Posted with permission, article and pictures, courtesy of Chaminade University

IRVINE, Calif. – In the 2021 calendar year, the Chaminade University women’s soccer team was a combined 8-7-3, undoubtedly the finest 18-game stretch the program has ever witnessed.

With a sixth-place finish last fall, the Silverswords and 10th-year head coach Michelle Richardson are poised to expand their recent success even further and challenge the traditional Pacific West Conference powers.

The ‘Swords, who were picked to finish seventh in the PacWest Preseason Coaches Poll, will look to carry over their three-game on-field winning streak at the end of 2021 and begin their 2022 journey Thursday when they open the season in Durango, Colorado, against Fort Lewis and Western Colorado, the second straight season they have started the season on the mainland. The program’s first-ever trip to the Rocky Mountain region ends on Aug. 29 at New Mexico Highlands.

Although they lost a multitude of veterans and multi-year starters, a core group returns, led by junior goalkeeper Naomi Takata (Honolulu/Pearl City) who continues to re-write the Chaminade record book. Already the program’s career leader in wins (11), shutouts (8) and goals against average (1.20), Takata is coming off a season where she allowed a school single-season record 0.92 GAA and might be one of the most underappreciated keepers in the conference.

Assisting Takata from preventing shots from entering the net is the ‘Swords’ defense who are establishing themselves as one of the best in the conference. Two-time All-PacWest defender Hoku Schatz (Hau’ula, O’ahu, Hawai’i/Idaho/Kahuku HS), along with four-year starters Dayna Nishimura (Mililani, O’ahu, Hawai’i/Mililani) and Kyla Takazono (Pearl City, O’ahu, Hawai’i/Pearl City) – both of whom are using their extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic – will anchor Chaminade’s last line of defense. Lindsey Wilson (Mililani, O’ahu, Hawai’i/Mililani), who didn’t play in 2021 because of an injury, is also back while the ‘Swords welcome New Mexico State graduate transfer Lece Aviles (Aztec, N.M./New Mexico State/Aztec HS), who was considered to be an anchor of the Aggies’ defense.

While the Silverswords are loaded on the defensive side, the challenge in 2022 will be finding individuals who can put the ball into the net following the departure of all-time leading goal scorer Randi Fontes. Asya Holt (Honolulu/Roosevelt), another fifth-year veteran with an extra COVID year, and third-year sophomore Caili Cain (Makakilo, O’ahu, Hawai’i/Kamehameha-Kapalama) have seven career goals between them while Schatz can also move to an attacking spot.

Like Wilson, Kira Nishiki (Mililani, O’ahu, Hawai’i/Mililani) returns after an injury cost her the fall 2021 season and will provide leadership. Jenna McLean (Snohomish, Wash./Cal State Bakersfield/Glacier Peak HS), who finally saw field action in spring 2021 not playing for nearly three years because of injuries, is also back.

Other returning from last season include Clara Slate-Liu (Vancouver, British Columbia/Ecolè Alpha Secondary), Tehani Smith (Kaneohe, O’ahu, Hawai’i/Castle), Gracie Knowd (Ramona, Calif./New Mexico State/Ramona HS), Nicole Vontsolos (San Diego/Scripps Ranch), Savannah Breeze Miranda (Aiea, O’ahu, Hawai’i/Aiea) and Laina Jumawan (Kaneohe, O’ahu, Hawai’i/Castle).

There are also several talent newcomers – transfers and freshmen – who will challenge for spots on the pitch.

Following this week’s trip to Colorado and New Mexico, the Silverswords will open the home slate on Saturday, Sept. 3 against Cal State East Bay, one of the top squads from the CCAA before facing their two in-state rivals, Hawai’i Pacific University and the University of Hawai’i Hilo, on the road in non-conference action. Their PacWest opener will be on Sept. 28 against Academy of Art with the end of the regular season at home against HPU on Nov. 5.