College soccer: Lady Vulcans rely on ever-productive Pasek

The University of Hawaii at Hilo’s men’s soccer team couldn’t finish in its loss.

Then Kristine Pasek once again showed everbody how it’s done.

Pasek scored twice Saturday to lift the Lady Vulcans to a 2-1 victory against Academy of Art in San Francisco.

“Man, she’s a spark plug,” director of soccer Lance Thompson said of the senior, UHH’s career scoring leader among active players.

Pasek put the Vulcans (4-1-2, 1-0-1 Pacific West Conference) on top for good in the 51st minute with a header after Urban Knights goalkeeper Rachel Rempe deflected a shot by Jessica Heade, who drew an assist.

Brooke Stewart scored off a rebound midway through the first half for Academy of Art (1-6-1, 1-1).

But it took Pasek just 12 seconds to respond, beating the defense on a long run. She has a team-leading four goals for UHH, which is unbeaten in its past six matches.

“It was textbook Hilo soccer,” Thompson said. “The women have done a good job of not beating themselves.

“They are playing tough, resilient soccer.”

On the other hand, Thompson said the UHH men were their own worst enemy in a 3-0 loss to Academy of Art.

The Vulcans (2-4-1, 0-2) remained winless on the road trip despite taking 21 shots, including 14 on frame.

While UHH has lost its past two matches by a combined 5-0, Thompson figures his team could have scored up to 10 goals if his team cashed in on its opportunities.

“The most important stat in college soccer is finishing your chances, and we’re just not doing that,” Thompson said. “We’re beating ourselves is was we’re doing.”

Jon Eldon scored in each half for the Urban Knights (3-5, 1-1).

The men’s and women’s teams finish up four-match road trips Monday at Notre dame de Namur.

“It’s a must-win type of situation for the guys,” Thompson said. “You don’t want to go winless on a trip.”