Box Score AZUSA, Calif. – The defense continued its mastery over the opponent's offense and Mayra Almazan continued her offensive magic in Azusa Pacific's 2-0 win over Dixie State.

It is the fifth straight victory for the Cougars as they move above the .500 mark. Dixie State came into the contest ranked ninth in the most recent NCAA west region poll.

"This is best team we have played in the last few games. I thought our defense was fantastic and we played sharp. Our girls worked hard tonight and I'm proud of how we fought," said head coach Jason Surrell. "The offense is settling into a good rhythm and we have found some continuity."

The Cougars (7-6-1, 5-2-1 PacWest) got on the board in the ninth minute when Almazan scored her team leading sixth goal of the season. The junior received a beautiful right side cross from Amanda Hardy then deposited it in the right side of the net. 

Dixie State (7-6-1, 5-3) had the best opportunity early in the second half when Aubri Detmer hit a shot from 25 yards out that was saved by a diving Zoey Bauman. There was a rebound opportunity but the Cougars defense did enough to not allow a follow-up attempt. In 60th minute Darian McCloy had a good shot for the equalizer but Bauman was up to the challenge.

Moments after McCloy's opportunity, Almazan had a left footed free kick go on frame that forced a diving save from newly checked-in Red Storm goalkeeper Danika Nusink. It was the first shot she faced in the contest. 

Another opportunity by Dixie State was thwarted by Bauman as Kaira Rogers' attempt on frame from 15 yards out was saved in the 74th minute. A moment later the Cougars nearly took a 2-0 lead when Darby Emmons blast from 20 yards hit the cross bar and the rebound attempt by Haley Fisher was saved by Nusink. 

The game's next goal came when Almazan screamed a shot into the upper portion of the net from 25 yards out in the 83rd minute to seal the victory.

Bauman made four saves to increase hers and the team's shutout streak to 581:46. The Cougars haven't allowed a goal in 19 days. A span of six games. 

Azusa Pacific has a significant road test on tap as they travel to nearby rival California Baptist on Saturday for a 2:30 p.m. kick-off. The Lancers enter the game with a 6-0-2 mark in PacWest play and a regionally ranking of eight.