Box Score

Kaneohe, HI -- In their island finale against Hawaii Pacific University, the Academy of Art University women's soccer team battled hard and long, but weren't able to pull even with the Sea Warriors on their home turf, falling 4-2 on Saturday afternoon. The Urban Knights got a pair of goals from their midfield, and were only down by a score late into the second half, but HPU held off the Knights' advances and handed ART U the loss. 

"It was great to see our young team rise to the challenge in the second half and battle until the final whistle," said head coach Aileen Nasypany. "The fantastic rally goals from our midfield were key to our ability to stay in the match. We have fought hard in many close games throughout the season, majority of them just a one-goal differential. This very young team is still growing in positive ways despite the score."

The game was quiet until the 21st minute, when Lexi Cameau scored to put the Sea Warriors on the board in the first half. The junior forward had a shot that went to the far post that got by Rachael Rempe for the 1-0 lead. Fifteen minutes later, Andrea Aguirre sent a through ball to Erika Ellis, who chipped it over the keeper's head to make it 2-0.

But the Urban Knights struck back, as Rea Laudat lined up for a free kick only one minute later, firing from thirty yards and sneaking it over the goalie and under the crossbar to get ART U on the board. Directly following it, however, a long serve off the kickoff got over the Urban Knights defense and HPU capitalized to go up 3-1 heading into the locker rooms.

Out of halftime, the Urban Knights had a change in goal, as Jessi Vargas took the place of a banged up Rempe for the final 45. Vargas held her own between the posts, making four saves over the course of the second half, as the Urban Knights pulled closer with a goal in the 70th minute from Louise Fillingham. Beth Barker set her up, as Fillingham scored her team-leading fourth goal of the year by drilling a ball to the top left corner.

They wouldn't be able to find the equalizer, however, as HPU got one more goal from Ashyln Ubongen to go up 4-2, which held to be the final score. Hannah Emmett had the best chance in the 83rd minute with a shot, but Anu Kahele-Manners made the save and held the line.

The Urban Knights will have their season finale next Saturday, taking on Fresno Pacific at Kezar Stadium.