FRESNO, Calif. — No. 3 seed and 16th-ranked San Diego State opened the 2026 GCC Championships with a commanding 19-10 victory over Azusa Pacific on Friday afternoon at the Fresno State Aquatics Center.

San Diego State (18-9) used a dominant second and third quarter to pull away, outscoring Azusa Pacific 11-4 over that stretch to take control of the opening-round matchup.

Claudia Valdes led the Aztecs with four goals and two assists, while Mimi Stoupas and Hannah Bell each added three goals. Megan Holcomb contributed two goals and two assists as San Diego State’s offense shot an efficient .528 from the field.

After a competitive opening period that ended with San Diego State holding a 4-3 edge, the Aztecs broke the game open in the second quarter. San Diego State scored six goals in the frame, including back-to-back scores from Holcomb and Bell, to build a 10-6 halftime lead.

The Aztecs continued their surge in the third quarter, scoring five more goals while limiting Azusa Pacific to just one. A penalty goal by Sydney Gish and consecutive scores from Valdes and Ioanna Petiki highlighted the decisive run that extended the lead to 15-7 entering the final period.

Azusa Pacific (17-12) was led by Audrey Dexter with four goals, while Jessie Nelson added three goals and Montana George scored twice. The Cougars converted 4 of 7 power-play opportunities but were unable to match San Diego State’s offensive depth.

San Diego State goalkeeper Mandy Lagerlof earned the win, recording six saves in the first half before Tiaare Ahovelo added five saves in relief.

The Aztecs also capitalized on both of their penalty opportunities and committed no penalty fouls in the match.

With the win, San Diego State advances to face No. 2 seed Fresno State in the first semifinal on Saturday at 12 p.m.

Azusa Pacific will move to the consolation bracket following the loss, taking on No. 4 seed California Baptist at 10 a.m. Saturday.