For once, UH-Hilo soccer director Lance Thompson wasn’t fit to be tied. What’s more, on a day when two infamous streaks came to an end, Thompson doubled his pleasure.
“I’m pretty excited,” he said.
Thompson never felt this way last year. Not since 2013 had the Vulcans men and women won on the same day, a feat they accomplished Thursday against Chaminade in Honolulu.
Thompson had a feeling this was going to be his day when freshman Tiera Arakawa’s goal in the 100th minute gave the Lady Vulcans a 1-0 victory, ending a streak of 11 consecutive overtime matches in which they either lost or tied.
The men’s team also found the back of the net for the first time this season, getting an own goal, and scores from Oswel Mariles and Trenton Hooper for a 3-0 victory.
“It been a long time coming,” Thompson said.
One of the few dampers on the day was a knee injury suffered by freshman Sabrina Scott, a Waiakea graduate. Scott, who started Thursday’s match, would be re-evaluated in the coming days.
In stark contrast to a season-opener draw against Simon Fraser in which the UH-Hilo women (1-0-1) held on for a 0-0 tie, the Vulcans dominated the Silverswords (1-2), taking 27 shots.
Still, Thompson was in a foul mood after regulation.
“I was not happy,” Thompson said, “and if the girls didn’t know that, they did after we talked.”
Chaminade goalkeeper Lauren Ishii made 11 saves.
“I’ll say this,” the third-year coach said. “Since I’ve been in Hilo, she’s the best keeper in the league. She’s very athletic.”
With less than a minute left in the first overtime, Arakawa took a pass from Steele, stepped to the right of center and buried a 25-yard shot.
“Tiera continues to shine,” Thompson said.
Vulcans goalkeeper Jenna Hufford posted her second shutout in as many matches.
The Vulcans last won an overtime match in 2013 when they beat Dominican University 2-1 on Oct. 19 at home.
Leading 1-0 at halftime, the UH-Hilo men (1-2) added to their advantage when Cristian Ruelas penetrated the penalty box and was dragged down by a defender, setting up Mariles’ penalty kick.
In the 78th minute, Jacob LaPorte charged into a box and sent a pass that Hooper one-timed into the goal from point-blank range.
Tyler Hoffman stopped three shots for UH-Hilo, which outshot the Silverswords (0-2) 21-7.
“We made some tactical changes which allowed for more offensive support and helped us create some chances,” Thompson said.
The Vulcans will try to maintain their momentum Saturday in matches at BYU-Hawaii.
