CUH Women’s Soccer Draw Vs. Notre Dame de Namur

The Chaminade University of Honolulu women’s soccer team returned to its home field to play against Notre Dame de Namur Thursday in which the Swords nearly came away with a come-from-behind victory.

Unfortunately, the Swords were forced to settle for a 3-3 draw in double overtime against the Argonauts in a match that would prove to be as unpredictable as the weather on the muggy, gusty morning. This draw ended a Swords four game losing streak and brings their record to 3-8-1 overall and 2-6-1 in the Pacific West Conference.

The sky was heavy with thick dark clouds and impending showers while the wind whipped around at 21 miles per hour at kick-off, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph. Although these conditions were no problem with, junior midfielder Bianca Gonzales, freshman midfielder Breanna Bactista and redshirt sophomore midfielder Jordan Taboniar all finding the back of the net on this blustery day.

The Argonauts, which are 6-6-2 overall and 3-4-2 in conference, would capitalize first, scoring at the 5:27 mark. This goal however would be short lived as the Swords would fire back, scoring a goal nearly 30 seconds later.

Junior forward Caitlin Tatemichi’s free kick toward NDNU territory found Gonzales who tapped it in for her third goal of the season and the team’s third-fastest goal in program history.

The ferocity of the wind seemed to pick up with the intensity of the players battling out on the field with both teams taking multiple shots on goal. The Argonauts took a 2-1 lead in the 37th minute.

The Swords responded swiftly, scoring a minute later as Bactista capitalized by taking advantage of a botched clear by an NDNU defender. This goal was the first of her career and tie the match at 2 into the half.

In the 63rd minute, the Swords took their first lead of the match. Taboniar found the back of the net off a throw-in lobbed toward the box by Nicole Nishiki. This goal was the first of the year for Tabonair.

The rain and wind ripped through the pitch. For the Swords, the battle to hold the lead was on.

Suddenly, an Argonaut forward dribbled down the right side of the field and fired off a shot that found its target, tying up the score at 3 in the 81st minute.

Neither team was able to score in both OT periods resulting in a draw with both teams receiving a point in conference standings.

The Silverswords’ goals this game brought their program total up to 15 goals for the season, surpassing their previous record of 13 set in 2011.

A home game seemed to be just the trick for the Swords to break their losing streak. Senior defender, Shyann Moriguchi had an idea why.

“We came off of some really tough games on the road trip so when we came home, we knew that we had to work really hard in order to get back in the game,” Moriguchi said. “Being back with the whole team really helped the overall morale of the team I think.”

Chaminade University of Honolulu’s men’s soccer team lost Notre Dame de Namur 2-1 later that afternoon.