Malibu Marlin Club team captain Sam Spinello boated a 567-pound Pacific blue marlin yesterday, propelling the California team into first place at the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament in waters off Kailua, Kona.

The Day Three catch total consisted of 21 Pacific blue marlin and six short-nosed spearfish — all of which were tagged and released — and the 74-year-old Spinello's catch of the day.

"This was another very strong, tough fish," said Spinello, whose team was fishing aboard the Maggie Joe. "We had the drag on as high as it could go and she still gave us a tremendous fight. We had her to the back of the boat at least a dozen times, but she was up for the fight. She was well fed and in excellent physical condition. The captain (Mike DeRego) and crew did an amazing job with boating the fish."

Malibu Marlin Club has amassed 1,267 points. Team Malaka is second with 1,200 points, with Wai'anae Boat Fishing Club DH2 and Pajaro Valley Game Fish Club #2 both with 850.

VOLLEYBALL

THURLBY CHOSEN

The beach career of former University of Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine Cayley Thurlby got a push this week when she was named to the U.S. U26 Beach National Team.

Thurlby will be on the No. 1 team with former University of Washington standout Christal Morrison. The No. 2 team is Brooke Sweat and Tealle Hunkus.

Thurlby, from Naperville, Ill., tied for 33rd in the AVP Manhattan Beach Open this month. Her top finishes on tour were seventh places at the AVP Young Gun in Florida and at New Jersey.

Thurlby was a setter for the Rainbow Wahine from 2002 to 2006 and part of two final four teams. She earned academic All-WAC honors three times.

SERBIA SWEEPS U.S.

Ivan Milikovic had 17 points on 17 kills as Serbia swept the U.S. men's team, 25-20, 25-23, 25-22, yesterday in a 2009 FIVB World League final round match in Belgrade, Serbia.

David Lee had 14 points (eight kills, six blocks) and Hawai'i's Clay Stanley added 12 points (11 kills, one ace) for the U.S. team, which must beat Russia today if it hopes to advance to the semifinals.