SAN DIEGO – Looking to get back to the 20-win plateau for the first time since 2013, the Cougars got one victory closer.

Azusa Pacific played effectively as they posted a 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-15) win against Point Loma on Thursday evening.

With the win, the Cougars move to 16-4 overall and 9-4 in PacWest matches.

HOW IT HAPPENED: A host of players had multiple kills as the Cougars offense stayed diverse throughout.

Julianne Miller and Aliyah Morrison each had a team best 10 kills. Moreover, the tandem was effective as they hit .643 and .450 respectively. Madison Ogas chipped in a nine-kill performance while Sara Wagenveld (6) and Natalie Klapp (5) also provided significant contribution.

In the first set, the Cougars took a two-point lead at 17-15 and kept the home team at bay down the stretch. The Sea Lions continued to press but never got over the two-point hump.

As the second frame unfolded, Azusa Pacific took a 15-14 advantage and went on a 7-2 scoring spurt to all but put the stanza out of reach for Point Loma. In the clinching set, the Cougars took command from the get-go and never got a serious threat as the contest came to a close.

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

- Danika Young and Kaylen Higa notched 16 and 13 assists respectively
- Bailey Henington tallied a 19-dig evening while Klapp chipped-in 13
- Wagenveld had a season high eight digs from her middle hitter spot

AGAINST POINT LOMA: For the first time since the 1984 season, the Cougars swept a pair of matches from their southern California counterparts. The Cougars have won three straight versus Point Loma as they now have a 46-41 lead in the all-time series.

PACWEST STANDINGS: With the win, coupled with Biola's loss to California Baptist, the Cougars are alone in second place. The Lancers continued to lead with an undefeated record after 12 league matches.

UP NEXT: Azusa Pacific ends a three-match road swing as they host Fresno Pacific on Saturday at 3 p.m.