Host Hawai'i scored twice in the final 11 minutes to edge Georgia Southern women's soccer, 3-2, in the season opener for both teams at the Waipi'o Peninsula Soccer Stadium on Oahu on Thursday evening.
The Eagles opened the scoring in the 14th minute as a corner kick from Erin Wilkins was shuffled past the Hawai'i keeper by Smith Cathey to give Georgia Southern an early 1-0 lead.
Hawai'i wasted little time evening the score as Brynn Mitchell's tally off of an assist by Cate Sheahan came just 69 seconds later in the 15th minute.
Kendall Wilson put Georgia Southern back in front as a direct free kick from 30 yards out beat Rainbow Wahine keeper Brianna Chripich high in the 18th minute.
There the score remained until the final 11 minutes. Tatum Poter scored at the 79:34 minute mark off of a feed from Alice Davidson on the endline for the equalizer. Then Nalani Damacion scored off of a free kick from Jacey Jicha at the 85:41 mark for what would be the match winner.
"It's a disappointing start to the season," Georgia Southern head women's soccer coach Chris Adams said. "Considering we had a lead twice and allowed Hawai'i back into the game. We had numerous chances to put them away and weren't able to execute and make enough plays to win tonight."
Hawai'l held a 17-14 edge in shots over the Eagles. Chripich made six saves in net for the Rainbow Wahine, while Quinn Wilson tallied four first-half saves for the Eagles. Georgia Southern held a 9-5 edge in corner kicks and Hawai'i was whistled for 12 fouls and a pair of offsides on the night, while Georgia Southern was called for four fouls.
The Eagles conclude their action in Hawai'i with a Noon (HT) matchup against Pepperdine on Sunday.
