HONOLULU – Better late than never is a famous quote used by many in all aspects of life. The same applied to the Chaminade University women's soccer team who opened the 2023 exhibition portion of their schedule Monday against visiting Multnomah University.
The Silverswords scored three times in the final 18 minutes – including twice on goals by newcomer
Delaney Buntin – to secure a 3-0 shutout over the Lions at Saint Louis Field.
Buntin, a high-scoring transfer from Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona, got the 'Swords' first score in the 72nd minute, flicking a shot towards the top of the goal on
Haley Mo'okini's free kick about 10 yards inside the midfield line. Just over two minutes later, Buntin struck again, sticking a shot in that just crossed the plane of the goal line.
Another 'Swords' newcomer, South Dakota State transfer
Brynn Shimabukuro, got the team's third score with just over two minutes left to play.
Chaminade controlled the pace, particularly in the second half. Twelve of their 21 shots came in the final 45 minutes while holding Multnomah to no shot attempts in the contest.
Naomi Takata, the program's all-time leader in nearly every goalkeeping category, kept the Lions out of the net in the first 45 minutes while
Jordhan Kieres saw action in the final 45.
Although the result and none of the statistics will count, the team took full advantage of the exhibition rules (multiple and unlimited substitutions) with 23 Silverswords getting onto the pitch to further build chemistry as the squad enters just their second week of organized practice.
Chaminade will play its final exhibition game on Wednesday, Aug. 30, when they host Lincoln University at Saint Louis Field. It will be the second straight year the two programs will meet during the scrimmage and exhibition seasons.
