COSTA MESA, CALIF. -- Azusa Pacific jumped out to a 12-0 lead less than 2 minutes into the game and never let up while posting a convincing 68-49 victory over 3-time defending GSAC champ and NAIA No. 9-ranked Vanguard in both teams' conference opener.
 
Junior swingman Catherine Solorio led the way with a career-high 25 points on 9-for-12 shooting. She also had 4 steals to lead a Cougar defense that forced 28 Vanguard turnovers, including 4 in the first 2 minutes when the Lions were unable to get a shot off. Vanguard shot just 35% (19-for-54) from the field, including a 30% (8-for-27) clip in the second half.
 
Stephanie Patten was the only other Cougar in double figures, tallying 10 points. Jennifer Barbone had 9 points to go along with game-highs of 6 rebounds and 3 blocked shots, while Beth Centlivre tallied a game-high 7 assists in 17 minutes off the bench.
 
The Cougars, who hand Vanguard its worst GSAC loss at home over the past 4 seasons, led 39-29 at the half.Ê Solorio paced Azusa Pacific's offense with 14 first-half points. The Cougars pulled off the upset of the No. 9-ranked Lions primarily without the services of All-American guard Jacqueline Godoy, who left the game less than 2 minutes into the second half with a cut over her eye. Godoy left with a game-high 5 steals, 4 in the first half.
 
With the victory, the Cougars are now 5-5 overall, 1-0 in the GSAC, while Vanguard falls to 7-3 overall, 0-1 in the GSAC.