AZUSA, CALIF --Sophomore forward Melissa Myers (Lakewood, Calif./Valley Christian HS) opened the 1998 season with her second career hat-trick to lead the NAIA's No. 11-ranked Azusa Pacific to a 5-1 season-opening victory over Cal State San Bernardino in a nonconference women's soccer game in Azusa.
All-American defender Jennifer Babel (Chino Hills, Calif./Ayala HS) got the Cougars on the board 14 minutes into game, scoring on a penalty kick after Rachel Messick (Chino Hills, Calif./Ontario Christian HS) was taken down in the box. Sixteen minutes later Myers tallied the first of her 2 goals to put the Cougars up 2-0.
The Coyotes cut the Cougar margin in half on a Carley Dunn goal 2 minutes into the second half. However, a 15 minute delay because of water sprinklers inadvertantly being activated seemingly slowed down the Coyotes' momentum. The Cougars came out of the delay with 2 goals in 5 minutes, the first by All-American Kendra Payne (La Verne, Calif./Bonita HS) and then 2 more by Myers.
With the victory, Azusa Pacific has now won 3 straight over CS San Bernardino and is 1-0 on the season while the Coyotes fall to 0-1.
Scoring by Halves
Cal State San Bernardino 0 1 -- 1
Azusa Pacific 2 3 -- 5
