AZUSA, Calif. - Four different Cougars found the back of the net in Azusa Pacific's 4-2 victory over Cal State East Bay on Saturday morning at the Cougar Soccer Complex. Hailey Hilton, Natalie Kamper, Faith Crouse, and Jaci Maze all had a goal in the contest. Hannah McLain had two assists while Sierra Nickelberry and Gianna Ocello picked up one each.

"This team has so many weapons- so much scrap and bite," head coach Brooke Lincoln commented. "They have the mentality to know how to get it done. I'm extremely proud of how we responded to so much adversity today and this week. This team has 22 starters and that's been the difference this week. We have a quick turnaround as we start to focus on a top 20 match-up."

How it Happened: The Pioneers got a quick two shots on goal in the opening five minutes of the game, but would not see another opportunity for the remainder of the half. Azusa Pacific controlled most of the first half, registering eight shots and 56% of possession, but the game would remain scoreless until the 40th minute. The Cougars drew a foul ten yards outside the penalty box towards the sideline. Sierra Nickelberry sent in an inswinging ball to an awaiting Hailey Hilton who headed it in to give Azusa Pacific a 1-0 lead. Just five minutes later the Cougars doubled their lead in a similar fashion, as Hannah McLain sent in a corner kick that found Natalie Kamper, who headed it past the goalkeeper for her first collegiate goal.

Cal State East Bay came out strong in the second half, firing three shots before finding a goal in the 54th minute. Azusa Pacific responded quickly when McLain found the feet of Faith Crouse, who took a touch past her defender and fired a shot by the keeper tucked into the near post. The Pioneers would have an answer just two minutes later, finding the back of the net off a free kick. The game would remain stagnant for the next 20 minutes, with neither side creating any threatening chances. The Cougars sealed the deal in the last ten minutes of the match when Gianna Ocello played a long ball over the top of East Bay's back line to Jaci Maze, who slotted the ball into the far post. 

By the Numbers: The Cougars remain unbeaten (3-0-1) heading into their last pre-conference match. They outshot the Pioneers 13-8 and had 58% of possession through the match. Seven different players earned points throughout the match, with four different goal scorers and three Cougars with assists. 

Up Next: Azusa Pacific will face #20 Western Washington on Tuesday, September 17th at the Cougar Soccer Complex for its last match before conference play.