Thomas Might Be Released from the Hospital Today

Stan Thomas, a Chicago Bears rookie tackle, was in good condition Monday and could be released from Scripps Memorial Hospital today after sustaining a head wound Sunday when someone fired several shots at his car.

“He’s doing really well,” said Michael Merkow, Thomas’ agent, who added the player should be recovered in six weeks and ready to play next season.

Police continued to search for a motive in the drive-by shooting, which occurred early Sunday after Thomas, 23, and two companions left a Pacific Beach nightclub in Thomas’ car.

The bullet grazed Thomas’ forehead, causing an injury that never threatened his life, a Scripps spokeswoman said. Thomas, who lives in Cardiff by the Sea, underwent 45 minutes of surgery to clean and close the wound.

MEN’S TENNIS

Despite the absence of Jose Luis Noriega, the University of San Diego rolled past Brigham Young, 8-1, to improve to 4-1. BYU is 4-2.

Torero Frederick Axsater beat Mark Quinney, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, at No. 1 singles, and teammate Kevin Bradley defeated Herman Vandecasteele, 6-0, 6-4, at No. 2.

Noriega did not play after winning the National Indoor Championship on Sunday.

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

Four out-of-town players--Nancy McGinity, Ginger Ernest, Kori Ermigarat and Jennifer Hamilton--signed national letters of intent to play for San Diego State next fall, Coach Rudy Suwara announced.

McGinity, a 5-foot-9 setter, led Mother McAuley High in Oak Lawn, Ill., to third place in the 1990 state tournament and fourth in 1991. Ernest, a 5-10 outside hitter, had 225 kills and was the most valuable player for North Las Vegas Rancho High.

Ermigarat was her area’s player of the year after posting 256 kills as a 5-9 outside hitter at Bakersfield North High. Hamilton, a 6-1 middle blocker, set school records at Simi Valley Royal for kills in a match (38), season (434) and career (847) and blocks in a season (147).