Sports briefs for May 30, 2003

Friday, May 30, 2003 | 10:21 a.m.

Ex-Rebel to coach at Bishop Gorman

David White has been hired as the new head football coach at Bishop Gorman, the school announced Thursday.

White comes to Bishop Gorman from Lake Havasu (Ariz.) High School, where he held the same role. Previously, White coached at Green Valley High and in New Mexico.

White played for UNLV from 1992-95. He was selecetd to the all-conference team as a tight end in 1994 and the all-academic team from 1993-95.

Serena cruises in Paris

Defending French Open champion Serena Williams routed Barbara Schett 6-0, 6-0 today, needing just 40 minutes to finish her third-round match.

In men's play, No. 29 Vince Spadea lost to Martin Verkerk 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 7-5. That left just one American in the draw -- eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi. of Las Vegas.

Agassi improved to 10-0 in major events this year by beating No. 26 Xavier Malisse 6-4, 7-5, 7-5. The stylish Malisse lost despite hitting 13 aces and 55 winners.

For Williams, the victory was the 31st in a row at Grand Slam events. She is seeking her fifth consecutive major title.

Given the way Williams played, maybe fellow American Meghann Shaughnessy caught a break by losing to No. 16-seeded Ai Sugiyama, 6-1, 6-4. Sugiyama faces Williams next.

Also advancing was No. 5 Amelie Mauresmo, a potentially formidable hurdle for Williams in the quarterfinals. The Frenchwoman beat Fabiola Zuluaga 6-3, 6-4.

The warmest day yet at Roland Garros -- muggy and in the mid-80s -- provided motivation to work quickly, and No. 4 Justine Henin-Hardenne and No. 19 Patty Schnyder also won in straight sets.

Dodge ends contract with Bill Davis Racing

Dodge Motorsports has terminated its contract with Bill Davis Racing, cutting off all support and access to information for drivers Ward Burton and Kenny Wallace.

Todd Goyer, managing director for Dodge Motorsports, said Thursday the contract was broken before last week's Coca-Cola 600 because of a "material breach of agreement."

There has been speculation Davis has been in discussion with Toyota, which will become the first foreign automaker in NASCAR next season when it enters Tundras in the Truck Series.

Two Rebels honored

UNLV's Jessica Zarndt and Casey Lektorich were both named to the 2003 Verizon Academic All-District VIII Women's Track & Field and Cross Country Team by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Thursday.

Benefit scheduled

Heaven Can Wait, a nonprofit, animal-rights organization in Las Vegas, will hold a benefit golf tournament Monday at the Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort. Play begins at 8 a.m. and the cost is $225. Call 227-5555 for more information or to register to play.

Smith nixes 76ers' job

Tubby Smith is out. So are Jeff Van Gundy and Maurice Cheeks.

Today, Smith said he'll be staying at Kentucky and that he has "no interest" in coaching the Philadelphia 76ers.

Several unidentified NBA sources said 76ers president Billy King spent Thursday with Smith trying to talk the coach into taking the job, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported today. The newspaper report said a deal appeared close and an announcement could come today.