HONOLULU – After a pair of scrimmages the last two weeks, the Chaminade University women's soccer team got their real season underway Thursday in their first-ever meeting against Texas Woman's University, one of the top programs in the South Central Region.
 
The Silverswords surrendered two first half goals to the Pioneers, who have played in the NCAA Division II Tournament three of the last four years in their 2-0 defeat at Saint Louis Field.
 
Despite the two-goal deficit, the 'Swords' defense picked it up, allowing just three of TWU's nine total shots in the final 45 minutes.
 
Sofia Desirello (Menifee, Calif./University of North Dakota/Paloma HS) took two of Chaminade's four shots on the afternoon while Shannon Healy (Gilbert, Ariz./Campo Verde) and Kenna Kiefer (Vail, Ariz./Cienega) each got looks at the net.
 
Goalkeeper Sydney Bakritzes (Edina, Minn./University of North Dakota/Edina HS) made six saves in her Silverswords' debut. Faith Graves picked up the win in goal for TWU.
 
The Pioneers scored in the 19th and 38th minutes to hold a two-goal lead at the midway point.
 
The 'Swords' defense stiffened in the second half, allowing just one TWU shot in the final 30 minutes.
 
Chaminade is back on the Saint Louis pitch on Saturday when they face the University of Texas at Dallas. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m.