FRESNO, Calif. – The Biola volleyball squad opened its season by sweeping a pair of opponents during the opening day of the 2006 Fresno Pacific Sunbird Invitational on Friday.

The Eagles started the day with a quick 30-27, 30-19, 30-22 win over Lubbock Christian before defeating NCAA Division II member Notre Dame de Namur by scores of 30-21, 30-23, 30-23.

Sophomore Kelsey Mitchell duplicated her 11 kill performance in the opener to pace a balanced attack. Sophomore Meghan Scheenstra picked up nine kills and junior Brittany Wing contributed eight kills and 11 digs.

The first game was tight until Biola rattled off a 14-5 run midway through and held on for the win. Game two started out with another 14-5 Eagle run—this time to start the match. Notre Dame made it close, pulling to within one point at 19-18 before freshman Meghan Cunningham ignited a late run with back-to-back aces.

The final game was much of the same as Biola jumped on the Argonauts early before holding on late for the win.

Junior Caroline Rutenbar looked strong defensively, leading the Eagles with 18 digs and three aces.

In the opener, sophomore Meghan Scheenstra looked dominant in her first match as an Eagle, recording 19 kills in 28 attempts to lead the attack.

Mitchell added 11 kills while freshman Abbie Wright recorded 43 assists and four kills.

Biola libero Dani Aigaki added 18 digs.

Biola closes out the tournament with a pair of matches Saturday. The Eagles start the day with a match against Holy Names University at 11:00 a.m. and wrap up the opening weekend against Savannah College of Art and Design at 5:00 p.m.