RIVERSIDE, Calif. – In a contest of rivals and nationally ranked teams, California Baptist continued its undefeated season.

The No. 6 Lancers picked-up a 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 29-27) win on Saturday afternoon to win their 18th straight.

With the setback, the No. 25 Cougars fall to 15-3 overall and 8-2 in PacWest matches.

HOW IT HAPPENED: California Baptist jumped out to an 8-4 lead then grew it to 19-8 as the home never let the Cougars into the frame. Azusa Pacific held an early 7-4 advantage to start the second frame but a five-point run gave the Lancers a lead they would never relinquish.

In the third stanza, the home built an 18-7 lead and looked to be in control. However, the Cougars were relentless as they came back to tie the set at 24-24. Azusa Pacific wasn't able to get a set-point, and the Lancers eventually won the frame on their sixth set-point.  

STATISCALLY SPEAKING: The Azusa Pacific offense had a tough time hitting their stride. As a team they hit under .100 in the first two sets before responding with a .154 hitting mark in the final set. For the match, the Cougars hit .084 while the home team posted a .212 hitting percentage.

Madison Ogas tallied a team high eight kills to pace the Cougars offense. Along the back row, Bailey Henington notched an 11-dig afternoon.

NATIONALLY RANKED: The Cougars are now 3-4 all-time against top 25 teams. It was also the first time the Cougars played a nationally ranked team while ranked as well.

UP NEXT: The Cougars travel to Concordia next Saturday for a 5 p.m. match against the Eagles.