Sacramento State is feeling soccer fever. The Hornets — with the help of three players from Hawai'i — are off to their best start in school history at 5-0-1 and hopes for a conference championship are high.

Blake Nunes, a 2004 graduate of Baldwin, along with younger brother Brady, a 2005 Baldwin alum, and P.J. Egloria, a 2004 Mililani graduate, attended Santa Rosa Junior College from 2005 to 2007 before transferring to Sacramento State last year. All three are seniors.

The Hornets finished 4-13-2 last season, 3-6-1 in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. Their only MPSF title came in 2001.

"Last year we brought in 14 new players between high school and junior college players," Sacramento State coach Michael Linenberger said. "We felt we had a good team, but it took us, as coaches and players, half the season to all get on the same page. We did gain some good experience from last season and we lost just two seniors, so we thought that this team could have a good year."

Blake Nunes, a 6-foot forward, who has started all six games, leads the team in four offensive categories: goals (3), points (6), shots (32), shots on goal (13). Blake Nunes scored the lone goal in Sunday's win over St. Mary's (Calif.). Against Menlo Friday, he had 10 shots, including four on goal.

"He's been tremendous for us. Last year he showed us spurts, but he was injured off and on and he didn't really find a rhythm," Linenberger said. "This year, he came into camp fit and healthy and has been playing well since day one. He's a big, strong, fast striker, who's good in the air with his head and can score with his feet, as well."

Brady Nunes, a midfielder, has appeared in all six games, recording four shots, two on goal.

"We've been using him as the first guy off the bench," Linenberger said. "He's been a utility guy for us in the middle. We've played him on the left and right sides and the center. He's a more technical player, he reads the ball well."

Egloria, also a midfielder, has played in one game and has taken one shot after missing the second half of last season due to injuries. Egloria and Blake Nunes were named to The Advertiser's All-State first team as seniors in 2004. Brady Nunes was also a first-team pick in 2005.

Sacramento State visits Cal State Northridge Sunday. The Hornets begin their MPSF schedule at UNLV on Oct. 10.

"We're very pleased with the start, but we're obviously trying to remain grounded. It's a long season and it's only going to get tougher," Linenberger said.

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