IRVINE, Calif. – Looking to get into the win column for the first time in 2016, the Cougars suffered a hard fought set back on Saturday afternoon.
UC San Diego did just enough to stay ahead of Azusa Pacific in posting a 3-1 (26-24, 25-23, 18-15, 25-19) victory at the Labor Classic hosted by Concordia University.
In what looks to be the story of the season for the Cougars, they relied to the newcomers in running their offense. Julianne Miller recorded a team best 15 kills while tallying a match high .538 hitting percentage. It was just the middle blockers third career collegiate contest. Just behind her in the kill column was Madison Ogas (14). Ogas produced her second double-double of the season with 15 digs.
Also with a strong showing defensively for Azusa Pacific was Bailey Henington, who had her first 20-plus dig performance with 25. Natalie Klapp chipped-in 10 digs. Along the net Ashley Midland had two block solos to go along with five block assists.
In the opening set the Tritons kept a three to four point advantage before jumping in front to a seemingly comfortable 18-11 edge. After a Cougar timeout, Azusa Pacific clawed back into the frame and after fighting off five set points tied the set at 24-24. The comeback stopped their as the Tritons were able to get back-to-back kills from Jessyca Beksa to seal the opening stanza.
Similarly in in the second frame UC San Diego held a lead throughout but the Cougars were reliant. Down 20-15, Azusa Pacific slowly crept back into the set and eventually tied it at 23-23. However for the second straight set UC San Diego scored the final two points to seal the win.
Azusa Pacific flipped the script in the third stanza. Miller led the way with five kills in the frame and after the Cougars took an early lead they never looked back. At one point they held a nine point lead at 22-13 in the convincing set win.
As the fourth set unfolded the Tritons took the lead early in the frame and did just enough to hold that advantage. Down the stretch Azusa Pacific pulled within 20-18 late but couldn't get their deficit any closer.
