Capriati Joins Tennis Classic Lineup

Jennifer Capriati joined Monica Seles, No. 1 in the world and fresh off her second French Open women’s singles championship, and other top-ranked players for the Mazda Tennis Classic, to be held July 29 through Aug. 4 at the La Costa Resort and Spa.

Capriati, 15, is a two-time member of the United States Federation Cup team, and has been ranked as high as eighth in the world. In 1990, she was named Most Impressive Newcomer by the Women’s Tennis Assn.

“Jennifer is a very exciting new addition to women’s tennis and will make a tremendous impact at the tournament,” promoter Jane Stratton said.

Also committed to play in the classic are Conchita Martinez, Zina Garrison and Manuela Maleeva-Fragniere, all ranked in the top 10 in the world.

BASEBALL

San Diego State’s Scott Dennison signed with the Montreal Expos in the 34th round of the draft last week and has reported to training camp in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Dennison, a graduate of Valhalla High School and Grossmont Community College, was a second baseman preseason All-American as named by Collegiate Baseball. He completed his eligibility after the 1990 and 1991 seasons at SDSU.

According to his father, Dennison expected to go earlier in the draft.

“He was a little disappointed, after so many good years in college,” Tom Dennison said. “He thought it would be sooner. (The Houston Astros) said they’d pick him up by the 15th round.”

Tom Dennison said his son received a signing bonus and will report to Rookie League in Bradenton, Fla., next week.

Mira Mesa’s Mike Bovee has signed with the Kansas City Royals. The San Diego Section first-team pitcher led the Marauders to their second consecutive 3-A championship two weeks ago. He was picked in the sixth round.

MEN’S TENNIS

Jon Hammermeister, UC San Diego’s coach for the past five seasons, has resigned to pursue a post-graduate degree at Washington.

Hammermeister began coaching after graduating from UCSD in 1984 and had a 73-60 career record with the Tritons. Athletic Director Judy Sweet said the search for his replacement will begin immediately.

His teams finished in the national top 10 in four of his five seasons at UCSD, with sixth-place finishes in 1991 and 1989. Nine of Hammermeister’s players were NCAA Division III All-Americans.