BOX SCORE

COLUMBIA, Mo. --- Biola opened the 2007 NAIA National Championship Tournament with a 30-23, 30-16, 30-23 sweep over the University of Mobile (Ala.) on Wednesday afternoon at the Southwell Complex at Columbia College.

The Eagles improve to 29-7 on the season while dropping the Rams to 35-6. Biola also moves to 1-0 in pool play in Pool D.

For the Eagles, junior Meghan Warkentin had a great opening match, recording 19 kills on just one error in 27 swings for a .667 attack percentage. Junior middle blocker Kristen Peterson added 10 kills and three blocks for Biola.

The Eagles got off to a slow start in the match, trailing 13-9 early on. However, they used an 11-1 run to jump back in the saddle and ride to a 30-23 win.

Biola completely dominated the second game, jumping out to a 7-1 lead and building it to a 23-9 advantage. The Eagles hit an impressive .441 in the game, committing just two errors and leading from start to finish.

The third game was a bit closer. Biola opened with a quick 5-2 lead but Mobile quickly took the lead back with a 6-0 run. After the Eagles tied the score again at 9-9 and the teams battled back and forth until Biola used a four-point run to jump ahead 25-20. Sophomore setter Abbie Wright closed out the game with an ace.

Junior setter Christina Perkins had a strong game, recording 27 assists and adding nine digs and two aces. Junior outside hitter Jessica Buffum had six kills, 10 digs and a solo block. Sophomore libero Katie Stevens added 15 digs from the back row.

The Eagles wrap up pool play on Thursday (Nov. 29) with a pair of matches, opening against Campbellsville University (Ky.) at 11:15 a.m. (CT) and taking on host Columbia College at 8:15 p.m. (CT). Campbellsville pulled off the upset of the tournament so far, defeating Columbia in four games on Wednesday night.