HONOLULU – The Chaminade University women's basketball team continues to venture into uncharted territory.
The Silverswords defeated Hawai'i-Hilo 53-44 Thursday at McCabe Gym to even their record to 3-3. More importantly, the 'Swords upped their Pacific West Conference record to 3-0 which is a first in program history. Their current win streak which now stands at three is also a program record.
Chaminade forward
Lilia Maio had 14 points and 12 rebounds for her ninth career double-double, tying the career mark that was held by Brittnee Fonnesbeck during Chaminade's inaugural year of women's basketball during the 2006-07 season.
Sabrina Angle provided a major lift for the 'Swords, hitting all four of her 3-point attempts – one shy of her career-high – in the first half as she accounted for 12 points.
Kennedi Akana had seven points while
Courtney Kaupu and
Kristle Henry each pulled down six rebounds.
The Vulcans (0-6, 0-1 PacWest) were led by Lauren Hong's 13 points.
The Silverswords sputtered out of the gate as Akana's jumper was their only score nearly nine minutes into the game as UH-Hilo grabbed a 10-2 lead. But
Chantal Yadao's triple and Henry's bucket right before the first quarter buzzer got Chaminade's motor running.
Angle buried the first of her 3-pointers just seconds into the second quarter to square the contest at 10-all. Then on Chaminade's next possession, she sank another to give the Silverswords a 13-12 advantage.
Carissa McBride then hit her first triple of the year followed by a Maio bucket and yet another Angle bomb. The Silverswords outscored the Vulcans 21-8 in the second quarter to grab a 28-18 lead at the half.
Maio then opened the third quarter with six points as the 'Swords owned their largest lead at 36-20 two minutes in. But Hilo made a mini-run at the end of the quarter, trailing 40-32 going into the fourth quarter.
Akana's first triple of the year helped Chaminade to maintain a double-digit lead but UH-Hilo chipped away as the Vulcans pulled to within 47-42 with 1:27 remaining. Then with 42 seconds left, the 'Swords helped put the game away as Akana found a streaking
Shana Kawakami who raced down the floor for a layup that helped put the game away.
The Silverswords shot just below 33 percent in the game but held the Vulcans to 14-of-54 shooting from the floor (25.9 percent). They also hammered UH-Hilo on the boards 48-27 and made a season-high seven triples.
The 44 points allowed by the 'Swords is the lowest ever with the win over the Vulcans being their fourth in the last five meetings.
The Silverswords step out of conference action for the final time as they face Southern Wesleyan in the O'ahu Christmas Classic next Thursday at St. Francis School Gym. Tipoff is set for 9 a.m.
