SANTA BARBARA, CALIF --Sophomore forward Melissa Myers (Lakewood, Calif./Valley Christian HS) has opened the 1998 campaign like no Cougar before, collecting her second hat trick in as many games to lead Azusa Pacific to surprising blowout of Cal Poly Pomona, 10-2, in the opening round of the Westmont Tourney.
Myers, who tallied a hat trick in the season-opener over Cal State San Bernardino 3 days ago, led the Cougars to only their second victory ever in 9 meetings with neighboring rival Cal Poly. Additionally, the 8-goal margin of victory is the largest ever for a Cougar team over a member of the NCAA Division II affiliated California College Athletic Association, and it is the third largest margin of victory in Cougar soccer history. Also, the 10 goals tie a single-game school record.
Sophomore All-American Kendra Payne (La Verne, Calif./Bonita HS) added 2 goals of her own while sophomore midfielder Rachelle Messick (Chino Hills, Calif./Ontario Christian HS) registered her first collegiate multi-goal game with a pair of counters. Junior Celeste Mitchell (Pasadena, Calif./Maranatha HS) scored a goal to aid the Cougar cause while freshman Kimber Carter (Upland, Calif./Upland HS) and junior Lisa Lawrence (La Mirada, Calif./La Mirada HS) each tallied their first goals as Cougars to round out Azusa Pacific's offensive outburst.
Only last year's 10-0 victory over Biola and 10-1 win over Cal Baptist are larger margin of victories in Azusa Pacific history.
Scoring by Halves
Cal Poly Pomona 1 1 -- 2
Azusa Pacific 4 6 -- 10
