Waipahu— The University of Hawai'i soccer team fell to future Big West member UC San Diego, 2-1, on Friday night at Waipio Peninsula Soccer Stadium.

 

"We showed our youth today," said head coach Michele Nagamine. "We knew they were going to be a tough match for us, and it felt like we slept through the first half. We can't play 45 minutes of soccer, and we learned that tonight. We'll be better from this in the long run, it's unfortunate, but it wasn't our day."

 

The Rainbow Wahine (3-2) led a furious second-half comeback attempt but ultimately saw their three-match win streak snapped. UH outshot UC San Diego 11-5 in the second half, including four shots on goal. Junior forward Mikaelah Johnson-Griggs finally broke through in the 78th minute for her first goal of the season, pulling the Rainbow Wahine within one. The Rainbow Wahine could not generate the equalizer before time expired.

 

In just a three-minute stretch in the first period, the Tritons were able to convert the winning goals. In the 14th minute, Megumi Barber lifted a shot from near midfield over the outstretched arms of Rainbow Wahine senior goalkeeper Alexis Mata. A few moments later in the 17th minute, Mary Reilly struck from close range to move UC San Diego up 2-0.

 

Despite the loss, the Rainbow Wahine kept consistent pressure throughout, outshooting the Tritons 17-10. Senior midfielder Raisa Strom-Okimoto led all players with six shots, including three on-goal. Sophomore midfielder Leialoha Medeiros also notched five shots of her own. 

 

UH will now go back on the road for a two-game set. The first stop will be at Nevada on Thursday, Sept. 13, followed by a stop at San Francisco on Sunday, Sept. 16. The Rainbow Wahine are 2-0 this season in away matches.