Professional Sports

AROMAS—Watsonville native Hugo “Prince” Chavez Jr. won his professional boxing debut in February that ended with a technical knockout, taking him less than one round to get the job done.  On Saturday, the 18-year old will attempt to keep his unblemished 2-0 record intact.  The “Prince”...

Haley Batten placed ninth in the women’s mountain bike event three years ago at the Tokyo Olympics. One would figure that’s already quite the accomplishment itself just being able to get to that point. Instead, she departed the “Land of the Rising Sun” feeling as...

Aptos native Nikki Hiltz advanced to the women’s 1500-meters semifinals after they placed third in their preliminary heat at Stade de France on Aug. 6.  “It was all about patience, and this is incredible. I think I can officially call myself an Olympian now,” Hiltz...

MONTEREY—The 74th installment of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am was well underway as professional golfers teamed up with celebrities and professional athletes for Day 2 of the tournament.  It was my first experience at such a high level golfing event, so the objective was to...

Scotts Valley High alum Robert Hipwell took one step closer to getting into the “Big Leagues” after his name was called during the second day of the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft.  The Santa Clara University third baseman was selected by the San Francisco Giants...

SANTA CRUZ—Santa Cruz Warriors on Thursday announced the Golden State Warriors signed guard Lester Quiñones to a 10-day contract, making him the first call-up for the Sea Dubs this season. The standout guard became the 33rd player in franchise history to be called up....

The San Jose Earthquakes put on a show for the 43,774 fans in attendance at Levi's Stadium in a 3-1 victory over LAFC in Major League Soccer action May 4. Rodrigues scored in the fifth minute to give the Quakes a 1-0 lead going into...

The Watsonville High softball team had its game against North Salinas postponed due to a potential ammonia cloud hanging in the area from a four-alarm fire at Taylor Farms in Salinas. The Wildcatz (9-6, 1-4) and Vikings (5-6, 0-4) will have a make-up game in...

It’s been nearly four years since Watsonville native Ruben Ibarra was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the fourth round of the 2021 Major League Baseball Draft.   Since then, the former St. Francis High star athlete climbed his way through the Minor League Baseball ranks....

Everlyn Kemboi glanced behind her shoulder once moments just before covering her face as she came storming down Cliff Drive in Capitola to win Sunday morning’s Wharf to Wharf women’s division race.  The 24-year-old American crossed the finish line first in 30 minutes, 29 seconds,...