AZUSA, Calif. - Junior Sophia Emerson was named the PacWest Defender of the Week after leading the Cougars back line to 7 straight shutouts. The center back has played all 720 minutes for APU this season, and has been a key part in the Cougars long shutout streak. In addition to Emerson, the Cougars were named Team of the Week following 2 wins against PacWest opponents Dominican and Fresno Pacific (though FPU did not count as a conference match). 

Here is what the PacWest said about its selections: 

"Azusa Pacific's Sophia Emerson was a rock in the back line for the Cougars as they recorded an NCAA best sixth and seventh straight shutouts in 2025. APU blanked Dominican and Fresno Pacific by identical 1-0 scores, improving to 4-1-3 on the season and to 1-0 in PacWest play. Emerson has played in all 90 minutes of each APU contests this Fall. "Soph has been one of our best and most consistent players this season," said her coach Brooke Lincoln. "She anchors a back line that has seven straight shutouts. Her ability to not only win balls out of the air but also start the attack makes her extremely valuable. I believe that she is one of the best center backs in the west region."

"Azusa Pacific is the Team of the Week after another pair of stellar defensive efforts. In turning in blank sheets against Dominican and Fresno Pacific, both by 1-0 scores, the Cougars ran their string of shutting down opponents to seven straight contests. The last time anyone scored on APU was in the season opener when defending national champion and current No. 1 national ranked Cal Poly Pomona won 3-1. That scoreless streak is currently tops in Division II. Mayilen Salazar provided a chunk of the offense with a goal and assist over the two games, while keeper Alexia Munoz recorded two more shutouts and a pair of saves."