LOS ANGELES – If the opening 16 minutes was just like an afternoon nap needed for some evening excitement, the Cougars definitely got what they were looking for.
After a lackluster first half the Azusa Pacific offense woke-up and showed the firepower they possess. The fourth-seeded Cougars scored five fourth quarter goals to rally for a 9-7 victory against No. 23 Fresno State in quarterfinals of the Golden Coast Conference tournament at Loyola Marymount
With the win the Cougars advance to the semifinals where they will play top-seed, and seventh ranked, Pacific at 2:30 on Saturday afternoon.
"The girls played with more offensive intensity in the second half," said head coach Julie Snodgrass. "In the first two quarters we were playing timid offensively and we were more focused on defense. When we gave them the green light, and the demand really, to move-in and attack the cage with confidence it made the difference.
"They did a phenomenal job of controlling what they could control and not worrying about the external factors. They stay composed and stayed in the game. We stepped up and made Fresno State try and stop us."
Despite leading for less than two minutes, the Cougars (16-14) battled through and found one of their best offensive rhythms of the season to close the game. Even though Azusa Pacific didn't lead until late they always stayed within on goal of the lead. Fresno Pacific scored first but the Cougars always found the equalizing goal.
The critical stretch came during the final four minutes. Trailing 5-4, the Cougars went on the power play where Hannah Bradley scored eight seconds into the extra person attack to knot the score. Fresno State scored on their ensuing possession but, once again, Azusa Pacific rallied. Britt Harris scored with 2:53 left, and eight seconds into a power play, to tie the contest at 6-6.
With 1:54 remaining Bradley completed her hat trick and gave the Cougars their first lead. Another Fresno State exclusion gave Azusa Pacific a huge change to extend their lead. Sarah Adams scored with 1:16 left to give the Cougars a two-goal cushion (8-6). However, Fresno State scored just 14 seconds later to keep the outcome in doubt.
Adams sealed the game with 50 ticks of the clock remaining when her shot from the left side hit off the near side post and off the Bulldogs goalie before settling into the back of the cage. Fresno State's last offensive possession resulted in an Erica Marquez save and the Cougar ran out the clock.
The last eight minutes saw the Cougars score five times with Fresno State finding the back of the cage three times. During the first 24 minutes there were eight combined goals.
Bradley hat trick led the offensive charge for Azusa Pacific while Adams' pair of goals came off four shots. Harris and Annalise Batcheller each scored one and had a pair of assists.
Marquez had 10 saves and three steals in front of the cage.
On Saturday the Cougars will look to advance to the tournament finals for the first time in school history against one of the nation's best teams.
"I'm excited to see what this team can do tomorrow," Snodgrass said. "Pacific is a really tough opponent but I think our girls have really good talent and I'm excited to what that but more important their team work together. More than anything else that's what I'm looking forward to watching tomorrow."
