Opening Match Recap
The Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine opened their OUTRIGGER Invitational with a 3-1 loss to Western Michigan on Friday, entering the break at a 3-0 disadvantage.
The Broncos struck first in the sixth minute, doubled their lead in the 20th, and sealed a 3-0 halftime score, outshooting the Rainbow Wahine 12-12 overall.
Hawai'i finally found the net in the 56th minute when freshman Olivia Dianda converted her first collegiate goal, narrowing the margin to 3-1.
Goalkeeper Kennedy Justin kept the team in contention with six saves, bringing her career total to 121, while Anuhea Aluli and Dianda each generated multiple chances.
Western Michigan's offense was anchored by Sophia Bowman, Meredith Vance and Irelyn Sheldon, who combined for key contributions, while Jas Cayetano's early shot was denied by the Broncos' defense.
The Rainbow Wahine will look to rebound when they host former WAC rival Idaho on Saturday at 2:00 p.m., aiming to turn the early setback into momentum.