HONOLULU – Traditionally, the Chaminade University women's soccer team has played the role of spoiler against the Pacific West Conference elites.
In 2023 and a second-place standing in the conference tables, the Silverswords have now become the hunted.
That role was evident Thursday as Chaminade suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Biola at Saint Louis Field. It was the first PacWest defeat for the 'Swords who fell to 4-1-1 in the conference while their overall record stands at 6-3-3, still one victory shy of the program record of seven set the previous two seasons.
Biola, meanwhile, collected its first PacWest win at 1-4 while its overall mark is 2-9-1.
The Silverswords, three days removed from one of their biggest wins in program history over Point Loma, could never seem to gain traction against the Eagles, despite outshooting them, 12-to-10 on the afternoon.
Biola struck first with just six minutes left in the first half as Chaminade found itself in unfamiliar territory, trailing 1-0 at halftime.
The Eagles made it a two-goal game in the 66th minute when Abby Chavez lofted a perfectly placed shot that sailed just under the crossbar.
From there, the 'Swords went into desperation mode. Their luck finally turned in the 84th minute when
Kenna Kiefer (Vail, Ariz./Cienega) gathered a throw-in from
Kaila Levoit (Cypress, Calif./Golden West College/Cypress HS) in front of the net and chested a shot to the goal. Biola goalkeeper Autum Monty grabbed the loose ball but not before it crossed the plane of the goal line.
Kiefer's third goal of the season and Levoit's first assist gave life to the Silverswords' attack but the Eagles managed to keep them from getting a quality look for the equalizer.
Savannah Breeze Miranda (Aiea, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Aiea) attempted a team-high four shots with Kiefer firing another two.
Naomi Takata (Honolulu/Pearl City) made four saves in taking the loss while Monty made three stops for the Eagles.
The Silverswords will look to get back on track Saturday when they face PacWest newcomer, Westmont College, at the Saint Louis pitch. The Warriors were a NAIA power before moving to NCAA Division II this year. Kickoff is slated for 2:30 p.m.
