SANTA CLARA, Calif. – #24 Azusa Pacific won its second straight Golden Coast Conference game, as the Cougars knocked off host Santa Clara by a 9-5 final. Santa Clara would score first in the game on a powerplay with 5:21 left in the first period, however, it would turn out to be the only time in which Azusa Pacific trailed.
 
Following the early powerplay goal for Santa Clara, the Cougars scored five unanswered goals to take a 5-2 lead late in the second period. The Broncos would add a second goal in the first half with 1:14 left in the second period, which gave the Cougars a 5-2 lead at halftime. Santa Clara scored two unanswered goals to begin the second half, as Azusa Pacific's lead shrunk down to 5-4 with 4:55 left in the third period. Azusa Pacific would halt the Broncos' momentum, as the Cougars scored four unanswered goals through the rest of the third period and late into the fourth period, which extended Azusa Pacific's lead to 9-4. Santa Clara would score once more with 1:29 remaining in the fourth period.
 
In the game, seven different Cougars scored a goal, led by two goals each from freshman Milena Guzmán Ortiz and sophomore Hannah Bradley. Junior Mireia Tutusaus Alcaraz had two assists in the game, which gives her a team-high 28 assists on the season. Defensively, Bradley and senior Carinna Prince each had four steals. Sophomore goalkeeper Olivia Lott played all 32 minutes in goal for the Cougars, as she finished the game with 13 saves, while also notching a steal. Lott is currently third in the GCC with 165 saves on the season.
 
Up Next: Azusa Pacific improved to 16-13 overall, and 3-3 in GCC play with the win. The Cougars will close out the regular season against GCC opponent California Baptist on Thursday, April 18 at 4:00 p.m. at the Citrus College Aquatic Center. Prior to the game, six Cougar seniors will be honored as part of Senior Day, signifying the final time that they will compete in their home pool as Cougars. Festivities for Senior Day will begin about 20 minutes prior to game time.