The BYU–Hawaii women’s soccer team opened their 2015 season with a 1-0 loss against visiting Division III Westminster College Griffins from Utah on Saturday, September 5, 2015.
“It was not the ideal start for us and looking back, we really had our chances to tie or even win the game,” said senior captain Tiffani Rice, a psychology major from Roseville, California. “We have to just learn from our mistakes and make sure we make the most of our opportunities the next game.”
The game started off with each team cautiously testing the other, until the 22nd minute when Westminster’s Rylei North took possession of a loose ball in the box and made the most of the opportunity by putting the ball into the back of the net.
Midfielder Jessica Smith almost brought the Lady Seasiders back even with Westminster seven minutes later, but her shot attempt was blocked. The Lady Seasiders continued to pressure Westminster but was unable to find an equalizer before half. “Our team had good executions we just couldn’t capitalize on our opportunities,” said freshman Smith, an undeclared major from Alpine, Utah. “Lucky for us this is something we have a whole season to continue to work on.”
The Lady Seasiders came out in the second half looking break through the Griffins defense. Forward Kate Orchard was able to get behind the Westminster defense twice but saw one shot miss wide and the other saved.
Westminster responded as North once again found space for a shot, but the Lady Seasiders’ keeper Daryl Kaufusi was able to save the shot.
Continuing to put the pressure on the Westminster, the Lady Seasiders out shot Westminster 8-5 but were unable to capitalize. Despite their best efforts the Lady Seasiders failed to find the back of the net and had to take the loss.
“Although we lost, we are not discouraged. It is still early in the season, and we still have a lot of soccer to play and improve on,” said freshman McCall Smith, a business major, from Alpine, Utah.
The Lady Seasiders will now face inner-state Hawaii Pacific in a non-conference game at Kaneohe on September 17, at 12:30 pm.