University of Hawaii at Hilo director of soccer Lance Thompson watched his men’s team tie Cal-State Monterey Bay on Tuesday afternoon, and then he hopped in a car and drove 95 miles to coach his women’s team in a night match.
It didn’t take Caroline Stromick long to make Thompson’s trip worthwhile.
Stromick scored in the eighth minute, and the Lady Vulcans shut out Cal-State East Bay 1-0 in Hayward, Calif.
“My goodness; crazy,” Thompson said of the California traffic.
Goalkeeper Jenna Hufford stopped four shots as UH-Hilo (3-1-1) remained unbeaten since its opener to start a four-match road trip in Northern California.
The Vulcans have allowed just two goals in the last four matches and were outshot by the Pioneers (3-2-2) 9-8.
“For the most part we played a clean game,” Thompson said. “A very big nonconference result on the road.”
Earlier down the coast in Seaside, freshman Evan Bacani’s first career goal in the 75th minute helped the Vulcans (2-2-1) secure a draw.
The Otters (1-2-2) had taken the lead early in the second half when UH-Hilo failed to clear a ball from its own end.
“They punished us for it,” Thompson said. “We could have folded, but instead we showed a lot of grit.”
Mike Reckmeyer notched his team-high fourth goal of the season in the first half for UH-Hilo. Jamie Sporcic and Cristian Ruelas added assists.
Both UH-Hilo teams open Pacific West Conference play Thursday against Fresno Pacific.
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Kyeton Littel carded a 2-under 70 in the final round and led the Vulcans, tying for 29th at the Western Washington Invitational in Bellingham.
UH-Hilo (11-over 875) played well, shooting even-par Tuesday, but was unable to move up from eighth place in the 11-team event.
“The field is tough,” coach Earl Tamiya said. “We’re going to have a tough time making regionals.”
Littel finished at 3-over 219, a shot ahead of teammate Connor Graves (final-round 75), who tied for 30th. Nicholas Matsushima (73) and Jim Coon (72) came in at 7-over. Dalen Yamauchi, who’s first-round 72 was disqualified because of a scorecard error Monday, shot a 73. Playing unattached, David Torrori (79) tied for 51st at 12-over.
British Columbia (829) took the team title, and the Thunderbirds’ Evan Holmes (14-under) claimed medalist honors.