Richardson signs with Biola

Former Hancock College basketball player Ay-Keen Richardson has signed with NCAA Division 2 member Biola.

“I chose Biola because (Biola assistant coach (Matt Okada) had been recruiting me for a good while,” Richardson said in a Hancock news release. “After living in California for the past five years, I was excited to get a chance that allowed me to stay in Cali and further both my academic and my athletic opportunities.

“Biola is a school that I believe will push me further on and off the court.”

Richardson wrapped up his second season competing on the court for the Bulldogs in March. The sophomore Germany native was the Western State Conference North Division Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first Hancock player to receive the honor since JT Riddick did so in 2019.

Richardson made the All-WSC North First Team his sophomore season. He led the Bulldogs during the regular season with 358 points and made a team-high 47 3-point baskets.

The Germany native racked up 72 defensive rebounds, 16 steals and 12 blocks, and locked down some of the conference’s top scorers.

“My time at Hancock showed me that everything comes to an end, and that there are truly only two things that are controllable – my attitude and my effort,” said Richardson.

“I learned that life isn’t fair, but also that I can’t worry too much about the outcome of things that are out of my control. My biggest takeaway is to just give my best in the areas that I can control and let God handle the rest.”

Richardson said, “I want to thank my coaches, teammates, professors and friends at Hancock. They always had my best interest at heart, and I wish nothing but the best for them moving forward.”

Baseball 

Bolich to join Cal State San Marcos

Former Hancock baseball player Owen Bolich has signed with NCAA Division 2 member San Marcos.

“I chose Cal State San Marcos because they are an up and coming university with a baseball program that I’m very excited to be a member of,” Bolich said in a Hancock news release.

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Bolich finished his second season with the Bulldogs last May. The Bakersfield native was an All-Western State Conference North Division Honorable Mention selection.

Bolich earned a Gold Glove at the conclusion of his sophomore season. He batted .292 with 25 RBIs on the year. Bolich committed just one error on 347 chances this past season.

“Coming to Hancock gave me my first experience at really being away from home,” said Bolich. “Coach (Chris) Stevens and the (rest of the Hancock) coaching staff helped me develop as a student athlete, baseball player and more importantly as a person.”

Tennis

Central Coast Tennis Classic

The ninth annual Central Coast Tennis Classic will take place Sept. 22-28 this year at Templeton Tennis Ranch. American and international players will compete for $60,000 in prize money and Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) World Tour ranking points.

The tournament is part of the ITF World Tennis Tour/USTA Pro Circuit and is open to the public. Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.centralcoasttennisclassic.com. Updates on the tournament will be available at that site.

According to a CCTC news release, approximately 75 to 80 CCTC alumni are expected to complete in the singles and doubles draws this year.

According to the release, player announcements and the latest tournament news will be available at the Templeton Tennis Ranch’s Facebook and Instagram pages at www.facebook.com/ttrprotennis/@TTR Tennis.   

High school volleyball

VCA 3, Santa Maria 0

The Lions (1-0) opened their season by sweeping the Saints (1-1) 25-10, 25-9, 25-19 in a non-league match at Valley Christian Academy Thursday night.

No details were available. Santa Maria began its 2025 campaign with a 3-0 sweep of San Luis Obispo Classical Academy in a non-league match at Santa Maria’s Wilson Gym Monday night.

Both teams have a home non-league match coming up. Santa Maria will host Coast Union Tuesday at 6 p.m., and VCA will host Orcutt Academy Thursday at 5 p.m.