By MATT GERHART
By MATT GERHART
Tribune-Herald sports writer
It probably wouldn’t be fair to say that Yonha Adrabi was the first player to come around and that the rest of his teammates have finally caught up.
But with the University of Hawaii at Hilo gelling in front of him, it just makes the goalkeeper’s contributions stand out even more.
Men’s soccer coach Ziggy Korytoski had little time to bring in recruits after he was hired in June, but he was to add one key piece in Adrabi, a 6-foot-2 junior from Hollywood, Calif.
The junior college transfer’s long frame and quick reflexes make him tough to beat, according to Korytoski.
“He’s just in a different class,” Korytoski said. “A big-time goalkeeper. We were very fortunate to get him here. He makes such a big impact, and he’s been a big part of our success.”
That impact was evident even when the Vuls were muddling through a long winless streak. The tide has finally begun to turn thanks in no small part to Adrabi. UHH (3-7-2, 2-6-2) carries a four-game unbeaten streak into today’s 12:30 p.m. match against BYU-Hawaii (3-7-2, 2-7-1) at UHH baseball field.
The women’s match follows at 3 p.m., and the afternoon should take on a definite pinkish hue. The Lady Vuls have sported pink jerseys in both of their home matches in October, and the men’s team will do the same today as part of Kick-Out Breast Cancer Day. Fans are encouraged to wear pink, and signed jerseys will be auctioned off after the match.
The highlight of UHH’s recent surge came Tuesday in a 4-1 home victory against Hawaii Pacific. Junior Aaron Sanchez scored twice as the Vulcans netted a season-high in goals that was more than enough for Adrabi. The reigning PacWest Goaltender of the Week stopped a penalty shot and a breakaway, then got a nice hand as he exited the match with just under 20 minutes left.
And when Adrabi’s not stopping shots on the pitch, he’s making sure his teammates are aligned properly.
“He’s a big presence, and the communication is growing on the backline,” Korytoski said. “He holds guys in front of him accountable. To see guys like (fullbacks Sanchez and Morgan Popp) step up is great.”
Ikaika Fuerte and Vincent Muscarella have helped revive the offense. Each is tied for the team lead with three goals.
Losers of eight of nine, the Lady Vuls (4-10, 2-9) will try to gain a measure of revenge after a Seasiders (7-4-2, 5-3-2) team beat them in overtime 10 days ago in Laie, Oahu. Sophomore forward Kristine Pasek, who scored last time out against BYU-Hawaii, leads UHH with seven goals.
Volleyball
Due to gym renovations, UHH moves across the street to Waiakea High for a 7 p.m. match tonight against Chaminade.
The Vulcans (4-14, 4-8) have lost four in a row, while the Silverswords (6-14, 3-9) are losers of five straight.
UHH freshman outsider hitter Bria Morgan leads the PacWest in kills per set (5.26) and points (kills, aces, blocks).