Cougars Subdue Westmont For Title

AZUSA, CALIF. – Sophomore Rachel Evans lifted the NAIA's top- ranked Azusa Pacific to a 2-1 overtime victory over No. 3-ranked Westmont with her third goal of the season in the second sudden-death overtime period of the contest.

"This is what we wanted and we have worked for it all year," said Cougar head coach Jason Surrell. "You set your goals high, but to actually achieve it is great. To get it on our own is big for us."

Evans found herself 20 yards out with only Westmont goalkeeper Kristen St. Clair between the ball and a berth to the NAIA National Tournament. She lifted a shot past St. Clair, and it rebounded off the far post into the back of the net, sending the GSAC champion Cougars to nationals for the third consecutive season.

"It took me a while to realize we won," said All-American Kendra Payne. "Everything is coming together for our season, and everything we have worked for is being pulled together right now. It is so good to have that momentum going into nationals."

Junior Chrissy Sanford's header at 22:02 off a Payne corner kick gave Azusa Pacific a 1-0 first-half lead. Janel Kaden evened the score at 1-1 in the 57th minute, and the teams fought to a draw until the end of regulation.

With the win, the Cougars improve to 17-2-3 on the season, while Westmont falls to 14-3-2.

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Players Mentioned

#5 Rachel Evans: M; 5' 3"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#5 Rachel Evans
: 5' 3"; Sophomore
: M

Players Mentioned

#5 Rachel Evans

Players Mentioned

#5 Rachel Evans