[ WAHINE SOCCER ]
Wahine face Rice
today in WAC soccer
DALLAS >> Hawaii women's soccer coach Pinsoom Tenzing's hunch was right. The second-seeded Rainbow Wahine (13-4-2) will play Rice in today's first semifinal match at the Western Athletic Conference women's postseason tournament.
The third-seeded Owls (10-7-1) scored goals in the eighth and 20th minutes en route to a 3-0 victory over No. 6 seed Fresno State last night. The Bulldogs (7-9-2) managed just five shots against the stingy Owls defense.
"Fresno missed their flight and didn't get in until late (Wednesday) night. That's makes it tough and Rice beat them quite comprehensively," said Tenzing.
"Our players have adjusted to the time change and we had a beautiful practice (yesterday). If they do that against Rice, then success is guaranteed. We will have to take care of the Owls' deep sweeper and we have already had conversations with our strikers about that."
Freshman Christine McCartney's goal in overtime lifted No. 5 Texas-El Paso (11-7-0) over No. 4 Boise State 1-0 in the other semifinal.
Note: Joelle Sugai was named to the first team of the 2003 Academic All-District VIII University women's soccer team. The junior from Aiea was one of three midfielders named to the first team. The Hawaii Rainbow Wahine co-captain is majoring in pre-business and maintains a 3.85 grade-point average.
