CLAREMONT, Calif. – Day two of the season went much the same way as the first, with the Cougars dropping a battle with a nationally-ranked opponent, 18-10 against #13 UC San Diego; then turning around and beating a Division III powerhouse, outlasting host Pomona-Pitzer 10-9 Saturday afternoon at Haldeman Pool.
Game One:Â #13 UC San Diego 18, Azusa Pacific 10
A shootout was in the cards after both teams scored on their first shot of the game. The Tritons' opening goal came via a penalty shot, which would be a recurring theme, as UCSD would convert five 5-meter throws in the game. Jessie Nelson and Audrey Dexter pulled the Cougars back from an early deficit to tie the game at 3-3 late in the opening quarter, but the Tritons would regain the lead before the end of the quarter and dominated the second frame, scoring six goals in the quarter and building a 10-6 lead by halftime.
The Tritons put the game away with another five-goal outburst in the third, opening up a 15-8 lead by quarter's end and coasting in from there. Dexter and Nelson each had a hat trick while Bailey Hollick scored twice.
Game Two:Â Azusa Pacific 10, #24/#1Â Pomona-Pitzer 9
The Sagehens are ranked 24th overall, but are the defending Division III national champions. It was a defensive struggle early, with Nelson opening the scoring almost halfway through the opening quarter, helping the Cougars to a 2-0 lead after one. Just past the midway point of the second, Montana White scored her second of the game to give the Cougars their largest lead of the game at 4-0. The Sagehens scored twice to cut the lead in half, but in a moment that would prove critical, Evelyne Prado beat the buzzer with a goal just before halftime to give the visitors a 5-2 edge.
Pomona-Pitzer made a comeback in the third, putting five on the board and tying the score at 7-7 before Jaeden Johnson regained the lead for the Cougars heading into the fourth. Twice in the fourth quarter, the Sagehens would tie the game, and twice the Cougars would regain a one-goal edge, with Dexter's second of the game giving the Cougars a 10-9 lead with 2:48 to play. Goalie Daniela Herrero Miralles would make that lead stand up for the duration, making three of her 15 saves during the final three minutes to preserve the victory. Nelson had a hat trick in both games, while Dexter collected five goals and three assists over the doubleheader.
Up Next: Now 2-2 on the season, Azusa Pacific will head south to Fullerton for two more games on Friday, taking on Whittier College at 3:00 p.m. before facing Cal State Fullerton at 6:00 p.m. Their home openers will take place the following day.
