The Knights really started out strong, and on their final road trip of the season, wasted no time getting on the board. Beth Barker struck first, taking a pass from Giovanni Plater in the 12th minute to put the Urban Knights on top and also tie Margret Thorolfsdottir for the single-season record with her seventh goal of 2012. Barker, who led her junior college in scoring in her freshman year, has starred on offense for Academy of Art, and would end the day with three shots, all on target, with the one going through. 

In the 34th minute, however, it was Plater who again got in the box score, receiving from Jule Klandt and slotting it in for the 2-0 lead. The goal and the assist marked Plater's second for both categories on the season, while Klandt's assist was her first on the year. The two-goal advantage was the score with both teams going into the break, as the defense held Chaminade without a shot in the first half.

"Gio was more of a versatile player for us in the beginning of the season, filling in the gaps from our injured starters," said head coach Aileen Nasypany. "However, she has found a niche in the forward line as her competitive drive, communication, ability to finish under pressure is becoming a key component of our attack. Gio plays with passion and I am proud of her work ethic in the past few matches."

That defense showed up in the second half as well, as the Urban Knights locked down the Silverswords the rest of the way. The Knights, who are giving up a program-low 1.75 goals per game this season, only allowed three shots total from the Swords, with their best chance in the 72nd minute as the shot by Jill Hara hit off the crossbar. But that was it for Chaminade, who had three shots turned away by goalkeeper Rachael Rempe, who set a program record with 19 saves against NDNU last week, followed that up with another program record, notching her fourth clean sheet of the season.

"The end of the season has brought good things to Rachael Rempe," said Nasypany. "She has found her voice to organize her back line and motivate her teammates. Her distribution and shot stopping is spot on. She has become the leader between the posts this young program needs as we head into our final push."

With Barker and Rempe setting new marks for the Knights, it was also important to recognize that the ART U victory was their fifth of the season, a new record for the young program. They have more goals, assists, and shots per game than ever, and their play on defense and between the posts is also keeping every game close. Tuesday's game was the eight game out of 16 that they have allowed one goal or less.

"As we battled through adversity with injuries these past few weeks, I admire my team's dedication to continue to raise and set the new standard for ART U soccer," Nasypany said. "We suffered a few close losses, but we chose to look at them as lessons rather than failures in our path to success. This win is so special to our team and I am very proud to share this history making moment with our players and amazing staff.  Their tireless efforts as a group to be better than we were the day before means only good things for our future."

They'll have two more chances to continue setting new standards for themselves, facing Hawai'i Pacific on Thursday and finishing the season against UH Hilo on Saturday evening.