Hawai‘i Earns First Big West Win with Gritty 1–0 Victory Over Cal Poly

The University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Wahine earned a hard-fought 1–0 win over Cal Poly Thursday night at Waipi‘o Peninsula Soccer Stadium, claiming their first Big West victory of the season behind a resilient defensive performance and a decisive first-half strike from senior midfielder Caroline Carter.

First-Half Pressure Pays Off

From the opening whistle, Hawai‘i (3–5–7, 1–1–3 Big West) dictated the tempo and outshot Cal Poly 16–11 on the night, applying consistent offensive pressure early. Nalani Damacion, Tatum Porter, and Cate Sheahan helped the ‘Bows generate several strong looks at goal — including a Krista Peterson effort that rattled the crossbar in the 22nd minute.

Carter finally broke through for the ‘Bows in the 40th minute, scoring when Peterson’s cross into the box ricocheted off a Mustang defender, allowing her to finish with her right foot from just in front of the goal. The senior midfielder’s strike marked her second game-winner of the season at Waipi‘o, both ending in 1–0 victories.

“Honestly, it’s just the team,” Carter said after the match. “I saw the ball at my feet and just told myself, ‘put it in the back of the net.’ We’ve been working on finishing in practice, so I felt confident and ready.”

Defensive Wall and a Full 90 for Justin

While the offense controlled much of the first half, it was the defense and goalkeeper Kennedy Justin who sealed the win. The sophomore recorded seven saves, including three in the final five minutes as Cal Poly (4–2–8, 2–2–1 Big West) pressed for an equalizer.

“I think we all did it together,” Justin said. “At the end it was just all 11 people defending as one. I really love a team win like that.”

Justin, who played all 90 minutes for the first time this season, showcased sharp reflexes and composure through a physical, end-to-end second half. One of her biggest moments came in the closing stretch, when she absorbed a volley to the stomach amid a collision in the box to preserve the shutout.

“I just took it right to the stomach,” Justin said with a laugh. “But my team had my back — they trust me, and I trust them.”

Hawai‘i’s back line was equally steady, holding Cal Poly to just seven shots on goal and weathering five corner kicks to post the team’s third clean sheet of the year.

Nagamine Praises Grit and Growth

Head coach Michele Nagamine called the victory one of her team’s most complete efforts of the year — not just for the result, but for how Hawai‘i handled the Mustangs’ physicality and tempo.

“Cal Poly is such a good, athletic, physical team,” Nagamine said. “I thought what our team was able to do in the first half was incredible. It was super gritty — I was on pins and needles the entire time.”

The match marked Hawai‘i’s first Big West win and ended a streak of draws. For Nagamine, it also reflected a mental and emotional breakthrough.

“We’ve flown over 20,000 miles already this season, and for them to show that kind of fitness and fight says a lot,” she added. “This was 100 percent a deserved win.”

Momentum at Waipi‘o

Hawai‘i edged Cal Poly in nearly every major category — more shots, more corners, and the lone goal that mattered. The home crowd, boosted by Hawai‘i Rush youth players assisting on the sidelines, created one of the most electric atmospheres of the season.

“When we get the fans out, they buoy us,” said Nagamine. “They were phenomenal tonight. This one’s for them.”

The victory extends Hawai‘i’s unbeaten streak at Waipi‘o to three matches and keeps the Rainbow Wahine climbing the Big West standings heading into their next home match against UC San Diego.

Scoring Summary:

• 39:34 – HAW | Caroline Carter (assist Krista Peterson)

Final: Hawai‘i 1, Cal Poly 0