HONOLULU, Hawaii – Following a second-lengthy lightning delay, host Chaminade took advantage with a goal and held off a Wheeling Jesuit flurry of chances for a 1-0 victory in Thursday's 2015 season-opening match in Honolulu.
 
The Cardinals controlled much of the match due to their high energy attack level and top defense. But WJU came out flat after the second weather delay and Chaminade took advantage.
 
"It was nice to get our season started here in Hawaii. Unfortunately, anytime we seemed to get a foothold in the game, we had our momentum stopped by things out of our control. After the second weather delay, we came out a bit flat and, that in the end, resulted in the outcome of the game," said Cardinal head coach Tyler Absalom.
 
The Cardinals (0-1) were able to outshoot the Silverswords (1-0), 9-7, and held a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks in Absalom's head coaching debut. Goalie Holly Kraus stopped three home shots in the net.
 
WJU started the game with an offensive attack. Freshman Gabby Burchett blistered a shot just seven seconds into the match. The WJU offense went on to record a total of five shots in the opening period, while only allowing two shots from Chaminade.
 
Chaminade struck with the only goal of the game following the second delay. The Silverswords' Lauren Uehara put the ball in the net at 76:46 for the 1-0 lead.
 
Following the Chaminade goal, WJU had a few significant opportunities, but failed to cash in on them. Sophomore Nikki Hillard had a chance to tie the game, but her shot missed wide right and junior Meghan Horan had a shot on goal saved in the last ten seconds of the match.
 
Wheeling Jesuit returns to action Saturday, Sept. 5, when it plays at Hawaii Pacific University at 6:30 p.m.