SAN DIEGO – For the second time this season, the Chaminade University women's soccer team took a nationally ranked foe to the limit.
On Thursday, the Silverswords rallied to forge a 1-1 draw at Point Loma, the 16th-ranked squad in the United Soccer Coaches Poll. Earlier this season, they also got a tie against then-sixth-ranked Hawai'i Hilo.
Gracie Bowers (Murrieta, Calif./California Baptist/Vista Murrieta HS) got her team-leading fifth goal of the season after the 'Swords fell behind.
The tie gave the 'Swords a point in the Pacific West Conference standings. With 15 points, they also maintained their second-place standings in the conference over the Sea Lions, who have 14.
The deadlock put Chaminade's record at 7-4-3 overall and 4-1-3 in the PacWest with two matches remaining, guaranteeing them a winning season for the first time in program history. Point Loma, the top ranked team in the latest West Region rankings, is 9-2-4 overall and 4-1-2 in the conference.
The Sea Lions struck in the 21st minute on an Allison Pepper goal. But in the 36th minute, the 'Swords countered.
Tehani Smith (Kaneohe, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Castle) lobbed a high-arching pass from the midfield line to Bowers at the top of the 18-yard box. Bowers then powered a shot past Point Loma keeper Julia Pinnell for the equalizer while Smith got her first assist of the season.
Both teams had prime chances for the go-ahead goal in the second half with several crossing passes on counter attacks.
Naomi Takata (Honolulu/Pearl City) made saves on two Lily Paulson shots early in the second half while Chaminade nearly had an opportunity late in the match with a centering pass into the box. Bowers, positioned just six yards away from the net, could not get a clean shot with a defender on her hip.
Bowers took four of Chaminade's nine shots on the afternoon.
Ruby Burroughs (Santa Clarita, Calif./California Baptist/William Hart HS),
Madelynne Knowd (Ramona, Calif./Ramona),
Savannah Breeze Miranda (Aiea, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Aiea),
Hoku Schatz (Hau'ula, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Univ. of Idaho/Kahuku HS) and
Lindsey Wilson (Mililani, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Mililani) each had one shot at the net.
Takata made five saves for the 'Swords while Pinnell had one for Point Loma.
The Silverswords will conclude their Southern California road trip Saturday at Concordia University Irvine. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. Hawai'i time.
