Azusa Pacific went 0-2 on the first day of the Arizona State Cross Conference Challenge in Tempe, Ariz. The Cougars fell in the first match of the day to #10 UC Santa Barbara 12-7, followed by a near-comeback against #12 Princeton, eventually losing 9-8.
 
#10 UC Santa Barbara 12, #25 Azusa Pacific 7
 
Azusa Pacific was able to jump out to an early 2-0 lead in the first period. However, the second period belonged to UC Santa Barbara, as the Dons would score six goals while holding the Cougars to a lone goal in the period. Holding a 6-3 lead at halftime, UC Santa Barbara would remain in control of the game, scoring six more goals over the final 16 minutes of the match.
 
A trio of Cougars scored two goals, with junior Sarah Adams, freshman Milena Guzman, and senior Mar Pastor Alvarez each finding the back of the net on two occasions. Mireia Tutusaus Alcaraz added a goal as well for the Cougars. Sophomore Olivia Lott played all 32 minutes in goal for Azusa Pacific, recording eight saves.
 
Azusa Pacific was able to draw nine exclusions in the match, however, the Cougars scored just once in those opportunities. Pastor Alvarez and senior Arianne Yeo were each able to draw two exclusions. For UC Santa Barbara, the Dons drew five exclusions, scoring once.
 
#12 Princeton 9, #25 Azusa Pacific 8
 
Though Azusa Pacific fell behind early, the Cougars fought back and were in striking distance throughout the contest. Halfway through the second period, Princeton held a 6-1 lead and looked to have all momentum on its side. Azusa Pacific responded, scoring three unanswered goals to shrink the lead down to 6-4, with 7:30 left in the third period. Momentum would not stay with the Cougars for long, as Princeton scored three goals before the end of the period, while surrendering just one goal. Heading into the final period, Princeton held a 9-5 lead.
 
In the fourth and final period, the Cougars threatened a comeback, led by Tutusaus Alcaraz and Guzman. With 6:19 left in the match, Tutusaus Alcaraz scored her second goal of the game. About two minutes later, Guzman scored on a powerplay, cutting the deficit down to 9-7. With a little under two minutes remaining, Tutusaus Alcaraz scored for the third time in the match, and trimmed the Princeton lead to just one, at 9-8. With a minute remaining, Azusa Pacific nearly tied the score, as a shot by senior Arianne Yeo hit off the post.
 
Tutusaus Alcaraz led Azusa Pacific with three goals, while Adams, Guzman, Pastor Alvarez and senior Carinna Prince each scored a goal. Defensively, the Cougars had nine steals, led by Yeo and Tutusaus Alcaraz who each had two steals in the game. Lott had 10 saves in goal for the Cougars, while junior Kristine Khachikian also recorded some time in goal, finishing with two steals.
 
Azusa Pacific was able to draw 13 exclusions/penalties, going 5-for-11 in powerplays, and 1-for-2 in five-meter penalties. Princeton drew eight exclusions, going 3-for-8.
 
Up Next: The Cougars, who have played all but one match against Division I opponents ranked within the top-18 nationally, are 2-6 overall. Azusa Pacific will be right back in action tomorrow for day two of the Arizona State Cross Conference Challenge. The Cougars will play Cal State Monterey Bay at 10:15 a.m. (MST), followed by a meeting with #5 Arizona State at 3:15 p.m. (MST).