GLENDORA, Calif. -- No. 19 Azusa Pacific closed out its 2021 season with a 12-6 victory over Concordia on Saturday, ending the year with a 4-4 overall record (2-4 GCC). Seniors Britni Tisdale and Hannah Bradley, who were celebrated in a pregame ceremony, closed out their collegiate careers with great games on Saturday. Tisdale scored three goals and added a steal and an assist, while Bradley tallied four steals, two drawn exclusions, and an assist. Skylar Ford, Maritza Ochoa, and Milena Guzmán Ortiz each added two goals apiece. In goal, Olivia Lott notched six saves to earn the victory. 

How It Happened: It was a rather quite offensive start to the game, as goals by Guzmán Ortiz (5:57) and Tisdale (1:18) were the only scores of the opening quarter of play. Down 2-0, Concordia took advantage of some Cougar miscues to open the second quarter, scoring three unanswered goals to take a 3-2 lead with 5:16 left before halftime.

The Eagles' lead would last less than 10 seconds, as Lauren Hoyle found the back of the cage for the Cougars with 5:00 on the clock to tie it at 3-3. However, Concordia would respond, regaining a 4-3 advantage with a goal at the 4:38 mark. The Cougars were able to draw even before halftime, when Ford shot and scored with a little over two and a half minutes remaining to make it 4-4.

Not only did Ford's goal allow the Cougars to enter intermission tied, but it began an 8-0 run for Azusa Pacific, as the Eagles were held scoreless for the remainder of the second and throughout the entire third quarter. With the score at 11-4 in the fourth quarter, Concordia finally ended its drought with a goal at the 6:46 mark to make it 11-5. After the Eagles added their sixth and final goal of the day with 3:13 remaining, it was Tisdale who put an exclamation mark on the game for the Cougars. With 28 seconds remaining, Tisdale scored the final goal of her career and made it 12-6.

By the Numbers: The Cougars took 31 total shots for a percentage of .387, while Concordia ended with 25 shots and a .240 percentage. On powerplays, Azusa Pacific converted four of 11 opportunities and the Eagles came up empty on all nine of their chances. Gabrielle Martinez was a perfect 3-for-3 in sprints.

Coach Julie Snodgrass' thoughts on seniors Britni Tisdale and Hannah Bradley: "Those two have brought so much energy, care, compassion and resilience to this program since their arrival. They have done such a great job in setting an example for the rest of our team, and their legacy will continue to impact and influence our program moving forward."

Coach Snodgrass' thoughts on the future for the Cougars: "This season was all about building culture and skills. Having such a small roster allowed for the entire team to gain meaningful experience, and everyone contributed with extended minutes. I think that this season has put us in a great position for success moving forward."

The Cougars also celebrated Louise "Lulu" Telles on Senior Day. Telles has served the last four years as the team manager for the Cougars. Over her time with the program, she handled game film, statistics, and many other responsibilities. She built a reputation for her willingness to support and assist the coaching staff and student-athletes in whatever way possible, and she is greatly appreciated and respected by all whom she has interacted during her time in the program. 

Azusa Pacific ends the season ranked No. 19 in the Collegiate Water Polo Association Top-25 poll and No. 5 in the Golden Coast Conference. The Cougars nearly qualified for the four-team GCC Tournament, but they lost in a three-team tiebreaker that included LMU and California Baptist.