The Hawaii soccer team was dealt a searing defeat in its Big West Conference opener on Friday at UC Irvine, as the Rainbow Wahine gave up the golden goal with one second left in double overtime for a 1-0 loss.
Goalkeeper Lex Mata had been stellar in keeping UH (5-4-1 overall) in it despite a 24-4 shots advantage by UCI (5-5-1), saving eight shots in coming within a heartbeat of a third straight shutout at the tail end of the 110th minute. But the Anteaters got a throw-in near the UH box as the 10-second countdown commenced, and Reema Bzeih fired a bouncer under the Wahine defense and around Mata to the far post.
Coach Michele Nagamine could not be reached for comment.
UH fell to 0-7 in Big West openers since joining the league in 2012, and 2-21-3 in BWC road games.
The Wahine continue their road trip at Cal State Northridge at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
U.S. volleyball team secures spot
The U.S. men’s national volleyball team, with two Hawaii prep products in the starting lineup, secured a spot in the semifinals of the FIVB World Championship with a 25-22, 25-23, 25-23 win over Russia on Thursday in Turin, Italy.
The U.S. (9-0) and Brazil (8-1) will advance to today’s semifinals, but first the teams will meet today to determine seeds.
The Americans hit .543 behind the setting of Micah Christenson (Kamehameha). Erik Shoji (Punahou) played the entire match at libero.
Setter Kawika Shoji (‘Iolani) and middle Taylor Averill (University of Hawaii) did not play.
Hawaii Hilo, HPU win volleyball matches
Kiley Davis had 10 kills and Jessee Ashton and Alexandria Parisian each added nine as the Hawaii Hilo volleyball team beat Academy of Art 25-19, 21-25, 27-25, 25-16 on Friday at UHH gym.
Mina Grant had 24 digs for the Vulcans (10-3, 6-1 PacWest).
The Urban Knights fell to 0-16, 0-8.
>> Cameryn Collie had 10 kills and Mahea Pescaia recorded 15 assists as Hawaii Pacific beat Holy Names 25-20, 25-15, 25-17 at St. Andrew’s Priory gym.
The Sharks improved to 4-10, 3-5 PacWest, while the Hawks dropped to 3-11, 2-6.
