Cougars Region Champs -- Again!

AZUSA, Calif. – The NAIA's No. 1-ranked Azusa Pacific scored 3 second-half goals, including 2 in the final minute of play to beat Cal Baptist, 3-0, and capture the championship of the NAIA Region II playoffs. With the victory, Azusa Pacific clinches an automatic berth into next week's NAIA Championship Tournament.

All-American Chrissy Sanford scored the game's first goal in the64th minute when she headed a Kimber Carter corner kick into far post. For Sanford, it was her team-leading 21^st goal of the season. The Cougars didn't score again until Stephanie Lemburg and Marilyn Montgomery scored unassisted goals just 43 seconds apart in the final minute of play.

In a physical game in which there were 33 fouls and a pair of yellow cards issued, Azusa Pacific out-shot Cal Baptist 12-9 and tallied 4 corner kicks to the Lancers' 2.

The game was stopped for nearly 25 minutes because of an injury to Cal Baptist's Ashley Montgomery in the 70^th minute. Montgomery collided with Azusa Pacific keeper Melissa Strother while going for a loose ball in front of the net.

The 2 teams played through a scoreless first half, though the Cougars made a pair of significant threats when Lancer keeper Melissa Stoops came well out of the goal to cut down an angle. However, Azusa Pacific was unable to capitalize on the opportunities. The Cougars out-shot Cal Baptist, 6-4, in the opening 45 minutes.

Azusa Pacific has now won 15 straight since dropping the season-opener at Cal Poly Pomona on August 27 and improves to 15-1. Cal Baptist, which was making its first appearance ever in a regional final, has its season come to an end with a 13-5 record.

Azusa Pacific now advances to the NAIA Championship Tournament for the fourth consecutive season and will open play in the 16-team tournament either Nov. 15 or 16 in St. Charles, Mo. The tournament field and first-round pairings will be announced Sunday (Nov. 11) evening.

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Players Mentioned

#1 Melissa Strother: GK; 5' 10"; Sophomore

#7 Kimber Carter: F; 5' 9"; Senior

#8 Stephanie Lemburg: F; 5' 2"; Sophomore

#14 Marilyn Montgomery: M; 5' 2"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#1 Melissa Strother
: 5' 10"; Sophomore
: GK

#7 Kimber Carter
: 5' 9"; Senior
: F

#8 Stephanie Lemburg
: 5' 2"; Sophomore
: F

#14 Marilyn Montgomery
: 5' 2"; Freshman
: M