HONOLULU – The Chaminade University women's soccer team got back to their winning ways Tuesday with a 1-0 victory over Dominican University of California in their Pacific West Conference opener.
Gracie Knowd (Ramona, Calif./New Mexico State/Ramona HS) accounted for the game's lone goal with a header in the 47th minute.
The Silverswords, who entered the contest below .500 for the first time since November 2021, snapped their two-game losing streak and evened their record to 2-2-2 in the 2024 campaign. The 'Swords also extended their winning streak against the Penguins to three straight.
The first half proved to be a defensive stalemate. Dominican was held to just one shot in the first 45 minutes while Chaminade took just four.
But the second half provided plenty of action with attacks and counterattacks by both teams. The 'Swords finally found pay dirt when a long throw-in by
Kaila Levoit (Cypress, Calif./Golden West College/Cypress HS) found Knowd who headed the pass in from 10 yards out, her second goal of the season while Levoit's assist was her first.
From there, Chaminade's stifling defense took over, holding Dominican to just two second-half shots. And although the Penguins held possession for the majority of the final 10 minutes, the 'Swords did not allow a clean look at the goal. The Penguins' three total attempts was tied for the fewest of the season (defending PacWest and Division II national champion Point Loma held them to three in their previous game) and their fewest since getting two shots at Azusa Pacific in October 2023. CUH also kept DUC on its heels with 11 corner kicks.
Izabella Holly (Tucson, Ariz./Cienega) made two saves to pick up her first career win and clean sheet. Chaminade attempted nine shots with two each from Knowd,
Haley Mo'okini (San Gabriel, Calif./Gabrielino) and
Savannah Breeze Miranda (Aiea, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Aiea).
Angelina Hert, who started the second half, took the loss.
The Silverswords' four-game home stand continues Friday against Academy of Art at Saint Louis Field. Kickoff is 12:30 p.m.
