RIVERSIDE, Calif. — The University of Hawai'i women's soccer team closed its Big West road trip with a 1-0 loss to UC Riverside on Sunday at UCR Soccer Stadium in Riverside, Calif.
 
UCR's Amelie Araya scored the lone goal of the match in the 31^st minute off an assist from Spenser Gonzales. The host Highlanders managed to fend off the Rainbow Wahine (2-3-3, 1-1-1 Big West) the rest of the way in a defensive duel and UH was held scoreless for the first time this season.
 
UH opened the road trip with a 1-1 draw at Cal State Fullerton last Thursday and emerged from the weekend tied with Long Beach State for second in the Big West with four points in the conference standings. UC Riverside (2-5-4, 2-0-0) leads the conference with six points.
 
UH and UCR both took eight shots in the match. UH put three on goal and UCR finished with four shots on goal. UCR goalkeeper Cassia Souza and UH's Sophie Augustin each posted three saves. Forward Krista Peterson led UH with three shots, one on goal.
 
UH took five shots in the first 19 minutes and Augustin turned away two early threats including a kick save in the 23^rd minute. But UCR broke through moments later when Gonzales took a free kick and served it into the box. The ball bounced high to Araya who had an open net for a header to give the Highlanders the lead. UCR took three shots in the second half while holding UH to two and withstood a late push to earn its first win in the series since 2017.
 
The Rainbow Wahine next face UC San Diego on Thursday at 7 p.m. to open a two-match homestand at Waipi'o Peninsula Soccer Stadium. They'll take on UC Irvine at 4 p.m. on Oct. 1.