There is no better feeling than cheering on your college’s sports teams while they take on top opponents from around the nation. The feeling of supporting your friends and people you see around campus is like no other. Chaminade might not have the biggest and best sports facilities, but that doesn’t affect the support that comes out to cheer on these athletes at their best. This fall, the Silverswords bring a lot to cheer about from volleyball and soccer at the start of the semester, to basketball tipping off in November.
Men’s and women’s soccer vs. Hawaii Pacific University, Sept. 16
The rivalry between HPU and Chaminade is always competitive. Last year three out of the four games were decided by one goal or a tie. There’s no better way to watch this competition than under the lights Tuesday night. The women’s game kicks off at 4:30 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 7 p.m. The games are held at the Waipio soccer complex stadium, which can fit all the fans that come to attend the game. This game is more than just college students attending, as many local soccer fans and people of the community come out to watch these rivals face off. Both games will be hard clashes and perfect examples of a local rivalry.
Women’s volleyball vs. Point Loma, Oct. 25
This is one of the most anticipated games for Chaminade athletics because it’s the projected top two teams in the PacWest Conference. Chaminade, which is the defending conference champions, will face off against Point Loma, which finished second in the conference last year. Not only were these teams the best in the PacWest, but they were among the best also in the nation, with both teams finishing the season ranked in the top 15. Last year, the Silverswords went on the road to San Diego and handed Point Loma its only conference loss. This year, the rematch is at McCabe Gymnasium.
Women’s basketball vs. Alaska Anchorage, Nov. 15
The women’s basketball season starts hot with their third game being against Anchorage, which finished 18th in the nation last season. The game being on a Saturday will help bring a crowd to the game and give the Silverswords the home-court advantage. Despite the game being early in the season, the atmosphere will be loud in McCabe for a hard opponent. Also, this game will be a great test for a Chaminade team that is under a new head coach, Travis Brewster.
PacWest women’s volleyball conference championships, Nov. 20-21
Since Chaminade’s volleyball team won the PacWest last year, the inaugural PacWest women’s volleyball conference championship tournament will be held at McCabe Gymnasium. This tournament will host the best four teams in the conference, all battling for a conference championship. Over two days, there will be very competitive volleyball being played, with the hopes that the Silverswords will be involved in the tournament to defend their title.
Maui Monday, men’s basketball vs. Washington State, Nov. 21
The best way to spend Thanksgiving week for a Chaminade student this year is to attend the Maui Invitational. Even though the games are on Maui, this experience is like no other. The Silverswords play in the tournament this year against Washington State who finished 19-15 last season competing in the West Coast Conference. Their first game at 4 p.m. on Nov. 21 will have the stadium packed with college basketball fans hoping to witness another great Silversword upset. Chaminade provides student packages to see the games and tickets with student discounts. Every student should take this opportunity to visit Maui and watch some top-level college basketball.