his 6 -2, 7-5 victor y against Ryan Harrison on Wednesday night. Nishikori advanced to the quar ter finals with his 14th straight victor y at The Racquet Club.