GLENDORA, Calif. – The Azusa Pacific water polo team never trailed in its season opener, pulling out a 12-8 victory over 14^th-ranked Loyola Marymount Saturday morning at Glendora High School.

How it Happened:  Milena Guzmán Ortiz opened the scoring beating the entire defense on a fast break about 90 seconds into the match.  The 22^nd-ranked Cougars jumped out early on the Lions as a team, scoring the first three goals of the game and building a 5-2 lead at the end of the first quarter.  Loyola Marymount had several chances to narrow the gap throughout the second quarter, but in what would become the defining theme of the day, the Lions would draw multiple exclusion penalties but were unable to convert them into scoring, and the Cougars would hold onto a two-goal advantage at halftime.

Turning Point:  Azusa Pacific struck for two goals on their first three possessions of the third quarter, stretching their lead to 8-4.  The Lions would respond with three in a row to cut the advantage to a single goal midway through the period.  But the Cougar defense would clamp down the rest of the way, allowing just a single goal over the final 12 minutes of play, while the Cougars would regain the two-goal lead by the end of the period and would win the final quarter 3-1 to pull away for the win. 

By the Numbers:  Goalkeeper Olivia Lott had 10 saves on the day, while her teammates came up with eight steals and limited the Lions to just one goal on nine power play opportunities.  Guzman Ortiz led the way offensively with four goals and two assists for the game, while Lauren Hoyle and Britni Tisdale each found the back of the cage three times.  This was the first Cougar victory over Loyola Marymount in 10 all-time meetings, and the first time the Cougars had reached double digits in scoring against the Lions.

Coach Julie Snodgrass' Thoughts: "Today marked exactly one year since our last game, and it could not have felt better to be back playing today. While we have a very small roster this year (12 players), it is a group of ladies who are having fun and are willing to adjust in whatever ways are needed under the unique circumstances. I am really proud of this team and the way they have approached this season, and this was a great way to start things off."

Up Next:  The Cougars will face their second consecutive top-15 opponent next Saturday when they head north to face 12^th-ranked Fresno State.  Game time in Fresno is 12:00 noon.