It seems like the perfect storm for a successful soccer season—a great recruiting class and a strong group of returnees, coming off a year where the team finished in a rush with three consecutive victories.

If anyone deserves a perfect storm, it is second-year University of Hawaii Hilo head women's soccer coach Gene Okamura.

In his first season, the Vulcans lost five matches by just one goal, and tied another four games to finish 5-7-4 on the year and 3-6-4 in Pacific West Conference action. Additionally, he coached a young UHH men's team through a trying season, but through it all he remained (mostly) his unflappable self.

"It surely wasn't easy," he admitted. "We were so close so often, we just didn't have the ability to finish. I believe that this year will be a different story in that area."

Having six seniors returning, including a four-year starter in the goal, alone gives good reason for optimism.

Jenna Hufford, who is UH Hilo's all-time leader in saves (232), shutouts (18) and is second in career goals against (0.99), anchors the back of the field. Last season, she allowed just 1.13 goals a contest and had 99 saves, second highest total in the PacWest.

"Having a solid goalkeeper is a game changer," Okamura said. "She has consistently made big plays and leads the team from the back."

Five other seniors also give Okamura confidence. Kayela Santiago returns as a forward, Milana Wolsleben is back (midfielder), while Astrid Perez (MF), Sophie Satterlee (D) and Keani Shirai (D) all have vast experience.

"This is a very strong class, very experienced, with great leadership," Okamura defined. "Each of those players impact us in a positive way. They are going to be really hard to replace next year."

Other returning starters include juniors Tiera Arakawa (second on the team in scoring with four goals) and Meghan Langbehn (defender), who will also run cross country. Other returnees include Bryana-Marie Ebbers, Danika Steele, Leighana Weaver, back-up keeper Ysabela Barin, Sabrina Scott, Dior Motas, and red-shirt Clarissa Guerrero.

The heart of the team last year was the defense, where some of these seniors and returnees reside, and that is likely to be their strength again this year. The Vulcans gave up just 19 scores in 16 matches a year ago, and they could be even better in the back this year.

Which is where the newcomers come in, especially the transfers.

Okamura can immediately plug in five players with NCAA Division I or II experience, if need be. Jamie Salas come to Hilo after playing two seasons at Arizona State. Carlie Reader spent two years at Chico State, Hedda Bjerklund saw playing time at the University of Pacific as a freshman, Taylor Greenwood started two years at Cal State Monterey Bay and Brianne Valencia played at Missouri Southern State.

Additionally, Okamura had solid junior college transfers in Lucy Maino (College of the Canyons), Callye Lahmann (Sierra) and Maleni Avalos (Santa Rosa).

A freshman class of ten tops off the list, most of which will be fighting for playing time. 34 players on the overall roster (some will red-shirt) gives Okamura depth that he hasn't had before, and it all adds up to optimism.

"We have more than a reasonable chance to improve," he cautiously confirmed. "We need to improve in the area of finishing games and taking better advantage of the opportunities given to us. If we do that, you will see batter results."

Part of Okamura's caution comes when he looks at his schedule. He opens the season on Saturday (Sept. 2) against Pace University of New York in Oahu. The Blue and Gold were 12-7-2 last season. The Vulcans will also tussle with perennial power Concordia (Oregon) on Sept. 8, also on Oahu. Their home opener is on Sept 16 against Hawaii Pacific, before they embark on a brutal string of road games at California Baptist (Sept. 21), Concordia (Sept. 23) and Azusa Pacific (Sept. 26). Those three teams occupied the top three spots in the PacWest last year, with a combined record of 26-5-8.

"Not how I would have drawn it up," he laughed. "That will be a challenge to get through that southern California trip on the positive. But if we do, it sets us up for a great start to the season."

The Vulcans will again play their home matches at Kamehameha School in Keaau, giving the program one of the top facilities in the PacWest.