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WAIPAHU, O'ahu – Junior forward Tiana Fujimoto's late-game heroics lifted the University of Hawai'i women's soccer team to a 1-0 win over UC Santa Barbara in UH's Big West home opener Thursday night at the Waipi'o Peninsula Soccer Stadium.
 
Faced with a must-win situation after starting league play 0-2 on the road, the Rainbow Wahine (6-6, 1-2 BWC) responded with a winning effort at home, led by Fujimoto who scored the game-winner in the 81 minute. It was her team-leading seventh goal of the year and her fifth game-winner.
 
After a lackluster first half in which both team's produced little scoring opportunities, the Rainbow Wahine came on strong in the second half with eight shots in the first 15 minutes. UH nearly got on the board in the 60 minute when Kama Pascua sent a free kick that was saved off the UCSB (7-6-1, 1-2 BWC) crossbar.
 
The Rainbow Wahine finally broke with less than 10 minutes left in regulation on an incredible individual effort by Fujimoto. Fujimoto weaved her way through the UCSB defense on the left flank, before creating enough space to send a low liner that bounced off the far post and into the back of the net.  
 
UH is now 5-0 this season in matches that Fujimoto scores in with the team's last three wins coming off her foot late in the match.
 
Erika Young made her third start of the year at goal and picked up her first career win and shutout. The redshirt freshman finished with three saves on the night.
 
UH will return to the field on Sunday, Oct. 13 when it hosts Cal Poly. Kickoff is set fro 5:00 p.m. at the Waipi'o Peninsula Soccer Stadium.