Cougars Win GSAC -- Again

AZUSA, Calif. -- Azusa Pacific clinched its sixth Golden State Athletic Conference championship in the past 7 years after sweeping Biola, 19–2 and 13–4, in a GSAC doubleheader and Azusa Friday afternoon.

In the first game, the Cougars scored at least 1 run in the first 5 innings to jump out to an 11-0 lead. From there they rode the shoulder of junior right handed pitcher Steve Buhagiar, who struck out 4 and scattered 7 hits to pick up his eighth win in 9 decisions this year. First baseman Mark Rogers went 4-for-5 at the plate with 6 RBIs, thanks to 2 home runs, is 10th and 11th of the year, along with a double. NAIA-American catcher Paul Coppes was 4-for-5 with 2 RBIs. Freshman Justin Duarte hit a pinch-hit 3-run home run in the eighth inning for his first collegiate homer.

In the second game, Biola jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the second inning using just 1 hit to take advantage of 2 walks and 2 hit batsmen. The Cougars rallied, though, with 13 runs in the next 5 innings. Coppes continue his hot hitting by going 3-for–4 with 3 RBIs in the second game and finished with a 7-for-9 day with 5 RBIs. Tom Manning came out of the bullpen to settle the Cougars mound troubles and pitch the final 4.2 innings, giving up just 2 hits to pick up his second win of the season.

The Cougars, who win their second straight GSAC crown, are 29-12 overall and 18-6 in the GSAC and advanced to the NAIA Rar West regional in Portland, Ore., May 14–17. Biola is 23–17 overall, 11-13 in the GSAC.

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Players Mentioned

#16 Tom Manning: P; 5' 8"; Senior; L/L

#17 Justin Duarte: C; 6' 2"; Sophomore; R/R

#25 Paul Coppes: C/P; 5' 9"; Senior; R/R

#28 Mark Rogers: 1B; 6' 3"; Senior; R/R

Players Mentioned

#16 Tom Manning
: 5' 8"; Senior; L/L
: P

#17 Justin Duarte
: 6' 2"; Sophomore; R/R
: C

#25 Paul Coppes
: 5' 9"; Senior; R/R
: C/P

#28 Mark Rogers
: 6' 3"; Senior; R/R
: 1B