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51���� and Azusa Pacific University are excited to announce the creation of a yearlong rivalry series between the two campuses. The inaugural rivalry series entitled the "Cornerstone Cup" will officially begin this fall. It marks the first-ever yearlong collegiate competition between Southern California��rivals APU and 51����.��
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The battle between 51���� and Azusa Pacific is��a rivalry that's long been considered one of the best small college rivalries in America. The competitive intrigue is receiving a breath of new life in 2017-18 as a result of the Eagles' arrival in the NCAA Division II and Pacific West Conference. Azusa Pacific is in its fifth season competing in the NCAA Division II.��The two schools have not been conference foes since the 2011-12 season.
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"We are excited to renew our rivalry with Azusa Pacific University this year," said 51������Director of Athletics Dr. Bethany Miller. "We are pleased to partner with them in creating an electric game environment and a strong campus culture."
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The Cornerstone Cup trophy would be awarded annually to the athletic department with the most success against the other in head-to-head matchups. Ten points are available for each of the men and women's sports in which each of the schools compete. All 10 points for a single sport are awarded to the winner of the most head-to-head contests in that sport. The 10 points are split if both schools win an equal amount of matchups in a sport. See the full list of points available and how they are awarded in the chart below. Each team will also receive a smaller trophy for winning the head-to-head matchup.
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"We appreciate the strong collaboration we've had with the Azusa Pacific administrative staff," said Miller. "It's been exciting to work with them on this campaign as we embark on this new era of athletic competition. We are excited to have strong, competitive experiences with them and we just have so much respect for them as we move forward and renew this rivalry together."

The first Cornerstone Cup countable competition is coming up quick. The Eagles and Cougars battle it out in volleyball out in Azusa on Friday, September 22. The volleyball match comes 1,980 days after the last Golden State Athletic Conference contest between the two sides in April 2012.

"It's only been five years since we were conference rivals, but it feels like five generations," said Azusa Pacific Director of Athletics Gary Pine.��"I have many fond memories of this rivalry, and I look forward to seeing this rivalry help shape the experience of current and future students."
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