Wahine, Tigers in scoreless tie

TUCSON, Ariz. » Between them, the Hawaii Rainbow Wahine and Pacific Tigers had allowed only one goal in eight matches this season.

The stingy defenses continued to dominate, as neither cracked yesterday in a 0-0, double-overtime tie in the opening match of the Four Points Sheraton Cats Classic.

"Both teams had chances, but the defenses came up big-time. We looked a little nervous today especially in front of the goal," said UH coach Pinsoom Tenzing. "I think it was because it was our first game away from home."

Junior Jamie Souza posted her fifth consecutive shutout for the Tigers (4-0-1).

She had to make three saves on six shots. Two were testers, one on Kelli-Anne Chang's shot from 10 yards out in the 67th minute and another on Taryn Fukuroku in the 95th minute.

Sophomore Kori Lu, with four saves, got her second solo shutout this season for the Wahine (3-1-1), who have not been scored upon since the opener against Washington.

The match was even in the first half, with each team getting three shots off, none of the dangerous variety.

The Tigers had the better of the action for the final 75 minutes. They outshot the Wahine 11-3 and took seven of their nine corner kicks, but the UH defense held. The Wahine did not take a corner kick in the match.

"We played a good team. They were very good one on one, in shape and extremely well-coached," said Tenzing.

"The field was great, the weather terrific. Overall, we were a cut below our first four performances, but still played well."

Hawaii is 8-1-10 in its last 19 overtime matches.

Host Arizona (3-2) defeated Gonzaga 1-0 on a goal by London King at 29:15.

The Classic ends tomorrow with UH playing Arizona and Pacific taking on Gonzaga.

"Arizona is a very solid team. They are strong and fast, play a 4-4-2 system and use the flanks well. It should be an interesting match for our defense," Tenzing said.