HONOLULU – The Chaminade University women's soccer team opened the Pacific West Conference slate Wednesday with a 3-0 win over visiting Academy of Art at Saint Louis Field.
Gracie Bowers (Murrieta, Calif./California Baptist/Vista Murrieta HS) scored twice in a span 67 early in the second half while her former California Baptist teammate
Ruby Burroughs (Santa Clarita, Calif./California Baptist/William Hart HS) added another goal and assisted on another to help the Silverswords (4-3 overall, 1-0 PacWest) snap their three-match losing streak.
Chaminade was on the attack early and often, launching 27 shots, 13 on-goal, both setting single-match program records. Sixteen of the 'Swords shots were in the final 45 minutes.
After a scoreless first half, Bowers took the ball into the attacking quarter and, from the top of the box, lobbed a shot over Urban Knights goalkeeper Alicia Calderon in the 52nd minute for the first score of the game. Bowers' goal also ended the team's 322-minute scoring drought dating back to Aug. 29.
A mere 67 seconds later, Burroughs delivered a perfectly placed header pass to Bowers who slipped past a defender and fired a shot into the net for her second goal of the game. It was the second-fastest two goals scored in program history.
The Silverswords weren't done. Some two minutes later, Burroughs lined up for a free kick from 35 yards out and launched a shot towards the net, just over Calderon's hands, clearing the cross bar by a few feet for the team's third goal. The 136 seconds between trio of scores is also the fastest three goals in team history.
Chaminade's defense then did the rest, allowing just one ART U shot in the game's final 35 minutes. In fact, the 'Swords allowed only two shots all match, the fewest they have surrendered all season.
Naomi Takata (Honolulu/Pearl City) did not need to make a save, recording her 15th career win, extending the program record. She also extended another career mark with her 10th career clean sheet. Calderon made 10 saves in taking the loss for Academy of Art (0-9, 0-2 PacWest).
Bowers took eight shots, four on-goal while Burroughs had five looks, three on target.
Asya Holt (Honolulu/Roosevelt),
Hoku Schatz (Hau'ula, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Univ. of Idaho/Kahuku HS),
Haley Mo'okini (San Gabriel, Calif./Gabrielino) and
Isabella Narvaez (Vail, Ariz./Cienega) each took two shots for the 'Swords.
The Silverswords return to action on Saturday when they face Dominican University of California at the Saint Louis pitch. Kickoff is set for noon.
