March 4, 2007
Box Score
Honokaa, HI- With three players in double figures, the Chaminade Women's basketball team defeated the University of Hawaii at Hilo 74-67. In a game that saw the Silverswords in control for almost forty minutes, it was free throw shooting that eventually put them out of reach and gave CUH their final win of the 2006-07 season.
The Silversword women's basketball team ventured out of Hilo, HI to Honokaa, HI to take on the Vulcans in a community outreach game. A game that is designed to reach out to communities that don't have collegiate athletics near by and bring it into their neighborhood. Chaminade was generously greeted and felt at home as they shot almost 36% from the field and 75% from the line in route to the 74-67 win.
Coach O'Dell remarked on the hospitality of the people of Honokaa, "We are very happy that we had the opportunity to play an exciting game for the fans in Honokaa. Their welcome was warm and kind as was the meal they prepared for us following the game. We would like to thank them for having us as their guests."
The first half was kind to Chaminade as the Silverswords shot 45% from the field and 80% from the free throw line. The half time score saw CUH on top 35-31; Brittnee Fonnesbeck was leading the charge with 18 points and 13 rebounds, shooting 7-8 from the line.
In The Second half the Swords continued to play well and held onto the lead they had taken into the locker room at half. With 2:17 left on the clock and CUH up 6 the free throw competition began. The Vulcans sent the Swords on every offensive possession cutting the lead to as little as 4 with 1:54 left. Ultimately Chaminade took advantage of this opportunity shooting finished off the game 33-44 from the charity stripe.
Brittnee Fonnesbeck led all scorers with a career high double-double, 34 points and 17 rebounds. Fonnesbeck went 19 for 21 from the free throw line she also added 2 assists and 3 steals in the win. Desiree Staples and Samantha Saito both had double figures in scoring with 15 and 13 respectively. Staples and Carlisle also pulled down 7 rebounds each.
Despite the absence of Simrin Cummins, averaging double figures in scoring and a strong defender, Desiree Staples and Laura Kollar stepped in to fill her role. Staples alternating between the forward and center position and Kollar swinging between the three guard and small forward added the look the Silverswords needed.
"Defensively we stepped up and got the stops we needed with the personnel we had available. It was a huge plus to have Desiree contribute so strongly on the offensive end as well" said Coach O'Dell following the win.
The Vulcans leading scorer was Krystlelyn Omlan with 17 points on the night. Amy Kaaiakamanu had a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
With the win Chaminade improves to 6-19 an UH-Hilo falls to 6-18.
