On Senior Day, the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s men’s soccer team left director of soccer Lance Thompson yearning for more.
Meanwhile, it was more of the same for the Lady Vulcans.
Seniors Mike Reckmeyer and Rhyen Eugenio each netted goals as the men’s team closed its season with a 2-0 victory against Hawaii Pacific at the Vulcans’ campus baseball field.
The Vulcans (7-9-2, 5-6-1) improved on their win total from last season, finishing with one of their most complete efforts of the season.
“It all came together,” Thompson said. “We sat down (Friday) and talked about details, and sure enough, we were good on the details. That was the difference.
“We’re making progress.”
The Sea Warriors (8-9-1, 6-6-0) managed just two shots, and goalkeeper Tyler Hoffman only had to make one save for the shutout.
“Crazy,” Thompson said.
Senior Morgan Popp assisted on Reckmeyer’s goal in the 23rd minute, and junior Juan Diaz Casallas set up Eugenio’s header in the 40th minute.
In the women’s match, Hawaii Pacific’s Erika Ellis scored in double overtime, sending the Vulcans to a 2-1 defeat in what was their ninth OT match of the season.
“Fitting that it went to OT,” Thompson said.
The Vulcans (7-5-6, 4-4-4) forced the extra sessions by scoring on an own goal late in regulation.
Despite the loss, Thompson’s squad finished with a winning record for the second consecutive year.
“A good season,” he said. “A super competitive group.”
Ashlyn Ubongen assisted on Ellis’ game-winner for the Sea Warriors (11-4-2, 8-3-1).
