HONOLULU – Despite the Chaminade University women's basketball team dropping Saturday's 80-65 decision to Concordia Irvine at McCabe Gymnasium, it was a landmark day for
Destiny Castro (Talofofo, Guam/Notre Dame HS).
The reigning Pacific West Conference Player of the Week scored a team-high 16 points to give her 910 in her career, vaulting her past Kristle Henry (908) for third in the program's all-time scoring list. Only
Lilia Maio (1,266) and
Samantha Saito (1,141) have more.
Castro also had eight rebounds and three assists for the Silverswords (4-11, 2-8 PacWest).
Hunter Liftee (Kamuela, Hawai'i/Central Methodist Univ./Honoka'a HS) added 15 while
Jordyn Zader (Mukowonago, Wis./Pius XI) had 12. Liftee also had six boards.
Ellyonna Bankofier (Happy Valley, Ore./Clackmas) contributed with seven points, followed by
Sephora Yayouss (Brussels, Belgium/Peninsula College/K.A. Etterbeek HS) and
Michaella Dean (Irvine, Calif./Orange Lutheran) had six each.
Michaela VanderKlugt led the Eagles (6-10, 5-6 PacWest) with 24 points and 18 rebounds.
The loss dropped the 'Swords to two games behind Concordia for the sixth and final spot in March's PacWest Tournament in San Rafael, Calif.
A 7-0 CUI run opened the game but the 'Swords weathered the storm on an 11-1 run bridging the first and second quarters which tied it at 12. However Concordia's 17-4 run helped build a 13-point lead midway through the second quarter.
The 'Swords made another push in the fourth quarter on baskets from Zader, Castro and Bankofier which brought them to within 70-63 with 1:40 remaining. But Concordia went a perfect 8-for-8 from the foul line to keep Chaminade at bay.
The 'Swords made 38.1 percent of their shots and pulled down 31 rebounds. The Eagles shot 47.2 from the floor with eight triples and made 22-of-33 free throws. They also pulled down 41 rebounds. CUI out-dished CUH 14-4 on the afternoon.
The Silverswords return to the McCabe Gym floor on Monday, Jan. 28 against league-leading Azusa Pacific.
