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Azusa Pacific University Athletics

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Ploog, Dan - WBB [2026]
Holly Magnuson
42
Azusa Pacific APU 0-1,0-0 SCIAC
59
Winner Biola BIO 1-0,0-0 PacWest
Azusa Pacific APU
0-1,0-0 SCIAC
42
Final
59
Biola BIO
1-0,0-0 PacWest
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Azusa Pacific APU 10 4 12 16 42
Biola BIO 15 6 17 21 59

Game Recap: Women's Basketball |

Season Opens With Setback

LA MIRADA, Calif. -- Azusa Pacific opened the NCAA Division III era of the program Monday evening with a 59-42 setback to Biola at Chase Gym in La Mirada, California. The Cougars battled throughout and forced 21 turnovers, but a cold shooting night and a significant rebounding deficit proved difficult to overcome.

Azusa Pacific struck first when Maryah Anderson connected on a three-pointer less than 30 seconds into the game, and the Cougars remained competitive throughout the opening quarter. Anderson's second three-pointer tied the score at 10-10 with 2:20 remaining in the period, but Biola answered with a 5-0 run to take a 15-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Defense kept the Cougars within striking distance in the second quarter. Freshman Ronnie Herrmann dominated on the defensive end with multiple blocks and steals, while junior Petra Falcocchia added strong rim protection of her own. However, APU managed just 4 points in the quarter as the Eagles extended their lead to 21-14 heading into halftime.

The Cougars showed signs of life in the third quarter behind the shooting of Anderson. The sophomore guard knocked down a pair of three-pointers and converted 2 free throws during a stretch that cut the deficit to 4 points at 28-24 midway through the period. Herrmann later added a pair of free throws, but Biola closed the quarter on a 10-2 run to take a 38-26 advantage into the final frame.

APU mounted one final push early in the fourth quarter. Back-to-back baskets from Herrmann trimmed the deficit to 38-30, and a jumper by Falcocchia pulled the Cougars within eight at 40-32. The Eagles answered with a decisive run fueled by transition opportunities and second-chance points, eventually pulling away for the 17-point victory.

Anderson led the Cougars with 16 points, knocking down 4 three-pointers while adding 2 rebounds, a steal, and a block. In her collegiate debut, Herrmann filled the stat sheet with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 5 steals, and 4 blocks, providing energy on both ends of the floor throughout the night. Sophomore Vanessa Parilla added 5 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Falcocchia added 6 rebounds and 3 blocks.

As a team, the Cougars forced 21 turnovers and recorded 11 steals and 8 blocked shots, but struggled offensively, converting just 15-of-61 (.246) shot from the field. Biola held a 56-31 advantage on the glass, including 20 offensive rebounds that led to additional scoring opportunities.

The loss drops Azusa Pacific to 0-1 on the young season, while Biola improves to 1-0. The Cougars turn right around to visit The Master's Tuesday (Nov. 10) for 5 p.m. game in Santa Clarita.
 
 
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