SAN FRANCISCO – The Chaminade University women's soccer team continued their journey through the history books after their 1-0 win over Academy of Art at the City College of San Francisco Field.
In improving to 3-8-1 overall and 3-5-1 in the Pacific West Conference, the 'Swords established new single-season records for overall wins as well as conference victories.
Junior
Kristen Fujinaga scored the game's lone goal on a penalty kick in the 33
rd minute. It was the Mililani High School alumna's first goal of the year. The Silverswords defense then made the result hold, surviving an onslaught of Urban Knight shot attempts the remainder of the game.
'Swords goalkeeper
Lauren Ishii made three stops in earning her third win of the season while notching her fourth shutout. Rachael Rempe took the loss for ART U (2-11-1, 2-6).
The win also put 'Swords head coach
Michelle Richardson into the annals as well. In just over a year-and-a-half – a span of 28 games – Richardson became the program's all-time winningest coach with four wins, surpassing her predecessor, Ka'ula Rowe, who had three. It's a modest number but a significant mark for a program that had tasted victory just five times in the seven years prior to her arrival.
"I'm proud of our athletes," said Richardson, who also praised Rowe for establishing the foundation of the current team. "They put everything we have been working on together. The girls dedicated this win to their fearless seniors;
Roni Hewett,
Alyssa Nagai,
Shannon Wright,
Christina Saturnio (who is sitting out the year) and
Katlyn Powell.
"We have been building on the hard work and dedication those girls have provided to the program. Each new success is only possible because the girls work hard for one another."
The 'Swords, who entered the season oh-for-the-Mainland in program history, finished the year with three wins on the continent and return home from the current road trip 1-0-1.
The Silverswords return to action next Saturday when they play at Hawai'i Pacific University in Kaneohe at 3 p.m.
