Cougars Hunt Down Coyotes For First Win

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – The NAIA's No. 2-ranked Azusa Pacific bounced back from a disappointing season-opening loss at Cal Poly Pomona with an impressive 3-0 victory over Cal State San Bernardino, handing the Coyotes their first loss of the season.

The Cougars broke open the game with 3 goals within a 7-minute span, sparked by All-American Chrissy Sanford's back-to-back tallies in the 63^rd and 69^th minutes. Her first goal was a one-touch off a Rachel Evans pass. She then hammered home a Kimber Carter cross to put the Cougars up 2-0.

A minute later, freshman Stephanie Bays scored her first collegiate goal, avoiding a charging Coyote keeper to tap in the unassisted score.

Sophomore keeper Melissa Strother picked up her eight career shutout, thanking in part to swatting away a pair of potential Coyote goals, smothering a low line drive, and knocking away a header aimed for the high corner.

The Cougars themselves had a pair of additional scoring opportunities, however, Carter's first-half header hit the cross bar and an Erin Arbizu second-half goal was negated by an offsides.

With the victory, the Cougars improve to 1-1 on the season. CS San Bernardino, coached by former Azusa Pacific mentor Christian Johnson, falls to 2-1.

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Players Mentioned

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

#4 Erin Arbizu: F; 5' 7"; Freshman

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

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

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

Players Mentioned

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

#4 Erin Arbizu
: 5' 7"; Freshman
: F

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

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

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