SAN DIEGO  - Let's just call it a roller coast of a contest.

Each team had their peaks and valleys before Point Loma pulled out a 3-2 (25-22, 25-21, 21-25, 20-25, 15-8) victory in Azusa Pacific's PacWest Conference opener.

In their 11th match of the season, the Cougars played their fourth match that went the distance. In those matches, the Cougars have posted a 1-3 mark.

The Cougars were looking to halt a six-game losing streak against Point Loma while continuing a winning streak in their conference opener. Unfortunately, a late match rally fell short as those two streaks went against Azusa Pacific's hopes.

Statistically, the Cougars placed four players with double figures in kills led by Ally Gonzalez's 16. It was the fourth straight match the junior led the squad in kills. Madison Ogas registered 14 kills while Natalie Klapp and Julianne Miller each recorded 12. For Klapp she also had 13 digs for her fifth double-double of the year.

Danika Young directed the offense to the tune of a 43-assist match. The sophomore also recorded a double-double, her fourth of the campaign, with 16 digs.

Point Loma's setter Cara Ketirakis recorded a triple-double to pace the Sea Lions. Ketirakis had 12 kills, 21 digs and 47 assist.

After Point Loma won critical points late in each of the first and second sets to take a commanding lead in the match, it was a late Cougar rally in the third set which kept the match going. With Point Loma leading 20-18, the Cougars won seven of the final eight points to force the fourth set. During that rally, freshman Julianne Miller recorded three kills.

Azusa Pacific grabbed the fourth set lead at 7-6 and built that lead up to six points (21-15) and momentum looked to be trending toward the Cougars.

However, the home team shifted that momentum back in their favor in the closing frame. After trading the first few points, Point Loma took a double digit lead at 6-4 and against at 7-5 before pulling away for the victory.