Box Score

WAIPAHU - Two-time Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year Natasha Kai put away a pair of goals including the game-winner in overtime to lift Hawaii to a 3-2 win over Nevada Friday night at the Waipio Peninsula Soccer Stadium. The Rainbow Wahine improved to 10-4-2 overall and 3-2 in the WAC with the win.

Kai, a junior from Kahuku, Oahu, received a long-diagonal ball from freshman Gabrielle Bohlman, turned and drove to goal, finishing with a strong right-footer inside the far post 3:25 into the overtime period.

UH snapped a two-match slide with a win in their fifth overtime session this year. UH remained undefeated in its last 12 overtime matches (6-0-6) and haven't dropped an overtime since 2001. Nevada meanwhile dropped to 2-11-1 overall and 0-4 in the WAC.

After a frustrating first half in which they were unable to convert any goals, the Rainbow Wahine jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the second period. Kai netted Hawaii's first score at 56:24, when she made good on a penalty kick. She was awarded the kick after being taken-down on a breakaway by Nevada keeper Megan Tarpenning. UH notched its next score less than 10 minutes later when Koren Takayama ran onto a long, left-footed diagonal pass from Bohlman. From there, Takayama drove 30 yards to goal and placed a right footer into the back of the net.

The Wolf Pack charged-back behind two scores from sophomore Naomi Hernandez. The Las Vegas, Nev. native put away her first score at 69:41 then netted the equalizer at 80:38 when she scored on an assist from Terran Hadlock and Lauren Kinneman off a set piece. Nevada was awarded a free-kick when a Hawaii defender was whistled for a foul about 30 yards from the goal.

UH struggled to win despite out-shooting Nevada, 29-9. Still, the Rainbow Wahine remain undefeated against the Wolf Pack in five all-time matches.

The Rainbow Wahine next host Boise State in its final regular season home match, Oct. 17. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. with a ceremony to honor UH's 11 seniors following the match.

match statistics

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