AZUSA, CALIF. –  For the second time in as many matches, Azusa Pacific did the unthinkable.
 
Down 2-0 and staring defeat in the face, the Cougars awoke to eventually take a dramatic 5-game thriller from the NAIA's No. 10-ranked Biola, 19-30, 18-30, 30-20, 30-16, 15-13, Tuesday night in Azusa.
 
The win is the Cougars' second straight over a top 10 NAIA team and their sixth in the past 7 games. Last Thursday, Azusa Pacific came from behind to defeat No. 2-ranked Point Loma Nazarene in 5 games in Azusa.
 
"Biola played as well as any team I have ever seen in the first 2 games," said head coach Gerry Gregory. "However, our hitting efficiency and blocking picked up in the last 3 games, and that was the difference. This another great win for us."
 
 
Biola took early control, easing its way to a 2-0 advantage, and looking every part like a top 10 team. However, the Cougars failed to wilt and finally took their first lead of the match at 12-11 in game 3.
 
From that point, momentum began to rapidly switch as the Cougars thoroughly dominated the end of the third game and the entire fourth game to even the match and force a fifth and deciding game.
 
The Cougars took a 5-1 lead and appeared towards the completion of another amazing comeback. However, this time, Biola fought back to tie the game at 8-8. The Cougars took a 13-8 lead, then held a frail 14-11 advantage before Biola closed to 14-13.
 
Freshman Adrienne Pepe (Arcadia, Calif./Maranatha HS) then recorded one of her team-high 13 kills to close the match and complete the remarkable comeback.
 
All-American Jenna Sagehorn (Chino Hills, Calif./Whittier Christian HS) also added 13 kills, 20 digs and 5 aces. Senior Tishanna Pope (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Alta Loma HS) and freshman Maria Abaca (Sun Valley, Calif./Village Christian HS)both added 9 kills.
 
With the win, the Cougars improve to 15-5 overall, 7-4 GSAC. Biola is now 15-9 overall, 7-3 GSAC.