LOCAL NOTES

Kim Abbamonto, a defender/midfielder from Capistrano Valley, made an oral commitment to play women’s soccer at USC, Capistrano Valley Coach Jack Peterson said Monday. Abbamonto is a two-time All-Southern Section selection.

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Drew Gaulden, who played basketball at Esperanza High last season but has transferred to Canyon High, has made an oral commitment to attend New Mexico next fall, Canyon Athletic Director Rob Alexander said.

Gaulden, a 6-foot-6 forward, made a recruiting trip to New Mexico last weekend, and made his decision this week.

Last season Gaulden averaged 13.7 points and 9.5 points in 28 games for Esperanza, which finished second in the Sunset League. He was a first team all-league selection.

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Jami Bari of Dana Hills has orally committed to play volleyball at Santa Clara University, said her father, Steve.

Bari, an outside hitter, was the South Coast League most valuable player last year, helping the Dolphins win the league title.

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Garden Grove water polo Coach Keith Colton has gone on medical leave and the school is scrambling to find a quick replacement because the season is under way, Athletic Director Jan Cody said.

Cody said Colton recently had surgery for an undisclosed condition. A teacher at the school, Colton is expected back later this year, but might not be released by doctors until after the season ends.

A teaching position may be available if a temporary replacement for Colton can be found. For information call Cody at (714) 663-6173.

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Mark Gleason of Mission Viejo set a course record and his team finished second at the Las Vegas Invitational Saturday at Basic High in Henderson, Nev.

Gleason, a senior, covered the 2.87-mile course in 13 minutes 49 seconds. He won by five seconds.

Basic won the event with 60 points and Mission Viejo was second at 124. Christian Kemp of Mission Viejo was 27th overall at 15:25. Also for Mission Viejo: Thomas Perschler (15:28) was 28th, David Santos (15:35) was 31st and David Gleason (15:39) was 37th.