AZUSA, CALIF. -- The NAIA's No. 7-ranked Azusa Pacific overcame fatigue to come back and knock off Concordia, 11-15, 15-1 15-5, 11-15, 15-9, in a key GSAC match in Azusa.

Down 7-3 in the fifth and deciding game, the Cougars, who were playing their third match in as many days, slowly caught fire, scoring 12 of the game's next 14 points, catching the Eagles at 8-8 and then finishing the match with 6 straight points.

Freshman Jenna Sagehorn led the Cougars with a career-high 25 kills, including match-winner down the side line. Sophomore T.J. Gause added 16 kills while freshmen Roxanna Mercer and Christy Kimmel each tallied 12.

After dropping the first game, Azusa Pacific took control of the match, surrendering just 6 points over the next 2 games to take a 2-1 lead. The Cougars finished off the third game with 3 consecutive blocks, led in each play by Mercer, who finished with a match-high 5 blocks.

However, Concordia rallied behind the play Carrie Merritt and her 23 kills, taking game 4 after trailing 5-2 to start the game. Azusa Pacific jumped out to a quick 3-0 to start game 5 but Concordia roared back with 7 straight points to assume a comfortable 4-point lead. It was at the point, with the match on the line, that the Cougars turned to Sagehorn and Lydia Ayala, who registered 7 and 4 kills respectively in the fifth game.

With the win, Azusa Pacific improves to 14-1 overall and retains a share of first place in the GSAC at 4-0 (the best conference start in school history). The Cougars have won 8 straight, their longest win streak since 1983. Concordia falls to 12-4 overall, 2-2 in the GSAC.

GAME STATS
Concordia            15     1     5    15     9
Azusa Pacific        11    15    15    11    15

Kills:  Sagehorn (APU) 25, Merritt (CU) 23
        Gause (APU) 16, Sand (CU) 15
Blocks: Mercer (APU) 5, Whitehouse (CU) 5
Digs:   Burgess (APU) 18, Kimmel (APU) 14
Aces:   Burgess (APU) & Sagehorn (APU) 3, 
        Merrit (CU) & Mathieu (CU) 3