AZUSA, Calif. – The Sea Lions traveled to Azusa Pacific Saturday afternoon to take on the Cougars in their last match of the regular season. After splitting the season series with APU in the last three seasons, the Cougars would earn the season sweep with a 4-0 victory over Point Loma. While the score seems lopsided, the match was closer than it appears.
 
The Cougars came out ready to play in doubles earning two wins on courts three and two, respectively. APU took No. 3 doubles, 6-2, and No. 2 doubles 6-3, before Gabi Armas and Ellie Gamble finished out with a win on court one, 6-4. With the 2-1 advantage, the doubles point went to the Cougars.
 
APU earned a quick win on court six, 6-0, 6-1 to put them in front 2-0 for the match. Armas then fell on court two, 6-1, 6-2, putting the Cougars just one point away from clinching the match. Ellie Gamble lost 6-2 in her first match before battling in the second set, only to lose 7-5, clinching the match for APU. The Sea Lions had several other close matches going at the time of the loss. Michelle Torres was in her third set on court five, and Shelby Groeneveld had earned the tiebreak win in her first set, 7-6(8-6). The Sea Lions now look to continue their solid play in the conference tournament.

Team Records
Point Loma 10-6, Azusa Pacific 12-7
 
Wheeler's Words
On the competitiveness of his team against a top conference foe: "The ladies did a tremendous job of competing against a very tough APU team. We had great chances in almost every match but needed to finish off a few more close sets."

On Shelby's play specifically against another nationally ranked opponent: "Shelby played really well today in singles and earned a tough first set tie break against APU's #1. Shelby is playing her best tennis of the season heading into the conference tournament."

On the message to the team heading into the postseason: "I told the ladies today that we got great experience in a tough climate that will pay off at conference. I was happy with the intensity and consistent effort from the ladies."

News and Notes
> This is the first regular season sweep by the Cougars since 2015.
> Point Loma has at least one win over APU in the past four seasons, in either regular season or tournament play.
> Groeneveld earned her set one win over the No. 27 player in DII.

Up Next
Point Loma completed their regular season slate and will find out early next week where they stand for the PacWest tournament. The women's tournament begins Thursday, April 17.

Results
Box score

Match Notes:
Point Loma 10-6
Azusa Pacific 12-7; National ranking #25
Order of finish: Doubles (3,2,1); Singles (6,2,3)
T-2:30