Rainbows take on WAC foes

Advertiser Staff

•	Match Facts WHAT: Western Athletic Conference women's soccer WHERE: Waipi'o Peninsula Soccer Stadium WHEN: 7 p.m. tomorrow, Hawai'i (11-4-1 overall, 5-1 WAC) vs. Fresno State (6-6-2, 3-2); 5 p.m. Sunday, Hawai'i vs. San Jose State (2-12, 1-4) TV: Tomorrow, live on KFVE-TV (Ch. 5)

Hawai'i can tie the school record for overall wins in a season (12, set by the 1999 team) with its next victory.

"I hope we play with enthusiasm and energy," Hawai'i coach Pinsoom Tenzing said. "It's not unfair for the spectators to expect that."

Hawai'i (11-4-1 overall, 5-1 WAC) hosts Fresno State (6-6-2, 3-2) tomorrow night at 7. On Sunday, Hawai'i plays San Jose State (2-12, 1-4) at 5 p.m. Tomorrow's match will be televised live on K5 (Ch. 5).

Hawai'i can clinch second place in the WAC with a win against Fresno State and earn a first-round bye in the WAC Championship Nov. 6-8 in Dallas. In addition, under an agreement with the conference, Hawai'i will qualify to host the 2004 WAC Championship if it finishes this regular season in second or first place.

"SMU is hosting this year," Tenzing said. "We agreed many years ago, the same team can't host the WAC Championship twice in a row."

Hawai'i is riding a four-match win streak and will be led by forward Natasha Kai. The sophomore from Kahuku has set numerous school records this season, including single-season goals (22), single-season game winning goals (6) and single-season points (48).

Fresno State brings a three-match conference winning streak to Hawai'i. Sophomore striker Kortney Lewis leads the team with eight goals and 18 points. Defensively, goalie Jeannette Paine has 55 saves and a 1.56 goals against average.

San Jose State's first-year coach Chris Gilmore will be looking for his team's second conference victory Sunday. The Spartans have lost three matches in a row, including a 3-1 non-conference match at Sacramento State yesterday.

Notes: Rainbow Wahine soccer will celebrate its 10th anniversary during the team's home finale against Brigham Young Oct. 27. Festivities will include a dinner at 6 p.m. and a halftime ceremony honoring players of the past. All alumnae are invited to attend. For information, call 956-4525.