WAIPAHU, Hawai'i – Hawai'i Pacific University opened PacWest Conference play with a hard-earned draw as they battled Azusa Pacific to a 1-1 double-overtime split at the Waipio Peninsula Soccer Complex Field 6.
 
The Sharks (1-3-2, 0-0-1) led the charge outshooting the Cougars (1-4-1, 1-0-1) 18-13 and holding APU to just one shot in the two overtime periods.
 
Goalkeeping led the day for HPU and APU, with Sharks senior Lauren Spencer of Oxford, Mich./Oxford notching five saves against the Cougars 13 shots. APU's Isabelle Decker recorded eight saves versus HPU's 18 shots.
 
Both teams goals came in the first half, and neither could record tally in the second half and overtimes.
 
The Cougars struck first in the 37th minute. Ella Romero took a centering pass from teammate Abi Humo and threaded the needle with a shot off the far left post that ricocheted across the line into the right side net.
 
HPU responded five minutes later in the 42nd minute. Senior defender Brianne Cremer of Wailuku, Hawai'i/Baldwin came into the offensive zone and ripped an absolute cannon shot from 35-yards out that bounced over the head of Decker for Cremer's first career goal. The midfield assistants were Tayzha Furuta of Mililani, Hawai'i/Mililani and Emily Lemus of Fontana, Calif./Etiwanda.
 
Spencer made one of the biggest stops this season just 39 seconds into the second half. The Sharks were whistled for a hand-ball violation inside the box allowing the Cougars a penalty kick. APU's Kennedy Christie was shut down by Spencer who also collected a save on a follow-up shot on the deflected PK.
 
Both squads had opportunities after that, with HPU outshooting the Cougars 8-6 in the second half, but neither could get the go-ahead goal to take the victory.
 
The Sharks will hit road for a four-game California trip starting at Cal State Monterey Bay on Sunday, Sept. 30th. Kickoff is scheduled for 10 a.m. HST (1 p.m. PDT) at the Otter Sports Complex.