The University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine soccer team battled through difficult weather conditions Saturday but ultimately fell 3-1 to Kansas State, bringing the Outrigger Soccer Kickoff to a close.
Despite the threat posed by Hurricane Lala and increasingly strong winds around Honolulu, officials allowed the match to proceed at Lower Campus Field in Manoa. The challenging conditions created an unusual atmosphere for both teams, but Hawaii managed to make an early impact before Kansas State gradually took control.
The Rainbow Wahine came out aggressively and wasted little time putting pressure on the Wildcats. Hawaii forward Anuhea Aluli opened the scoring with her first goal of the season, giving the home team an early 1-0 advantage and providing the crowd with an early reason to celebrate.
Aluli’s goal was an encouraging moment for Hawaii after a difficult opening stretch to the season. Head coach Michele Nagamine praised the forward’s finishing ability and work ethic, emphasizing the energy she brings to the attacking end of the field.
However, Kansas State responded before halftime.
The Wildcats found an equalizer in the 27th minute, erasing Hawaii’s early advantage and shifting momentum toward the visiting side. The teams went into the remainder of the contest with the match still within reach for the Rainbow Wahine.
Kansas State eventually capitalized again after halftime, scoring to move in front before adding another goal to establish a 3-1 advantage. Hawaii was unable to produce another response, allowing the Wildcats to close out the victory.
For Nagamine and the Rainbow Wahine, the result was disappointing, but the circumstances surrounding the game made the performance particularly challenging.
The players had to compete while dealing with strong winds and deteriorating weather conditions associated with Hurricane Lala. Those conditions affected the way the game could be presented to viewers as well.
Strong Winds Force Broadcast Cancellation
The severe weather forced officials to cancel the planned television broadcast on KFVE because of concerns for the safety of the production crew.
Although fans could not watch the game through the scheduled television coverage, a sizable crowd still attended the match at Lower Campus Field.
Nagamine expressed her appreciation for those supporters who braved the difficult weather to attend the game.
The coach also acknowledged how challenging the conditions were for the players but was grateful that the match was completed. With several teams traveling from the mainland for the weekend tournament, playing the game as scheduled allowed them to fulfill their planned schedule and compete in two matches.
The Rainbow Wahine’s ability to complete the tournament despite the approaching storm also provided valuable experience in dealing with unusual circumstances.
Hawaii Shows Fight Despite Difficult Conditions
Although Kansas State ultimately controlled the result, Hawaii’s fast start was a positive takeaway. Aluli’s early goal demonstrated the team’s ability to create scoring opportunities and put an opponent under pressure.
Nagamine also praised Kansas State as a strong opponent and said she was proud of the way her team competed under difficult circumstances.
The Rainbow Wahine now have little time to dwell on the loss. They will return to action Thursday, when Western Michigan visits Hawaii.
That match will provide the Rainbow Wahine with an opportunity to respond after the loss and build on some of the positives from the Kansas State game.
The upcoming contest is scheduled to be televised on KFVE, with coverage beginning at 3:30 p.m.
For Hawaii, the Kansas State defeat was certainly a difficult ending to the Outrigger Soccer Kickoff, but the team leaves the weekend with valuable lessons, an encouraging early goal from Aluli and another opportunity to improve as the season continues.
In the middle of storm warnings, strong winds and a disrupted broadcast, Kansas State found a way to prevail but Hawaii showed plenty of fight and will now turn its attention to Western Michigan.
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