USC, UCLA Vie for Volleyball Standout

It’s coming down to a classic duel between USC and UCLA for volleyball standout Pat Nihipali of Manhattan Beach Mira Costa High.

Even though Nihipali’s brother, Paul, was a three-time All-American at UCLA, USC is making a strong bid to sign Pat, a 6-foot-8 middle blocker who led Mira Costa to the Southern Section Division II title last season....

Student Sports magazine reports that defensive back Marcus McCutcheon from Huntington Beach Edison has been offered scholarships by Colorado, Arizona State, Oregon State and Colorado State. But McCutcheon is hoping for a scholarship offer from Stanford.... Defensive back Idris Moss of Rialto Eisenhower has committed to UCLA.

All-West Valley League outfielder Jared Halpert from City champion Chatsworth has committed to Cal State Northridge....

Pitcher Chanel Tripp of Oxnard Rio Mesa has committed to California. She was 20-4 with an 0.13 earned-run average last season in softball....

Katie Rivera, a top girls’ soccer player from Santa Margarita, is considering Santa Clara, UCLA and USC....

Jahsha Bluntt, a 6-4 boys’ basketball player from Fairfax, has scheduled a recruiting visit to Ohio University on Oct. 26....

Brandon Bowman, a 6-7 basketball player from Westchester, has committed to Georgetown. Four other Comet players are being recruited by Division I schools....

Ali Finusane, a senior outside hitter at Long Beach Wilson, has committed to Portland.