USC's women's coach loses recruit

State Report

COLUMBIA — New South Caro-lina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley says one of the program's recruits has been released from her commitment to join the Gamecocks.

Staley said Wednesday that guard Becky Burke of Clarks Summit, Pa., requested and was granted a release from the national letter of intent she signed in November.

Last season's leading scorer, freshman Jordan Jones, decided last week to transfer.

Burke was among five players who signed with USC last fall under former coach Susan Walvius, who resigned last month after 11 seasons. Burke had averaged 25.7 points last season for Abington Heights High School.

Burke's decision leaves Staley with four available scholarships for the 2008-09 season.

Golf

Donna Hill of the Links at Stono Ferry shot 78 to claim field low gross honors in the Charleston Area Ladies Golf Association Tournament held Tuesday at the Country Club of Charleston. Kathy Hagenberger shot 62 to take field low net.

Nancy Jones of Seabrook had a hole in one on the 117 yard hole 17.

1st Flight - LG: Jeannie Hillock, Kiawah, 82; LN: Linda Guillim, Country Club of Charleston, 71. 2nd Flight - LG: Martha Wright, Wescott Plantation tied Tina Schell, Kiawah, 90; LN: Sissy Beauchene, Miler, 75. 3rd Flight - LG: Melissa Butynski, Coosaw Creek, 87; LN: Martha Windich, Coosaw Creek, tied Melissa Crosby, Snee Farm, 72. 4th Flight - LG: Pat Slagle, Coosaw Creek, 86; LN: Nancy Lamb, Country Club of Chas., 69. 5th Flight - LG: Barbara McGauhey, Pine Forest, 89; LN: Karol Queen, Charleston National, 75. 6th Flight - LG: Paulina Sullivan, Snee Farm, 95; LN: Barbara Lasher, Country Club of Chas., 74. 7th Flight - LG: Linda Williams, Berkeley, 91; LN: Judy Tucker, Shadowmoss, 73. 8th Flight - LG: Andrea Stewart, Berkeley tied Barbara Karns, Pine Forest, 103. LN: Kathryn Pointer, Shadowmoss tied Millie Kennedy, Links at Stono Ferry tied Mary Evans, Country Club of Chas., 77.