CLAREMONT, Calif. – The Cougars returned to Golden Coast Conference play with a heartbreaking 12-11 defeat to San Diego State Friday afternoon at the Axelrood Aquatics Center in Claremont.  The Cougars led for most of the first half, but came up just short down the stretch.

How It Happened:  Jessie Nelson scored on the Cougars' first shot of the game to give Azusa Pacific the lead.  The Cougars would stay in front for the rest of the first half.  Audrey Dexter would find the back of the cage twice in the opening quarter as the Cougars took a 4-1 lead at the end of the first.

The Aztecs would close the gap in the second, scoring two quick goals to climb back within one, but back-to-back goals from Kaelene De Bie and Nelson would let the Cougars regain their three-goal advantage near the midway point of the quarter.  However, San Diego State would strike two times in a row late in the period to cut the Cougars' lead to 6-5 at the half.

San Diego State tied the game early in the third quarter.  Alyssa Perez briefly put the Cougars ahead again, but the Aztecs' ensuing shot just barely crossed the goal line to even the score again at 7-7, and San Diego State would score the next two goals to take the lead.  Azusa Pacific would fight back, scoring the next three goals of the game, including a power-play strike from Rachel Ahumada a minute into the final quarter to retake a 10-9 lead.  The Aztecs would tie it again,  Nelson would complete her hat trick to give the Cougars one last lead at 11-10, but the Aztecs would score two more, with the game-winner coming with just over a minute to play.

Daniela Herrero Miralles did her part to give the Cougars a chance, making 12 saves and coming up with two steals in net.  Nelson and Dexter each had a hat trick for the Cougars.  Azusa Pacific was outshot 34-23 in the game, and the defense was regularly on the back foot, allowing 13 power play opportunities for the Aztecs as well as two five-meter penalty shots.  While the Cougars are only 1-13 all-time against the Aztecs, four of the last five contests have seen the Cougars defeated by a single goal.

Up Next:  Azusa Pacific (12-11, 0-2 GCC) will head back into the pool on Wednesday when they continue conference play against Concordia-Irvine.  Match time is set for 4:00 p.m.