By Jacob Norling
October 29, 2025
 
(AZUSA, Calif.) Westmont Volleyball (8-13, 2-5 PacWest) successfully snapped an eight-match losing streak on Wednesday night, when the Warriors out-lasted the Azusa Pacific Cougars (7-12, 2-5) in five sets. The match was the typical roller coaster that fans and players alike have grown accustomed to over the past month, but this time Westmont left the other side frustrated at the end of a fifth set.
 
"It was our grit tonight," said McGolpin, when asked what the difference was. "Our defense was good, our serving toughened up, and our passing got a little bit more crisp as the night went on."
 
Things did not start in promising fashion for the Warriors, as the Cougars steamrolled their way to a 25-16 win in the opener. The Warriors then returned the favor in the second, which this time it was APU watching Westmont pull away early with a 25-14 win. In the third, Westmont led 20-17, and even had set point at 25-24, but APU won three consecutive points to steal the swing-set 27-25.
 
That third set nail-biter was the type of game that has left this Westmont team wondering 'what if' as night's end for much of October. On this night, the third only served as a footnote. That is thanks to a resilient showing in the match's climax and conclusion.
 
Westmont at point found itself up 12-6 in the fourth, then in a blink, up a point at 12-11. The Warriors were not only able to stop the bleeding, however, but four kills from Audrey Hyde highlighted a five-point swing that allowed Westmont to rebuild its lead to 20-14. Minutes later, an APU attacking error gave Westmont a 25-17 win to force a fifth and final set.
 
In the fifth, after APU went up 5-4, the Warriors all but ended the match with an electrifying 6-0 run (10-5). The run included another pair of kills from Hyde, as well as a trio from Maddie Finnegan as the Warriors marched towards the finish line. In fitting fashion, Hyde's career-high 21st kill was the final blow in a 15-11 win, and a 3-2 match victory. It was Westmont's first win over APU since 2014, and the first to come in Azusa since 2002.
 
"That's the first time I've ever beaten APU as a head coach," revealed McGolpin, "so, obviously, it was the first time our players have ever won in that gym as well. That's a pretty cool experience for them."
 
Along with Hyde's blackjack, Finnegan added 19 kills, while Ceanna O'Loughlin landed 14. Finnegan also found four aces, while Rylee Elias recorded 20 digs, and Sierra McClure tallied 50 assists in a 5-1 offense.
 
"Yes, we switched to the five one," shared McGolpin, "and yes, Audrey Hyde was incredible. Not just in the front row, but her back row attacking was amazing. It felt like it was really a difference-maker switching to that 5-1, and the opportunities it opened up for Audrey, as well as Maddie and Ceanna later on."
 
Westmont out-killed APU 73-54, and also recorded 10 service aces while only surrendering a pair.
 
"We got into a better rhythm with both of our middles attacking," said McGolpin. "They got quite a few sets, and then it opened up the pins, so both Maddie and Ceanna had more seams in the block to hit because their middles were having to hold with our middles. It was great.
 
"Again, as a whole it was our defense getting better and our serving getting tougher. Our passing got crisper, and the 5-1 worked for tonight's game. It was good to see us finally close out that fifth set. I told the team after the game, 'we got that monkey off our back'."
 
The Warriors will look to make it two in a row in The Murch on Halloween, when the Warriors will host the Biola Eagles at 7:00 p.m.