AZUSA, Calif. -- Azusa Pacific got off to a precarious start during its tennis match against GSAC-rival Point Loma Nazarene and it threatened to turn into an upset that could knock a little sheen off the Cougars early season look.

However, after dropping 2 of 3 doubles matches to fall into a hole, the NAIA's No. 5-ranked Cougars (3-0, 1-0) rebounded with terrific singles play and posted a come from behind win over No. 10-ranked Point Loma Nazarene, 6-3, on a warm day in Azusa.

The No. 1 doubles team of Jennifer Dao and Bay Daniels struggled against Ashley Strimple and Andrea Montoya who took advantage with aggressive play as they surprised with a relatively easy 8-2 win.

That match set the tone for Mara Petrini and Christine Lalonde who outlasted Peggy Bell and Kim Tran, 9-7, at No. 2 doubles.

Dao, Daniels and Tran were all pushed in the first set of their singles matches before all 4 settled for 7-5 wins. Each went on to post straight set victories that gave the Cougars a lead they would hold onto for the remainder of the day.

"We did not play well in doubles today but I was pleased with how we responded in singles," said head coach Mark Bohren. "This was a great win for us over a good team and gets us off to a great start in conference."

Singles

1 – Jennifer Dao (APU) d. Ashley Strimple (PLNU), 7-5, 6-1

2 – Andrea Montoya (PLNU) d. Peggy Bell (APU), 7-5, 6-3

3 – Bay Daniels (APU) d. Kelsey Weir (PLNU), 7-5, 6-0

4 – Kim Tran (APU) d. Christine Lalonde (PLNU), 7-5, 6-1

5 – Raqual Gottfried (APU) d. Mara Petrini (PLNU), 6-0, 6-2

6 – Christina Scolinos (APU) d. Crystal Richter (PLNU), 6-4, 6-0

Doubles

1 – Strimple/Montoya (PLNU) d. Dao/Daniels (APU), 8-2

2 – Petrini/Lalonde (PLNU) d. Bell/Tran (APU), 9-7

3 – Gottfried/Cloninger (APU) d. Weir/Richter (PLNU), 8-6