LA MIRADA, Calif. — Azusa Pacific battled through five sets in its second match of the Biola/Vanguard Kick-Off Tournament but came up just short, falling 3–2 (10–25, 19–25, 25–20, 25–13, 15–12) to UT Permian Basin on Friday afternoon inside Chase Gymnasium. The Cougars (3–3) stormed out to a two-set lead before the Falcons rallied to win the final three frames.

It looked dominant in the opening set, holding Permian Basin to a -.036 hitting percentage while swinging .290 themselves. The Cougars carried that momentum into the second, where Sarah Wilson and Flora Sebestyen powered the attack to a 25–19 win and a 2–0 match advantage.

Momentum shifted in the third, however, as Permian Basin hit .333 and took control late to stay alive, 25–20. In set four, the Falcons rode the wave, limiting APU to a -.087 hitting percentage and forcing a decisive fifth set with a 25–13 victory.

The final frame was tight throughout, featuring six ties and two lead changes, but Permian Basin's balance at the net and timely blocking sealed the match with a 15–12 finish.

Inside the Box Score

• 45 — Total kills for APU, led by Wilson (12) and Sebestyen (11).

• 18 — Digs for libero Mia Medrano to lead the defense.

• 35 — Assists by Brooklyn Kostoff, running the APU offense.

• 3 — Service aces from Sebestyen, a team high.

• 12 — Kills and 11 digs for Wilson, her second double-double of the year.

• 5 — Sets played, the Cougars' first five-set match of 2025.

• .400 — Hitting percentage for Albertini, the most efficient Cougar attacker.

• 6 — Ties in the decisive fifth set.

Looking Ahead

The Cougars will return to action on Saturday for one more match at the Biola/Vanguard Kick-Off, aiming to bounce back and close the tournament strong against Cal State Monterey Bay.