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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, August 30, 2005

BYU uses Isle connection to topple UH

By Leila Wai
Advertiser Staff Writer

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Brigham Young extended its undefeated streak against the University of Hawai'i women's soccer team, this time winning with the help of a Hawai'i native.

Behind Punahou alum Charlene Lui's last-minute shot, BYU beat the Rainbow Wahine, 1-0, in Hawai'i's second straight overtime game at the OHANA Hotels and Resorts No Ka Oi Tournament yesterday at the Waipi'o Peninsula Soccer Stadium.

Lui knocked a Hawai'i (1-1-0) player off the ball, turned, and sent a 35-yard shot just under the crossbar with 33 seconds left in double overtime in front of 470 fans.

BYU won the three-team tournament with a 2-0 record. Hawai'i was 1-1 and George Mason 0-2.

"I knew there wasn't too much time left," said Lui, the tournament's MVP. "I knew we were going to score for some reason. I just had these chills. I didn't know it was going to be me."

BYU (2-0-0) is 4-0-2 lifetime against Hawai'i.

Hawai'i was undefeated in its past 15 overtime matches (8-0-7), but in yesterday's game had to work with a revamped lineup after its starting central midfielders, sophomores Jessica Domingo and Gabrielle Bohlman, sat out with knee injuries.

"The success of our team was dependent on those two — they are the heart of the team," said UH coach Pinsoom Tenzing, who added "everything" about yesterday's strategy was "made up."

Because Hawai'i was adjusting to different players, Tenzing said he was, "really, really pleased with the way they played."

Tenzing attributed UH's near shutout to sophomore defender Shawn Higa's organization in the back, but said one of Hawai'i's biggest problems was that it couldn't move the ball forward.

Hawai'i's only shot on goal in regulation was by senior forward Natasha Kai in the 22nd minute.

"(Tenzing) wanted us to push the ball through and I would run on top," Kai said. "It wasn't connecting. Hopefully we can fix that at this week's practice."

Two of UH's best chances in the game were in the first overtime period. The first came when junior defender Krisha Kai headed junior midfielder Adria Campbell's corner kick off the top of the crossbar. Then, freshman forward Aimee Cohen chased down a 50-yard clear by Krisha Kai for a shot that was saved.

"It sucks that we went all the way, and lost with only 30 seconds left," said Natasha Kai, who added that although the team was "down" from the loss of Domingo and Bohlman, she thought the younger players "stepped up."

Note: UH senior forward Natasha Kai was named the Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week for her performance in a season-opening 2-1 win against George Mason on Friday. Kai scored the first goal for the Rainbows and assisted on sister Krisha Kai's game-winning goal in overtime.

Reach Leila Wai at lwai@honoluluadvertiser.com.