Hilo, HI (October 22, 2012)- Kelby Boswell made five saves in her first start of the season and freshman Erika Ellis came off the bench to score the game winning goal, as the Hawai'i Pacific (6-7-2, 5-4-2) women's soccer team defeated Big Islands rivals University of Hawai'i at Hilo (4-10, 2-9) by the score of 3-1.

The Sea Warriors struck first in the seventh minute when Ashlyn Ubongen put away a ball that struck the post after a Taylor Rae Silva shot, giving HPU an early 1-0 lead. The Vulcans would answer in the 27th minute when Gina Tumasone beat Boswell tying the match at one goal apiece. The deciding goal would come in the 33rd minute when Ellis notched her second goal of the year giving the Sea Warriors a 2-1 advantage which they would take to the break.

Despite holding a 7-5 advantage in shots in the first period, the Sea Warriors would find themselves holding on as the much improved Vulcans outshot the Sea Warriors 9-3, forcing Boswell to make three saves in the second period. HPU would add an insurance goal in the 77th minute on an unassisted goal by Andrea Aguirre extending the lead out to 3-1. HPU would end the match trailing in shots 14-10 and corner kicks 5-0, but led in the most important category, score, pulling out the 3-1 road victory.

“It was a tough physical battle today. We scored some great goals. I am very happy with the win,” said head coach Gina Brewer.

The Sea Warriors head back to Oahu and Atherton Field to kick off a three-match home stand beginning on October 28th against Dominican University of California; game time is scheduled for 3 PM.