#25 Azusa Pacific kicked of the Tina Finali Invitational at Cal Lutheran with a 10-5 win over Fresno Pacific. Though the Cougars fell behind 2-1 early in the first period, Azusa Pacific would erupt for seven goals in the first eight minutes of play to seize the momentum of the entire match.
 
All of the Cougars' goals came in the first half, as Azusa Pacific added three more goals in the second period, while also holding Fresno Pacific scoreless during the period. Following the first 16 minutes of play, Azusa Pacific possessed a 10-3 lead.
 
Though Azusa Pacific did not score in the second-half, a staunch defensive effort prevented any hope for the Sunbirds to get back into the game. The Cougars surrendered just two goals, both in the third period, over the course of the final 16 minutes of the match.
 
Overall, Azusa Pacific took 29 shots, while Fresno Pacific finished with 24 shots. The two sides were fairly even in exclusions, with the Sunbirds drawing 11 (went 2-for-11 in powerplay opportunities), while the Cougars drew nine (3-for-9 in powerplay opportunities).
 
Senior Arianne Yeo scored a team-high three goals for the Cougars, as she was a perfect 3-for-3 in her shot attempts. Sophomore Hannah Bradley, senior Annalise Batcheller, and senior Marissa Joerke each finished with two goals. Freshman Milena Guzmán Ortiz added a goal for the Cougars as well. Batcheller had two assists, as did junior Sarah Adams and sophomore Gabrielle Martinez. Sophomore Olivia Lott had a solid performance in goal for Azusa Pacific, as she finished with 10 saves and two steals, while allowing just five goals in the match.
 
Up Next: #25 Azusa Pacific has two more matches in the Tina Finali Invitational tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 23. The Cougars open with host Cal Lutheran at 8:00 a.m., and then play Sonoma State at 1:15 p.m. Azusa Pacific is 6-8 overall.