It was only the third match of the season, and a nonconference one at that. But with the University of Hawaii at Hilo trailing at halftime Saturday, director of soccer Lance Thomson stressed its importance. ADVERTISING It was only the
It was only the third match of the season, and a nonconference one at that. But with the University of Hawaii at Hilo trailing at halftime Saturday, director of soccer Lance Thomson stressed its importance.
The new-look Vulcans delivered.
Jamie Sporcic tallied a goal and an assist Saturday and the Vulcans downed Hawaii Pacific 3-1 in Honolulu for their first victory of the season.
“We treated it like it was a must-win,” Thompson said. “We don’t want to be in the habit of losing close games.”
Sporcic set up the equalizer with a nifty pass to Mike Reckmeyer early in the second half, and the junior added an insurance goal, capping a three-goal surge in a span of 18-plus minutes.
Jacob LaPorte gave the Vulcans (1-2) the lead with a direct kick from 18 yards out in the 59th minute.
All three of the Vulcans goal-scorers are transfers.
Reckmeyer, who has Division I experience at Oregon State, has three of UHH’s five goals this season.
“He’s doing his job,” Thompson said.
Sporcic finished with four of his team’s nine shots on goal.
Brais Garica put the Sharks (2-2-1) on the board in the first half, beating goalkeeper Erick Lemus. Tyler Hoffman made three saves in the second half.
The Lady Vulcans (2-1-1) walked away with a 1-1 tie against HPU, courtesy of Kristine Pasek’s second-half goal.
The play started on Kealakehe graduate Lauren Grace-Finley’s corner kick, which the Sharks failed to clear. It was the second goal of the season for Pasek, a senior striker.
The Sharks’ goal also came on a restart — a weakness for UHH early in the season, according to Thompson — when Erika Ellis scored late in the first half against sophomore goalkeeper Jenna Hufford.
“I’m on restart suicide watch,” Thompson said. “It’s one of those things where I must be doing something wrong.
“We’ll definitely work on those before we head to the mainland.”
HPU (2-0-1) outshot UHH 13-12, but the Vulcans put eight shots on frame while Jenna Hufford and Kayla Clarke combined to make four saves.
The men’s team has a match against Chaminade at 10 a.m. Monday.
