WAIPAHU, O'ahu – In a physical match that featured 30 combined fouls, five yellow cards and a red card, the University of Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine soccer team (1-3-1) fell to the Pacific Tigers (3-2-0) 3-2 in the Outrigger Hotels and Resorts Soccer Classic at the Waipi'o Peninsula Soccer Stadium Sunday.

 

Ambree Ako scored her first two goals of the season to lead the Hawai'i attack. Mari Punzal had an assist while Britta Bourne had two shots, both on goal. Kristina Ehrett made eight saves, playing in all 90 minutes of the match.

 

Pacific lit up the scoreboard early as Kortney Agdeppa scored on a low shot after a cross and flick in the 12th minute. Maricela Padilla quickly made the UOP advantage 2-0 in the 14th minute, scoring on a low shot from 25 yards out after intercepting a UH goal kick.

 

But Ako and the Rainbow Wahine had an answer. In the 19th minute, the senior scored on a penalty kick, then tied it in the 37th minute with a header at the far post off a cross by Punzal. But UH was dealt a big blow just before the end of the half as Bourne was issued a red card, leaving Hawai'i a player down for the rest of the match.

 

UH held strong for the first 40 minutes of the second period, despite playing one player shot. But Padilla scored the game-winner with just over five minutes left in regulation, giving the Tigers the 3-2 victory.

 

The Rainbow Wahine will now head on the road for four matches, starting Sept. 13, at Pepperdine.

 

-UH-