HILO, Hawaii – No. 22 University of Colorado Colorado Springs drops their first match of the season, falling to No. 14 University of Hawaii at Hilo by a final score of 2-1.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final:  #22 UCCS 1, #14 UHH 2
Records: UCCS (0-1-1, 0-0-0 RMAC), UHH (1-0-0), 0-0-0 PACW)
Location: Vulcan Soccer Field | Hilo, Hawaii
Series: UCCS and UHH met for the first time on Sunday afternoon, with the Vulcans capturing the 1-0  all-time series lead.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The action got started right away with the Vulcans drawing a free kick in the second minute of action just outside the Mountain Lions' goalkeeper's box. UCCS clamped down defensively and kept UHH off the board.
• UCCS would grab the first promising chance from the run of play, as Fie Steenberg sent a centered ball to the foot of Jaydn LeDoux, but an offsides call would erase the opportunity. LeDoux wouldn't be denied, however, as just three minutes later, she would find the ball at her feet again in front of goal, though the Vulcans were able to collapse to the ball and block the shot. The home team came back the other way quickly as Alyssa Padron broke up the middle of the field and tested the Mountain Lions goalkeeper Isabella Whitmore, placing a tough shot just under the crossbar, but Whitmore was up to the challenge, tipping it out of play.
• Hawaii at Hilo would strike paydirt first in the 17^th minute, as Teani Arakawa dotted a shot inside the top-left corner of the frame, out of Whitmore's reach.
• Play would calm after the goal was scored, with the next quality chance not coming until the 34^th minute, when again it was Steenberg sending the ball deep into the final third. Jessica Rockwell would be there to redirect the ball towards goal, though it flew just wide the near post.
• Both teams would trade chances in the final 10 minutes of the first frame, but none would be reflected on the scoresheet, as the Vulcans made their way to the locker room with the one-nil advantage at the half.
• The Vulcans wasted no time when the second half got under way with Filippa Graneld sending a ball up field finding Teani Arakawa who would fire it inside the near post to complete the brace.
• The Mountain Lions responded right away themselves, as midfielder Anna Vince served a pass to Ciara Garcia, who tipped it past the UHH goalkeeper Phoebe Barnes, scoring her first collegiate goal in just her second match played.
• Back-to-back corner kicks in the 73^rd minute gave the Mountain Lions their best chance to pull even with the Vulcans but no one in black and gold could find the loose ball in the box to push it home, the clearance created a three-on-one break for the Vulcans, but the UCCS defenders turned on the jets to get back and regain possession.
• Despite continued pressure throughout the second half, UCCS could not solve the Vulcans a second time, with University of Hawaii at Hilo earning their first win of the season, moving them to a 1-0-0 record.

STATS FROM THE DAY

• Ciara Garcia nets her first collegiate goal, with Anna Vince picking up her first assist of 2023.
• Three different Mountain Lion shots landed on frame, with Garcia, Kaitlin Hinkle, Sydney Lasater all registering shots on goal.
• Isabella Whitmore was busy between the sticks, collecting a season high five saves.
• UCCS kept their composure in a very physical game, earning just six fouls and besting the Vulcans mark who earned 13.

 
BEYOND THE BOX

• All three goals for both teams came from shots outside the 18-yard box.
• Sydney Lasater, who led the team in shots on goal in 2022, ties Makayla Merlo for the team lead at two.
• Anna Vince claimed her first collegiate assist, on Ciara Garcia's first collegiate goal.

UP NEXT

• The Mountain Lions will open their home schedule this week, as they host Western Oregon University on Thursday at Mountain Lion Stadium. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday evening.

SOCIAL
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As a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs competes in 14 varsity sports in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics.
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