Here’s a quick summary of a packed week of APU Athletics
Last week saw the Cougars compete in nine sporting events across five different sports, featuring a record being broken and the beginning of the season for the swimming & diving team. Here’s a recap of all that took place in week six of APU sports.
Men’s soccer
October 4 – W, 2-0 vs Chaminade
Entering the week ranked 10th in the country, the Cougars looked to close out their road trip in Hawai’i with a win. Azusa Pacific and Chaminade kept each other at bay in the first half with neither side conceding a goal. In the second half, the Cougars were able to break through thanks to a stellar goal from freshman Marco Astorga. The lead was then doubled after Astorga created an opportunity for senior James Nbudueze, who drilled his pass from 25 yards out in the closing minutes. Chaminade was unable to generate any kind of offense, allowing the Cougars to come away with a 2-0 victory.
October 9 – L, 1-3 vs Concordia University Irvine
This past Saturday the Cougars saw their 25-game conference win-streak snapped due to a 1-3 loss to Concordia. After a scoreless first half, the Eagles took the game, scoring two goals in one minute and adding another goal ten minutes later. The Cougars were able to prevent a shutout thanks to a goal from senior Renan Gomes, but unfortunately ran out of time to mount any sort of comeback.
Women’s soccer
October 4 – L, 0-1 vs Chaminade
The Cougars entered this match looking to complete the sweep of all three Hawaiian teams during this past week. Chaminade was able to get on the board in the opening minutes, converting on a free kick while preventing APU from capitalizing on the nine shots they took in the first half. The Cougars were unable to tie the game in the second half, resulting in a 0-1 shutout.
October 9 – L, 1-3 vs Concordia University Irvine
The Cougars looked to bounce back from their previous game in a road matchup against Concordia. The Eagles opened the game with a goal in the opening stages of the match, but sophomore Mackenzie Coleman was able to provide an equalizer, allowing APU to go into the second half with a tied game. Unfortunately for the Cougars, they were unable to establish a lead, as Concordia was able to pull away with a win thanks to two additional goals. The Cougars hope to use their home-field advantage for the next five matches to regain momentum for conference play.
Women’s volleyball
October 7 – W, 3-0 vs Academy of Art
APU improved to 6-1 in conference play with a sweep against Academy of Art. The Cougars were led by junior Katrina Radisic’s eleven kills with senior Mina Andjelkovic facilitating a game-high 21 assists. Academy of Art was prevented from taking the lead in all three sets as the Cougars won each set 25-20, 25-19 and 25-17.
October 8 – W, 3-0 vs Fresno Pacific
APU put away the Sunbirds,quickly sweeping them in three straight sets 25-8, 25-21 and 25-15. Senior Bailey Henington made history, breaking Robin Portela’s career record of 2,318 digs and cementing herself as one of the greatest players in program history. Meanwhile, sophomores Kyra Palmbrush and Annaka Jorgenson combined for 25 kills, leaving Fresno Pacific unable to match their offensive production. With this win, the Cougars embark on a three game win-streak and look to extend it against Point Loma.
Women’s cross country
October 9 – 3rd place at Pomona-Pitzer Invitational
On Saturday, APU traveled down the road to Pomona to race a 6k in the Pomona Pitzer Invitational which featured the fourth best team in Division 3, Claremont Mudd-Scripps. The Cougars were led by two top ten finishes by Mikayla Akers (4th) and Justine Stecko (6th). APU’s scoring five was rounded out by great efforts from freshman Kristilyn Hetherington, sophomore Molly Hake and freshman Maylea Brawner. Finishing as the best Division 2 team in the race, the Cougars look to take that momentum into their conference championship meet in Hawai’i on October 23.
Men’s cross country
October 9 – 2nd place at Pomona-Pitzer Invitational
The men’s Cross Country also joined the women’s team at the Pomona-Pitzer Invitational, competing in the 8k against local competitors. Senior Josh Velasco made his debut for the Cougars and wasted no time making an impact. His time of 25:10 not only led APU, but earned him a fifth place finish. Freshman Dider Sandoval quickly followed, finishing seventh in 25:17, which is another personal best. The Cougars were able to put in six runners in the top 15, allowing them to finish second to nationally ranked Claremont Mudd-Scripps squad. With a solid team performance, APU has two weeks to prepare for Hawai’i, where they hope to capture their first conference title in program history.
Women’s Swimming and Diving
October 9 – 3rd place at Rodionoff Invitational
APU opened up their season this past Saturday in Malibu at the Rodionoff Invitational. Freshman Montana White shined in her debut, winning the 200 Free, 500 Free and the 400 Free relay. Meanwhile Junior Melia Stout qualified for Nationals in the one-meter dive with her 256.10 point total, which also was good enough to give her a first place finish. The Cougars now shift their focus to October 23, where they face rival Biola at home.