SAN DIEGO, Calif. – For the second straight day, the NAIA’s No. 5-ranked Azusa Pacific shut out its opponent at the Point Loma Nazarene Tournament, picking up a 4-0 victory over Hastings (Neb.).
The Cougars' stringent defense wore down Hastings up and down the field, converting Broncos miscues into numerous shot opportunities. In all, 9 different Cougars put shots on goal, and 4 different players scored as Azusa Pacific enjoyed a 38-2 shots advantage.
"We were great defensively today," said Cougar head coach Jason Surrell. "Yesterday our patterns and possessions up front were average, but today we really started to jell together and create a lot of quality opportunities."
Sophomore Bridget Brotherton led the way, scoring the first goal of the game in the 18th minute, with the assist credited to senior midfielder Jolie Nitta. Brotherton seemingly fired at will, launching 10 shots, including 3 on goal, and she also assisted the Cougars’ 2nd goal, a 64th-minute header from junior midfielder Randie Massro.
Nitta added an insurance goal less than 3 minutes later, after sophomore Karen Lawrence’s corner kick into the penalty area was collected by Massro and played to Nitta for a point-blank opportunity. Sophomore Sara Odenthal wrapped up the scoring in the 88th minute with an assist from senior Taryn Apo.
The Cougars won their first 2 games by virtue of shutout for the second time in Surrell’s 7-year coaching tenure.
"This would have to be considered an elite defense for us," said Surrell, whose teams have set the program standards for fewest goals allowed and allowing just 9 goals in each of the past 2 seasons. "(Senior goalkeeper) Jill Colfer anchors the goal, (senior) Julie Fletcher is a veteran, and the team as a whole really understands our defense. We did a good job all weekend putting pressure up front and picking off passes in the midfield."
With the win, Azusa Pacific improves to 2-0 on the season. The Cougars enjoy nearly 2 weeks off before returning to game action with the home opener, a non-conference tilt against San Diego Christian Sept. 15 followed by a Sept. 16 matchup with Carroll (Mont.). Surrell, a 4-time GSAC Coach of the Year, pursues his 100th career victory, as this weekend’s results elevated his career coaching record to 99-15-12.
