Santa Barbara, Calif.—In a battle between two programs fighting for a conference playoff spot, the University of Hawai'i women's soccer team came up short to UC Santa Barbara on Sunday, 1-0. 

 

In the 83rd minute, and in the midst of a stalemate between to the two high-caliber offenses, the Gauchos pulled in a ball walking a tightrope on the end line, just a few feet away from the visiting goal. In a quick motion, Cate Post turned and fired the ball back into the box, finding Madeline Gipson for the lone goal of the night.

 

"We came up short tonight but Santa Barbara is a very good team, we fought hard until the very end," said head coach Michele Nagamine. "We are all disappointed.  At one point, we would've killed to go 1-1 on the road in the Big West, but this loss burns and that shows the progress we have made as a team.  They may have had more shots than we did but we had our opportunities to score.  We are focused and looking forward to finishing our season strong at home."

 

The Rainbow Wahine defense maintained its composure throughout the evening as the Gauchos presented a strong attack, firing 18 shots, compared to six by the visitors. Redshirt junior Alexis Mata held her own with five saves, including a couple where she showed her well documented athletic ability in front of the net. 

 

UH now sits in a position where they will be fighting for its playoff hopes with UC Riverside visiting the island of O'ahu on Thursday. UH will enter the contest at 3-3 in conference play with the Highlanders sitting at 2-2-2 as both programs are eyeing the fourth and final conference tournament spot.