THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Azusa Pacific made a statement in their opening contest at the Tina Finali Tournament hosted by Cal Lutheran, jumping all over Whittier in a 16-4 win before claiming a 17-2 victory over UC Merced.

Game One: Azusa Pacific 16, Whittier 4

Maritza Ochoa got the party started on the first shot of the game for the Cougars, the first of 10 unanswered goals by Azusa Pacific in the first half.  Laia Marsinach Ortega would double the lead about two minutes later, while Rachel Ahumada would convert twice from the penalty spot to give the Cougars a 4-0 lead at quarter's end.  Alexandra Akritidou would strike twice in the second, and the Cougars finished the half with a flourish, scoring on each of their last three shots of the period to extend the lead to 10-0.

Ochoa completed her hat trick with the Cougars' lone tally in the third, making the score 11-1 at the time.  Azusa Pacific continued to pour it on late, scoring on four consecutive shots late in the fourth quarter.  Ochoa ended up with five goals in the game, while Marsinach Ortega added three goals, an assist, and four steals.  The Cougars had 16 steals as a team, and Daniela Herrero Miralles made seven saves against the Poets to earn the victory.



Game Two: Azusa Pacific 17, UC Merced 2

The Cougars again led wire-to-wire against the Bobcats, and NAIA school in the process of joining Division II and the CCAA next season.  Jessie Nelson scored on the opening possessions n as the Cougars jumped out to a 5-0 lead before UC Merced got on the board.  After allowing that goal, the Cougars ran off five more in a row over the next quarter and a half, running the lead to 10-1 at the midway point of the third.

Azusa Pacific would rattle off the final seven goals of the game to pull away, including six in the final quarter.  Nelson led the offense with four goals.  Ochoa had three goals and two assists, while Kaelene De Bie added a hat trick of her own.  Catherine Ahumada had two goals and four steals, while Alex Airitam made seven saves in net.

Up Next: Winners of four in a row, Azusa Pacific (6-8) look to keep their streak going with another doubleheader on Saturday, taking on Toronto at 11:00 a.m., followed by tournament host Cal Lutheran at 2:00 p.m.