SAN RAFAEL, California – A late goal in the 82nd minute brought the Vulcans within one score, but it wouldn't be enough as Hawai'i Hilo Women's Soccer fell to Dominican, 2-1, Wednesday afternoon to open Pacific West Conference play on the road at Kennelly Field.

After a scoreless first half, the Penguins managed to get one on the board in the 50th minute as Arcaceli Mejia battled through four surrounding Vulcans defenders to get her shot to sneak through the right side for the score. Megan Clapinski added on with a long-range laser from 28 yards out in the 74th minute.

Tatianna Chavez connected with Briana Kubli (first goal as a Vulcan — fourth career score) on a cross from the right side for the one-touch deflection score in the 82nd minute.

OTHER NOTES

• After six matches over recent seasons (five wins for Hawai'i Hilo), Dominican found itself on the winning side for the first time since 2017.
• Hawai'i Hilo: 1-2-3 Overall (0-1-0 PacWest)
• Dominican: 3-0-4 Overall (1-0-0 PacWest)

UP NEXT

Pacific West Conference Play

• Friday, Sept. 26 (10 AM / 1 PM PT) vs Menlo (Atherton, California)
• Monday, Sept. 29 (11 AM / 2 PM PT) vs Jessup (Rocklin, California)
• Thursday, Oct. 2 (12:30 PM / 3:30 PM PT) vs Fresno Pacific (Fresno, California)

UNRANKED

Hawai'i Hilo did not appear on the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Coaches Week 3 Poll nor the West Region Rankings. The Vulcans were last ranked No. 24 in the nation and No. 4 in the West.

PACWEST PRESEASON POLL

Hawai'i Hilo was voted No. 3 in the Pacific West Conference Preseason Coaches Poll. The Vulcans finished the 2024 regular season at No. 2 in the conference standings and was one of four teams to qualify for the inaugural PacWest Conference Championships postseason tournament, falling to Point Loma in double overtime of the title game. The 2025 PacWest Championships will be hosted by defending champ Point Loma on Nov. 13-15 in San Diego.

PURCHASE TICKETS

Season and individual tickets for the Vulcans' seven home matches at the on-campus Vulcan Soccer Field are available for purchase at HiloAthletics.com/tickets. Season tickets are $75 ($40 for seniors (65+) and middle/high school students) and include admission to all 15 Vulcans Soccer home events (men's and women's).

BUY LIVESTREAM PACKAGE

Video livestreaming will be available for all home events this season through the PacWest Network, powered by Hudl TV. More information is available at HiloAthletics.com/livestream. Single-game passes are offered at $15 with a season-package price of $90.