SURPRISE, Ariz. – Looking to capture their third victory in as many days, it was a tough battle for #6 seed Academy of Art against #2 seed and nationally-ranked No. 18 Azusa Pacific in the semifinals of the Pacific West Conference Championship Tournament, as the Cougars outlasted the Urban Knights for a 4-1 win at Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex on Friday. 

Riding the momentum of a big win in a rematch against #3 seed and nationally-ranked No. 22 Biola, the Urban Knights (10-6) met the Cougars (17-6) for the second time this season. ART U's deepest appearance in the conference tournament since ending as the runners-up to Hawaii Pacific in 2019 began with APU capturing the doubles point with a pair of quick victories on courts two and one.

Singles wins in the first and third positions helped put Azusa Pacific ahead 3-0, but Academy of Art remained very much alive on the three other courts. Freshman Maria Vittoria Casucci made it a 3-1 score after taking down Madison Kane on court two in straight sets 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 while five and six both needed a third set to be decided. While freshman Julia Ortega was attempting to hold off Carolyn Brooner in the fourth spot, both sophomore Viktoria Leth and freshman Paulina Alvarez were looking to regain momentum after first set victories. In the end, Audrey Stewart managed to defeat Leth 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 on court five to secure the 4-1 win for the Cougars.

The season for Academy of Art continues tomorrow when the Knights battle in the third place match against #5 seed No. 48 Fresno Pacific beginning at 1 p.m.