Air Force sets new benchmarks in 3-0 shutout at Hawaii

WAIPAHU, Hawaii – To fly, fight, and win … Airpower anytime, anywhere – The powerful standing motto of the United States Air Force rang true with the Air Force women's soccer team on Thursday evening as the Falcons, taking on their first – and furthest – interstate road trip of the 2024 regular season, dispatched of the Rainbow Wahine of Hawaii, 3-0, to earn their third-straight shutout victory in as many contests.

The win matches the Falcons' best season start since 2003; Three-straight shutout wins for Air Force marks the program's first such occurrence since the 1995 season, when the Falcons earned five-straight.

Freshman Mai Mateaki put up the first and second goals of her early career, scoring the opening goal in just the sixth minute of play off a cross from sophomore Chase Borntreger. Mateaki then followed up with the brace in the 20^th minute, taking advantage of a Hawaii turnover to expand the Falcons' lead.

Air Force struck early and often, not only bagging a rapid 2-0 lead in the opening minutes, but blanketed Hawaii in offense throughout the half, taking ten shots, five of which were on-frame. After Mateaki's second score, the Falcons never let up, putting up seven of their attempts at the Hawaii net in the final 14 minutes of the opening half.

Coming out of the locker room, the Air Force defense dug in while Hawaii doubled its efforts, as the Rainbow Wahine put up 15 shots at the Air Force net in the second half compared to just four in the first. Junior goalkeeper Kylie McElroy, now with three starts in the Falcon net, stood unfazed by the Hawaii attack while making three saves to secure the shutout and extend her scoreless streak into Sunday's match against Grand Canyon.

Junior Caeli Sherman added emphasis to the Falcons' offensive efforts on Thursday evening, earning her first goal of 2024 in the 51^stminute to inflate Air Force's lead. The Falcons would stand tall through the remainder of the contest on the way to a 3-0 victory.

Head Coach Laura Busby's reaction to the Falcons' win:
"It was a great team performance tonight! I thought we defended well. Our back line has been very solid and Kylie has looked confident in goal. I am proud of Mai for getting her first two collegiate goals and Caeli for getting a goal on her birthday. We are excited to have some fun in Hawaii after our third straight win!"

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Air Force remains on O'ahu to face Grand Canyon on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. MT.

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