Azusa Pacific and California Baptist went into their Wednesday night matchup with only playing for pride. Both teams had no chance of making the NCAA tournament this year, but that did not hinder their game. However, Azusa Pacific showed it was the stronger team after defeating the Lancers 3-0.
The first set of action was back and forth between APU and CBU, with a total of five lead changes and 12 different times when the score was tied. Senior outside hitter Alicia Utke got the Cougars off to a strong start offensively, posting eight kills and digs. The Cougars and Lancers needed extra time in the first set, but Azusa Pacific won 26-24.
“The last few matches, Alicia has been fabulous offensively. She had a great matchup tonight and she did a nice job of finding the openings in the opponent’s side of the court,” head coach Chris Keife said.
Utke finished the night with a double-double, getting a total of 20 kills and 14 digs.
“I’ve figured these are my last few matches here, so I figure I’m going to go all out. Today was a good day,” Utke said. “I feel like things are clicking really well right now. I wish it would have happened earlier this season, but better now than never.”
The second set ended in a similar fashion as the first, with both teams playing as equals, but Azusa Pacific winning 25-23. However, in the third set, Azusa Pacific got off to a fast start, taking a 11-4 lead over California Baptist. The Lancers responded well, eventually tying the Cougars at 18. APU managed to rally from the Lancer attack, and finally defeated California Baptist 25-20 to sweep its PacWest rival.
“We have been in the mix in a lot of matches this year, and we have been doing a lot of good stuff and managing the match well. It’s been great these last few matches to come out with wins and finish,” Keife said. “We are playing for pride and for Azusa Pacific right now, and it has been fun to watch. It’s always a fun matchup with California Baptist, and it was great energy tonight.”