Box Score SAN RAFAEL, CA- Chaminade dropped a PacWest Conference matchup to the Penguins of Dominican University on the road this evening, 70-54.
The first half saw two teams competing for a victory as two made free throws by CUH senior guard
Nikki Tauau (Oxnard, CA/Pacifica) cut the Dominican lead to 26-23 with 4:09 remaining in the half. The Penguins led 36-28 at the break. Sword senior
Rhani Kaneaiakala (Waimanalo, HI/Kamehameha-Kapalama) led CUH with 10 first half points. CUH was impressive from the field, shooting 10-23 from the floor, but committed 19 first-half turnovers. DUC out-rebounded Chaminade 20-16 in the first twenty minutes of action.
The game remained close, as the Penguins led 43-36 just over four minutes into the second half following a made three by Chaminade sophomore
Hanna Curtius (Medford, OR / South Medford). The Swords continued to compete, but got no closer as Dominican (CA) won the contest 70-54. The sixteen point lead at the conclusion of the contest was tied for the Penguins largest lead of the game.
The Silversword forwards both turned in solid performances as
Rhani Kaneaiakala led all scorers with 18 points to go along with 7 rebounds. CUH freshman forward
Kennedi Akana (Kailua, HI/Kamehameha-Kapalama) continued her breakout freshman year, finishing with 10 points and 8 rebounds in defeat.
Dominican (CA) was led by Sarah Nelson with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Chaminade was out-rebounded 49-37 on the contest. The Silverswords committed 32 turnovers.
Coach Keanini commented on the loss: "The game was within reach as far as how we played, but we used so much energy to hang on. Dominican does a great job of playing consistently with what they want to do. A great job on their part."
With the defeat, Chaminade moves to 1-12, 1-7 PWC. Dominican improves to 5-10, 4-3 PWC on the year. The Swords look to rebound as they face NDNU on Thursday, January 24th in Belmont, CA. Tip is set for 5:30 PM PT at Gleason Gym.
