AZUSA, CALIF. – The NAIA's No. 7-ranked Azusa Pacific looked every bit like a top 10 team, sweeping its first 2 matches of the season on Day 1 of the Sunbird Invitational at Fresno Pacific today.
 
The Cougars made quick work of Embry-Riddle (Fla.), 30-12, 30-27, 30-19 in the opener. Junior T. J. Gause (San Juan Capistrano, Calif./Calvary Chapel HS) led the charge with a match-high 14 kills and 24 digs as 4 Cougars tallied double-figures in kills. As a team, Azusa Pacific hit a solid .359 for the match.
 
Sophomore All-Americans Christy Kimmel (Costa Mesa, Calif./Calvary Chapel HS) and Jenna Sagehorn (Chino Hills, Calif./Whittier Christian HS) tallied 13 and 12 kills respectively.
 
In the nightcap, the Cougars defeated Bethany College, 30-12, 30-14, 30-23, to run their record to 2-0 early in the season.
 
Freshman Adrienne Pepe (Arcadia, Calif./Maranatha HS) led the way with 8 kills. Gause added 5 kills and 18 digs.
 
The Cougars will continue action in the Sunbird Classic tomorrow when they face Notre Dame de Namur University and Concordia University of Seward, Neb.