SAN DIEGO – Aided by a strong defensive effort and career high marks from Sara Wagenveld, Azusa Pacific posted a 3-0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-20) win against UC San Diego to start the season.

The match was the first of four for the Cougars at the Seaside Invitational hosted by Point Loma.

CAREER MARKS

Wagenveld slammed down 16 kills to post a career high that category. The total topped the sophomore's previous personal best of 15 against Colorado Christian. Ironically enough, she accomplish that feat in the season opener last year. The middle blocker also set career highs for hitting percentage (.636) and block solos (3).

DEFENSE WINS

Azusa Pacific held the Tritons to a negative hitting mark (-.010). The last time the Cougars turned the trick was against Simon Fraser (Sept. 12, 2015) when the Clan hit -.017. Azusa Pacific had nine total team blocks and won the dig battle 44-40. Natalie Klapp had a team best 12 digs.

OF NOTE

• For the first time since the 2011 season, the Cougars won their season opener in three sets
• Azusa Pacific moves to 10-11 all-time against UC San Diego. Today was just the second match between the two schools as NCAA members

QUOTABLE

"Really glad to start the season with a win. We played really good defense and kept them out of sync from the first serve," Azusa Pacific head coach Chris Keife. "UCSD is a really good team so credit our squad for coming out and playing well from the start."