By Jacob Norling
March 29, 2021
 
(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) #6 Westmont (4-4, 4-0 GSAC) could not overcome an early 4-0 deficit in a non-conference match against NCAA Div. II Azusa Pacific, as they ultimately fell to the Cougars 4-2.
 
Westmont had their hands full with the Cougars, who recorded fourteen shots and put nine of them on goal.
 
"APU was a really talented team," said Westmont head coach Jenny Jaggard. "They exposed us on some things that I think we've needed to work on defensively, but honestly I think it's really a positive thing to get this out of the way."
 
In the first half Westmont's typically stellar defense could not thwart a relentless Azusa attack, as the Cougars scored two goals in the first eight minutes, and their third by the fifteenth.
 
The Cougars first goal of the day set the tone for the Warriors unusual misplay in the backfield. In the fourth minute, Westmont freshman Kendall Ollenburger attempted to head a ball up field and out of trouble, but miss-hit the ball and redirected it right at the feet of Azusa's Maddy Morrison. Morrison passed to an oncoming Randi Macadangdang who had an uncontested shot, and fired it to the back of the net.
 
The second goal of the day did not come as easy for the Cougars, but still they found a way to bully their way to a 2-0 lead. Only four minutes after the first goal, Azusa dashed their way into a crowded Westmont box and fired multiple shots at Westmont keeper Kailey Meyer. Meyer dove to her right to deflect the first shot back into play, then immediately pivoted to her left to block another. But on the third shot in as many kicks, Azusa's Mackenzie Coleman buried one past the Westmont keeper.
 
In the 15th minute Azusa added their third goal off the foot of Maddy Morrison, and in the 29th added their final goal of the afternoon when Brooke Bern connected with the net from eighteen yards out.
 
Westmont did not record a shot on goal in the first half.
 
"That first half really exposed some things that we needed to immediately address," said Jaggard. "And credit to my team, who fixed it in the second half. I told my team this a time to work on your mentality, and figure out how to come back and fight."
 
Four minutes into the second half Westmont's offense showed life. Westmont had numbers in the Azusa 18-yard box that caused the Cougars to foul a Westmont player, resulting in a penalty kick. Senior Savannah Scott drilled the penalty kick to the left side of the net for her first goal of the season, getting the Warriors on the board.
 
Westmont carried the momentum and was quick to pressure the Cougars again, scoring exactly two minutes after the first goal. In what turned out to be the most impressive play of the day for the Warriors, Grace Duckens dribbled her way into the Azusa eighteen, and prepared to get a shot off as four Cougar defenders closed in on her. Duckens snuck a pass through all four defenders to an oncoming Bri Johnson who hammered home her second goal of the season.
 
"Our team got their act together early in that second half and played off some positive belief," said Jaggard. "Credit to them for not rolling over and coming out with a different mentality."
 
Nearly forty minutes remained for the Warriors who appeared poised to possibly make things even more interesting, but the Azusa defense gathered themselves well and did not allow another shot on goal.
 
Jaggard was quick to acknowledge the benefits of the game's outcome, saying, "The reality is there are some things that don't develop when you're winning all the time, so I think going through today was super important and I'm happy this game happened."
 
Westmont has a quick turnaround this week as they welcome San Diego Christian on Thursday for their penultimate GSAC match, having already clinched a spot in the GSAC championship game. Kickoff scheduled for noon, and live coverage will be available on the Westmont athletics website.