This Week in 'Swords History: Women's Hoops Ends PacWest Streak
Every Monday, GoSwords.com will publish "This Week in 'Swords History presented by Big City Diner" which looks back at significant events and some of the memorable games that helped shape Chaminade University Athletics into what it is today.
Jan. 10, 2011: Women's Basketball Outlasts Dominican
Despite being winless in nine tries during the opening stages of the 2010-11 season, the Chaminade University women's basketball team had competitive contests against Pacific Lutheran and Hawai'i Hilo. Two games against national powerhouse Alaska Anchorage also helped the Silverswords become battle-tested.
Jordan Ahakuelo
So when the Penguins visited McCabe Gymnasium on Jan. 10, 2011, the 'Swords had a sense of optimism to collect a win for the first time in 13 months.
The Silverswords trailed for one minute early in the first half before a 12-2 run helped give them the lead for good.
Chaminade held a slim 49-46 lead with 5:20 remaining but
Rachael Rickard had four points while
Jordan Ahakuelo converted a Penguins turnover into a layup as part of a 9-0 run to help give the 'Swords a 63-51 win.
The victory was not only their first of the season but also snapped a 50-game slide to PacWest opponents, dating back to Feb. 22, 2007.
"We've been working hard all season long and have been pushing ourselves to get a 'W,'" co-captain
Kayci Will (10 points, six rebounds) told GoSwords.com after the game. "We finally did and it feels amazing! We worked for everything we got and came out ready to play from the get-go."
It was also the first collegiate win for head coach
Bobby Keanini who would go on to become the program's all-time winningest coach with 21.
