HONOLULU – As the Pacific West Conference women's soccer season heads into its fourth week of conference action, teams are beginning to separate themselves from top of the pack.
In the case of the Chaminade University squad with three conference wins and a draw, the question asked by pundits was "How real are they?"
On Monday, that question was answered.
The Silverswords opened their six-game season-ending home stand by posting a huge signature win, a 2-1 victory over Point Loma at Saint Louis Field. The Sea Lions were picked to finish third in the PacWest preseason poll.
Haley Mo'okini (San Gabriel, Calif./Gabrielino) accounted for both goals to help Chaminade improve to 6-2-3 overall and 4-0-1 in the PacWest, its second all-time win over the traditional PacWest power and. The win allowed the 'Swords, albeit briefly, to take over the conference' top spot (Hawai'i Hilo's win over Biola three hours later would put the Vulcans back in front). The 'Swords also ran their consecutive streak without a loss to five, the second longest in program history.
After a scoreless first half, Mo'okini gathered in a 40-yard set piece from
Savannah Breeze Miranda (Aiea, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Aiea) and tapped in a shot inside the lower-left part of the frame to give the 'Swords the lead in the 64th minute. It was her fifth goal of the season while Miranda's first assist of 2023.
Then in the 74th minute, Mo'okini hit a booming set piece of her own just inside the midfield line, which found
Shaley Mercado (Honolulu/Kaiser), who headed the ball in from five yards out to give the 'Swords a 2-0 edge and Mercado's first career goal. It was third time this season the Sea Lions allowed multiple goals in a game and the first since Sept. 14.
Point Loma answered just seconds later when Alana Diaz scored on a left-side crossing pass to again make it a one-score contest.
The stifling Chaminade defense then withstood a barrage of PLNU counter attacks, allowing just three shots in the final 15 minutes.
The 'Swords took six shots, five on-goal, led by Mo'okini's three attempts while Mercado had two. Point Loma took 10 shots, six on-goal.
Naomi Takata (Honolulu/Pearl City) made five saves for Chaminade in picking up career win No. 24. Julia Pinnell made three saves in taking the loss.
The Silverswords return to the Saint Louis Field pitch Thursday against Biola. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m.
