BRIEFLY : VILLWOCK CRUISES TO GOLD CUP WIN.

Dave Villwock thought he'd have a tough time repeating as Gold Cup champion, but the race turned out to be easier than expected as he cruised to victory in Miss Budweiser in Sunday's 1997 APBA Gold Cup on the Detroit River.

Villwock's day became easier when PICO-American Dream, driven by former Budweiser driver Mark Evans, had engine problems just before the start of the final. With Evans out, all Villwock had to worry about was keeping his boat together for the five-lap final on the choppy water, finishing more than a half-lap ahead of Appian Jeronimo, driven by Mitch Evans.

VOLLEYBALL: Led by Diane Shoemaker's eight kills, Team Paul Mitchell completed an undefeated weekend with a 15-8 victory over Team Norelco in a Bud Light Pro Beach Volleyball League tournament in Manhattan Beach. Annett Davis had 13 digs to help Paul Mitchell win its second straight league event. Norelco was led by 1996 Olympians Tammy Liley and Danielle Scott, who each had seven kills.

WATER POLO: Chris Humbert scored three goals to help the United States defeat Greece 8-5 and win the World Cup. Chris Oeding and Brad Schumacher had two each and Jerey Laster had a goal and two assists for the Americans before more than 6,000 fans in Athens.

FOOTBALL: The Chicago Bears released defensive back Mark Carrier, 29, the former USC star who was paid $1.1 million last season and was scheduled to make $1.3 million this year. He had two interceptions last season after picking off none in 1995.

After being turned down by Carolina's Mark Carrier, the Pittsburgh Steelers reached terms with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Courtney Hawkins on a three-year, $1.45 million contract.

LOCAL: A funeral for the mother of former Notre Dame High school baseball star Rich Igou will be held this morning at 10:30 at Forest Lawn in Hollywood at the Old North Church. Lee Igou is survived by her son Rich and her husband Dick. She died last week from an asthma attack.