RUSTON, La. – The University of Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine soccer team (5-8-0, 1-2-0 WAC) picked up their first Western Athletic Conference win, defeating Louisiana Tech (11-5-1, 0-5-0) at Lady Techster Soccer Field Friday.

 

Mari Punzal scored her first goal of the season, the game-winner, while finishing with four shots, including three on goal. Britta Bourne also scored a goal while taking four shots. Ambree Ako had an assist while taking seven shots, including four on goal. Kristyn Shapka also had an assist for UH.

 

Bourne gave Hawai'i the early lead, shooting a ball to the right of the LTU goalie in the 20th minute, with Ako assisting on the play.

 

Tech quickly responded to tie it at 1-1 as Kiva Gresham scored in the 24th minute after Scotti Culton set her up with a one-on-one with UH's goalie Kanani Taaca.

 

In the second half, Punzal broke the tie in the 69th minute. After a corner kick, Shapka got the ball to Punzal, who headed it in for the game-winner.

 

Hawai'i continues this road trip with a match at New Mexico State on Sunday, Oct. 18, at 1 p.m. (9 a.m. HST).

 

-UH-