A SUCCESSFUL RUN TO NOTRE DAME.

Byline: Vincent Bonsignore Staff Writer

Heidi Rocha would sit through all those difficult advanced-studies classes at Paraclete High of Lancaster with one thing on her mind: ``I'm doing this for (the University of) Notre Dame.'' she said.

And during those long, painful runs or excruciating workouts she'd continually put herself through training for cross country or track and field, Rocha reminded herself over and over why she did it.

``Always for Notre Dame.''

It paid off. Rocha recently accepted a scholarship to run cross country and track at Notre Dame, completing a dream she's held close since visiting the school when she was 8 years old.

``I just remember looking around the campus going, 'This is where I want to be some day,''' Rocha said.

That day is fast approaching. Rocha leaves Aug. 16 for Notre Dame. A few weeks later, she'll take in her first Notre Dame football game.

``It's hard to believe it's all actually happening, but I could not be happier,'' said Rocha, who maintained a 4.37 grade-point average at Paraclete. ``This is something I worked really hard for. I can't wait to get out there.''

--A year after Conejo Valley Little League advanced to the championship game of the World Series in Williamsport, Pa., neighborhood rival Moorpark is on the verge of winning the Section 1 baseball tournament title (12-under).

Moorpark (6-0), which eliminated Conejo Valley in district competition last week, plays host to Arroyo Grande or Santa Maria Northside today at 5:30 p.m.

If Moorpark loses, there will be a rematch Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in the final game of the four-team, double-elimination tournament.

The Section 1 champion advances to the Southern California Divisionals, followed by the Western Regionals in San Bernardino, then the World Series.

--Littlerock coach Sarah Adams and Former Canyon High of Canyon Country coach Krista Humphreys are the leading candidates for the softball-coach vacancy at Hart of Newhall, according to a source.

Hart is on break this week, and co-athletic director Linda Peckham was unavailable for comment.

Cathy Giordano retired three weeks ago after leading Hart to the playoffs in each of her seven seasons.

--John Sundling, a Thousand Oaks resident, won the boys' 14-under division title Sunday at the U.S. Tennis Association National Clay Court Championships at the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Sundling, who defeated Ryan Harrison of New Braunfels, Texas, 5-7, 6-0, 6-2 in the championship, won his final three matches after rallying from one-set deficits. Harrison scored a 2-6, 7-5, 6-2 victory over another Thousand Oaks resident, Denis Lin, in the semifinals.

It was Sundling's second singles title at a major USTA event this year. He also won the Easter Bowl in Palm Springs in April.

--Northridge resident Brittany Augustine teamed with Asia Muhammad of Las Vegas to win the doubles title in the girls' 16-under division Sunday at the USTA National Clay Court Championships at the Virginia Beach (Va.) Tennis and Country Club.

Augustine, who also reached the consolation final in the singles draw, claimed a victory over Canoga Park resident Katarina Reveche in the consolation semifinals. Reveche, a junior at Campbell Hall of North Hollywood, reached the quarterfinals of the main draw. Augustine advanced to the round of 16.

Kristen McVitty, a senior at Calabasas High, reached the consolation semifinals in the girls' 18-under division at the USTA National Clay Court Championships at the Racquet Club of Memphis (Tenn.).

McVitty advanced to the round of 32 in the main draw, then won two matches before losing to Lena Litvak of the Bronx, N.Y.

--James Paulk, an offensive lineman for College of the Canyons' state-championship football team, has committed to Fresno State.

Erik Boal and Gerry Gittelson contributed.