AZUSA, Calif. - Azusa Pacific battled to a 4-2 win over Westcliff on Saturday morning, improving its record to 4-1 to start the season. 

From the outset of the day, it was clear that the Cougars were in for a dual against the NAIA's No. 19 ranked team, as the Warriors earned the first win of the day at No. 1 doubles. While Westcliff took the early advantage, the Cougars were able to rely on Vini Bautista and Julia Jordan at No. 2, and Katherine Nguyen and Shannele Lopez at No. 3. Nguyen and Lopez delivered a 6-4 win in their matchup, and a few moments later, Bautista and Jordan delivered the doubles point for the Cougars with a 6-2 win. Bautista and Jordan are 5-0 together this season, and they have held opponents to two or fewer games in four of those matches.

Lopez got things started for the Cougars in singles, as she had little issue at No. 6, winning 6-2, 6-1. Lopez is 4-1 this season, and she has held her opponents to two or fewer games won in seven sets, including two matches in which she has won 6-0, 6-0.

Westcliff scored its first point of the day with a straight-set won at No. 4, but Madison Kane answered right back for the Cougars at No. 1, where she rolled to a 6-1 first set win, and then secured the straight-set sweep with a 7-5 second set victory.

The Warriors made it 3-2 with a win at No. 5, but Bautista stepped up as the match-clincher for the Cougars. After winning the first set 6-4, Bautista dropped the second set by a 4-6 score. In the third and final set, Bautista delivered a 6-3 win to secure the match for the Cougars. 

Up Next: The Cougars will be back in action on Monday, when they visit Division I UC Riverside at 2:00 pm.