HONOLULU – Although the won-loss record didn't reflect it, the 2018 season for the Chaminade University women's soccer team had their share of successes.
The Silverswords found themselves in winnable games especially against the cream of the crop of the Pacific West Conference. Those included undefeated conference champion Point Loma, co-runners-up Concordia Irvine, Fresno Pacific and even forged a nil-nil tie with the other runners-up, Hawai'i Hilo. None of Chaminade's losses were by more than two goals.
Despite a pair of heart-breaking 3-2 overtime losses in which they led (Hawai'i Pacific, Notre Dame de Namur) and several of early- and mid-season injuries to key starters and reserves, the 'Swords were still a resilient group.
"Despite the challenges we faced this year the resilience, perseverance and strength of this team created an incredible culture of unity and hope," said
Michelle Richardson who completed her sixth season as head coach.
Indeed there were many challenges. Season-ending injuries to starters
Asya Asato-Kahele (Honolulu/Roosevelt) and
Nicole Nishiki (Mililani, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Mililani) and reserve
Megan Mararagan (Honolulu/Kalani) were setbacks. All-time leading scorer
Caitlin Tatemichi (Honolulu/Roosevelt) got off to a slow start, part of which was opposing defenses intent on shutting her down.
However the 'Swords also found a new scoring threat in transfer
Randi Fontes (Wahiawa, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Hawai'i-Manoa/Pearl City). The diminutive forward had four goals and 10 points on her way to All-PacWest Third Team honors.
Meanwhile Chaminade's defense was outstanding, holding opponents to a 1.71 goals allowed average, the third-best in program history. The 'Swords also didn't allow more than three goals in a game for the first time ever.
Goalkeeper
Brandee Lane (Kaneohe, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Castle) concluded an outstanding four-year career with a 1.66 goals against average in her final year.
But Lane wasn't the only 'Sword responsible for the outstanding defense. Defender
Kirstin Wong (Laguna Niguel, Calif./Aliso Niguel) was a constant on Chaminade's backline. The junior played every minute this season and, heading into her senior year, has a streak of 21 consecutive games without being subbed out. That translates to 2,003 straight minutes played.
The 'Swords will certainly have big cleats to fill in 2019 particularly with the departures of Tatemichi, the career leader in goals (15) and points (33), as well as Lane who several career goalkeeper marks including wins (8), shutouts (6) and GAA of 1.87.
They also need to replace four-year starters Nishiki and
Bianca Gonzales (Kapolei, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Kapolei) in addition to Google Cloud Academic All-American
Alyssa Tanigawa (Kaneohe, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Castle) who saw key minutes towards the end of the season as the injuries mounted.
Richardson had high praise for the departing players about the legacy they set.
"We've had the honor of coaching all of our graduating seniors for four years whereby they have broken almost every record in the program's history," she said. "They have set an incredible foundation for the future success of the program and left their amazing legacy of achievement on and off the field with the strong and talented team they leave behind."
While most of the headliners are among those departing, the cupboard isn't completely bare for the Silverswords to succeed in the coming years. Fontes has two more seasons in the royal blue and white while
Sharon Cain (Honolulu/Kamehameha-Kapalama), the team's second-leading scorer with two goals and an assist, are back.
Cailla Fabro (Waipahu, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Idaho State/Pearl City HS) and
Breanna-Leigh Bactista (Mililani, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Mililani) are attackers who also return as will a fully-healthy Asato-Kahele.
Also back will be
Dayna Nishimura (Mililani, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Mililani),
Tehani Smith (Kaneohe, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Castle) and
Kyla Takazono (Pearl City, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Pearl City), all of whom played key minutes as freshmen.
"We are so excited about the promising future of this team," Richardson said. "We have a young team with lots of competitive play experience. They are all driven to break more records and create their own successes on- and off-the-field. We believe this team will realize if not exceed their potential next season and will return healthy, strong and motivated!"
