Box Score
WAIPAHU, O`ahu - Sophomore forward
Ambree Ako scored two goals, including the game-winning penalty kick in overtime to lift the University of Hawai`i Rainbow Wahine soccer team to a 2-1 win over Auburn Monday night at Waipio Peninsula Soccer Stadium. With the win UH captured the OHANA Hotels & Resorts No Ka `Oi championship and improved to 2-0 on the season.
UH is off to its first 2-0 start since the 2001 campaign when it won its first three matches. The Rainbow Wahine can thank Ako for that, who tallied the first multi-goal match of her career. After UH fell behind 1-0 early in the second half, the native of `Aiea, O`ahu, scored the equalizer in the 71st minute, then capped the match with a penalty kick in the 95th minute.
The Tigers, the defending Southeastern Conference West Division champs, got on the board first in the 55th minute when Caitlin King received a through ball from Becca Howell and hammered a shot past Kori Lu inside the right post.
Hawai`i responded 16 minutes later when Taryn Fukuroku crossed the ball to Jessica Domingo in the middle of the field. Domingo blindly flicked the ball backwards to an open Ako, who nailed a 20-yard shot past Allison Whitworth.
The match came to a close less than five minutes into the overtime when Ako broke loose on a breakaway and was pushed from behind by an Auburn defender. Ako coolly put home the ensuing penalty kick, her second straight game-winning goal of the year, to give UH the come-from-behind win.
Hawai`i ended the match with a 17-13 shot advantage. Kori Lu finished with a match-high six saves, including a number dramatic ones to keep the first half scoreless.
UH is back in action on Friday, Sept. 7, when they host Pacific in the Outrigger Hotels Soccer Classic. Kickoff is 7 p.m. at the Waipio Peninsula Soccer Stadium.
All-Tournament Team
Jessica Bush, M, Kansas
Monica Dolinsky, M, Kansas
Jessica Domingo, M, Hawai`i
Tehane Higa, D, Hawai`i
Rebecca Howell, F, Auburn
Caitlin King, F, Auburn
Kori Lu, GK, Hawai`i
Jenni Prescott, M, Auburn
Mari Punzal, M, Hawai`i
Lauren Stewart, D, Auburn
MVP: Ambree Ako, F, Hawai`i
Box Score
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