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HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i women's soccer team opened Big West Conference play on Thursday night, but it came in a losing effort as the 'Bows surrendered three second-half goals to fall to UC Santa Barbara 3-0 at Waipio Peninsula Soccer Complex.
 
The Gauchos dominated much of the first half but the two teams went toe-to-toe with each other in the second half. Keala Parker-Lee nearly connected on a pair of Storm Kenui corner kicks but both were saved by UCSB goalkeeper Jacq Caginia.
 
UCSB (8-3-1, 1-0 BWC) however would have the lion's share of chances on goal and finally broke through in the 72^nd minute when Amanda Ball was cut down in the box and earned a penalty kick. She stepped to the spot to take it and promptly scored what proved to be the gamewinner.
 
Jessica Parq added to the UCSB lead in the 80^th minute when she played a ball down the left flank, received it back inside the box and touched a shot past UH keeper Monk Berger. Mallory Hromatko added a third in the 87^th minute to complete the scoring.
 
The Gauchos had several early attacks down the flanks to start off the match but each one failed to materialize. UH (3-7-1, 0-1 BWC) centerbacks Sarah Lau and Paige Okazaki, who had subbed in for an injured Lidia Battaglia, were equal to the task. Battaglia suffered a leg injury early in the game and did not return.
 
UH's first big opportunity came in the 31^st minute when the 'Bows earned a free kick outside the Gaucho penalty area. Storm Kenui's strike had pace but whizzed over the top of the crossbar.
 
The Gauchos continued to dominate possession but the 'Bows had finally put their imprint on the game as Kenui had another bid on goal that was saved by Caginia.
 
The 'Bows continue their conference-opening homestand on Sunday, facing Cal Poly at 5:00 p.m. at Waipio Peninsula Soccer Stadium.