Box Score
LA MIRADA, Calif. — For the first time ever, it was a Cornerstone Cup matchup between Biola and Azusa Pacific Women's Water Polo on Tuesday at Biola's home pool, the SPLASH! La Mirada Regional Aquatic Center.

The longstanding rivalry between the two institutions had its flame fanned anew with an exciting new entry into the rivalry, with roots buried much deeper than just athletics. The game featured sisters competing head-to-head, former players coaching against their team and a matchup of two head coaches who worked together for years at the helm of the APU ship.

The first-year Eagles could not get the best of the Cougars in this go-around, but it was a matchup well fought on both sides. APU used a lengthy run of scoring between the second and third periods to work what eventually accounted for a 12-8 victory.

The game was tied at four goals a piece about 12 minutes in, but a power play goal from Milena Guzman Ortiz sent APU off on what would end up being a run of six-consecutive scores spread over about 12 minutes to push the game to 10-4 heading into the fourth period.

Biola was held scoreless from the 6:50 mark in the second period all the way until Maria Roldan Gonzalez broke the drought about one minute into the fourth quarter.

The Eagles outscored the Cougars 4-2 in the final frame and pulled things back to as close as three goals at 11-8, but could not answer all the way back after being blanked for a period-plus.

Roldan Gonzalez was locked in, scoring twice in the final quarter and four goals overall to lead the Eagles. She also took the most shots of anyone in the pool (9), to set a new season-high in that category. Her previous high was eight shots in a game against Pacific in mid-February. The big difference was that in that effort she did not score.

Turnovers and shot selection that was less-than ideal is what kept Biola back at arm's length in this one, especially in a difficult ending to the second period. 

It was an exciting start to lead to that 4-4 tie we mentioned early on. APU scored on their first two possessions and Lauren Hoyle deposited two balls from center. The Eagles answered with two of their own and a few key defensive stops. Biola took what equated to be its only lead of the game when Roldan Gonzalez scored with 1:22 left in the first period and held that lead at the break.

After two quick scores again to start the period by APU, Roldan Gonzalez again found the twine to knot it at four. After that, the Cougars changed the game with the long run and did just enough to maintain for the win.

Kourtney Pyle had three goals and an assist to tie Roldan Gonzalez for the team-best in points on this day. Lizzy Birch added three assists of her own for a three-point effort. She becomes the first Eagle with double-digit assists this season (11).

The loss drops Biola to 5-9, while the visiting Cougars improved to 6-5 on the year. Both teams head to NCAA Division I schools for tournament play this weekend. Biola plays four contests at Loyola Marymount on Friday and Saturday. The Eagles' first matchup is with WWPA foe CSU East Bay (6-9) Friday at 10 a.m.