Hawaiʻi Blanks New Mexico State, 3-0, for Third Straight Shutout

HONOLULU — The University of Hawaiʻi women’s soccer team continued its strong run of form Thursday, scoring three times in the second half to defeat New Mexico State, 3-0, at the UH Lower Campus Field.

The Rainbow Wahine improved to 3-3 on the season while recording their third consecutive clean sheet.

After a scoreless first half, Hawaiʻi broke through just 77 seconds after the restart on a goal by Anuhea Aluli. Jas Cayetano added to the lead in the 76th minute before Tatum Porter capped the 3-0 victory in the 82nd.

Hawaiʻi finished with a 14-5 advantage in shots and put seven attempts on frame while holding the Aggies without a shot on goal.

“I’m absolutely thrilled for them,” head coach Michele Nagamine said. “They did everything that we worked on in training this week. … To get three shutouts in a row and score some goals in the process, and some really nice goals too, that was big time.”

Nagamine was particularly pleased with how the Rainbow Wahine translated their work in training to the field, pointing to the team’s ability to open up space, move the ball and switch the point of attack.

“I think they are starting to understand the system and what we’re trying to do,” Nagamine said. “I thought we opened up the field and used the space really well today, and we moved the ball.”

Thursday also marked an important step forward for Hawaiʻi’s depth, as Leila Kahoano and Nalani Damacion made their first appearances of the season after returning from injury. Kahoano logged 24 minutes, while Damacion played 18 minutes and recorded one shot.

Nagamine called Damacion’s return an emotional moment after a lengthy recovery and said both players will be limited initially as they work their way back to full strength.

“It’s just nice to have her and Leila Kahoano back in the mix,” Nagamine said. “They’re going to be limited in the minutes for now, but I think they’ll be flying high by the time we get to conference.”

The Rainbow Wahine return to action Sunday against Washington State. Nagamine said the focus remains on continuing the progress Hawaiʻi has made throughout its non-conference schedule.

“We just want to keep moving forward,” she said. “I can see them growing, I can see the maturity, and I’m just absolutely thrilled for them.”

Hawai’i will be back in action on Sunday, September 6 at 4 p.m. as they close out their home stand against Washington State.