High jumper Schwartz clears Olympic criterion
High jumper Jillian Schwartz qualified yesterday for this summer's London Olympics. Schwartz won a tournament in Madison Square Garden in New York after clearing the 4.52-meter mark, beating the Olympic criterion. Schwartz joins marathon runner Zohar Zemiro, who secured his spot last year. She said yesterday she knew her jump was high enough but was not sure the competition would be considered an official pre-Olympic trial. She was only informed at the end of the tournament that she was in. She added she was pleased to qualify relatively early after suffering from an injury for most of last year, and that it was her dream to march with the Israeli flag. (Rami Hipsh )
Jezreel outslugs rugby rival Tel Aviv to finish first
Jezreel/Gilboa outlasted Tel Aviv 15-8 to finish first place in rugby's Premier League. The next time the two teams meet can only be in the league final. The rain turned the pitch into mud, making it hard to pass the ball. Jezreel adjusted its strategy accordingly to focus on front line. Tel Aviv, which finished the season second, was unable to take advantage of its relative speed. The game remained scoreless until the second half, when Guy Dotan, Matan Brosh and Oren Broadhurst all laid tries for Jezreel. The team missed all its conversion attempts, making the score 15-0. Tel Aviv answered with a try and a penalty kick by Vitali Primak, but could close the gap no further than seven points. (Yair Kellas )
Maccabi Ashdod signs Jewish hoopster from U.S.
Maccabi Ashdod signed Jewish-American basketball player Robby Bostain yesterday. Bostain, a 27-year-old graduate of Furman, played in the Dutch basketball league between 2007 and 2011, picking up a championship with Groningen's GasTerra Flames in 2010. The point guard is originally from Duluth, Minnesota. Ashdod visits Maccabi Tel Aviv tonight. (Arie Livnat )
Notre Dame upsets No. 24 UConn 50-48
Eric Atkins scored 13 points and Jerian Grant hit three key free throws late as Notre Dame beat No. 24 Connecticut 50-48 yesterday, the third straight win for the Irish and the third straight loss for the Huskies. Grant had 11 points and Scott Martin added 10 points for Notre Dame (14-8, 6-3 Big East ), who controlled the tempo throughout. The loss spoiled the return of freshman guard Ryan Boatright for Connecticut (14-6, 4-4 ) and, who missed the last three games amid an NCAA investigation into his eligibility. (AP )
