(Azusa Pacific Assistant SID Stephen Hinkel contributed to this story.)

AZUSA, Calif. – A goal in the early moments of the first half was enough for Azusa Pacific as the host and No. 2 seed knocked off No. 3 seed Sonoma State 1-0 in the Second Round of the NCAA Division II Women's Soccer Championship Tournament on Saturday in Azusa, Calif.  The Seawolves see their historic season end with a 14-3-3 record.  The Cougars, meanwhile, will head to Bellingham, Wash., to play top seed Western Washington on Thursday, Nov. 19 for the West Region championship.

Playing in the post season for the 16th time in school history, the Cougar showed savvy in their NCAA debut. In just their second season of full eligibility with the association, Azusa Pacific grabbed the early lead. Mayra Almazan, the PacWest Player of the Year, put a beautiful left footed corner kick into the box. Victoria Kovatch did just enough to control the ball on the far post as she used the midsection of her body to place the ball into the cage in the eighth minute.

The lone goal stood-up through the first 45 minutes as Azusa Pacific held an 8-3 edge in overall shots (4-1 for shots on goal).

Less than 10 minutes into the second frame the Cougars nearly had a two-goal lead. Almazan took a nice dribble through the middle of the field and fired a shot from 25 yards out that kissed the cross bar and out of the Cougars offensive end.  

While the Cougars held the Seawolves to just a handful of shots, Sonoma was the aggressor for much of the second half, trying to find the equalizer.  A very solid back line for APU was effective in neutralizing the SSU attacks in the final third.  

Sonoma State ended the game with five shots on goal but couldn't find the back of the net.

While the Seawolves will say goodbye to an outstanding senior class, they'll do so in recognition of a fabulous four-year run that has seen the team go 57-16-9 and reach the NCAA Tournament three times.  

The 2015 season saw the squad outscore their opponents 30-9 and record 14 shutouts, including nine in a row from September 27th to October 29th.  


Quotes from SSU head coach Emiria Salzmann Dunn:

General Comments -- "I think we came out tentative and I think that gave Azusa Pacific some chances and they took advantage of it. You get so few chances and the team that comes out on top usually takes advantage of their opportunities. All credit goes to Azusa Pacific. I think they came out with a game plan and they executed really well and we had a hard time adapting to it. They took the energy in the first 20 minutes and it was the difference."

Reflecting on the team/season -- "This team has been a blessing. At the end of the day only one team is going through the post season undefeated. I think the sorrow that I have is not getting to coach them longer. It is that human element. We fight for each other every day. They were united, committed and gracious in victory and defeat. It's a wonderful group of players."