FULLERTON, Calif. -- With upcoming matchups later this week against 2 foes ranked in the NAIA Top 10, the NAIA's No. 11-ranked Azusa Pacific did just enough to sweep an inspired Hope International squad, 33-31, 30-19, 31-29, and now the Cougars can turn their attention to Thursday's tilt with No. 6 Missouri Baptist and Saturday's return to GSAC action at No. 4-ranked Concordia.

Freshman Jill Baker led the way with a match-high 14 kills as both teams struggled with their attack, combining for 60 attack errors and a combined attack percentage of .086. The Cougars accounted for 32 attack errors and their .110 attack percentage was the second-lowest of the season, ranking only behind last week's 4-game loss to No. 2-ranked Fresno Pacific.

Still, Azusa Pacific made improvements in other areas, serving up 8 aces while committing a season-low 2 service errors. The Cougars also put together a solid defense as 4 different Cougars tallied double-digits in digs, led by sophomore libero Brittany Brown's match-high 18 digs. Baker added 15 digs, junior Alison Pattison collected 11 digs and sophomore Megan Burch finished with a season-high 10 digs.

Senior Chelsea Morgan notched 6 of her 13 kills in the decisive third game, and she added a team-high 7 blocks. Sophomore setter Allison Kincheloe was the Cougars' service leader with a match-high 3 aces.

With the win, Azusa Pacific improves to 13-2 overall, 6-1 in GSAC play, while Hope International drops to 6-10 overall, 2-6 in the GSAC. The Cougars face Missouri Baptist Thursday evening on a neutral court, Darling Pavilion on the Hope International campus at 5 p.m.