LONG BEACH, Calif. – After a tough loss to top-ranked Long Beach State earlier in the day, the Cougars showed offensive resilience in their matchup against the Matadors, scoring 11 goals on 35 shots. Yet, despite a strong second-half push, Azusa Pacific couldn't overcome a significant first-half deficit, and CSUN closed out the game with a 16-11 victory.

Newcomers Jessie Nelson and Audrey Dexter each scored three goals to lead the team's offense. Nelson's performance on the day puts her at the top of the team's scoring list with four goals early in the season.

How it Happened: The match began with a daunting task as Azusa Pacific was outscored 6-1 in the opening period. Kaelene De Bie provided the lone score of the quarter for APU, netting her first goal of the season with 3:08 remaining.

In the second period, CSUN came out fast, scoring within 18 seconds, before both teams traded goals for the rest of the time. Despite goals from Alyssa Perez, Rachel Ahumada, and two scored by Jessie Nelson, Azusa Pacific found themselves trailing 10-5 at the half.

In the second half, Audrey Dexter broke out offensively, scoring three of team's six goals in the third and fourth periods. But the Matadors answered with six more goals of their own to seal the victory.

By the Numbers: Against Cal State Northridge, the Cougars registered 35 shots on goal and 11 steals, but could not convert enough opportunities to keep up with CSUN. In goal, Herrero Miralles recorded 3 saves, while Airitam contributed with 4 saves. On the day, Azusa Pacific scored 15 goals while allowing 34 goals between both games. 

Up Next: Azusa Pacific (0-2) will head to Princeton, New Jersey, for the Princeton Invitational, beginning on January 25th. The Cougars will face Siena at 10:00 AM EST / 7:00 AM PST and La Salle at 2:30 PM EST / 11:30 AM PST in a doubleheader to open the tournament.