HILO, Hawai'i — Azusa Pacific women's soccer defeated Hawai'i Hilo to open up PacWest play Wednesday afternoon on the game's lone goal scored by senior forward Randi Macadangdang. The 1-0 victory was the second time in three seasons the Cougars have opened conference action with a win under head coach Brooke Lincoln and her assistant Joel Robinson. 

Macadangdang leads all Cougars with four goals so far on the season while Bethany Tee added another assist in the match to up her tally to a team-best four on the season.

"I'm very proud of the mentality our players came out with today," Lincoln said, "We had a 14 hour travel day yesterday and to turn around and play at noon today was asking a lot of our players."

The Cougars beat the Vulcans for the first time since 2016, as the Cougars were 0-2-1 against them in their last three meetings. Macadangdang's goal just over three minutes into the second half proved to be the difference.

"We knew today wouldn't be the prettiest game based on numerous things," Lincoln said, "but (we) knew we had to find a way to get it done."

After controlling majority of the possession in the first 45 minutes, the Cougars couldn't quite get to the final third and create quality chances as the Vulcans defense did well to stop many opportunities. However, the Cougars adjustments at the half provided a huge goal in order to attain their sixth victory in the first eight games.

"This is the 3rd time this season we have given the girls an idea at half and they came out and put the ball in the back of the net in the first five minutes," Lincoln said, "This is a great way to start conference play!"

The goal came from a great build up for the Cougars. Defender Kayla Grisham slotted a great pass to Macadangdang who's one-touch through ball to Tee put her through down the left side. Tee dribbled once before sending it back to Macadangdang right around the penalty spot where she slotted a perfect shot into the bottom corner to give Azusa Pacific the lead.

The Cougars outshot their opponent 9-6 throughout the game with one more shot on target than Hawaii Hilo (4-3). Azusa Pacific maintained 53% of the possession and kept their fourth clean sheet of the season. The defense was led by center backs Gianna Ocello and Mackenzie Coleman who both played a full 90 minutes. Coleman leads the Cougars in minutes played while Ocello has now started in five straight games.

Up Next: The Cougars will continue their stay in Hawaii as they next take on PacWest foe, Hawaii Pacific this Saturday, October 2nd. Kick off is set for 12:30 p.m. (Hawai'i Standard Time) or 3:30 p.m. (Pacific Time). Follow along with live stats here, or watch the game by clicking this link.