McKenzie McGoldrick felt her team’s Big West breakthrough was coming long before kickoff at Waipio Peninsula on Friday night.

The Hawaii junior forward wrote about it in advance, then was proven prophetic as she helped propel the Rainbow Wahine to a 2-0 win over UC Riverside for their first victory in their new conference home. McGoldrick scored in the 59th minute and Chelsea Miyake added a penalty kick score in the 74th when Christy Watanabe was taken out in the box.

"We have to write in these journals," said McGoldrick, who laid out her thoughts after last Sunday’s 2-0 loss at Cal State Northridge. "After the game I wrote … ‘This is the last time that I’m going to say this is our new starting point,’ because I knew we’d finally jelled and were ready to go."

Following a scoreless first half in the Big West Conference home opener, a dominant second half rife with effective Hawaii passing made it happen. UH (6-5-2) snapped a four-game losing streak, exceeded last season’s win total and tied its program record for consecutive unbeaten home games at 12, last accomplished in 2007.

It was the second shutout of the year for UH and senior goalkeeper Kanani Taaca, who needed only one save as UH outshot Riverside 12-4.

After evening its Big West record at 1-1, the Wahine elevated themselves to the middle of the pack of the competitive conference. UH continues play at 5 p.m. on Sunday against Cal State Fullerton (5-7, 2-1).

"We had stuff come out tonight that has not come out before," UH coach Michele Nagamine said. "So let’s hope it keeps coming out!"

A physical battle was broken open when McGoldrick took a slick pass on the run from Tiana Fujimoto, then buried the shot from about 15 yards out. It was her third goal of the season.

Miyake gave her team an insurance score late on the penalty shot, which she boosted to the right of frozen keeper Nicole Ragano. It was her third goal of the year as well.

"It secured our win and made us more composed. I was just hoping it went in," Miyake said. "They were trying to psych me out, but it didn’t work. … They were telling me stuff I can’t say."

UH frustrated Riverside with speed as the match progressed. The Highlanders (5-7-2, 0-3) were assessed two yellow cards in the second half.

Riverside coach Nat Gonzalez declined comment after the match.