GLENDORA, Calif. – Cal Baptist built an early cushion and held off a third-quarter push from Azusa Pacific as the Cougars fell 18-14 in their GCC opener Saturday afternoon at Citrus Aquatic Center.

The Lancers struck first, but Azusa Pacific answered midway through the opening period when Kori Cunningham found the back of the cage to even things up. Montana George followed with an exclusion goal, and Audrey Dexter converted another opportunity to give APU a 3-1 advantage. California Baptist responded with four straight scores to close the period and take a 5-3 lead after one.

CBU extended its lead in the second quarter, capitalizing on extra-man opportunities to push the margin to 10-5 at halftime. Jessie Nelson scored early in the frame, and Bailey Hollick added a goal off a Dexter assist to keep the Cougars within reach, but the Lancers maintained control entering the break.

Azusa Pacific made its move in the third. Evelyne Prado sparked the rally with a goal off a Jaeden Johnson assist, and Nelson followed moments later off a feed from Kohia Rego. Prado struck twice more in the period, Cunningham added her second of the contest, and Hollick finished off a late possession to help APU outscore CBU 6-4 in the quarter and cut the deficit to 14-11 heading into the final eight minutes.

The Cougars continued to battle in the fourth as Dexter netted back-to-back goals, including an exclusion conversion assisted by Johnson. Prado added her fourth goal of the match late, but California Baptist answered each surge down the stretch to secure the 18-14 result.

Inside the Box Score

• Prado led the Cougars with four goals on six shots.
• Dexter finished with three goals and one assist.
• Nelson, Hollick, and Cunningham each scored twice.
• George added a goal and an assist.
• Johnson recorded two assists and three steals.
• Herrero Miralles made 10 saves in goal while playing all 32 minutes.
• Azusa Pacific totaled 14 goals on 30 shots, including three power-play conversions.