Second Half Burst Leads Cougars

AZUSA, Calif. – The NAIA's No. 1-ranked Azusa Pacific broke out of a scoreless first half with 3 goals in the final 36 minutes to knock off Notre Dame de Namur, 3-1, in the semifinals of the NAIA Region II playoffs.

The Cougars, who hadn't played since Oct. 27 (vs. Christian Heritage), controlled the game from the opening whistle but had nothing to show for their effort after a scoreless first half, despite out-shooting the Argonauts, 10-2, and collecting 7 first-half corner kicks.

"We created a lot of chances in the first half," said Cougar coach Jason Surrell. "I can't complain with how we played, we just couldn't finish."

Freshman Stephanie Bays got the Cougars on the board first with her ninth goal of the season, coming off a give-and-go from Rachel Evans in the 55^th minute. However, 3 minutes later, Notre Dame's Amber Davidson was on the receiving end of a break away pass from Joilene Hazard down the middle of the field and beat Cougar keeper Melissa Strother to become the first player in over a month (9-game stretch) to score on Azusa Pacific, tying the game at 1-1.

All-American Andrea Alfiler put the Cougars up for good in the 65^th minute with her fifth goal, a stunning attempt in which she launched an arching 40-yard shot that came in just under the cross bar but over the hands of a jumping Argonaut keeper Holly Boucher.

"The balls were really lively today," said Alfiler. "You tap it and it would take off. I think we can play a lot better. The 2-week layoff is bad for any team and we came out rusty. We able to start knocking it around and finish it a couple of times."

All-American Chrissy Sanford capped the scoring with 10 minutes to go with a 60-yard one-on-one carry, beating Boucher to the near post from 10 yards out.

"I tried not to stress the urgency for a goal," said Surrell. "I wanted them to stay relax and calm and play their game."

With the victory Azusa Pacific pushes its winning streak to 14 straight and advances to Saturday's championship game where the Cougars will meet Cal Baptist at 2 p.m. on Saturday (Nov. 10) in Azusa.

Notre Dame's season comes to an end with a 14-5-2 record.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

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

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

#9 Andrea Alfiler: M; 5' 7"; Senior

#12 Stephanie Bays: F/D; 5' 6"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

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

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

#9 Andrea Alfiler
: 5' 7"; Senior
: M

#12 Stephanie Bays
: 5' 6"; Freshman
: F/D