Burnaby, BC – The Simon Fraser University women's soccer team suffered a 1-0 loss in their non-conference opener against University of Hawaii-Hilo, but showed a great sense of composure for a  young squad under new leadership.

Head Coach Annie Hamel's influence was seen early on as the team showed structure and poise, opening the shots in the second minute.

A Jessica Marano (Burnaby, BC) header went just wide two minutes in, followed by another header attempt by Aja Choy-Halo (Nanaimo, BC) off a free-kick following a UHH foul.

The Clan's defensive line, headed by Kelsey Atherley (Port Moody, BC), had great pressure through 45 minutes, allowing the Vulcans only two shots.

The first half remained scoreless on Terry Fox Field, but the Vulcans would strike six minutes into the second period as Ashley Borja-Roese was able to knock in a rebound to make it 1-0.

Freshman goalkeeper Priya Sandhu (Surrey, BC) was able to knock away the first shot, but an unfavourable bounce for the home team put the second shot just out of her reach.

The Vulcans kept the pressure up, having a second goal called back on an offside violation in the 66^th minute, but were ultimately kept without a second goal thanks to an excellent defensive effort by the home side.

SFU picked up the pace again near the end of the match, with another Marano chance getting scooped up by the UHH goalkeeper.

Sandhu would end the game with four saves for the Clan.

SFU will now look to regroup and prepare for a rematch again the Vulcans on Tuesday, September 9 to open the evening's double header.

The Clan women play first at 5:00pm followed by the men at 7:30pm. Both games will be played on Terry Fox Field.