Box Score

WAIPAHU, HI--The University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine soccer team's 2004 season got off to a disappointing start with a 1-0 loss to Saint Mary's on the opening evening of the OHANA Hotels & Resort No Ka Oi at the Waipio Peninsula Soccer Stadium. Saint Mary's struck early and held off UH's second half charge in the season opener for both team.

Saint Mary's capitalized on an early UH gaffe, as a haphazard free kick by the Rainbow Wahine led to a Saint Mary's counter attack. Gaels defender Stephanie Harrison intercepted UH's free kick near midfield and lofted a long diagonal ball over an unprepared UH defense. A streaking McKenna Belzer controlled the ball and blasted a shot past UH goalkeeper Mahie Atay just inside the right post to give the Gaels a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute.

UH battled back with 10 shots in the second frame, but could not get one through the goal. Two-time WAC Player of the Year Natasha Kai fired a game-high nine shots, but was often foiled by Gael goalkeeper Andrea Lee who finished with seven saves. The Rainbow Wahine ended the match with 18 shots to the Gaels 13.

The OHANA Hotels & Resorts No Ka Oi continues Saturday evening as Pacific takes on St. Mary's. Hawaii will face Pacific on Sunday at 5 p.m. on the final evening of the tournament.

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