ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Cougars couldn't have played much more effectively as they knocked off Concordia-Portland 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-20) on Friday evening.

Azusa Pacific tallied a season best .330 hitting percentage in the win. They had 40 kills on 100 attempts with just seven total attack errors.

SET BY SET

The opening set didn't start smoothly as Concordia (4-2) scored seven of the first ten points. However, the Cougars slowly chipped away their deficit and eventually took a 17-13 lead before finally winning the frame on their fifth set point.

A much more nip-and-tuck second set ensued as they stanza was tied on eight occasions and the lead changed hands three times. Down 19-17, the Cougars finished the set on an 8-3 scoring spurt and won the set on a Madison Ogas kill.

The third set was a close carbon copy of the previous frame. Trailing 17-15, Azusa Pacific took the lead for good by winning the next three points which helped them complete the third frame on a 10-3 scoring run. The Cougars (6-2) won the match on their first opportunity with a Julianne Miller kill.

QUOTEABLE

"I'm pleased with the way that our offense attacked the ball and kept their defense off balance," said head coach Chris Keife. "Kaylen did a good job directing the hitters tonight. She distributed the ball well."

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

- The Cougars didn't commit a single error in the third set on their 40 attacks as they tallied 12 kills.
- Five separate Cougars had at least six kills lead by Madison Ogas nine
- Amy Hinnant was nearly perfect on the attack as she had seven kills on her nine attempts without committing an error
- Kaylen Higa produced a career best 23 assists to help pace the Azusa Pacific offense
- The back row defense was spread out as well as five players had at least six kills led by Bailey Henington's nine

WEST REGION SHOWCASE

Azusa Pacific wraps Saturday against Stanislaus State (3:00 p.m.). The Cougars have yet to drop a match against them in three meetings.