Posted on: Tuesday, September 28, 2004
UH soccer unbeaten on road trip after 0-0 tie
Advertiser Staff
The University of Hawai'i women's soccer team played Brigham Young to a scoreless tie yesterday at Provo, Utah, the same day junior forward Natasha Kai was named the Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week.
She had two goals and an assist in wins over New Mexico, 1-0, and Gonzaga, 3-0, in the Montana Fall Classic.
"I can't say that she was brilliant, but she has bailed us out," Hawai'i coach Pinsoom Tenzing said. "She played a part in all the game-winning goals, except for (last night)."
Kai's weekend catapulted her into third in the WAC's all-time list for goals (52) and shots (260) and fourth in points (115). It is her eighth career WAC Player of the Week honor.
But Kai, who had a match-high four shots on goal against the Cougars, couldn't score in a game that went into double overtime — Hawai'i's fourth overtime game of the season.
"We played against a very difficult team, with a lot of individual brilliance on the field," Tenzing said. "And we had a game on Sunday. Our kids played very hard."
Hawai'i goalkeeper Mahie Atay recorded nine saves in her third straight shutout.
"We had four clear chances, and I don't think they had any good looks on the goal," Tenzing said.
Brigham Young (3-6-2) junior midfielder/defender Charlene Lui is a Punahou graduate.
"I think (last night) our very tired legs played a very strong team on the road and held up for 110 minutes," Tenzing said.
Hawai'i opens the WAC season against Rice on Friday at 7 p.m., and Tulsa on Sunday at 5 p.m.
Both games are at the Waipi'o Peninsula Soccer Stadium.
It is the second honor this season for Kai, who was chosen after leading the Rainbow Wahine (7-2-2) to two wins on the road over the weekend. Overall, Hawai'i went 2-0-1 on the road.
