IRVINE, CALIF. -- Azusa Pacific opened the 2000 season in impressive fashion, winning all 4 matches played at the Concordia Labor Day Festival. The Cougars joined tourney host Concordia as the only teams to win all 4 of their matches and were the only team to sweep each victory.

On Friday, the Cougars downed Southwestern of Kansas (15-3, 15-2, 15-7) and U.S. International (15-3, 15-0, 15-1). On Saturday, they bested Holy Names (15-9, 15-11, 15-5) and College of Notre Dame (15-6, 15-4, 15-10). The Cougars allowed their foe just 5.8 points per game, easily the best among the 9-team tourney field.

Freshman Jenna Sagehorn is living up to her preseason billing. The former All-CIF performer put together 4 all-around matches, tallying 27 kills, 4 blocks and a team-best 34 digs for the tourney. Meanwhile, fellow freshman Christy Kimmell, last year's CIF Player of the Year, recorded 22 kills, 19 digs and 8 blocks for the weekend. Sophomore T.J. Gause is an emerging offensive presence. A well-used reserve last year, Gause has entered the starting line-up this year and responded with a team-best 33 kills during the tourney to go along with 15 digs.