HONOLULU – Playing in their penultimate game of the season, the Chaminade University women's basketball team fell to Point Loma, 68-44, Saturday at McCabe Gym.
Courtney Kaupu had a team-high 15 points in defeat as the Silverswords fell to 3-20 overall and 3-16 in the Pacific West Conference. The Konawaena High School alum hit four 3-pointers on the evening, one shy of her career high.
Lilia Maio added 10 points and 10 rebounds for her 19
th career double-double, extending her program record. The former Kamehameha-Kapalama standout also recorded a block to become the program's all-time leader with 72, breaking the record she shared with
Kennedi Akana going into the game. It is also the eighth category in which she is the team's career leader.
Roya Rusamzada had a game-high 17 points while pulling down 10 boards for the Sea Lions (22-3, 16-2).
Kristle Henry added 12 points, three rebounds and three assists for the 'Swords. The former Kaua'i High School product did not record a steal in the contest and remains tied with Samantha Saito atop the career steals category with 166.
Destiny Castro pulled down six rebounds but was held scoreless for the first time this season.
PLNU wasted no time, scoring the game's first nine points and owned a 27-6 lead after the first quarter. The Sea Lions kept adding on and led by as many as 27 in the second but Chaminade closed the half on an 11-1 with Kaupu getting an old-fashion three-point play and a shot from outside the arc to cut the deficit to 40-24 at halftime.
Taylor Babbitt hit two free throws and a layup while Henry made a driving layup and suddenly, the deficit was whittled down to 14 at 50-34. But Point Loma eventually built its lead back into the 20s to secure the win.
The 'Swords were held to 38.1 percent shooting and committed 18 turnovers. However, they were able to hang with the taller Sea Lions' lineup, only being out-rebounded 32-30.
The Silverswords will end the season next Saturday as they host intercity rival Hawai'i Pacific University at McCabe Gym with tip-off at 5 p.m. as they look to snap a 23-game losing streak to the Sharks dating back to Feb. 2007. It will also be the final games for seniors Babbitt, Henry, Kaupu, Maio,
Brooke Rickard,
Chantal Yadao and
Carissa Webb. Live streaming audio coverage will be on GoSwords.com.
