IRVINE, Calif. – It was nearly a comeback for a young Cougars squad.
After dropping the first two sets, Azusa Pacific forced Colorado Christian into a five-set affair but the visitors from the mountain state prevailed 3-2 (25-20, 25-23, 22-25, 22-25, 15-12).
The match was the first of four for each squad at the Labor Day Classic hosted by Concordia University.
Youth dominated play for the Cougars. Of Azusa Pacific's 50 team kills, 40 of them came from players who never played a collegiate match until today. In addition nearly 70 percent of the team's digs (70) came from newcomers.
Madison Ogas recorded a double-double in her first Azusa Pacific match with a 14-kill, 15 dig effort. Sara Wagenveld produced a team high 15 kills while Bailey Henington notched a match best 18 kills in her first collegiate contest.
Danika Young directed the offense a majority of the time with a 26-assist effort. Shaylah Kagehiro rotated into the offense during the final three sets to dish out 12 assists.
A 6-1 deficit to start the first set was too much to overcome for the Cougars. Despite cutting their deficit to two points (10-8), Azusa Pacific couldn't pull any closer as they dropped the initial frame. The Colorado Christian offense was clicking to the tune of a .379 hitting percentage while the Cougars managed a .125 mark.
Holding an 11-10 lead to start the second set the Cougars slowly increased that lead and after an Ashley Midland service gave her team a 17-13 edge, Colorado Christian was forced to call a timeout. After that stoppage, Colorado Christian crept back into the set. They scored 12 of the sets final 18 points to take a commanding lead in the match.
Early in the third set it looked as if Colorado Christian would cruise to an easy straight set win as they held a 10-3 lead. However, a determined Cougars squad responded with a 9-1 scoring spurt to take a one point lead. Down the stretch neither team held a lead larger than two points until a Midland service ace sealed the set.
The nip-and-tuck play continued into the fourth set. When Azusa Pacific took a 20-16 lead after Ally Gonzalez and Midland block assist, it was the first time either team had a four point edge. Colorado Christian made a brief rally but the Cougars were too strong as they forced a decisive set.
In the conclusive set, Colorado Christian took the momentum with a critical run at the midway point. With the score knotted at 7-7, they scored seven of the next nine points to build a 14-9 edge. Azusa Pacific made them sweat out the victory by scoring three straight points but the Cougars couldn't complete the rally.
The Cougars will need to rebound immediately when they play Seattle Pacific Friday evening.
