AZUSA, CALIF. -- If Tuesday's win over No. 7-ranked Westmont was a confidence builder then tonight's thrilling 5-game come-from-behind victory was a test of character.

Seemingly dead in the water, Azusa Pacific went on a 28-3 tear over the final 2 games to overcome a 2-1 match deficit and a 6-2 game-4 hole to beat Christian Heritage, 15-9, 8-15, 8-15, 15-6, 15-3 in a GSAC match in Azusa.

After falling in the first game, Christian Heritage took control of the match winning games 2 and 3 in rather convincing fashion. And behind the serving of Heather Davis, the Hawks scored 6 consecutive points in the fourth game to take what seemed to be an insurmountable 6-2 lead. However, Davis, who had 3 aces on the night, put her seventh serve into the net opening the door for Azusa Pacific and surprisingly giving new life to the Cougars.

With the opportunity, Azusa Pacific, which is ranked No. 11 in the NAIA, reeled off 13 unanswered points to stun CHC and even the match at 2 games apiece.

Christian Heritage appeared to have recovered by opening the fifth and deciding game with a 3-0 start. Yet, the sky fell in again, and Azusa Pacific blistered 15 consecutive points, thanks in part to 16 kills in just 30 attempts. Sophomore T.J. Gause led Azusa Pacific with a season-high 18 kills, including her match-winner down the sideline and off the shoulder of Hawk Brianne Goodyear to cap Azusa Pacific's impressive comeback. Freshman Jenna Sagehorn tallied 16 kills while senior Lydia Ayala had 12 kills and a match-high 9 blocks.

For the first time since 1993, Azusa Pacific is 2-0 in the GSAC (10-1 overall) and remains in first place. Christian Heritage falls to 5-4 overall, 1-1 in the GSAC.

GAME STATS
Christian Heritage    9    15    15     6     3
Azusa Pacific        15     8     8    15    15

Kills:  Gause (APU) 18, Davis (CHC) 18,
        Hethcock (CHC) 18, Sagehorn (APU) 16
Blocks: Ayala (APU) 9, Pope (APU) 5
Digs:   Gause (APU) 14, Davis (CHC) 14
Aces:   Davis (CHC) 3, Burgess (APU) 2