HONOLULU – The Chaminade University women's basketball team dropped a hard-fought 61-53 decision Thanksgiving Day in the O'ahu Thanksgiving Classic at St. Francis School Gym.
Lilia Maio and
Courtney Kaupu each had 13 points in defeat for the Silverswords who dropped to 0-2 on the year.
The Vikings (2-3) were led by Kiana Gandy's 16 point while Kayla Bernsen had five blocks and added 13 points.
Kristle Henry added 10 points and three assists while Kaupu had three steals. Maio and
Carissa McBride had five rebounds each.
The 'Swords kept pace with WWU throughout the first half, never trailing by more than six.
After leading 28-24 at the half, Western Washington used a 10-2 run early in the third quarter to go up by double-digits. However, the 'Swords persevered and never let the score get to far away. Henry hit two free throws and hit a layup to reduce the deficit to eight at the end of the third quarter.
Shana Kawakami's layup and later a
Sabrina Angle jumper brought the 'Swords to within six but the Vikings made several key shots late in the game to keep them at bay.
The 'Swords hit 34.4 percent from the floor while the Vikings were at 45.3. They were also out-rebounded 40-32. However they did manage to force 25 WWU giveaways.
The Silverswords continue the Classic Friday when they face the University of Mary at 11 a.m. The contest will be played at the Cannon Activities Center in Laie.
