GLENDORA, Calif. – Everything was fine, expect for the start. 

A strong first period was a major part of the down fall for the Cougars as they fell 11-7 to Pacific on Saturday afternoon. It was the first Golden Coast Conference game of the season for Azusa Pacific. 

Scoresheet

After playing their first 17 games away from Azusa, the Cougars (7-11, 0-1) had their first home game of the season. It didn't go as planned as Pacific jumped out to a 7-2 lead after the first eight minutes.

Azusa Pacific couldn't overcome their slow start despite outscoring the Tigers 5-4 in the remaining 24 minutes.

Pacific, who came into the contest 18th in the nation, kept their five-goal lead after the first half as the teams split the two goals scored in the second frame. 

The Cougars were able to cut their deficit down to four on two occasions in the third period but couldn't pull any closer as Pacific held a 9-5 lead with eight minutes remaining.

Despite trimming the Tigers (10-9, 2-0) lead to 10-6 with 5:45 remaining with a goal from Ashley Taylor, Pacific responded with another goal. A Megan Myers goal with 16 ticks left on the clock completed the scoring.

Five different players scored for the Cougars led by Taylor's and Alba Espinar's two-goal efforts. In addition to Myers, Courtney Folsom and Morgan Hage found the back of the cage once.
Brydie Pye and Anna Kertes each posted hat tricks for the Tigers. 

Katie Margot made nine saves in front of the cage for Azusa Pacific. 

Azusa Pacific continues league play with a Thursday contest at Loyola Marymount.