FULLERTON, Calif. – The Cougars nearly pulled off a substantial upset in their 2015 season opener.

Azusa Pacific dropped a hard fought 4-3 decision to NCAA Division I Cal State Fullerton on Wednesday afternoon. 

Match Results
 

Entering their first season as fully fledged NCAA Division II members, the Cougars more than held their own against the Titans.

Playing under NCAA Division I scoring rules, Cal State Fullerton won the lone doubles team point by claiming wins at the top two spots. The tandem of Megan Sanford and Camille De Leon were pushed to the brink by the Cougars top duo of Danae Ingwaldson and Natalie Johnson. Ultimately the Titans pair prevailed 6-4.

Cal State Fullerton clinched the doubles point as Danielle Pham and Alexis Valenzuela topped Lindsey Yeom and Sierra Troxel 6-1. Azusa Pacific's third double team of Jackie Resler and Valeriia Kashina won a tightly played contest 6-4 against Emila Borkowski and Kalika Slevcove. 

As the team match focused on singles play the Cougars won at the top two spot in straight sets. Johnson cruised to a 6-1, 6-1 triumph over De Leon while Kashina won her first singles match in a Cougars uniform 6-2, 7-6 (4) against Borkowski.

The Titans middle three single spot were the difference in the team scoring. Sanford recorded a 6-1, 6-2 win against Ingwaldson at the third spot. The fourth and fifth singles matches were hotly contested before the Titans won. Danielle Pham posted a 6-2, 7-6 (4) win at the No. 4 slot over Sierra Troxel. Yeom pushed Michelle Erasmus at the No. 5 spot before Erasmus prevailed 6-4, 7-6 (3).

Azusa Pacific's Jackie Resler was victories in her first collegiate match as she notched a 6-3, 7-5 decision over Jessica Pepe.

The Cougars return to the hardcourt on Friday when they travel south to duel with Point Loma at 2:00 p.m.