OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Freshman Monica Somers had a game-high 17 points to lead Azusa Pacific to a 56-43 season-opening win over Westminster (Utah), in the King Oscar Classic at Evergreen St. (Wash.) in Olympia, Wash.

The win is the Cougars' first under new head coach Danelle Liles, and it is their first season-opening win since the 2001 campaign under former head coach Danielle Jorgenson. Also the 43 points allowed is the fewest Azusa Pacific has allowed in a season-opener since 1974.

The Cougars came storming out of the gate, shooting a steady .526 from the floor in the first 20 minutes to jump out to a 33-18 halftime lead. And as efficient as they were offensively, the Cougars used a smothering defense on the Griffins, allowing just 7 first half field goals by Westminster, which shot just .250 from the floor in the first half.

Azusa Pacific forced the Griffins into 29 turnovers and held them to just .294 shooting from the floor, including just 1-for-16 from beyond the arc.

Sophomore All-GSAC Lindsey West added 13 points, 4 rebounds and 5 steals. Kelsey Hudson grabbed a team-high 7 rebounds, and freshman Alyssa Ferdaszewski, playing in her hometown, turned in a fine all-around game with 3 points, 6 rebounds and 5 steals in 30 minutes.

The Cougars, now 1-0 on the season, advance to tomorrow's King Oscar Classic championship game where they will face Notre Dame de Namur, who defeated tournament host Evergreen St. in the other first round game.