Wahine aim to keep their momentum

A big turnaround was borne from the smallest figure for the Hawaii soccer team.

The Rainbow Wahine allowed zero goals in victories at Oregon and Oregon State last week for the program’s first consecutive victories against Pac-12 opposition. The rare road wins (the last back-to-back came in 2008) instilled exhilaration in Michele Nagamine’s crew heading into the Outrigger Hotels and Resorts Soccer Classic this weekend.

"I can’t describe the feeling," senior defender Karli Look said.

UH tries to keep the good times rolling against two Big Sky Conference opponents on the Waipio Peninsula — where it started an unusual 0-2 this year — starting with Idaho State today. The Wahine get Portland State on Sunday.

"We’re just trying to calm down and refocus, and make sure we’re ready for the two games we play this weekend," junior midfielder Krystal Pascua said.

The Wahine had three shutouts all of last year and last blanked opponents in consecutive games in 2009.

"You know, the shutouts last year were very few and far between for us," Nagamine said. "To get two (last) weekend versus Pac-12 teams was a major milestone and accomplishment for us."

The Wahine haven’t allowed a goal for the last 223 minutes and 53 seconds, all with Monk Berger — the Big West Defensive Player of the Week, and CollegeSoccer360.com National Freshman of the Week — between the pipes.

UH’s battle-tested defensive line of seniors Look, Malé Fresquez and Chelsea Miyake and sophomore Lidia Battaglia have adjusted smoothly to Berger’s feedback and commands coming off the graduation of four-year starter Kanani Taaca. Berger had 11 saves in the shutouts.

"Monk did amazing," said Look, who saved a goal herself from point blank against OSU. "Especially as a freshman, she really stepped up to the plate. She made really good saves and she really made a difference on the field."

The consistency in the defensive third of the field has allowed the Wahine time to find cohesion up top in their new 4-3-3 formation. They had moments of Walter White-worthy chemistry in game-winning goals by Kama Pascua and Tiana Fujimoto, which both came off double assists.

"Having that kind of experience and depth in the back is a luxury, and not one I take lightly," Nagamine said.

Idaho State has lost three straight after winning its first two matches. The Bengals, making the program’s first trip to the islands, feature two local players — sophomores Vanessa Cabilan (Kamehameha) and Ka‘imi Morreira (Moanalua).

UH will be without two starters today. Midfielder Hayden Gibson will sit out a match for being assessed two yellow cards (equaling a red) in the win at Oregon State. Mid/forward T.J. Reyno suffered a badly sprained ankle at Oregon.