UH-Hilo soccer director Lance Thompson has one cardinal rule for his teams: don’t beat yourself.
The Lady Vulcans not only did that Monday, but they did it by design.
Trying to send a message, Thompson held several players out and kept a short bench against Fresno Pacific. After a fast start, UH-Hilo eventually wilted, allowing the equalizer with less than five minutes remaining in regulation and an own goal in overtime, losing 3-2.
“Unfortunately, we did beat ourselves off the field,” said Thompson, who didn’t discuss specifics. “I think they got the message.
“For us to be in the game was a miracle.