ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Playing their first ever match in the great white north, Azusa Pacific fought hard against Alaska Anchorage before falling 3-1 (22-25, 25-20, 26-24, 25-19).

The Seawolves, who entered the match just outside the top 25 and advanced to the NCAA Tournament last season, handed Azusa Pacific their second loss in just as many all-time meetings.

Azusa Pacific played strong in the opening frame as they pulled out a nip-and-tuck set. Katy Crouse, who had a team high 10 kills in the match, finished off the set with a kill.

After leading much of the early moments second set the Cougars let the home team back into the frame. Alaska Anchorage grabbed a 14-11 lead midway through the second on a solo block. The Seawolves slowly extended its lead for the rest of the frame before tying the match at a set apiece on a kill by Erin Braun.

The third set proved pivotal, with neither team managing more than a two-point lead until Alaska Anchorage went ahead 24-21 on a block assist. Azusa Pacific fought off three straight set points to knot it 24-24 on a kill by Mattie Shelford, but Alaska Anchorage called timeout and responded with kills by Katelyn Zanders and Braun to take a 2-1 match lead.

In the fourth set the Seawolves grabbed an early lead and never trailed. Despite being two points off of the lead on two occasions, Azusa Pacific couldn't get ahead as they fell in four sets.

In addition to Crouse's 10-kill evening, Shelford and Joy Reinke each had seven kills. In her first collegiate match Jewels Tavera dished out 13 assists. Ashley Swatek had a match high 15 digs.

Azusa Pacific continue their four-match swing in Anchorage with two matches Friday. They start with Nebraska-Kearney in late morning before taking on Cal Poly Pomona in the afternoon.