The University of Hawai'i women's soccer team produced a big-time performance against a "big-time" team for its biggest win in program history last night.

The Rainbow Wahine defeated No. 20 UC Santa Barbara, 2-1, in overtime in the Outrigger Hotels & Resorts Soccer Classic at the Waipi'o Peninsula Soccer Stadium in front of 982 fans.

It was the first home win of the season for Hawai'i (3-3-2) and the second win over a ranked opponent, since No. 26 Kansas in 2007. The Gauchos (6-3-0) are ranked 20th in the NSCAA/adidas national rankings.

"I feel relieved because we finally won a game at home against a big-time team," senior captain Taryn Fukuroku said.

Hawai'i coach Pinsoom Tenzing called it a "huge victory."

"(The Gauchos) toppled some big teams, and our team was up for the game," he said. "We did it with our hands tied behind our back, and I don't mean that in a derogatory way. We had too many people who aren't playing who should be playing (because of injuries)."

Rainbow Wahine sophomore Chelsea Deptula scored the game-winning goal after making a run up from the defense, threading the ball up the field before touching it to Ambree Ako, who fed her into the 18-yard box with one minute, 25 seconds left in the first overtime period.

"I don't even remember what happened; it was a blur," Deptula said. "I just went with my momentum and kept moving forward.

"We needed a goal pretty bad. It feels really great; the team was working really well together. This win was a big boost for us."

The team rushed Deptula, piling on her after the game. Sophomore midfielder Mari Punzal took a picture of the scoreboard to remember the moment.

Hawai'i scored first in regulation on a goal by junior midfielder Kristyn Shapka, who beat a couple of defenders on the dribble before shooting over goalkeeper Tammy Lenham from just outside the 18-yard box in the 19th minute.

It was one of two shots the Rainbow Wahine took in the first half, compared to eight by the Gauchos. For the game, UCSB outshot Hawai'i 16-8.

UCSB tied the game on a goal by forward Kylie McDonald on an assist from forward Genelle Ives in the 80th minute. McDonald beat a Hawai'i defender on the left side of the 18-yard box and put away the ball into the lower right portion of the goal.

The Rainbow Wahine missed Ako, the Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year, in Thursday's scoreless game against Montana because of a leg injury. Her presence was felt immediately yesterday. She played in the first 25 minutes of the first half and much of the second half and overtime. They also were without WAC Defensive Player of the Year Tehane Higa, who sprained her ankle against Montana.

"(The win) just gives a lot of people confidence because we can play with anyone, whether we have our subs or our starters," Fukuroku said.

Seven minutes into the second half, Ako collected a free kick by Fukuroku inside the 6-yard box and shot into the near left post but Lenham made a diving save to stop her shot.

The Gauchos had their chances. Hawai'i senior goalkeeper Kori Lu made a stop on a shot by Ives, and the follow-up shot by forward Jacqui Simon missed right in the 63rd minute. A cross by midfielder Sami Svrcek found the head of Ives right in front of the goal, but her header was high in the 71st minute.

UCSB put eight of its shots on goal. Hawai'i scored on two of its three shots on goal.

The Rainbow Wahine return to the road again for games against Portland State (Sept. 26), Washington (Sept. 28) and Cal State Fullerton (Sept. 30).