Box Score

FRESNO, Calif. - The goal-producing duo of Natasha Kai and Erin Quattromani connected with 1:24 remaining in overtime to give Hawaii a 1-0 win over Fresno State, their fourth 10-win season in five years and their second conference runner-up finish in as many years. Kai, who set a Western Athletic Conference mark with her 10th league goal of the season, was set up for the game-winner by Hawaii season assists record holder Quattromani, who sent Kai through with a long ball over the Fresno State defense for her ninth assist.

Playing for seeding at this weekend's conference championship tournament, the Rainbows and Bulldogs played a competitive first half, exchanging attacks, giving the match an atmosphere of a playoff contest, which in a sense it was.

A number of early scoring opportunities were created by Hawaii freshman striker Kai, who often out-ran Bulldog defenders to long balls sent over the top of the Fresno State back line by the Rainbow midfield. Early in the half Hawaii defender Krystalynn Ontai and Joelle Sugai helped generate an attack on goal. Ontai sent a long pass up the left flank to the corner flag, allowing Sugai to run-on and send a strong left-footed cross into the Fresno State penalty box. But Kai's shot attempt sailed wide of the frame.

Moments later created another strong opportunity when striker Pam Fong played the ball back to fellow sophomore Ontai, who sent a long pass through the air to Kai about 10 yards above the top of the Fresno box. Kai flicked the ball out to Sugai on the wing, who ran with it toward the end line before sending an excellent cross that climbed over Bulldog keeper Mary-tyler Wahl's out-stretched arms and across the goal mouth. But Hawaii's far post runner was two steps too late, as the ball settled in the corner of the field.

Hawaii made a couple more runs at goal late in the half. Fong earned her team a free kick when she was taken down by the head in the 39th minute of play. Quattromani lofted a long, right-footed ball to the far post, where Mia Moe took a sliding, first-time shot that lined just wide of the frame.

A final opportunity eluded Hawaii 30 seconds before the intermission when Kai and Natalie Groenewoud combined to set-up Fong with a scoring chance. Kai ran down a long ball in the Fresno State defensive third and back-heeled it to Groenewoud, who sent a right-footed cross to the center of the Bulldog penalty box. Fong's header attempt was drilled straight at Wahl who stood on her line in the center of the goal.

Versus the Bulldogs in the first half, the Wahine were held without a corner kick. Fresno State had three. The Bulldogs recorded the only official shot on goal in the first half.

In the second period, both teams emerged with the same energy they displayed throughout the first 45 minutes. Both Hawaii and Fresno State had early runs at goal.

Near the 59th minute, Hawaii earned its first corner kick opportunity of thematch. Quattromani's service to Kai was re-directed right at Wahl. A few moments later Kai had another chance when she ran-onto a fine, ground through ball from Moe. Kai's hard, low, left-footed attempt scooted just wide of the far post.

Going into the overtime period Hawaii was unbeaten at 1-0-2 in extra time contests this season. The Rainbow Wahine had tied Alabama-Birmingham (1-1) and Long Beach State (1-1) in double overtime, and defeated TCU, 2-1 in Fort Worth, Tex., on Oct. 21.

Freshman sensation Kai helped Hawaii generate a scoring opportunity four minutes into the 10-minute overtime period when she outran a Fresno State defender to fire-off a left-footed cross from the wing that went to Fong in about 10 yards out. Fong's first-time right-footer was pushed-out by Wahl giving Hawaii a corner kick.

Up until Kai's game-winner, her school record and WAC best fifth of the year, the high-scorer had not registered a shot on goal, although she had initiated many chances throughout the match.

Now the Wahine will set their sights on this weekend's league championship tourney, where they will be the third seed. Hawaii will face sixth seed and host Rice, with the winner of that match facing regular-season champ SMU in the semifinals. After a practice day in Fresno, the Wahine will leave for Houston on Tuesday morning.