Azusa Pacific women’s soccer extended their winning streak Saturday to nine games, clinching the Cougars’ first ever Pacific West Conference championship in a 1-0 victory over the California Baptist Lancers.
Sophomore Mayra Almazan’s goal lifted the Cougars to their 1-0 lead over the reigning conference champions in the 86th minute. This was the first goal the Lancers gave up since their 1-0 loss to Fresno Pacific on Sept. 25.
Despite placing six shots on goal and nine corner kicks, the Lancers were unable to deliver, recording their first scoreless match since that same loss to Fresno Pacific in September.
Freshman goal keeper Sarah Klinkenberg recorded four saves, securing the team’s ninth consecutive shutout. Klinkenberg and the Cougar defense held off senior Lancer forwards Bernadette Witz and Kelly Jenks, who lead the conference in goals scored.
The Cougars have yet to lose a match in conference play this season and have only allowed one one goal in a tie match against Academy of Art on Sept. 21. Their record stands at 10-0-1 in conference and 12-1-1 overall.
Azusa Pacific will face Point Loma on the road in their final conference match of the season Saturday, Nov. 9th. The Cougars are not yet NCAA post-season eligible but will compete in National Christian College Athletic Association post-season play following the conclusion of regular season.