Concordia's Ailsa Watson collected 18 assists and freshman Patience O'Neal added eight kills Wednesday but Azusa Pacific prevailed in three sets in the PacWest opener for both squads.

Eagles sophomores Riley Gill and Clarice Buchanan tied for the team-lead with 9 digs apiece.

Azusa Pacific earned a 25-13 decision in the opening set.  CUI took a 5-4 lead on a kill by freshman Jordan Mineer but APU later took control thanks to a 13-3 run.

The Eagles hung tough in the second set and drew even at 14-14 before APU rattled off six straight points and forced coach Paula Weishoff to take a timeout. APU eventually prevailed 25-19 to move ahead 2-0.

Concordia built an 8-4 lead in the third set behind a couple of serves by Brianna Latigue. O'Neal quickly racked up multiple kills as well to get the Eagles out in front.

But APU rallied to tie it at 8-8 and ultimately pulled off a sweep by claiming the third set, 25-15.

The Eagles defense at the net stood out throughout the match.  CUI registered six blocks while APU finished with five.

The Eagles will be back in action Friday night at 7 p.m. when they face Fresno Pacific in their first home conference game of the season.