SAN DIEGO, CA --- Returning NAIA All-American senior Amber Ridens and sophomore opposite Brooke Marino took turns, posting one 18-kill match apiece, as the NAIA's No. 2-ranked Concordia started its season with sweeps of Lindenwood (MO) and Missouri Baptist Friday.

In the 25-20, 25-18, 25-23 sweep of Lindenwood, Marino notched 18 kills and Ridens complimented her with 10, and the two switched roles in the win over Missouri Baptist, with Ridens swatting 18 kills and Marino finishing with 10 in a 25-13, 25-19, 25-18 victory.

The Eagles (2-0) picked up nine kills from freshman opposite Madison Ekis and eight more pointers from sophomore middle blocker Amy Van Buren in the opening sweep of Lindenwood, where they faced their toughest challenge of the day in a close third set.

The third set was tied up 10 times throughout, but Marino punched back-to-back kills to help Concordia pull away at 23-21. Lindenwood would score two points in a row to make the score 24-23, but Van Buren put the match away with her eighth kill.

Senior setter Renee Horton finished the day with 82 total set assists, including 42 dimes in the win over Lindenwood, where she swatted three kills along the way.

Van Buren and Ekis each chipped in seven kills in the win over Missouri Baptist, where Concordia out-hit its foe, .269 (46-18-104) to .082 (26-18-98).

Freshman libero Kara Vincitorio dug out 11 attacks in the opener and 15 more in the finale.

Concordia finishes out the Point Loma Nazarene Seaside Invitational tomorrow (Saturday, Aug. 27), starting with Robert Morris (IL) at 9 a.m.

Concordia vs. Lindenwood Box Score

Concordia vs. Missouri Baptist Box Score