GLENDORA, Calif. – The #12 LMU women's water polo team (0-1, 0-1 GCC) opened up conference play and the 2021 season on Saturday. The Lions battled with Azusa Pacific but could not overcome an early deficit before finally dropping the game, 12-8.
 
APU jumped ahead with the first three goals of the day before Melyssa Moore put LMU on the board at the 1:58 mark. The Cougars added a fourth goal before Alena Sanchez answered with 1:06 to play in the period. Azusa Pacific scored one more and carried a 5-2 lead into the second quarter.
 
The Cougars scored the first goal of the second quarter but Carolina Newton responded on LMU's ensuing possession to make it a 6-3 game. Sanchez added one more before the end of the half as the Lions cut into the lead and went to the break trailing, 6-4.
 
The home team scored the first two goals of the second half to double their lead but the Lions responded with three consecutive to make it a one-goal game midway through the third quarter. Taylor Enright scored her first collegiate goal, followed by additional scores from Sanchez and Moore. APU added one more before the period closed to bring the game to 9-7 entering the final eight minutes.
 
The Cougars scored two straight to open the fourth before Moore completed her hat trick. APU closed with the final goal to take the game.
 
The Lions will make their home debut next Saturday with a home game against CBU.