AZUSA, CALIF. –  When it comes to 5-game thrillers, Azusa Pacific is developing quite a reputation.
 
In a showdown between NAIA-ranked teams, the Cougars were again pushed to the brink, although this time it was Westmont which came out on top defeating the Cougars, 25-30, 28-30, 30-17, 30-26, 15-9 in Santa Barbara.
 
The NAIA's No. 11-ranked Cougars are quickly becoming rather famous for their ability to provide theatrics in key games.
 
Two weeks ago, Azusa Pacific was down 2-0 before rallying back to defeat The Master's in 5. Just a week and a half before that, the Cougars posted similar consecutive 5-game victories over Point Loma and Biola, including a come-from-behind win over Biola after falling behind 2-0.
 
Tonight however, the tables were turned. The Cougars jumped out to a commanding 2-0 lead after thoroughly outplaying the 14^th-ranked Warriors, especially at the net where the Azusa Pacific blockers appeared to be too much.
 
Yet, Westmont failed to buckle, storming back on the strength of 11 service aces and with 6 of its 7 blocks coming in the final 3 games. The win is the Warriors eighth win in the past 11 matches over the Cougars.
 
The loss snaps the Cougars' 5-game winning streak.
 
Sophomore All-American Jenna Sagehorn led the Cougars with 16 kills, 18 digs, 4 blocks and 2 service aces. Sophomores Roxanna Mercer and Christy Kimmel each had 10 kills. Kimmel added 10 digs. Freshman Adrienne Pepe had a match-high 8 blocks.
 
With the loss, the Cougars fall to 21-7 overall, 12-6 GSAC. Westmont improves to 15-6, 11-6 GSAC.