Box Score

WAIPAHU, O`ahu – The University of Hawai`i Rainbow Wahine soccer team Friday suffered a 3-0 loss to Louisiana Tech in a Western Athletic Conference match Friday night at Waipi`o Peninsula Soccer Stadium. The Rainbow Wahine dropped to 3-12-2 overall and 1-3-1 in the WAC.

 

La Tech scored a goal in the first half, then tacked on two goals in a two-minute span late in the second half to secure the victory and hand UH its seventh straight home loss. It was the first-ever victory for Louisiana Tech in six all-time meetings against Hawai`i. The Lady Techsters, enjoying their best season ever, improved to 14-5 overall and 4-3 in the WAC.

 

Meanwhile, the UH loss, coupled with Fresno State's upset of Utah State, dropped the Rainbow Wahine into seventh place in the WAC standing with three matches remaining. The top six teams qualify for the WAC Tournament in early November.  

 

La Tech first got on the board in the 22^nd minute off a counter attack. Mo Rockwell started the play by sending a ball down the sideline to a streaking Rachel King. King then crossed the ball into the middle of the field where it found the foot of Olivia Lukasewich who hammered a close range shot past UH goalkeeper Kanani Taaca.

 

The Rainbow Wahine had a prime opportunity to equalize with less than five minutes left in the first half as Caycie Gusman found herself with space in the box. However Lady Techester goalkeeper Caitlin Updyke deflected Gusman's shot just clear of the crossbar. 

 

The Lady Techsters put the game away late with a pair of goals. After King was fouled on a breakaway in the box, La Tech was awarded a penalty kick, which was converted by Scott Culton for a 2-0 lead. Less than two minutes later the Lady Techsters struck again as Kiva Gresham put home a rebound shot at the mouth of the UH goal.

 

Louisiana Tech finished with a 13-12 shot advantage for the match. Taaca saved five shots, while Updyke posted seven saves.  

 

The Rainbow Wahine will host its final home match of the season against New Mexico State on Sunday, Oct. 24 at 5:00 p.m. It will be Senior Night as UH's four departing seniors will be honored after the conclusion of the match.