HILO, Hawai'i — In a hard-fought PacWest Conference contest on Wednesday night, Azusa Pacific came up just short against Hawai'i Hilo, falling in five sets (19–25, 30–28, 28–26, 15–25, 10–15) at Vulcan Gym.

The Cougars (5–8 overall, 1–2 PacWest) showed grit throughout the evening, battling back from an opening-set loss to take the next two before the Vulcans (12–7, 2–2 PacWest) rallied to claim the match in the fourth and fifth sets.

Flora Sebestyen led APU with 13 kills and 11 digs, recording her fourth double-double of the season. Sarah Wilson added 12 kills and even digs, while Mia Medrano anchored the back row with a team-high 22 digs. Brooklyn Kostoff and Trinitee Carroll chipped in 38 assists as the Cougars' offense spread the floor effectively through the middle sets.

After dropping the first set 25–19, the Cougars surged in the second and third frames, closing out a 30–28 marathon set two and a thrilling 28-26 set three. Despite the momentum, Hawai'i Hilo's blocking presence and efficient attack in the final two sets proved to be the difference.

Inside the Box Score

• 13–5 — APU racked up eight more aces than Hawai'i Hilo
   
• 2–2 — Cougars' record in five-set matches this season.
   
• 13-13 — APU is now tied with the Vulcans in the all-time series.