AZUSA, CALIF. -- The NAIA's No. 7-ranked Azusa Pacific got a busy week off to the right start with an easy 15-2, 15-6, 15-8 nonconference victory over the University of Redlands.

The Cougars, who play 4 matches in 4 days this week, scored 10 straight points to win the first game. After that, Cougar coach Gerry Gregory freely used his reserves with all 12 Cougars playing in at least 2 games except for starter Tishanna Pope, who played just the first game.

Seven different Cougars tallied at least 4 kills, paced by freshmen Roxanna Mercer and Christy Kimmel and junior Bonnie Whipple, who each had a match-high 6 kills. As a team, Azusa Pacific registered a fine .338 hitting clip, including an impressive .442 pace through the first 2 games, and recorded 6 aces and 8 blocks. Whipple led the team with 4 blocks.

Azusa Pacific has now won 6 straight and improves to 12-1 on the season. Redlands, which was making its first appearance in Azusa since 1988, falls to 1-6.

GAME STATS
Redlands              2     6     8
Azusa Pacific        15    15    15

Kills:  Mercer (APU), Whipple (APU), Reid (UR)
        Kimmel (APU) 6
Blocks: Whipple (APU) 4
Digs:   Wilson (APU) & Sagehorn (APU) 6
Aces:   Kimmel (APU) 3, Graley (APU) &
        Hibbs (APU) 2