There is high optimism for the Chaminade University women's basketball season entering the new season. After all, the Silverswords were able to find a new confidence after experiencing a multi-win season for the first time since 2006-07, the program's first year of intercollegiate basketball.
The Swords won three games, including two on the road, their first wins away from McCabe Gym since that inaugural season. They also swept the season series from Hawai'i-Hilo, winning both at home and in Hilo.
The 2014-15 version of the Silverswords will open the year in the PacWest/GNAC Challenge when they face the University of Alaska on Friday in Fairbanks, Alaska. They'll conclude the Challenge on Saturday against Alaska-Anchorage.
One of the reasons the future is bright for the 'Swords is sophomore forward
Lilia Maio. The Kamahameha-Kapalama graduate had one of the top freshmen seasons in program history, leading the team in scoring (12.2 ppg) and rebounding (7.2 rpg). Despite putting up respectable numbers, Maio didn't garner a vote for all-Pacific West Conference honors.
The youth movement is also a year older and wiser with forwards
Carissa McBride (3.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg),
Alexis Bennett and guard
Kristle Henry (8.8 ppg, 1.9 apg).
Helping to anchor the second year players are seniors
Glacen Florita and
Hanna Curtius. Florita had an outstanding season, starting all 26 games for the Silverswords, while averaging 8.3 points and 2.6 assists per game. Florita, a three-year player, is poised to finish her career second in both scoring and assists at seasons end. Like Florita, Curtius is also in her fourth year in the program and has been a steady player on the court for fifth year head coach
Bobby Keanini. The 'Swords also welcome scoring guard
Katie Buskey, who played briefly at Division I Fairleigh Dickenson lasts fall before transferring to Chaminade in January of this year.
Returning as juniors are guards
Sabrina Angle and
Shana Kawakami and forward
Kennedi Akana. Both Akana and Florita can both eclipse the career rebound mark of 300 set by Samantha Saito (2006-10) by the midway point this season.
