HONOLULU – Making history is never easy. But early on, it appeared that might've been the case for the Chaminade University women's volleyball team Saturday.
The Silverswords rolled early, ran into a speed bump before righting the ship to dispatch Concordia University of Irvine 25-15, 19-25, 25-23, 22-25, 15-11 in a Pacific West Conference match at McCabe Gym.
Kim Spring led a balanced Chaminade attack with 15 kills followed by
Keani Passi with 14. Four other Silverswords had six or more kills with
Cassie Rushlow and
Daisia LaBrie putting down eight each. Passi also had a season-high 14 digs while LaBrie had six total blocks.
The win improved Chaminade's record to 9-1 overall, equaling the best start in team history. They are also 2-0 in the PacWest for the first time since 2004.
The Eagles fell to 4-7 on the year and 0-2 in the conference. CUI was led by Hannah Andrews with a team-high 15 kills.
Early on, the 'Swords were rolling, winning the first set in convincing fashion. In Set 2, it appeared Chaminade was on its way to go up 2-0 as it took a seemingly comfortable 17-10 advantage.
Suddenly all the momentum swung mid-set. Concordia took advantage of nine Chaminade hitting and reception errors, all part of a 14-1 run and quickly the match was tied at 1.
The Eagles kept the run going in the third set, jumping out to a 14-11 lead, making the home fans feel uneasy, but
Natashya Enos served up four straight points to give Chaminade the lead. CUI would tie the set three times but two errors and a block from
Reigna Johnson and
Suncica Bakic would give the 'Swords the lead for good in the frame.
In the opening of the decisive fifth set, Spring took charge, hammering down three kills while LaBrie contributed with a solo block as Chaminade took a 5-1 lead. Concordia closed to within 7-5 but the 'Swords clamped down, from there, not allowing the Eagles to get a natural point until late in the set when Chaminade held a 12-9 advantage. A dump shot by Enos and LaBrie's kill set up aloha ball and a CUI service error ended it.
Enos had 30 assists and 18 digs while
Brenda Walker had a season-high 20 digs for Chaminade.
Kasse-Ann Kiriu-Dela Cruz contributed with a season-best 16 digs as the 'Swords set a season-high with 80 digs.
The win also was the 300
th in program history. The Silverswords will seek their best start ever on Thursday when they host Dominican at McCabe Gym. Live audio coverage of the match will be on GoSwords.com.
