AZUSA, Calif. - A Cornerstone Cup rivalry match concluded the Azusa Pacific Cougars' 2023 season Saturday night, and after 90 minutes of play, Biola and the Cougars ended in a 2-2 draw. The Cougars ended the season unbeaten in their last nine games, finishing with a record of 8-4-6 (5-1-4 PacWest).

How It Happened: The Cougars' incredible form in the second half of the season, paired with an emotional season finale game created a very competitive match. The first half saw the Cougars dominate possession and lead with a number of shots and shots on target. The first 45 minutes ended 0-0. 

As the second half began, it was the Eagles of Biola that looked sharper coming out of the break. The hot start lasted all but just over 10 minutes as Jaci Maze held up play beautifully and picked out the run of the winger Avery Guiel. Guiel took a perfect touch onto her left foot and dribbled into position, followed by a fierce strike with her left foot that soared past the Eagles GK in the 56th minute to make it 1-0.

The Eagles responded just five minutes later as Peyton Nelson of Biola found the equalizer. The attacking run behind the Cougars back line led to a one-on-one and Nelson slotted it in between the sticks in the 62nd minute.

The drama continued and with only 20 minutes left in the match, Azusa Pacific started to lead another attacking charge. The Cougars were awarded a corner kick and Bethany Tee set up to take it. Her cross went to the near post and the set piece play crowded Biola's keeper, with Damaris Lopez getting the last touch on the ball to ensure it into the net for a 2-1 lead.

The Cougars continued to look for more and were able to get up four more shots on target. With a total of 18 shots to finish the match, Azusa Pacific couldn't find the winner. 

It was in the 82' when the game flipped on its head again. The referee awarded a penalty against the Cougars for Kylie Carwitz's tackle on the Eagles attacker. 

Nelson converted from the spot and tied the game again in the 83rd minute.

By The Numbers: Azusa Pacific finished the season with 43 goals, the most in the PacWest. Avery Guiel's five goals all came in the team's Pacwest games. She finished the season with 5 goals and 6 assists. Bethany Tee finishes the season with 8 goals and 7 assists, leading the team in both categories. 

Senior Send-Off: Prior to the match, seven players were honored, including six that were taking to the pitch at the Cougar Soccer Complex for the final time. Makenzie Jerome, Bethany Tee, Katie O'Brien, Michaela Boyd, Katie Prado and Kylie Carwitz were recognized in a pregame ceremony, and they were also joined by Jaci Maze, who arrived at Azusa Pacific in the same recruiting class, but will be back next fall with the Cougars with one year of eligibility remaining due to injury. Listen to head coach Brooke Lincoln's thoughts on the season finale, as well as her thoughts on the Cougars' group of departing seniors in the postgame interview below: