HONOLULU – So far, the 2024 theme for the Chaminade University women's soccer team is to find a way.
On Monday against Pacific West Conference newcomer Jessup University in the first-ever meeting between the two programs, the Silverswords did just that.
Kenna Kiefer (Vail, Ariz./Cienega) took advantage of a Jessup error deep in its own box with the game-winning goal in the 72nd minute to help the 'Swords edge the Warriors, 1-0, at Saint Louis Field.
The win improved the Silverswords to 4-2-2 overall and a perfect 3-0 in PacWest action, the second straight season they have started conference play with three wins against no defeats. All three of their PacWest victories have been 1-0 scores with Chaminade's last five contests ending in the same tally.
The Warriors, who are in their first year at the NCAA Division II level after moving up from the NAIA, fell to 2-6-2 and 0-2-1 in the conference.
After a stalemate in the first 72 minutes, the 'Swords' suffocating defense finally paid dividends. Kiefer crashed towards the opposing centerback inside Jessup's own goal area, stealing a pass from goalkeeper Celeste Hernandez. The ball then went to
Bryana Yoshida (Makakilo, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Fresno Pacific University/Kapolei HS) who was also in the box, firing a shot which Fernandez deflected which, in turn, ricocheted towards Kiefer who one-timed the rebound inside the left post for the go-ahead goal with Yoshida getting credit for the assist. Yoshida, who suited up for the first time last Friday against Academy of Art, now has a game-winning goal and game-winning assist in her first two games in a CUH uniform.
Chaminade then proceeded to not allow a single shot after its goal to protect its one-goal lead.
Yoshida and
Savannah Breeze Miranda (Aiea, O'ahu, Hawai'i/Aiea) each took four shots for the Silverswords, who outshot the Warriors, 17-to-4, and have allowed just 13 opponent shots in their last four contests.
Izabella Holly (Tucson, Ariz./Cienega) picked up the win, recording her third straight clean sheet. The freshman extended her shutout streak to 336 minutes and 57 seconds, passing former Silversword Lauren Ishii, for the second-longest in streak program history and just 11 minutes away from
Naomi Takata's all-time record of 347:55.
The Silverswords will wrap up their four-game home stand on Thursday when they host another PacWest newcomer in Menlo College at Saint Louis Field. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m.
