SAILING CLOSES SEASON WITH ICSA CHAMPIONSHIPS

Last weekend, the Stanford sailing team took third in the women’s Intercollegiate Sailing Association national championships, hosted by Old Dominion University. Both the “A” boat of senior Jo Madsen and junior Evan Brown and the “B” boat of senior Katherine Schlosser and sophomore Taylor Grimes finished in the top four of their respective divisions en route to a third-place overall finish for the Cardinal.

The “A” boat finished third in its division and in the top five (of a field of 18) in nine of the 16 races, including two first-place finishes. Madsen and Brown were especially strong down the stretch, taking second in four of the final six races. They trailed only St. Mary’s (who took first overall) and UC-Irvine.

The “B” boat had an equally impressive weekend, taking fourth in its division behind Charleston (who finished second overall), St. Mary’s and Navy. They placed in the top five in seven of the 16 races, including two first-place finishes as well. The “B” boat also showed excellent consistency, finishing in the second half of the pack only once in the first 13 races. The combined finishes from both boats were essentially equal, with “A” totaling 101 points, and “B” totaling 103.

ICSA championship action continues later this week with the coed dinghy championships running through Friday. Representing the Cardinal in the “A” division will be senior Brian Haines and sophomore Kelly McKenna. Senior Emery Wager and freshman Leigh Hammel comprise the “B” division.

MIAMI DOLPHINS SIGN SAFETY DAVID LOFTON

Senior safety David Lofton signed with the Miami Dolphins this past Saturday, joining four other Stanford players from this year’s football team who are currently occupying NFL rosters.

Lofton joins the company of fellow seniors Michael Okwo, Trent Edwards, Brandon Harrison and Trevor Hooper.

Linebacker Okwo and quarterback Edwards went to Chicago and Buffalo, respectively. Defensive back Harrison was drafted by Houston, while Hooper, a safety, is a teammate of Edwards’ in Buffalo.

Lofton, son of former Stanford and NFL great James Lofton, battled many injuries this past season. Although he only competed in eight games this year, he still finished with 47 tackles, including a career-high 12 tackles against San Jose State.

Before moving to safety in his junior season, Lofton also played as a backup wide receiver and quarterback for the Cardinal. Hopefully, his two-way versatility will be useful in making the cut on the Dolphins’ roster come this summer.

Showcasing his talents in the senior-only All-Star game, Lofton competed in the 2007 Hula Bowl.

Lofton, a major in Urban Studies, finished his Stanford career with 82 tackles (49 solo, 33 assisted), one sack, two tackles for-loss, one fumble recovery and two pass breakups in 27 games.

SOFTBALL ALUMNI CONTEND FOR SPOTS ON TEAM USA

Two former Cardinal standouts, Jessica Mendoza ‘02 and Lauren Lappin ‘06 are among the 37 members of the 2007 USA Softball Women’s National Team camp roster, announced last week.

Lappin starred as an infielder and catcher for Stanford in her time at the Farm. She was named Pacific-10 Conference Defensive Player of the Year twice and received First-Team All-Pac-10 honors three times.

Mendoza, considered the best softball player in Cardinal history, finished her career as the all-time Stanford leader in batting average, hits, doubles, triples home runs, runs scored and stolen bases. She is a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and was inducted into the National Softball Hall of Fame in 2006.

Joining Mendoza and Lappin will be current head coach John Rittman, who was named to the USA team’s coaching staff.

The camp, which will determine the final roster for the World Cup of Softball and the Pan American games in July, will be held from June 11-15 in Chula Vista, Calif.