College football • Big East commissioner John Marinatto, facing pressure from school presidents upset by his handling of the departure of several high-profile programs, resigned Monday after less three years on the job.

Pittsburgh and Syracuse made plans to leave for the Atlantic Coast Conference in September, and West Virginia bolted for the Big 12 the following month. The Big East regrouped by adding Central Florida, Houston, Memphis, SMU and Temple for all sports and Boise State, San Diego State and Navy for football only.

Williams advances in Madrid Open

Tennis • Serena Williams defeated Elena Vesnina 6-3, 6-1 to reach the second round of the Madrid Open.

Defending champion Petra Kvitova advanced after beating Marina Erakovic 6-2, 6-3 in her opening match on Monday.

Novak Djokovic echoed Rafael Nadal's criticism of the ATP for allowing Madrid Open organizers to change the color of the clay court from red to blue.

Djokovic, who starts defending his title Tuesday, believes the governing body of men's tennis didn't adequately consult with the top players before allowing the change.

Australian wins 3rd stage of Giro d'Italia

Cycling • Matthew Goss of Australia won the third stage of the Giro d'Italia on Monday in Horsens, Denmark, while world champion Mark Cavendish and overall leader Taylor Phinney were involved in a crash in the high-speed sprint finish.

Phinney maintained the overall lead, since times are neutralized when there are crashes at the end of flat stages.

U.S. hockey loses to Slovakia at worlds

Hockey • The United States lost to Slovakia 4-2 Monday in Helsinki for its first loss at hockey's world championships after opening with two victories.

Slovakia won for the first time in the tournament after two defeats. The Americans previously beat France and Canada.

From wire reports