LOS ANGELES – Nearing the end of non-conference games, Azusa Pacific traveled to the Loyola Marymont Invitational for a pair of games on Friday.
2016 ZUMO LMU Invitational Homepage
#15 Princeton 9, Azusa Pacific 8
The Cougars nearly pulled off their first top 20 upset but a goal in the final second from Princeton thrwarted Azusa Pacific's attempt.
Scoresheet (PDF)
A mostly back-and-fourth game in the early minutes, the Tigers started to put some seperation on the scoreboard as they went in front 5-2 with 2:02 left in the second quarter. An Alba Espinar goal just over a minute later as the Cougars pulled within 5-3. Unfortunately for Azusa Pacific, the Tigers scored last goal of the second quarter and first goal of the third period to increase their advantage to 7-3.
Goals by Rylie Haynes and Maryann Slama closed the third period and the Cougars comeback was in full swing. The momentum continued when Espinar scored her second goal of the game to close their deficit to 7-6. Despite Princeton taking an 8-6 lead with 3:08 left, Amanda Hicks found the back of the cage 40 seconds later then Espinar completed her hat trick with a net finder with 19 ticks remaining.
Princeton got the game winner from Haley Wan on the game's last play.
#19 Harvard 10, Azusa Pacific 8
The Crimson got the lead early and held onto it throughout in posting the win.
Harvard scored the game's first two goals and while the Cougars battled back to within one goal at 2-1 and again at 3-2, Azusa Pacific couldn't pull any closer than that deficit.
Scoresheet (PDF)
With 10 seconds left in the second quarter, Harvard took their biggest lead (8-3) on a Michelle Martinelli goal. To start the third quarter, the Cougars got goals from Britt Harris and Ashley Taylor but Harvard continued to keep them at arms length.
Down 10-6 to start the final period, Annalise Batcheller scored with 3:30 left then Harris' four-goal of the game brought the Cougars within 10-8 just over a minute later. However, Azusa Pacific couldn't pull any closer despite keeping Harvard off the scoreboard.
