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Thursday, August 24, 2000
Wahine soccer Pinsoom Tenzing doesn't hesitate to talk in generalities about the 2000 University of Hawaii women's soccer team.
riddled with
‘starters’
Coach Tenzing won't name
2000 Wahine Soccer Schedule
the starting 11 because of the
quirky substitution ruleBy Al Chase
Star-BulletinBut, in terms of specifics, other than to acknowledge senior Demarre Sanchez will start in goal, the seven-year head coach is definitely guarded.
"We have 16 to 18 players who could start," said Tenzing, who declined to name his starters.
"I'm talking riddles. We need to learn how to use the NCAA regulations better. I'd much rather finish the first half off strong as opposed to starting the half off strong. Obviously, you want to do both."
Here's the concern.
Once a player is substituted out in the first half, she can't return until the second half. So, does Tenzing start a so-called starting 11, or have the "starters" on the field for the final 25 or 30 minutes of the opening half?
Despite this perceived problem, there is plenty of optimism in the Wahine camp. There are 21 players back from the 1999 team that posted a school best 12-7-1 record and battled Southern Methodist through three overtime periods in a semifinal loss in the Western Athletic Conference tournament.
Obviously, Tenzing has options with leading scorers Veronica Flores, Jen Starsiak, K.C. Cornett and Kelly Keohen back.
Veteran midfielders Megan Lytle, Wanette Miyashiro, Malia Beter and Tiffany Makue are back.
The defense has plenty of experience with returnees Camille Kalama, Erin Schremser, Carmel Hurley and Leila Wai.
What about the newcomers?
"We have some surprises, but I don't know if it's wise to give them publicity. I guess the outer island kids (recruits Kalena Eaton and Arlene Devitt and walk-on Tia Medeiros). All three are quality players and have been a huge surprise," said Tenzing.
"I'm cautious because of the freshmen. I have a lot of gems. Instead of my tooting their horn for them, I'll give you guys the pleasure of discovering them yourself."
Tenzing has no concerns about playing the games at the Waipio Peninsula Soccer Complex. It's obviously a huge improvement over the field the Wahine played on last year.
"I think, like all athletes, they're prepared. They want to showcase their abilities. The stadium will be good for them," Tenzing said.
"I would be disappointed and the team would be disappointed if we don't play as well as we have in practice.
"I think everything about this team rests on leadership. We've got tremendous leadership. I'm excited about the abilities of the team and Camille is trying to temper that by telling me not to get too excited."
Maybe there is a clue in that statement as to what the 2000 Wahine are all about.
Answering the riddles begins tomorrow night.
Wahine soccer
What: Outrigger Hotels & Resorts Invitational.
2000 UH Wahine Soccer Schedule
http://uhathletics.hawaii.edu
2000 Wahine
Soccer ScheduleTomorrow: vs. Boise State, 7 p.m.
Sunday: vs. Wyoming, 5 p.m.
Sept. 1: vs. Northern Arizona, 7 p.m.
Sept. 3: vs. Oregon State, 7 p.m.
Sept. 8: at Pepperdine
Sept. 10: at UC Santa Barbara
Sept. 15: vs. Arkansas, 7 p.m.
Sept. 17: vs. Loyola Marymount, 7 p.m.
Sept. 22: at Cal State Fullerton
Sept. 24: at Cal State Northridge
Sept 28: vs. San Jose State (WAC), 7 p.m.
Oct. 1: at Fresno State (WAC)
Oct. 6: vs. Central Washington, 7 p.m.
Oct. 8: vs. Nevada (WAC), 5 p.m.
Oct. 13: at Texas-El Paso (WAC)
Oct. 15: at Tulsa (WAC)
Oct. 16: at Oral Roberts
Oct. 20: vs. Texas Christian (WAC), 7 p.m.
Oct. 22: vs. Southern Methodist (WAC), 5 p.m.
Oct. 27: vs. Alumnae, 4:30 p.m., campus field
Oct. 29: vs. Hawaii Pacific, 7 p.m.Home matches at Waipio Peninsula Soccer Park unless noted.
