AZUSA, Calif. -- Azusa Pacific was strong in doubles’ play, then did just enough during singles’ action to steal a 5-4 win over NCAA Division II No. 10-ranked UC San Diego Wednesday in Azusa.

The win improves the Cougars’ to 3-0 on the season, and it snaps a 4-match losing skid to the Tritons, who drop their season-opener.

Sam Fletcher and Gordon Hong knocked off the No. 2-ranked doubles’ team of Sameer Chopra and Jeff Wilson, 9-7, at No. 1 doubles, and Boris Bakalov and Tom Jelsam downed the Novak brothers, Emil and Tomas, 8-3, at No. 2, giving the Cougars a 2-1 advantage heading into singles’ play.

In singles play, Fletcher and Bakalov made quick work of Chopra and Bryan Swatt at Nos. 1 and 2, respectively. However, the Tritons knotted the match up at 4-4 by taking Nos. 3, 4 and 5.

With the win on the line at No. 6, Jelsma downed Amir Nejad, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, to clinch the match for the Cougars.

“We had great fan support, and it was a great college tennis match,” said Azusa Pacific head coach Mark Bohren. “The guys played with higher level of maturity, and it was nice to see Tom close out the match. I was hoping we could at least go 2-2 to start out the season, but we’re starting out 3-0. I’m pleased with that, but I know it’s going to be a long, hard season.”

Singles
1 – Sam Fletcher (APU) def. Sameer Chopra (UCSD) 6-3, 6-4
2 – Boris Bakalov (APU) def. Bryan Swatt (UCSD) 7-6, 6-4
3 – Jeff Wilson (UCSD) def. David Goodman (APU) 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 7-6 (7-4)
4 – Emil Novak (UCSD) def. Adam Davidson (APU) 6-0, 6-3
5 – Brent Molden (UCSD) def. Gordon Hong (APU) 6-1, 6-4
6 – Tom Jelsma (APU) def. Amir Nejad (UCSD) 6-3, 4-6, 6-3

Doubles
1 – Fletcher/Hong def. Chopra/Jeff Wilson 9-7
2 – Bakalov/Jelsma def. E. Novak/Tomas Novak 8-3
3 – Molden/Nick Morton def. Davidson/Goddman 9-7