Mari Punzal of Kapa‘a scored a goal and registered an assist in University of Hawai‘i’s women’s soccer team’s season opener against No. 26 Kansas at the Waipio Peninsula Soccer Stadium. This was the Wahine’s first-ever win against a nationally ranked
Mari Punzal of Kapa‘a scored a goal and registered an assist in University of Hawai‘i’s women’s soccer team’s season opener against No. 26 Kansas at the Waipio Peninsula Soccer Stadium.
This was the Wahine’s first-ever win against a nationally ranked opponent.
Ambree Ako scored Hawai‘i’s first goal less than four minutes into the season when she intercepted a Kansas pass and slotted the ball near post past KU goalkeeper Coleen Quinn.
After taking a 1-0 lead into the break, the Rainbow Wahine scored three minutes into the second half, when junior defender Tehane Higa scored her first career goal on a 25-yard low-line rocket.
In the 57th minute, Punzal threw-in to teammate and fellow freshman Chelsea Deptula for a goal from the 9-yard line.
Ten minutes later, the 5-6 freshman Punzal scored on a penalty kick.
The game was a part of the OHANA Hotels and Resorts No Kai Oi which started yesterday and runs through Monday.
Punzal graduated from Kamehameha Schools Kapalama.
While there, she helped the team win back-to-back state championships and led the team to an unbeaten record (11-0-2).
