DAVIS, Calif. – The Cougars finished their trip to northern California with a pair of games against nationally ranked foes.
No. 19 Hartwick 15, Azusa Pacific 9
Azusa Pacific held an early lead but couldn't hold it as Hartwick used a late burst in the second quarter to aid in the victory.
Each team scored twice in the opening eight minutes as the Cougars never trailed the entire period. Maryann Slama found the back of the cage to start the second quarter with an extra-person attack goal. However, the visitors from the east coast began to creep ahead. During the final 4:28 of the period, Hartwick scored four of the final five goals as they took a 6-4 lead at intermission.
After the Hawks took a 7-4 lead to open the third stanza, Slama scored again to bring the Cougars within a two-goal deficit. Hartwick, once again, took a three-goal lead before Alba Espinar got Azusa Pacific back within two goals. Unfortunately that would be as close as the Cougars got the rest of the game.
Hartwick pulled away with the final two goals of the third quarter then scored three of the first four goals in the final period to make the final few minutes routine.
Slama's two goals led the way for the Cougars offense. In front of the cage Katie Margot made seven saves.
No. 6 UC Davis 14, Azusa Pacific 9
A formidable comeback fell short as the Cougars battled well against the top 10 team
Azusa Pacific found themselves in a 3-0 hole just before the end of the first quarter before rallying. The Cougars fought back and when Ashley Taylor found the back of the net with 1:25 left until halftime, they were down just 5-4. However, the Aggies scored two unanswered goals to close out the period as they took a 7-4 lead at intermission.
Despite going down 8-4, Azusa Pacific scored three of the next four goals capped off by a Taylor net finder with 4:14 remaining in the third stanza. Each team scored once in the remaining minute as the home team took a 10-8 lead into the final quarter.
In that period, UC Davis asserted themselves. The Aggies defense held the Azusa Pacific offense to one goal while getting four of their own. Three of their goals came on the extra person attack.
Taylor, Arianne Yeo and Megan Myers each scored twice to pace the Cougars offense.
