Monday, October 19, 1998

Wahine break through
with first WAC win

By Al Chase
Star-Bulletin

That elusive W no longer is missing from the Hawaii Wahine soccer team's Western Athletic Conference Pacific Division resume.

In their third WAC season, the Wahine posted their first victory in 15 league matches by defeating Nevada-Las Vegas, 3-0, last night at Ala Wai Field.

The win ended a four-game losing streak for UH (8-6 overall, 1-3 WAC).

Two burdens were eliminated in a match that won't be remembered for its artistry, but for the end to futility in conference play.

"It was one of those hurdles we've been trying to overcome. Now that we did it, it's kind of like our back is not up against the wall as much," said Tricia Nishikawa who scored the first goal and assisted on the second.

"It's a relief and a confidence-booster for the team. Everyone has worked so hard to get where we are, so the work has paid off."

Nishikawa, who moved back to striker last Friday after starting the season as the center midfielder, put UH on the board at 19:30.

Wendy Miyashiro started the play deep in the UH half with a push pass to Tui Moe. Spotting Nishikawa darting between two defenders 15 yards on the other side of midfield, Moe's long pass found open space where Nishikawa took it in full stride.

The senior from Mililani finished by one-touching a low, 19-yarder just inside the right post.

"It feels really good, especially coming off the losing streak," Miyashiro said. "We didn't play as good as we did against San Diego State (last Friday) and we have to work on that, but, we pulled through and that is satisfying."

Nishikawa, who tries to hide on the last defender's shoulder opposite the ball, created several other scoring opportunities. Her quick acceleration and speed often leave her in one-on-one situations, especially on through balls.

Combined with nifty foot and ball work, she set up the second goal with a pass across the goal mouth that Jennifer Starsiak netted 22 minutes into the second half.

Nishikawa now holds the single season points (17) and career goal scoring (13) records.

Megan Lytle concluded the scoring by blistering a direct free kick into the net from 20 yards out five minutes from the end. A similar try by Lytle seven minutes into the game was deflected off the cross bar by a defender.

The Rebels (8-6-1 overall, 1-2-1 WAC), in their first year of competition, didn't lack for hustle. They forced Wahine goalkeeper Demarre Sanchez to make three saves, one of the diving variety on a breakaway in the first half.

The Hawaii win was tempered by an injury to Sanchez's right ankle with 13 minutes left in the second half. Sanchez went high in the air with a UNLV player and a teammate for a cross. Legs got tangled and Sanchez landed hard after poking the ball away.

"I heard it snap," said Sanchez. She was taken for X-rays. Preliminary reports last night indicate a fractured ankle.

"It's a funny game," UH head coach Pinsoom Tenzing said. "I thought we played superbly on Friday and we lose the game. Today we didn't play that well and we're up three zero."

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1998 UH Wahine Soccer Schedule

http://uhathletics.hawaii.edu