Chiarella signs with Hope International

Former Hancock College pitcher Raffael Chiarella has signed with NAIA member Hope International University.

Hope International is located in Fullerton.

“Getting an opportunity to join the roster at Hope International is a true blessing,” Chiarella said in a Hancock news release. “They have an outstanding athletic reputation, a great coaching staff and a great academic community surrounding my major.”

Chiarella played two seasons at Hancock. The Las Vegas native appeared in 10 games, including seven starts his sophomore season. Chiarella earned two wins.

He struck out 24 batters across 27.1 innings pitched. Chiarella set down a season high six batters in the Bulldogs’ 11-1 win against Bakersfield.

“My time at Hancock prepared me for success at the next level by not only showing me how to compete at a top junior college in California, but by also showing me how to manage everything – school, baseball, family and extracurriculars – properly,” Chiarella said.

“Finding balance is the only way to succeed in a collegiate sport, and Hancock was able to pave the way for me to do just that.” 

Girls tennis

Santa Ynez edges Laguna Blanca

The teams tied 9-9 in sets won, but the Pirates edged the Owls 87-75 in total games Tuesday, so the reigning CIF Central Section Division 2 champions scored a road win in their season opener.

Since the match was at CIF Southern Section member Laguna Blanca, teams played a Southern Section round-robin format – Santa Ynez’s No. 1 singles player vs. Laguna Blanca’s Nos. 1, 2 and 3, Laguna Blanca’s No. 1 doubles team against Santa Ynez’s Nos. 1, 2 and 3, etc.

Santa Ynez No. 3 singles player Danielle Hyland scored a big win for the Pirates, defeating Laguna Blanca’s No. 1 singles player Hali Wright 7-5. Wright won her other two singles matches.

Santa Ynez put itself into position to win by out-scoring Laguna Blanca 5-4 in the singles portion of the match. Hyland and Haley Townes both won twice, and Keegan Withrow won once at No. 1 singles. Townes scored two 6-0, 6-0 wins at No. 2.

Rylee Arellano and Ainsley Haws won twice at No. 1 doubles for the Pirates. Elodie Hodge and Claire Tipich won once at No. 2.

Santa Ynez will host Dos Pueblos next Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. 

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Getting solid points production from Rianna Stouppe, Mia Jansen, Kelli Fernandez and Julissa Gonzalez, the three-time defending CIF Central Section Division 3 champ opened its 2025 campaign with a win at home.

At press time, Lompoc was to play Orcutt Academy at Hancock College Wednesday in another non-league match.

Girls water polo 

Atascadero 24, Santa Maria 3

Eleven players scored for the visitors, and the Greyhounds overwhelmed the Saints at Santa Maria’s Karl Bell Aquatic Center in the Saints’ season opener.

Atascadero led 15-0 at halftime.

Lily Brunton and Aleah King scored three times each for the Greyhounds. Ana Garcia popped in the first Santa Maria goal of the season, at the 5:16.2 mark of the third quarter, and finished with two goals. Abigail Avila scored once for Santa Maria.

Santa Maria goalkeeper Gianna Peinado made four saves, all in the second half. The Saints will host Fresno Justin Garza Thursday at 4 p.m. in another non-league game. 

High school Golf

Saints Golf Classic

The 13th annual Saints Golf Classic will take place Oct. 11 at Santa Maria Country Club.

Entry fee is $125 per player and includes greens fees, range balls and golf cart, a lunch ticket, a goodie bag at check in, closest to the pin, long drive and other on-course contests, prizes for a hole-in-one and a mulligan.

Entries can be as individuals or as a team. The format will be a four-person scramble, and check in will start at 12:30 p.m. A shotgun start will take place at 1:30 p.m.

All checks can be made payable to SMHS Boosters. The mail entry form, sponsorship donations and payments can be mailed to SMHS golf/c/o Jay Cheney, 901 S. Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454.