Hilo, Hawai'i - After travelling to Hilo, Hawai'i for the Cougars fifth match of the trip, Azusa Pacific displayed grit as they defeated The Vulcans in five sets (24-26, 26-24, 20-25, 25-23, 15-10). This is the Cougars first win of their Hawai'i road trip, and out of the last seven times they have faced Hawai'i Hilo, the Cougars have taken six of the matches.

Annaka Jorgenson led the way as she collected 22 kills, combined with a 14 kill performance from Katarina Radisic. Bailey Henington tabbed 30 digs, while Mina Andjelkovic and Maggie Nielsen combined for 53 assists. 

How it Happened: Azusa Pacific climbed to a 9-6 lead in the first set before the Vulcans began to close the gap via three kills and a service ace. Hawai'i Hilo began to put pressure on the Cougars defense as they closed the margin, tying the set 16-16. Hawai'i Hilo went up 24-20 before the Cougars went on a 4-point run via Abby Hills and Radisic kills to tie the set at 24 a-piece. Ultimately, the Vulcans collected the next two points to take the first set 26-24. 

The Cougars were able to bounce back in the second set. Hawai'i Hilo took an 8-7 lead, before the Cougars claimed the next two points via kills from Kyra Palmbush and Jorgenson. Both teams found themselves tied at 17 a-piece before Hawai'i Hilo collected three out of the next four points to go up 20-18. But the Cougars answered, stealing six out of the next eight points finding themselves at match point. With a failed comeback attempt by the Vulcans, the Cougars put away the second match via a score of 26-24.

The Cougars maintained control of the third set leading Hawai'i Hilo 18-14 before the Vulcans tabbed an 8-0 run to take the lead 22-18. A Delaney Dunham service error gave the Vulcans a 23-20 cushion and wound up taking the third set 25-20. 

Azusa Pacific went up 4-1 in the fourth set with the help of kills from Palmbush, Jorgenson and Kaitlin Craig. That lead would hold for the Cougars as they never fell behind with their backs against the wall. Hawai'i Hilo began to close the margin towards the end of the game as Azusa Pacific found themselves only holding a 20-19 lead, but kills from Dunham, Radisic and Jorgenson led the Cougars to a set four victory of 25-23. 

After going up 4-3 in set five, the Cougars once again did not find themselves trailing the Vulcans. Hawai'i Hilo responded with two kills of their own to trail the Cougars by just one at 10-9, but the Cougars took the next five out of six points to claim a 15-10 set five victory and claim victory over the Vulcans.

By the Numbers: Both teams were evenly matched, as Azusa Pacific finished with a .278 hitting percentage (67-for-211 with 20 errors) as Hilo hit for .308 (68-for-207 with 26 errors). 67 kills is now the highest amount the Cougars have put up for the 2021 season. The Cougars amassed 25 block assists (team-high this season) and two solo blocks at the net, while Hawai'i Hilo had 16 block assists and 3 solo blocks. The Cougars collected 105 digs on the back line and 64 assists, which are also both team-highs for the 2021 season thus far. 

Up Next: Azusa Pacific will be back in the Vulcan Gym again tonight as they face Hawai'i Hilo in its final match of the road trip. The match is scheduled for 6 pm local time and (8:00 pm Pacific Time). Once returning home, the Cougars will be back in the Felix Event Center on Thursday November 18th as they take on Cornerstone Cup competitor Biola. Time is set for 6:00 pm.