The Hawaii soccer team starts its only nonconference road trip against Oregon State today, then makes a quick trip to Southern California to play UC Riverside on Sunday. Wahine play pair
on West CoastBy Al Chase
achase@starbulletin.comThe Wahine (1-0-1) were supposed to play Tennessee in Oregon as part of a tournament, but the Vols pulled out, leaving UH coach Pinsoom Tenzing searching for another opponent. Fortunately, UCR coach Veronica O'Brien, who left Texas-El Paso to start the Highlanders program, was willing to accommodate Hawaii.
Oregon State (0-1-1) will provide the Wahine with an excellent road test.
The Beavers played in a tournament at Tallahassee, Fla., last weekend and held then-No. 10 Florida State to a 0-0 draw before losing to Wake Forest 2-1.
"Oregon State has very good players and they've got a very good coach," said Tenzing.
He will take 18 players on the trip and will welcome back junior Mia Moe, who sat out last weekend due to NCAA rules.
"Mia is just a fabulous player. She will fit in anywhere, but I'm not sure where yet," said Tenzing.
"I want to look at my defenders a little longer. If it works out in the back, Mia can help us in the midfield. We can use some speed and size there. Remember, she is also a tremendous finisher, an intelligent soccer player."
Two Wahine defenders, sophomores Jessica Uecker and Krystalynn Ontai, are nursing sprained knees and played this past weekend with knee braces.
Tenzing was pleased with the way his midfielders force fed the starting strikers, Arlene Devitt, Carmen Calpo and Natasha Kai last weekend, but concedes the attack will need to employ more variety as the season progresses.
"That will come later. Right now, the midfielders are learning to appreciate what they have up there," said Tenzing.
UC Riverside is in its second season of varsity competition with a roster loaded with freshmen and sophomores. The Highlanders were 5-12-0 a year ago. They are 0-2 this season with a match tomorrow against San Diego. UCR lost its opener to San Diego State 5-1 and fell to future Wahine opponent San Jose State 3-0 on Monday.
Tenzing said he will wait until the start of Western Athletic Conference play to select a No. 1 goalkeeper.
UH Athletics