Clipboard: Local brothers hope to make a bigger splash at UC Irvine

Brothers Jasper and Wylie Dale are expected to play significant roles this season for the nationally-ranked UC Irvine men’s water polo team.

The smaller of the two Stevenson graduates at 6-foot-6, Jasper begins his third season for the Anteaters, having scored nine goals, while assisting on eight last year.

Having trimmed down this fall to 250 pounds on a 6-foot-8 frame, Wylie produced 11 goals and assisted on three in 26 matches as a true freshman last fall, while drawing 17 exclusions.

The Anteaters finished No. 6 nationally last year, winning the Big West Conference title, before falling to No. 5 Princeton in the NCAA Tournament.

In two seasons at UC Irvine, Jasper – the Pacific Coast Ahtletic League Gabilan Division Player of the Year in 2021 — has come off the bench to produce 23 goals with 15 assists.

A two-time Gabilan Division Offensive Player of the Year at Stevenson, and the league’s Most Valuable Player in 2022, Wylie was a member of the US Youth National Team in 2019 and 2023.

Martel earns first start at San Jose State

It didn’t take long for Sophia Martel to make an impression at San Jose State, as the county’s all-time leader in goals started in the women’s soccer team’s second match.

A true freshman for the Spartans, the 18-year-old Martel has played in both matches for San Jose State, which is 0-1-1.

Despite playing only part of her freshman and senior seasons, the former Soledad High sniper set a Monterey County record for career goals with 129.

During her sophomore season at Soledad, the forward broke the school record with 51 goals. She led the team to a spot in the Central Section Division IV finals as a junior in 2023.

Distance ace Ochoa to begin her senior season

Former Gonzales High and Hartnell College All-American Ashley Ochoa will look to build off her spring season in track and field this fall in cross country for Fresno State.

A state meet podium finisher and All-American in track at Hartnell in the 3,000-meter steeplechase in 2023, Ochoa competed in five track meets last year for the Bulldogs, clocking 11 minutes, 27.71 seconds in the steeplechase.

Ochoa placed second in the 5,000-meter run at the Fresno State Invitational (18:08.40) and ran a season-best 4:47.47 in the 1,500 and 10:38.88 indoors in the 3,000.

A walk-on recruit in cross-country last fall, Ochoa ran 21:59.00 at the Bronco Invitational, the 23rd fastest time in Fresno State school history.

Ochoa was also an All-American at Hartnell in cross country in 2022, placing 13th at the state finals to help the program to a top five team finish.

Salinas’ Hibino at UC Davis

Having paid her dues last year, former Salinas High hitter Brooke Hibino will look to be a contributor this fall for the UC Davis volleyball team.

The 6-foot-1 outside hitter was inserted into Salinas’ lineup as a freshman in 2019, finishing with over 500 kills in three seasons (lost sophomore season due to the pandemic).

Hibino had 230 kills and 54 blocks during her junior season, earning all-county honors as a junior and senior at Salinas.

A menacing presence at the net for the Cowboys, Hibino finished with 108 bocks in three years, helping the program to three straight Gabilan Division volleyball titles.

Coaches needed

Marina is looking for a varsity boys volleyball coach, and a varsity baseball coach. Go to www.edjoin.org/MPUSD.

Salinas needs a girls lacrosse coach. Go to art.hundorfer@salinasuhsd.org.

Soledad is looking for a boys and girls wrestling coach. Contact Nick Twitchell at aztecathletics@soledad.k.12.ca

Officials needed

Peninsula Sports Incorporate is looking for high school and middle school officials for all sports this season. Varsity officials are paid $100 a game.

There is an immediate need for officials in the fall for football, flag football, volleyball, water polo and field hockey. Training is provided. Call Tom Emery at (831) 241-1101.

NorCal Sports Officials is looking for officials for the 2024 season and beyond. NCSO has been providing officials for youth and adult sports leagues and tournaments since 2014. NCSO currently has 17 youth and adult leagues on the Monterey Peninsula.

Training and some equipment/apparel provided. For more information contact Greg Omoto at: norcalsportsofficials@gmail.com or visit the website: www.norcalsportsofficials.com or call (831) 236-7187.

Seaside’s Finest

Seaside’s Finest is holding fall basketball workouts for boys and girls Mondays and Wednesdays at MPC. The program is designed to prepare athletes for the upcoming basketball season. Also offered will be speed and strength workouts. Contact Jason Hieb at (831) 915-5362 or http://seasidesfinest.leagueapps.com