Seasiders clinch share of PacWest title, claim berth in NCAA II National Tournament

HONOLULU, HI- The seventh-ranked Brigham Young University Hawaii women’s soccer team defeated Chaminade 2-0 on Monday, clinching a berth in the NCAA II West Regional Tournament and at least a share of the Pacific West Conference title.

The Seasiders, now 12-0-2 overall and 10-0-1 in the PacWest, will play in the NCAA II Tournament for the second time in three years in November.

With the victory, BYU-Hawaii has amassed 31 points in the conference standings. Second-place Grand Canyon has 19 points with only four matches left to play.

Even if Grand Canyon wins all four games, the Antelopes could only tie the Seasiders if BYU-Hawaii should lose its remaining three contests.

Since BYU-Hawaii holds a 1-0-1 head-to-head record vs. Grand Canyon this season, the Seasiders have already clinched the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA II Tournament.

Freshman Kim Micheletti scored the opening goal of the game for BYU-Hawaii, her seventh of the year, in the 18th minute off an assist from Rachel Johnson. The Seasiders carried a 1-0 lead into the intermission.

Nicole Slater scored her first goal of the season - unassisted in the 83rd minute - to close out the scoring.

The Seasiders outshot the Silverswords 12-0 in the first half and 22-2 for the game. BYU–Hawaii backup goalie Amanda Oswald, who played the second half in relief of starter Megan McCain, made saves on both Chaminade shots.

Silversword goalie Marissa Minor had 13 saves against the Seasider attack.

The Seasiders will play on Thursday at Hawai‘i Hilo (3 p.m.) with a chance to claim the conference title outright.