» Marissa Minor
» Chaminade soccer
» Senior goalie

Goalkeeping is a science, one of dissecting the opponent’s attack and deciphering the direction a ball is headed.

It’s the perfect position for Chaminade senior keeper Marissa Minor, a forensic science-biology major. Although she has no plans to become a crime scene investigator, her resume shows how deft she is at solving shots-on-goal.

Minor is the runaway leader in saves in the Pacific West Conference. She had 20 more than her nearest competitor heading into yesterday’s contest with Dominican.

Yesterday, the Konawaena High graduate added another 10 in a 2-0 loss to the Penguins, bringing her season total to 109.

"It can be tough sometimes," Minor said. "Like my coaches have said, everyone else can play not so good, and you won’t notice. But the goalie doesn’t have time to make any mistakes.

"It might not be directly my fault, but it is my responsibility. It’s mentally stressful, and you just have to stay tough."

Growing up on the Big Island, Minor gravitated toward soccer. During one AYSO match in fourth grade, she stopped a penalty kick. That save started her career in goal.

"I’m happy to be back there," the four-year starter said. "I actually don’t remember what it’s like to play (another position).

"I like the feeling when you make that really good save."

That’s likely where her professional career is headed.

Minor wants to go into biomedical research, where she could end up saving more than goals.