July 10, 2007

Ex-Tiger Murrell going 'home' to Portland St.
She returns to Portland St. as the coach

By Jason Anderson
Record Staff Writer

Sherri Murrell has yet to duplicate the success she enjoyed as women's basketball coach at Pacific, but she's ready to try again at Division II Portland State.

Murrell, 39, was named the Vikings' coach last week, three months after resigning following five difficult seasons at Washington State. Murrell was 27-114-1 at Washington State with an 8-82 record in the Pacific-10 Conference.

Murrell posted a 68-46 mark in four seasons at Pacific from 1998-2002. The Tigers are 50-94 in five seasons since Murrell's departure.

Murrell served as the top assistant at Portland State from 1997-99. As a player, the Redmond, Ore., native helped St. Mary's Academy win the 1985 Oregon 4A state championship.

"The opportunity to return home and coach at such a quality institution was an easy decision for me," Murrell said in a release. "I enjoyed my two years at PSU, and I'm excited to bring my successes, connections and enthusiasm back."
Coaching carousel

UC Santa Barbara men's basketball coach Bob Williams has named former Pacific player Jonathan Metzger-Jones director of basketball operations. Metzger-Jones held the same position at Cal State Fullerton in 2006-07.

"I think that 'Jono' is an outstanding addition to our staff," Williams said in a release. "He has a great personality and fits perfectly, not only with the coaching staff but the players as well. He also played for and worked with coaches who I respect a great deal."

Metzger-Jones averaged 6.1 points and 2.1 rebounds as a senior at Pacific in 2001-02. He led the team in free-throw percentage (85.7 percent) and tied for the team lead with 48 3-pointers.
Singled out

Former Pacific softball player Gina Carbonatto is hitting .263 with 10 hits - all singles - in 23 games as a rookie with the New England Riptide of the National Pro Fastpitch League.

Contact reporter Jason Anderson at (209) 546-8283 or janderson@recordnet.com.