AZUSA, Calif. – Challenge accepted.

After being asked to give more in the second half, the Cougars responded en route to a 2-0 win over Dixie State in the PacWest conference opener for both teams.

The victory also marks the fourth shutout of the season and the second for goal keeper Sarah Klinkenberg. The Cougars are now 3-2-1 overall.

In less than 48 hours the Cougars take the field again when they travel to Concordia looking for a measure of revenge. The Eagles were one of just two league teams to knock off Azusa Pacific last season.

Post Game Interview with head coach Jason Surrell

During a mostly stagnant first half, each team had three total shots as both squad's had one of them on frame.

After that lackluster first half, the Cougars came out of the halftime break with a new renewed vigor. In the 49th minute Victoria Kovatch found the back of the cage. The senior scored her second goal of the season when Allyn Brown fed a nice ball from the left side and Kovatch headed home on the right post.

Less than 60 seconds later the Cougars doubled their lead. Kelsey Bushman deposited the ball in the back of the cage when she controlled a loose ball in the box. It was the freshman's second net finder of the season.

With the win the Cougars move to 4-1 all-time in PacWest openers. In those game's Azusa Pacific has outscored their opponent 14-2.