HILO, Hawai'i - After Thursday's thrilling 1-0 victory over Cal State Los Angeles, the Golden Eagles were slated to take on the top-seeded Vulcans in the second round of the NCAA DII West Regional Tournament. It would be a rematch on Hilo's turf against an undefeated UHH squad (13-0-3), after their previous meeting saw a 3-1 finish go to the Vulcans in Irvine.
None of that seemed to change the team's excitement or game plan. After a single day of rest and recovery, Saturday's match would be the decider on who goes onto the west regional championship game.
The momentum shift was noticeable with the Golden Eagles pushing the Vulcans defensive line further back than they had with the advantage.
The counterattacking ability of UHH is unmatched and obvious after their impressive season. But the Golden Eagles were prepared after falling victim in their past matchup. Center backs
Brianna Guerra and
Maddie Klasey shut their ability to counterattack through the game. Forcing the Vulcans to lose possession or forcing the ball backwards to reevaluate their approaches
Outside backs
Sophia Munoz and
Gabby Breton pushed forward, assisting in the offensive barrage. Both came up big for the squad and closed the door on many attempts at the Green and Gold's net.
The most dangerous chance for UHH came in the 101st minute when the dangerous Grace VerHage used her unmatched speed to break to the right side of the box. Freshman keeper
Riley Urquiza adjusted for the quick forward and made a one-on-one save to keep the game level.
Urquiza ended the game with five saves, but her recognition to collect dangerous loose passes quelled any chances that the Vulcans could capitalize on.
After 90 minutes, the game remained level at 1-1. Following the event of a tie, current NCAA DII postseason rules indicate two-10 minute overtime periods regardless of how many goals are tallied. If still tied at the conclusion of those twenty minutes, a penalty shootout would take place.
In the first extra period, junior
Riley Walkington snuffed out any chance of penalties when she collected a cleared ball in the UHH defensive third. She dug into her veteran abilities to confuse the Vulcan defenders, spun away from a defender briefly and blasted a venomous strike to the same corner as Carrillo's, leaving the UHH keeper stunned.
Holding off for the remainder of overtime, the Golden Eagles of Concordia University Irvine took down the top seed in the west region. They will have a short rest before traveling to Bellingham, Washington to square off against No.2 seed Western Washington. CUI and WWU met previously during their road trip to the Pacific Northwest, that game ending in a 1-1 tie.
The West Regional Championship game will take place on Thursday, Nov. 17. The time is yet to be determined.
CLICK HERE for the NCAA DII Women's Soccer Bracket
CLICK HERE for the CUI women's soccer schedule page to stay updated with times and other tournament updates.
