HONOLULU – Hawai'i Pacific University battled valiantly in an exhibition women's soccer match against Division I neighbor University of Hawai'i before falling 1-0 on the Lower Campus Field in Manoa on Sunday afternoon.
 
As an exhibition for both institutions, the result in a win-loss for either team.
 
The HPU defense was stellar in the contest, especially the play of senior goalkeeper Marissa Froio of Simi Valley, Calif./Royal.
 
Froio faced 19 UH Wahine shots, recording eight saves and allowing one goal.
 
The Sharks and Rainbow Wahine were scoreless at halftime, but UH put the only score on the board in the 53rd minute when Kelci Sumida put the ball in the net off an assist by Trini Quiroz.
 
HPU struggled against the Wahine defense, getting two shots, one in each half. UH goalkeeper Lauren Marquez saved both shots made by the Sharks.
 
HPU (1-0-0) returns to action on Wednesday, Sept. 1 at 5 p.m. against Division I South Dakota State at the Waipio Peninsula Soccer Stadium. After two exhibitions UH will officially open the season on Friday, Aug. 27 against North Texas at Waipio Stadium.
 
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