AZUSA, Calif. – There was never any doubt who was going to win on Friday evening.
Azusa Pacific played with a precision not see this year in their 3-0 (25-13, 25-16, 25-15) win against Dominican on Friday evening.
With the win the Cougars up their record to 15-13 overall and 11-8 in PacWest play heading into the season finale tomorrow against rival California Baptist. Dominican falls to 16-11 and 12-7 respectively.
"That was a complete effort tonight," said head coach Chris Keife. "We earned 65 of our 75 points through kills, blocks or service aces and that just speaks to dominate performance this team had."
Everything went smoothly in the match that lasted just over one hour. The Cougars set a season high .347 hitting percentage. Five different players posted a hitting mark of at least .300. Leading the way was the duo of Madison Ogas (11 kills, .346) and Madison Ogas (11, .474).
Along the back row Bailey Henington produced a match high 20 digs. Ogas also contributed a double-figure dig night with 10 for her ninth double-double of the season.
Azusa Pacific was clicking in all aspects as they never trailed in marching to the opening set win. The Cougars hit .417 as a team while holding Dominican to a .098 hitting mark. During that frame, Henington was stellar in the back row with 11 digs.
Early in the second set Dominican took their first lead of the match but the home squad slowly resumed its dominance. Tied at 9-9, Azusa Pacific proceeded to score six of the next eight points to take a four-point edge and force the Penguins into a timeout. The visitors attempted to comeback but never pulled closer than three points the rest of the way. Another strong team hitting percentage (.368) was vital in taking the two set lead in the match.
The textbook efficient effort came to a close with another outstanding set. The Cougars never trailed in the final frame.
Prior to Saturday's match the Cougars will honor seniors Ashley Midland Ally Gonzalez who are playing in their final contest with Azusa Pacific.