BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – It was a rough trip to the central valley for the Cougars on Wednesday afternoon.

Traveling up the I-5 for a pair of games hosted by Cal State Bakersfield, the Cougars couldn't get on the right of the scoreboard in either contest.

Game One – Wagner 9, Azusa Pacific 7  Scoresheet

Despite taking a lead into the final 16 minutes of action, the Cougars couldn't fight off a pesky Wagner squad that put 22 shots on frame.

Each team scored twice in the opening period before Azusa Pacific nudged in front by outscoring the Seahawks 3-2 in the second frame. Wagner came back in the third stanza by scoring two of the three goals as the team's went into the final quarter tied 6-6.

Wagner continued their strong second half push by outscoring the Cougars 3-1 in the last eight minutes to secure the win.

Five different Cougars found the back of the cage led by Courtney Folsom's and Taylor Whitney's two goals. Alba Espinar, Maryann Slama and Ashley Taylor also scored. 

Katie Margot made 13 saves in front of the cage for the Cougars.

Game Two – Cal State Bakersfield 14, Azusa Pacific 8  Scoresheet

Just as their nickname would suggest the Roadrunners took the lead from the get-go and never looked back. 

Cal State Bakersfield won the opening period 3-1. Their offense was more effective in the second eight minutes as the Roadrunners scored on half of their 10 possessions while holding the Cougars to just two goals on nine possessions. After the first 16 minutes, the home team held an 8-3 edge.

Azusa Pacific limited the Roadrunners to three goals in the third quarter but could only find the back of the cage twice as their deficit grew to 11-5 after the frame. Each team scored three times in the final quarter.

Ashley Taylor and Alba Espinar each scored twice for the Cougars. Defensively, Katie Margot blocked 10 shots in goal.

Azusa Pacific will play the first of four home games next Saturday, March 21 when they host Golden Coast Conference foe Pacific.