SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Azusa Pacific fell on the road Thursday afternoon in GCC play, dropping a 19-6 decision to No. 19 San Diego State at the Aztec Aquaplex.

The Cougars struck first in the opening period when Jessie Nelson finished an early chance off an assist from Jaeden Johnson to give APU a 1-0 lead. San Diego State quickly responded with four consecutive goals to take control of the match and carry a 4-1 advantage after the first quarter.

Azusa Pacific found some rhythm offensively in the second period. Montana George converted a penalty shot to cut into the deficit, and Nelson added her second goal of the afternoon on a feed from George. Audrey Dexter later found the net in the closing seconds of the quarter, but the Aztecs answered just before halftime to maintain a 7-4 lead at the break.

The Cougars continued to battle in the third. Sophia Vetuli scored on an exclusion opportunity, and Johnson added a late goal to bring APU's total to six, but San Diego State pulled away with a strong offensive stretch to take a 14-6 lead heading into the final frame.

San Diego State added five goals in the fourth quarter while holding Azusa Pacific scoreless to secure the 19-6 final.

Nelson led the Cougars with two goals, while George and Johnson each recorded a goal and an assist. Vetuli and Dexter also added scores for Azusa Pacific, and goalkeeper Daniela Herrero Miralles finished with 10 saves in the cage.

Up Next: The Cougars will have to regroup quickly as they head to Claremont for the Convergance Tournament, starting tomorrow (Friday), March 6. The Cougars will begin the day against Mckendree, followed by a match vs Salem. Match times are set for 11:30 a.m., and 5:45 p.m., respectively.