WAIPAHU, O`ahu – In a fun and at times spirited contest, the University of Hawai`i Rainbow Wahine soccer team defeated the Alumnae, 3-2, in the annual alumnae match Sunday at the Waipi`o Peninsula Soccer Stadium.

 

More than 20 players showed up for the alumnae, including former All-American and three-time WAC Player of the Year Natasha Kai. Kai, an Olympic gold medalist and WPS champion with the Sky Blue FC, scored both goals for the Alumnae.

 

Lauren Ho got UH on the scoreboard first just eight minutes into the match with a left-footed chip shot over Erin Chow from 15 yards out. After numerous shots on goal, the alumnae finally broke through when Kai back heeled a shot from close range to tie the score with less than three minutes left in the first half.

 

After halftime, UH scored two goals to gain some separation. Rachel Domingo put UH back ahead in the 52^nd minute with a right-footed shot past Chow. Caycie Gusman gave the Rainbow Wahine a two-goal cushion with a goal in the 61^st minute.

 

Kai, the school's all-time leading goal scorer, netted her second goal on a breakaway in the 71^st minute. The Alumnae had a prime opportunity to tie the score late in the match but Kanani Taaca turned back Britta Bourne's shot inside the box.

 

The Rainbow Wahine next host their final two home matches of the season beginning with a contest against Louisiana Tech on Friday, Oct. 22. Kickoff is 7:00 p.m. at Waipi`o Peninsula Soccer Stadium.