The University of Hawaii fought desperately to get to overtime. That’s a place Cal State Fullerton was happy to avoid. ADVERTISING The University of Hawaii fought desperately to get to overtime. That’s a place Cal State Fullerton was happy to
The University of Hawaii fought desperately to get to overtime. That’s a place Cal State Fullerton was happy to avoid.
Despite a flurry of chances, the Rainbow Wahine couldn’t capitalize after Kama Pascua’s early goal, losing 2-1 to the Titans in the Big West opener at Waipio Peninsula Soccer Complex on Oahu.
Hawaii (5-6-0, 0-1-0) put half of its 20 shots on frame in falling to just 2-5 at home.
“I thought we had the run of play for most of the first half,” UH coach Michelle Nagamine said on the OCSports broadcast. “Second half, we created a lot of opportunities, but we just couldn’t get on the end of the ball.”
“Back to the drawing board, I guess.”
In the 13th minute, Pascua took a slot pass inside the box from sister Krystal Pascua and netted her fourth goal of the season, tying for the team lead.
Rebecca Wilson answered with two goals off set pieces to lift the Titans (3-7-2, 1-0), who finished with 10 shots.
“This is the best 2-2-7 team you’re going to find in the country,” Nagamine said, pointing to Fullerton’s five overtime losses this season.
It beat the Wahine by one goal for the third consecutive season.
Wilson headed in a corner kick in the first half. She used her head again to make sure the Titans avoided their eighth OT, tallying the go-ahead goal on a second-half free kick.
UH hosts UC Riverside at 5 p.m. Sunday.