CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The Ashford University volleyball squad kicked off the 2010 season on a high note on Friday, defeating both Grace University and Culver-Stockton College by 3-0 scores on the first day of the Zio Johno's Mustang Classic hosted by Mt. Mercy University.

After defeating Grace University (25-12, 25-10, 25-11), the Saints (2-0, 0-0 MCC) followed with another dominating performance, never losing a set against Culver-Stockton (29-27, 25-17, 25-14).

In game one, senior Kelsay McCausland of Camanche collected a team-high nine kills, five blocks, and a pair of digs. Fellow senior Tara VanZuiden of Albany, Ill., and freshman JoAnna Hoffman of Prospect Heights, Ill., shared team highs in digs with five apiece.

Also pacing the Saints in game one were senior Hanna Bruns of La Porte City and freshman McKenzie Thompson Plano, Texas, who each recorded five kills each. Junior outside hitter Kendra King of Morrison, Ill., proved to have a dominating serve, earning six aces in the game.

Of the 28 total assists in game one, 15 of those were contributed by sophomore setter Liz Gbur of Darien, Ill.

In the nightcap, the Saints would prevail in a tough first set against Culver-Stockton, but momentum would carry over until the end.

Junior transfer Yawen Xiao of Shanghai, China, showed flashes of what opponents can expect from her this season, as she contributed a team-high 10 kills and three aces in the game.

Bruns and Thompson again tied for the team-high total in kills, each recording eight in the conclusion.

VanZuiden and Gbur once again led the Saints in digs and assists, respectively, as VanZuiden returned 15 total attacks and Gbur earned 21 helpers.

The Saints will continue action at the Zio Johno's Mustang Classic today, hitting the court against Cardinal Stritch University at 9 a.m. and this afternoon against Trinity Christian College at 1 p.m.