Amber Kaufman soared 6 feet, 4 inches to shatter her school record in the high jump as the University of Hawai'i track and field team finished fifth in the Western Athletic Conference Outdoor Championships yesterday in Logan, Utah.

Kaufman's winning jump is the top outdoor mark in the nation this season. She had set the school record two weeks ago at the Steve Scott Invitational when she leaped 6 feet, 3/4 inches.

Louisiana Tech amassed 150 points to win its fifth straight title. Nevada (129.5) was second, followed by Fresno State (119), Utah State (112.5), UH (105.5), New Mexico State (88), Idaho (58) and Boise State (54.5).

The Rainbow Wahine had never placed higher than sixth nor reached the 100-point mark in this meet. They also surpassed their previous best with nine medals, including two other golds by Annett Wichmann (heptathlon) and Jessica Custance (pole vault).

"We met all of our goals that we set out," UH coach Carmyn James said. "We had the most points ever at this championship, highest finish, most medals won, and 16 of our athletes were named to either the all-WAC first or second teams. I can't be more proud of my team."

Hawai'i swept the high jump medals yesterday with Emily Sheppard (5-11 1/4) placing second and Wichmann (5-10) third. Wichmann and Kaufman were named co-Field Athletes of the Meet.

"Amber was amazing, she was flying over the bar and almost cleared 1.96 (6-5) but she clipped the bar on her way down," James said.

GOLF

SHAW, GALARITA EARN OPEN QUALIFYING SPOTS

John Shaw shot even-par 70 and John Galarita shot 71 yesterday to top the U.S. Open Qualifier at the Royal Ka'anapali Golf Course.

Shaw and Galarita, who both work at the Kapalua Golf Resort, earn berths at a U.S. Open Sectional Qualifier on the Mainland.

Aaron Kunitomo and Taeksoo Kim, who had tied with Scott Carroll and Kirk Nelson at 73, earned the two alternate spots.