Manoa, HI
The Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine soccer team opened their 2026 season with a tough test at the newly completed UH Lower Campus Field, welcoming No. 23, Texas Tech red raiders.
this would be the first meeting between the two programs. With the Red Raiders entering the season nationally ranked, the matchup gave Hawaiʻi an early opportunity to see where it stood against one of the country's top teams. Despite ultimately falling 1-0, the Wahine showed they could compete with Texas Tech from the opening whistle and kept the match within reach until the final seconds.
Hawaiʻi came out aggressive against the Red Raiders, creating opportunities and putting pressure on the Texas Tech defense throughout the opening half. The Wahine finished the match with a 9-7 advantage in shots and earned six corner kicks compared to three for Texas Tech. Senior forward and Oakland transfer, Anuhea Aluli, helped lead the attack with three shots, including a dangerous opportunity that tested Texas Tech goalkeeper, Addie Todd. Hawaiʻi's defense came up with a critical team save in the 28th minute to keep the match scoreless and prevent the Red Raiders from taking an early lead.
Texas Tech would eventually break through late in the opening half With just under three minutes remaining. senior forward, Storie Sexton, found the back of the net in the 43rd minute to give the Red Raiders the lead advantage heading into the break. It was the only goal Texas Tech would need, but Hawaiʻi continued to push forward rather than backing down after falling behind.
The Rainbow Wahine came out of halftime with more pressure, outshooting Texas Tech 4-2 in the second half as they searched for the equalizer. As the second half continued, Hawaiʻi continued to create chances and make Texas Tech work for the result. wahine sophomore forward, Montana Longcrier, forced a save from Todd in the 67th minute, while senior forward, Tatum Porter, nearly leveled the match in the 83rd minute with a shot on target that was turned away by the Red Raiders goalkeeper. Texas Tech's defense managed to hold the line through the final minutes, preserving the shutout and escaping with a 1-0 victory.
For Hawaiʻi, the opening night result was not what the Wahine wanted, but the performance provided plenty to build on. The Rainbow Wahine matched a nationally ranked opponent statistically, created more chances than Texas Tech, and showed they could play with one of the top programs in the country. With the Wahine entering a new era as a member of the Mountain West, the season opener offered an early glimpse at what this group can bring to the pitch.
The Rainbow Wahine now turn their attention to the remainder of the Outrigger Soccer Kickoff as they continue their season at home. After opening against one ranked Big 12 opponent, Hawaiʻi will have another opportunity to test itself against high-level competition as the season continues.
Final Score: Texas Tech 1 - Hawai'i 0
for more pictures, head over to our photo gallery
pictures taken by: Alan Velasco - @oscalev_
