AZUSA, Calif. -- Off to its best start since 2000, Azusa Pacific has begun the season by winning 10 of its first 11 matches. The Cougars can now add some early season hardware to complement their terrific opening run.

Seniors Jenny Brickner and Colleen Walker along with freshman Brittany Brown earned individual awards for their play in tournaments Azusa Pacific participated in earlier in the season. Freshman setter Allison Kincheloe was named GSAC Setter of the Week for the weeking ending Sept. 11.

Walker was named to the Sunbird Invitational all-tournament team after recording 38 kills, averaging 3.17 per game, in leading the Cougars to victory in 3 of 4 matches. Walker, who was also on the all-tournament team in 2004, hit .325 over the 4 matches. The tournament was hosted by Fresno Pacific on Aug. 26-27.

“Colleen played consistently in Fresno,” said head coach Chris Keife. “She was an offensive force for us during the 4 matches.”

Meanwhile, Brown was named co-MVP of the 12-team, 2-day, Holiday Inn Invitational co-hosted by Concordia University and Warner Pacific College on Sept. 2-3. Brown had 42 kills as Azusa Pacific went 4-0 over the weekend. She averaged 3.23 kills and 2.38 digs per game during the tournament. She shared the most valuable player honors with Angela Willis of Cal Baptist.

“It is a great tribute for a freshman to receive that award. It’s an honor for both her and our team,” Keife said. “Other coaches saw her contributions not only in the front row but also in the back row. She played well consistently.”

Brickner earned a place on the Holiday Inn Volleyball Invitational all-tournament team after she hit .429. She recorded 31 total kills along with a team-leading 19 blocks.

Freshman setter Allison Kincheloe tallied 129 assists (14.3 a/g), 22 digs (2.4 d/g), 3 kills and 3 blocks (1 solo) as the Cougars swept all 3 of its opponents last week. She had 46 assists at San Diego Christian, 40 assists against Embry-Riddle (Ariz.), and 43 assists and 13 digs against Point Loma Nazarene.

Azusa Pacific will be back in action when the NAIA’s No. 11-ranked Cougars welcome Biola to the Felix Event Center on Tuesday, September 13, at 7 p.m.