AZUSA, Calif. – While it was one step on a season long journey, one would believe that Friday's victory felt a little extra special.
Azusa Pacific knocked off defending PacWest champions, and 19th ranked, Hawai'i Pacific 8-1. The win snaps an eight-match losing skid against the Sharks while upping the Cougars record to 11-0. This is the first Azusa Pacific team to be undefeated this deep into a season since joining the NCAA ranks
"It is hard to assess teams compared to what they were last year and what we are now. After seeing some of their results I thought we were stronger but that doesn't mean we'd win. With our seniors and this group of guys, we should be winning more than not," said head coach Mark Bohren. "Obviously, we haven't beaten them for so many years and it is nice to get a win. This is one goal of many for this season and we think we can be competitive nationally. Make no mistake, it is nice win. It is always nice to win."
DOUBLES: Azusa Pacific was strong for the get-go. Out of a possible 30 games played during the doubles portion of the match, the Cougars won 24 in taking a 3-0 lead in the team match.
Antonio Pejic and Jakob Schnaitter were the first tandem off the courts with an 8-1 win at the No. 2 position. Not long after that, Ryan Nuno and Jesse Haas tallied an 8-3 triumph in the third spot. Wrapping up the convincing start were Oliver Frank and Christian Schmid with an 8-3 victory.
SINGLES: Schnaitter completed his dominate day with a straight sets (6-0, 6-1) win at the No. 3 spot. Frank was nearly as overwhelming in the top match as he was victorious 6-1, 6-1 to clinch the team match.
Ryan Nuno made it six straight off the courts in the Cougars favor with a 6-2, 6-3 win at the No. 5 position. Ronald Kang continued the string of successes with a 7-6, 6-4 win in the fourth position. The final Azusa Pacific win came when Christian Schmid notched a 6-4, 7-6 win in the second slot.
Hawai'i Pacific won the last match on the courts as Adrian Elduque won 1-6, 6-4, 10-7.
UP NEXT: Azusa Pacific travels to UC Riverside tomorrow for a 10 a.m. contest with the Highlanders.
