By Pete Borello

Foothill Roundup

Changes on the hill

There is no women’s volleyball team at Foothill this fall because coach Mike Aitken could not recruit enough players to field a team. The Owls, who finished near the bottom of the conference last season, have struggled in volleyball since Arno Dominguez retired as coach two years ago.

Foothill, however, will have a women’s softball team this spring and athletic director Sue Gatlin is in the process of hiring a new coach.

The Owls will also have another new coach in the spring, as Curtis Smith is taking over for Doug Boyett in track and field.

Football break

The Foothill College women’s water polo team took sole possession of first place in the Coast Conference with a 10-6 win over host Cabrillo Oct. 11.

The Owls jumped out to a 5-1 first-quarter lead and were up 6-1 at the half.

“We just controlled this game pretty well the whole way,” Foothill coach Bill Henderson said. “We played everyone in the third quarter and they made a run at us, but then we put the starters back in and held them off. It wasn’t a perfect win, but I’m happy with our performance - especially since it was at their pool.”

The victory improved the Owls’ record to 4-0 in conference; Cabrillo sunk to 3-1.

Dee Dee Meisenbach scored four goals to pace Foothill. Laura Thompson and St. Francis High graduate Missy Bommarito each scored two goals for the Owls, while Susan Janocek and Laura Smith added one each.

Defensively, Smith, Janocek, Bommarito and Clarice Mcdanal came up with three steals each. Goalie Kristin Matteis had five saves.

Foothill followed this game up with another strong outing Friday, beating host Sacramento City 18-7 in non-conference play.

Bommarito led the Owls (16-2 overall) with five goals, two assists and three steals.

Foothill has a 4:30 p.m. game today at West Valley.

Foothill (3-2) had a bye last weekend and opens Golden Gate Division play at 7 p.m., Saturday, at San Jose City College.