GLENDORA, Calif. – The evening was a celebration on the front and back end of the game.
On senior day the Cougars used a strong second half to post a 10-9 victory over Concordia.
Prior to the game the program honor three individuals who were playing their final home game in an Azusa Pacific suit. Lora Donaldson, Courtney Folsom and Taylor Whitney have all contributed to the growth of a program that is nearing the completion of its seventh year.
Whitney will graduate as the programs all-time leading scorer. After Wednesday's game she now has 197 career goals. Folsom is among the leaders in most multi-goal games with 27 while Donaldson,who served as team captain this season, found the back of the cage 40 times in her career.
Scoresheet (PDF)
"I started at Azusa Pacific with them so this my first full four-year class. I can't say enough about these girls. They have played huge part in building a culture of excellence. They have helped build the future and present of Azusa Pacific water polo," fourth year head coach Julie Snodgrass said. "It brings me joy to see them experiencing the fruits of the labor."
Whitney help lead the offensive charge in the victory by scoring three goals; all of them coming in the first quarter. It is the 15th time this season the Murrietta, Calif. native has scored at least two goals in a game. Megan Myers also scored three times to aid in the winning cause.
Katie Margot made several big saves by brushing aside 13 shots, including several big stops in a strong second half effort.
Azusa Pacific started strong as they head a 4-3 lead after the opening quarter. In additions to Whitney's hat trick, Maryann Slama also ticked the twine.
Concordia looked to spoil the festive occasion early in the second period as Megan Dix scored on a five-meter penalty shot then on the extra-person attack to give the Eagles a 5-4 edge. It was the last time they led in the contest. Azusa Pacific rallied with two goals from Myers but another Dix goal, this one with 46 ticks left in the frame, tied the score at the halfway point.
Myers completed her hat trick with a goal 22 seconds into the third quarter then a Alba Espinar net finder made the score 8-6 Cougars with 2:30 left. The Cougars continued to hold the Eagles at bay through the early minutes of the fourth quarter while building on their lead. Folsom and Britt Harris scored as the Cougars built a four-goal lead.
Azusa Pacific defense was the story through a majority of the second half as they held the Eagles without a goal during a 14-plus minute stretch. In the second half Margot made nine saves.
Concordia tried to rally but they never gained possession to tie the score after their final goal with 12 seconds left.
The Cougars close out the regular season with a Saturday contest at Santa Clara.
