SIOUX CITY, Iowa --- Biola opened the 2010 NAIA National Championship Tournament with a solid sweep over No. 20 Lindenwood University, winning 27-25, 25-13, 25-23 on Tuesday night at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City Iowa.

The Eagles improve to 26-8 on the season and are now 1-0 in Pool F. The Lions fall to 34-13 and to 0-1 in pool play.

Sophomore outside hitter Christine Douglas had 12 kills to pace a balanced Biola attack with senior middle blocker Tavea Hampton and junior outside hitter Kim Russell adding 11 each. 

Douglas' 12 kills puts her over 500 for the season, making her the fifth Biola player to eclipse the 500-kill mark in a single season.

The Eagles got off to a solid start, opening the first set by building a slow 8-5 lead. They would hold that lead through much of the set, still leading by three at 19-16 before Lindenwood rallied. The Lions would rattle off a 5-1 run to take their first lead of the set at 21-20. From there, the teams would exchange points with Lindenwood holding the first set point at 24-23. 

However, the Eagles fought off the point thanks to a kill by Hampton and would eventually rally to take the match at 27-25 on kill by Russell. 

In the second set, Biola jumped out to a quick 10-2 lead and never looked back. Russell, who does not serve much for the Eagles, served up six-straight points to give them the early lead. Biola would lead by as many as 13 late in the contest as Lindenwood committed 10 attack errors to help the Eagles' cause.

The Lions came out fighting in the third set, overcoming an early deficit and breaking a 10-10 tie with a three-point run to go up 13-10. The Eagles would eventually tie the score at 18-18 and would take the lead back at 20-19. Biola would force a Lindenwood timeout after an ace by freshman libero Emily Weingartner put the Eagles on top 22-20. 

However, the Lions came out of the timeout and responded with a three-point run to go back on top at 23-22. Biola would slam the door, though, thanks to kills by Russell and Douglas and a block by Douglas and Hampton.

The Eagles posted an impressive .307 attack percentage against a solid defensive team and added eight blocks. Douglas had five including one solo with Hampton adding five as well. 

Katie Weber recorded 15 kills with just one error in 20 attacks for a sparkling .700 attack percentage. However, she was one of just three hitters to hit better than .167 for Lindenwood in the match.

Biola and GSAC rival California Baptist University are the two undefeated teams in Pool F after the Lancers held off Bellevue University in a five-set thriller just before Biola's match. The Eagles take on Bellevue on Wednesday at 3:15 p.m. immediately following the match between Lindenwood and California Baptist.

For more information on the 2010 NAIA National Championship tournament, visit the official website at http://naia.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/spec-rel/081210aaa.html.