CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The Ashford University (4-0, 0-0 MCC) women's volleyball team ran roughshod over the opposition on Saturday to conclude the Zio Johno's Mustang Classic hosted by Mt. Mercy University, defeating Cardinal Stritch University and Trinity Christian College in straight sets.

After sweeping Grace University (Neb.) and Culver-Stockton College (Mo.) on Friday, the Saints continued their winning ways against the Wolves (25-18, 25-23, 27-25) and Trolls (25-12, 25-11, 26-24).

Ashford finished the eight-team tournament in the Hennessey Center as the only unbeaten squad and has now taken a dozen consecutive sets from foes to begin the fall season.

A Zio Johno's Mustang All-Tournament Team as selected by the coaches will be announced at a later time.

"This weekend was a good opportunity for us to open our volleyball season," AU Head Coach Micah Cewe said. "Our serving was a very bright spot as we were able to put most teams out of system, which gave us the opportunity to capitalize and strike back. The road gets tougher every day and we are striving to get better."

The Saints ripped nine service aces against Cardinal Stritch and added 10 more against Culver Stockton.

Junior transfer Yawen Xiao of Shanghai, China, strengthened her chance for an all-tournament team bid, helping the Saints' interior assume their dominance in the middle as she recorded a team-high 14 kills against Cardinal Stritch.

Senior Kelsay McCausland of Camanche, complemented Xiao with seven additional kills and five blocks. She hammered down 29 kills in the tourney.

In game two against Trinity Christian, the Saints contained the Trolls by once again dominating the first two sets and staving off extended play in the third set. Xiao collected 10 kills, six digs and a block in the finale.

McCausland added another seven kills and recorded a team high eight blocks while senior defensive specialist Samantha Moller of Silvis, Ill., anchored the back row with a team-high 10 digs.

Setters Liz Gbur of Darien, Ill., and JoAnna Hoffman of Prospect Heights, Ill., set the table for the offense with 61 of the team's 67 assists combined from both matches.

"It is always nice to leave a tournament knowing you won all four matches, but better yet finishing strong especially at the end of some close sets," Cewe said.

Ashford hosts the University of Wisconsin-Platteville on Thursday for its home opener in Kehl Arena starting at 7 p.m. Live stats and a video webcast of the game will be available.