Rainbow Wahine spurred by experience, expertise
By Leila Wai
Advertiser Staff Writer
While University of Hawai'i junior forward Natasha Kai appears to be the face — and legs — of the Rainbow Wahine soccer team, a core group of 13 seniors forms its backbone.
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"This is their last year and they are going to want to go out with a bang," said Kai, the reigning two-time Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year. "They all know the game, we work better together. We've been playing together so long we know what each other is going to do."
Natasha Kai shows off the messages she lives by on her shoes: "One Love" and "One Life," which she applies to life and her favorite sport.
The seniors, who led UH to a share of its first regular-season WAC title last year, form the most experienced unit in the program's 11 years.
Led by co-captains Joelle Sugai, Krystalynn Ontai, Kalena Eaton and Jessica Uecker, 10 played 17 or more games and six started 10 or more games last season.
"We have a lot of experience because we've been playing since our freshman year," said Uecker, a defender. "We're a lot smarter players; we're more composed."
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An NCAA appearance remains elusive for the Rainbow Wahine, who no longer strive to just make the WAC tournament, but to win it, ensuring them a berth in the NCAA tournament.
Thirteen seniors have helped the University of Hawai'i soccer team develop into a conference power. They are, bottom row, from left: Robyn deHay, Liz Lusk, Wendi Young, Joelle Sugai and Pam Fong. Top row, from left: Sasha Araya-Schraner, Jessica Uecker, Kimi Tiampo, Erin Chow, Natalie Groenewoud, Kalena Eaton and Krystalynn Ontai. Missing is Tia Medeiros.
They qualified for the WAC tournament all three years after UH had qualified just once the previous seven years.
They begin their chase for the tournament tomorrow with the OHANA Hotels & Resorts No Ka Oi Tournament, featuring Saint Mary's (Calif.) and Pacific. Hawai'i opens tomorrow against Saint Mary's at 7 p.m.
"It helps by all of us knowing it is our last chance to do something big after coming close the other years," said Sugai of the seniors, who have a combined 33-23-4 record, including a record 13 wins last season.
Coach Pinsoom Tenzing said this team possesses "depth and the willingness to compete, two elements we didn't have last year."
The Rainbow Wahine have 28 players listed on the roster, all expecting to compete for 11 positions.
"It brings the intensity to practice," Eaton said. "Everyone is fighting for a position. It keeps you on your toes."
Here is a look at the team by position.
Forwards
Aug. 27 to 29—OHANA Hotels & Resorts No Ka Oi Tournament (Aug 27: Saint Mary's, 7 p.m. Aug. 28: Saint Mary's vs. Pacific, 7 p.m. Aug. 29: Pacific, 5 p.m.). Sept. 1—at UC Santa Barbara, 7 p.m. Sept. 3—at USC, 3 p.m. Sept. 5—at Loyola Marymount, 1 p.m. Sept. 10 to 13—Outrigger Hotels & Resorts Soccer Classic (Sept. 10: Duke, 7 p.m. Sept. 11: Long Beach State vs. Duke, 7 p.m. Sept. 13: Long Beach State, 5 p.m.). Sept. 19—Portland State, 5 p.m. Sept. 24 to 26—Montana Fall Classic (Sept. 24: vs. New Mexico, TBA. Sept. 26: vs. Gonzaga, noon). Sept. 27—at Brigham Young, 5 p.m. Oct. 1—Rice, 7 p.m. Oct. 3—Tulsa, 5 p.m. Oct. 8—at Southern Methodist, 7 p.m. Oct. 10—at UTEP, 1 p.m. Oct. 15—Nevada, 7 p.m. Oct. 17—Boise State, 5 p.m. Oct. 22—at Fresno State, 7 p.m. Oct. 24—at San Jose St., 3:30 p.m. Oct 26—at San Francisco, 7 p.m. Nov. 4 to 6—Western Athletic Conference Championships, hosted by Hawai'i (Nov. 4: Quarterfinals. Nov. 5: Semifinals. Nov. 6: Championship.).
Junior Natasha Kai, who led the nation in goals last year with 29 en route to being named a Soccer Buzz third-team All-American, is joined by all-WAC performer Robyn deHay. Senior Pam Fong, sophomore Krisha Kai, and freshmen Koren Takeyama and Gabrielle "Gabina" Bohlman are fighting for the third forward spot. "It's not set, it's really competitive," coach Pinsoom Tenzing said.
2004 University of Hawai'i Women's Soccer Schedule
With previous teams, Tenzing promised to put "goals in the net by the bucket." But with Kai and deHay, who scored eight goals and had a team-leading eight assists last year, that has become almost expected. This year, Tenzing raves about the team's speed, "especially up top."
Also expected to compete for time are senior Wendi Young and freshman Lehua Wood.
Midfielders
Seniors Joelle Sugai and Natalie Groenewoud have been the anchors on the outsides. Sugai, a preseason all-WAC pick, started 60 consecutive matches, dating back to her freshman year. "We'd bet our homes on Joelle and Nat," Tenzing said.
There is a big question mark on the central midfielders, where five are competing for two positions.
"There is tenacious, fearless and positive competition in the middle," Tenzing said.
Seniors Kalena Eaton, Tia Medeiros and Sasha Araya-Schraner, junior Seline Williams and freshman Jessica Domingo are all candidates.
All of the returnees played at least 16 matches last season.
Other contenders include sophomore Rachel Gonzales, senior Kimi Tiampo and freshman Jessica Scott.
Defenders
Seniors Krystalynn Ontai, Jessica Uecker and Liz Lusk are a lock for the defense. They played with a three-back system all last year, and are comfortable with each other.
"We know where we're moving, we know where we're supposed to be," Uecker said.
While playing with three defenders provides more offensive positions, it can create some precarious situations if one player is out of position.
"If any of them has a bad day, we're in big trouble," Tenzing said.
The unit was solid last season, allowing 1.08 goals per game.
Others listed include juniors Emily Rose, Ashley Chaffin and Jizelle Yates, sophomore Kelly McCloskey and freshman Shawn Higa.
Goalkeepers
All-WAC junior Mahie Atay is second on the school's win list with 19, and first with a goals against average of 1.28.
"She's got a tremendous amount of courage," Tenzing said. "She's technically as finished as an NCAA keeper can be."
Seniors Erin Chow and Tiampo — who is also listed as a midfielder — are backups.
Reach Leila Wai at lwai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2457.
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