AZUSA, Calif. – Before one of the largest crowds seen in the Felix Event Center this season, the Cougar volleyball team gave it their all, but came up short in four closely contested sets against their archrivals, losing to Biola three sets to one Saturday afternoon.  Annaka Jorgenson led the way for the Cougars with 18 kills and 11 digs.

How It Happened:  Biola took an early lead in the first set, though the Cougars would fight back, at one point stringing together six points in a row to take a 15-13 lead.  But the Eagles would remind everyone why they were undefeated in conference play entering this contest, winning 11 of the next 14 points to take the first set, 25-20.

Azusa Pacific fired back, going on a 10-1 run early in the second set that included back-to-back aces from Sarah Wilson.  The Eagles would rally to even up the set on multiple occasions, but another 5-0 run by the Cougars late in the frame would give the home side enough breathing space to level the match, winning the second set 25-22.

The third set was hotly contested, with neither side leading by more than three at any point.  Azusa Pacific held such an advantage on four occasions, lastly at 15-12.  But Biola would win seven of the next eight points to take a three-point margin of their own at 19-16, and while the Cougars would rally to tie the set on three occasions, they never would regain the lead, with Biola taking three of the final four points in the set to eke out a 25-23 lead.

If possible, the fourth set was even tighter, featuring 13 ties and 7 lead changes.  The final turning point came on a controversial net violation that, had it not been called, would have given the Cougars a 19-17 lead.  Biola would win that point, and indeed 9 of the final 11 points to claim the set and the match.

By the Numbers:  Jorgenson had a double double with 18 kills and 11 digs.  Kendyl Macaskill added 10 kills of her own, while libero Paige Johnstone was keeping points in play left and right, leading all players in the contest with 34 digs.  Kyra Palmbush had nine kills and figured in six of the Cougars' nine blocks on the afternoon.

Up Next:  Azusa Pacific (7-7, 4-2 PacWest) will head out on the road to play some of their fellow Southern California schools this coming week, starting with a visit to Point Loma on Tuesday.  First serve is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., and the match can be livestreamed HERE.