Sports seasons transition from fall to winter

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The seasons, they are a changin’.

The seasons, they are a changin’.

As the University of Hawaii at Hilo soccer teams get set to wind down, women’s basketball is just getting busy.

And with all three in action today on campus, fans have plenty to choose from.

Vulcans volleyball, meanwhile, heads to Oahu for three matches, including a rare doubleheader.

The rundown:

UH-Hilo men’s soccer plays under the lights for the first time at the school’s baseball field, so the Lady Vulcans (5-11, 3-10 Pacific West Conference) lead off at 3 p.m. against Academy of Art (6-11, 4-9).

Led by forwards Kristine Pasek (eight goals), Brianna Lopicollo (four) and Analysa Rodriguez (three), UH-Hilo has a chance to finish with a little momentum after a midseason scoring drought. A victory today would be its third win in five matches and secure a tie for 11th with the Argonauts in the 14-team league. Midfielder Beth Barker leads Academy of Art with seven goals.

The Lady Vulcans don’t have a senior on their roster, but the 6 p.m. men’s match will be the swan song for Aaron Sanchez, Josiah Motosue and Luis Romero.

Sanchez of South Gate, Calif., has spent time at center fullback and center midfield and helped spur UH-Hilo (4-8-2, 4-7-2) to a 4-1-1 record in its past six matches.

Motosue of Kapaa, Kauai, has been a regular at midfield, making 19 starts the past two seasons and scoring two goals.

Romero, a transfer from Long Beach (Calif.) City College, started eight matches in goal in 2011 but has taken on a reserve role this season behind Yonha Adrabi.

Basketball

Coming off a loss last Friday to Division I Hawaii in their first exhibition, the Lady Vulcans finish the preseason by hosting a team of former Division I players at 5 p.m. at UH-Hilo Gym.

The brainchild of former UH-Manoa star Nani Cockett, D.One gave UH-Hilo fits last season with its length and experience. The other former Rainbow Wahine on the team are Keisha Kanekoa, a 2007 Honokaa graduate, Brittney Aiwohi and Cat Cho.

A former Division I player herself, Kamie Imai will make her home debut just up the street from where she became a two-time Big Island Interscholastic Federation player of the year.

The 2008 Waiakea graduate and Utah State transfer scored eight points with six rebounds in the 72-47 loss to UH. Guard Jameia McDuffie and forward Shannon Rosseau led the way with 10 and nine points, respectfully.

Volleyball

UH-Hilo (4-14, 4-8) visits Hawaii Pacific (14-8, 8-6) tonight at 7 p.m. On Monday at 5 p.m., the Vulcans and Chaminade (6-14, 3-9) will play twice, including resumption of a suspended match. On Oct. 27, the Silverswords were up 1-0 and leading in the second game when a tsunami warning postponed play at Waiakea High School.