AZUSA, Calif. — In a match that carried both emotion and history, Azusa Pacific fell just short in a five-set thriller to Westmont (25–16, 14–25, 27–25, 17–25, 11–15) on Wednesday night inside the Felix Event Center. The loss marked the Cougars' first defeat to the Warriors since 2004, snapping a streak of more than 20 consecutive victories in the series.

Despite the result, the night belonged to senior outside hitter Sarah Wilson, who in her 11th dig of the match became the first Cougar since Annaka Jorgenson to surpass both 500 career kills and 500 career digs. Wilson's milestone came during a performance that epitomized her two-way consistency and leadership on the floor.

The Cougars opened the match with energy, fueled by Katelyn Sonnier's early five kills to help APU take the first set 25–16, with Brooklyn Kostoff steering a smooth, balanced offense that hit .286 as a team.

Westmont responded in the second with strong serving and net play, handing APU a 25–14 setback to even the match. It regained control in the third, where Wilson and Sonnier caught fire with four kills each and Mia Medrano anchored the back row with six digs. APU led wire-to-wire, taking it 25–19 and moving ahead 2–1.

The Warriors refused to fade, however, rallying in the fourth with a 5–0 run to pull away late and force a decisive fifth set. In the final frame, it fell behind early but battled back to within 10–13 before Westmont's attack sealed the 15–11 victory and the comeback win.

Inside the Box Score

• 500+ / 500+ — Wilson became the first Cougar since Annaka Jorgenson to reach both 500 career kills and 500 digs.
  
   
• 20–match streak — APU's first loss to Westmont since 2004.
  
   
• 32 — Assists by Kostoff, her sixth 30+ assist match this season.
  
   
• 26 — Digs by Medrano, leading all players.
  
   
• 2 — Cougars with double-doubles (Wilson and Sebestyen).
  
   
• 12 — Total team blocks a new season-high.
  
   
• .209 — Team hitting percentage for APU.
  
   
• 73–54 — Block advantage for Westmont.
  
   
• 2:08 — Total match duration.
   

Looking Ahead