Try to think of an adequate term to describe the sort of amazing fortune manifest when the best NCAA Division II defensive team in the region lands not just an outstanding offensive force, but one of the top scorers ... in Division I.

"It's unheard of, to be honest," says University of Hawai'i-Hilo head soccer coach Travis Clarke. "We just lucked out."

Under Clarke, the Vulcans finished third in the Pacific West Conference last year with a record of 9-3 (12-8 overall), thanks in large part to a stifling defense that allowed less than a goal a game.

To that potent mix now is added senior transfer Adele Letro, a three-time all-Mountain West Conference selection from Utah.

Letro, originally from Davis, Calif., led the Utes to a 12-5-4 record last year. She ranked No. 6 in Division I scoring with 17 goals (13 in her first 11 games).

She was the MWC freshman of the year in 2005 and was a NSCAA/adidas second-team All-America selection in 2006.

While Letro's decision to transfer was shocking to many outside observers, to her it made perfect sense.

Letro's best friend, Megan Pachecano, plays for the Vulcans. The two played club soccer together in California as kids. When Letro visited Pachecano in Hilo last summer, she fell in love with the place.

"I need the sun," Letro said, laughing. "When I went to Utah, I had never lived in snow before — and it wasn't for me."

Letro said she also wanted to enjoy — really enjoy — her final year of collegiate soccer. And what better way to do that than side-by-side with her best friend in the land of sea and sun?

"She's been playing at such a high level with club soccer, high school and collegiate soccer, and the pressure has been so intense, I think she just wanted to spend her last year playing with her best friend," Clarke said. "That's what Division II allows for some athletes. Because we're not completely concentrated on athletics, they have time to enjoy other things in life. They can have a social life."

Still, Clarke and his staff had to beat out the likes of UC San Diego, Sacramento State and Long Beach State for Letro.

Clarke said any concerns he might have had about how Letro would fit in with the rest of the team were quickly allayed when he saw what a low-key, team-first attitude she brought.

"This is huge for our conference," Clarke said. "This is good thing not just for us, but for all the Hawai'i schools and for the entire conference."

CHAMINADE BOOSTER CLUB RAISES $151,000

Less than six months after it was established, Chaminade University's athletics booster club Hui 'Ahinahina has already raised $151,000 to support Silverswords athletics programs, thanks in part to the popularity of the annual EA Sports Maui Invitational and the generosity of benefactor Carolyn Berry.

According to the school, the amount so far raised exceeds initial goals.

Chaminade athletic director Kaia Hedlund said booster club memberships, which range in cost from $25 to $10,000, would be used to help fund scholarships, equipment, recruiting, and travel for 10 athletic programs.

"Response was excellent as we conceived and developed our booster club," Hedlund said. "We immediately received generous support and are especially grateful to our major booster club charter members, such as Carolyn Berry. Her matching gift of one dollar for every two dollars raised has enabled us to surpass our goals."

Hedlund credited continued interest in the Maui Invitational for some of the fundraising success. Hedlund said gaining access to the hard-to-get tickets were "a strong motivation" for basketball fans.

Reach Michael Tsai at mtsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.