CLAREMONT, Calif. – Azusa Pacific extended its winning streak to six games as it kicked off the Claremont Convergence Tournament with two gritty victories over Long Island and McKendree.

Game One: Azusa Pacific 8, LIU 7

After LIU got into the scorebook first, the Cougars wasted no time in the first quarter, scoring five goals to establish a slim early lead. Jessie Nelson got things started with her first of two goals, followed quickly by Kohia Rego, who finished off a pass from Maritza Ochoa to go up 2-1. After LIU responded, Audrey Dexter struck for the Cougars, followed by another tally from Nelson and a powerplay goal by Alexandra Akritidou to make it 5-4 entering the second period.

The Cougars remained in control through the second and third quarters, with Ochoa and Rachel Ahumada adding to the lead to bring the score to 7-5 at halftime. Ochoa added her second of the game in the third, giving the Cougars just enough cushion to weather a late charge by the Sharks.

Goalkeeper Daniela Herrero Miralles was strong in the cage, recording 13 saves. Defensively, the Cougars were active all over the pool, with six different Cougars combining for 10 steals, including three from both Ahuamada and Akritidou. Akritidou also collected two field blocks and Ochoa and Kaelene De Bie picked up one each. 

Game Two: Azusa Pacific 13, McKendree 10

The Cougars and Bearcats traded early goals in a fast-paced first quarter, with Ochoa getting on the board first for Azusa Pacific off an assist from Dexter. After McKendree converted a penalty shot, Ahumada answered with a powerplay goal, and Evelyne Prado concluded the quarter with a late goal to send the game to the second tied at 3-3.

Azusa Pacific edged ahead in the second quarter behind goals from Ochoa, Catherine Ahumada, and another powerplay conversion from R. Ahumada, giving the Cougars a 6-5 lead at halftime.

The third quarter saw Azusa Pacific extend its lead, with Akritidou and Ochoa finding the back of the net. Ochoa's fourth goal of the game in the closing seconds of the period gave the Cougars a crucial two-goal cushion heading into the final period.

McKendree made one last push in the fourth, but the Cougars had all the answers, with De Bie, Akritidou, and Laia Marsinach Ortega striking late to seal the victory. Ortega added the finishing touch with a goal in the final 30 seconds from Nelson.

Up Next: The Cougars head into day two of the Convergence Tournament Saturday, March 1, first matching up against Michigan at 9:00 AM, followed by a game vs. La Verne at 3:15 PM.