IRVINE, CA --- Looking to improve on a 2009 season where it finished in the NAIA National Championships Semifinal Round, Concordia volleyball started practice at CU Gym this morning, marking the start of a 2010 campaign that will feature 12 incoming freshmen.

The Eagles also return 11 letter-winners from a year ago, highlighted by NAIA All-American second-team selection Amber Ridens, who notched a team-high 377 kills in her junior year.

Among the dozen newcomers, 6-foot outside hitter Alex Bozoian leads the group after garnering all-league honors at Ayala High School in Chino Hills, Calif.

Concordia, which has played into the NAIA National Championships Semifinals or better four years in a row, and five times in the last six seasons, and is coached by second-year head coach Kyle Kvasnicka.

The Eagles play their first matches of the year Aug. 27-28 at the Point Loma Sea Lion Classic in San Diego.