Sports briefs

WOMEN’S GOLF
PSU takes 19th at Oregon State Invitational
The Portland State women’s golf team finished 19th at the 54-hole Oregon State Shanico Invitational last week. The Vikings’ three-day score was 321-331-332 (984) in the par 72 Trysting Tree Course.

California and Arizona finished in a tie for first in the 19-team tournament. The Bears won the tournament by virtue of having the lowest score for its fifth player in the final round. Both teams shot 882.

Lorena Ochoa of Arizona won the event with a 10-under 72-67-67 (206). She outplayed three others by nine shots.

Freshman Jeana Lee had the low round for the Vikings on Wednesday, shooting a 79. She tied for 76th among 97 golfers competing with 80-85-79 (244). Senior Lisa Zimmer had the low 54-hole score for PSU with 78-78-84 (240), tying for 66th.

Portland State competes next week on Oct. 22-23 at the Lady Matador Fall Classic in Northridge, Calif.

MEN’S BASKETBALL
Vikings begin practice
Head Coach Joel Sobotka led his Portland State Viking basketball team in its first practice of the season Saturday. The Vikings began their 2001-02 campaign at 11 a.m. in the Peter W. Stott Center.

Sobotka, who is in his fourth season as head coach, leads a roster of 14 players. Amoung those, six are returnees, three of whom were starters last season.

All-Big Sky Conference selection Anthony Lackey will be the focal point of this season’s team. The Viking co-captain is a 6-foot-5 forward who led the team in scoring, rebounding and three-point percentage last year. Sophomore Seamus Boxley, a 6-foot-7 forward, came on strong over the course of his freshman season earning Big Sky co-Freshman of the Year honors. He is also a team co-captain. Portland State will practice daily for the next three weeks in preparation for a pair of exhibition games. The Vikings host Brisbane, Australia on Nov. 5, then Simon Fraser on Nov. 12, at the Stott Center.

– Beth Tarasawa