Nov. 22, 2006

BERKELEY - Freshman gymnasts Sophia Hocini and sophomore Lydia Williams will compete internationally during the months of November and December. Hocini, is currently in Nigeria for a chance at a spot in the World Championships, which will be held next month. Williams will venture back to Canada in December to get back into the international competition scene.

Both of Hocini parents are natives of Nigeria and she has dual citizenship in both the United States and Nigeria, allowing her to compete in this week's events. The impressive newcomer was a level 10 national vault and all-around champion and also a Junior Olympic national team member in 2005. Her club team, SCEGA, also ranked second in the country.

A native of Toronto, Williams will compete in Canadian Elite in December. Last season for the Bears, Williams posted a career-best 9.850 on the bars twice during the season and also twice recorded a 9.800 on the beam.

The Golden Bears are currently prepping for their season which begins on Friday, Jan. 19 at Oregon State, in Corvallis, Ore.