HONOLULU – The Chaminade University women's volleyball team last week returned from a quick but memorable international tour to Osaka, Japan.
The overseas trip, the first for a Chaminade athletics team in recent memory, was a chance for the Silverswords' eight returnees to bond with 11 newcomers on the trip, not only on the court but off as well.
Between the lines, the 'Swords had an opportunity to build chemistry between the new teammates against Senrei Kinran, Kansai and Bukkyo Universities. Japanese teams are known for defensive prowess and the innate ability to sustain long rallies.
Katsu-oji Temple (dedicated to "winner's luck")
They also had a chance to play with their hosts as teammates each day of competition.
But on-court action wasn't the only thing on the agenda during their six-day stay. The team also experienced the cultural aspects, visiting various monuments, shrines and, of course, enjoying the cuisine which included delicious soba and authentic sushi.
"We feel so blessed to have been afforded this opportunity for our team," head coach
Kahala Kabalis Hoke said. "To be able to play such high-level teams before we compete in pre-season will make an immense impact for us as we start our season next week.
"This trip to Japan was an ultimate team bonding and learning experience and will be instrumental to our team chemistry and culture as we move forward into our new season."
Fushimi Inari Taisha (shrine where visitors pray for success
and for dreams to come true.
The team is now back on O'ahu for the business at hand to begin their formal two-a-day practices as they look to defend their Pacific West Conference title. The Silverswords open the season on Aug. 24 at the Hawai'i-Alaska Challenge in Fairbanks, Alaska on Aug. 24. Their home debut will on Friday, Sept. 1 with a pair of matches against Simon Fraser and Sonoma State in the Hawai'i Challenge.
