Thursday, September 30, 1999

UH winging it on defense

WAHINE PLAYBOOK

By Al Chase
Star-Bulletin

The University of Hawaii women's soccer team has allowed just six goals in seven matches and half of those were scored by Stanford.

There have been four shutouts. UH goalkeeper Demarre Sanchez will say she's only as good as the defenders in front of her, led by center back Camille Kalama.

Out on the wings, where sometimes it can seem lonely, the Wahine count on sophomore Carmel Hurley on the left and freshman Tiffany Makue on the right. They have contributed greatly to the frustration of opposing strikers. If either needs a break, enter junior Leila Wai.

Makue has made the big step from the prep ranks to Division I soccer. Hurley regained a starting job after taking 1998 off for the birth of her son, Kaniala.

Makue had the benefit of spring practice to try and digest UH head coach Pinsoom Tenzing's new defensive scheme. Hurley was busy becoming a mother.

Hurley had two months before fall practice to get in shape. She joined Mililani boys' coach Jeff Yamamoto's off-season program.

"I still had the ball skills. Getting in shape was most difficult. At least I felt more in shape (when practice started) than I had been for the past year," said Hurley, with a twinkle in her eye.

Fall practice was Hurley's freshman year all over again - a tryout just to make the team.

"I wanted to prove to everyone that just because I had a kid that I could still do it," she said.

Her game also changed. Instead of mad dashes upfield with the ball that was usually lost, Hurley now plays under control.

"Carmel hardly gives up any balls because she is keeping it simple," said Tenzing. "The thing about Carmel that you cannot buy with any amount of money is her heart. She would die for her teammates. On many occasions she has used her speed and flung herself in front of the ball to prevent the defense from breaking down."

Makue has established herself as a tough defender on the ground and in the air. She made the transition to college competition quickly, but noted some differences.

"The game is more fast paced, very high pressure and fundamentally different," Makue said.

"In high school I always played with a sweeper and was used to having someone behind me.

"Right now, we're playing a zone and I like it a lot because everybody helps. I was really confused with the system in the spring, but it's really natural now."

Both players are quick, with excellent speed.

Makue feels comfortable on either side, while Hurley found a home at left back after playing both earlier in her career.

"Tiffany's sense of timing is just immaculate," Tenzing said. "She played against some big name players when we played Portland and she was so much stronger and faster. It was really discouraging for the strikers. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this kid."

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WAHINE PLAYBOOK

at Cal State
Sacramento Hornets

Coaches: Cal State Sacramento, Sandra Asimos, Rick Caldwell, 7th season (47-70-5, .408). Hawaii, Pinsoom Tenzing, 6th season (34-55-6, .304).

Season: Cal State Sacramento (4-3-0). Hawaii, (4-3-1)

Series record: Hawaii leads the series, 4-1, with the loss coming last year at Sacramento, 2-1. Three of UH's victories have been by a 1-0 score.

Top players: Cal State Sacramento, freshman striker Lisa Wrightsman (4 goals), senior striker Jessica Macklewicz (2 goals), and senior goalkeeper Kristy Milanese, who has played all 630 minutes posting three shutouts. Hawaii, attacking midfielder Kammie Aguada, who has two matches left before WAC play to feel very comfortable in her role and starting strikers Jennifer Starsiak and Megan Lytle.

Interesting facts: The Hornets blanked San Francisco, 3-0, yesterday. The three Hornet losses are by shutout, including 3-0 to St. Mary's and 2-0 to Portland State, both on the road. The Wahine will be without junior defender Camille Kalama, who is staying home to take the entrance exam for law school. UH also suffered its first major injury of the season. Reserve attacking midfielder Nicole Costa will have surgery on the ACL in her left leg today and is out for the season. Mililani High School graduate Dana Dydasco is a reserve striker for the Hornets.

Match keys: Tenzing was still mulling over who to put in Kalama's place at center defender last night. Right back Tiffany Makue could move into the center spot. with Leila Wai taking Makue's position or Erin Schremser, a defender last season, but moved to defensive midfield early this year, also would be comfortable at center back. The key for UH is to play its game, play like every opponent was as good as Portland and don't get caught playing down to a less-talented side.

Kickoff: Tomorrow, 4 p.m., Hornet Field.

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Ka Leo O Hawaii