UNDONE IN FIVE
AZUSA, Calif. --- Sixth-ranked California Baptist University had No. 13 Azusa Pacific on the ropes, but couldn't seal the deal as the Cougars came from behind to get a 3-2 (19-25, 25-20, 21-25, 25-20, 15-12) victory.
The two teams traded wins in the first two sets, with the Lancers taking a 2-1 lead. CBU held a 15-12 lead in the fourth set, but were outscored 13-5 down the stretch, as the Cougars forced a fifth and deciding game.
After the Lancers took an early 6-4 lead in the final game, Azusa Pacific went on a five-point run to take control of the set and match. A CBU service error gave the Cougars match point at 14-10. The Lancers wouldn't say die, however, getting kills from
Jelena Dragovic and
Ingrid Carmona. A timeout by Azusa Pacific ended the mini-run for the Lancers and Whittany Radcliffe ended the match with a kill for the Cougars.
“It was a good, hard fought match by both teams tonight,” said Head Coach Ryan McGuyre. “We just weren't terminating rallies soon enough and they were able to steal the momentum and get the win.”
Despite the loss, CBU maintains its hold on the third spot in the GSAC standings, but Azusa Pacific takes sole possession of fourth place, moving within half a match of the Lancers. CBU falls to 21-3 overall, 8-3 GSAC, while the Cougars improve to 20-4, 8-4.
Radcliffe was the star of the match, leading all players with 27 kills and five errors on 57 attempts (.386). The Cougars had only a slight edge in attacking percentage on the night, out-hitting the Lancers .238-.233. Azusa Pacific recorded 14 more kills than CBU, while the Lancers out-blocked the Cougars 18-12.
Bree Rauschenbach had the hot hand offensively for CBU, hitting .579 to record 12 kills. She also assisted on five blocks.
“
Jessica Kalama did a lot defensively tonight to keep us in the match,” said McGuyre referring to the 15 digs, three solo blocks and three blocking assists recorded by the junior opposite hitter.
Katie Lockard also recorded 15 digs.
“It's a tough conference and any time you go on the road it's going to be a challenge,” said McGuyre. “We have a quick turnaround now and have to be ready to play on Saturday.”
The Lancers stay on the road, facing a Westmont team that took them to five sets in the team's conference opening victory on Saturday. CBU returns home Tuesday as No. 15 Point Loma Nazarene comes to town.
