BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Faulkner was in desperate need of a rebound Thursday evening after falling to conference rival Belhaven on Tuesday. The Lady Eagles were looking to regain some confidence in a rematch with Birmingham Southern and came up big in straight sets 25-21, 25-14, 25-19.

Faulkner and BSU tangled in a five-set battle in the Emory tournament the second weekend of the season. The Lady Eagles had to fight to the brink of exhaustion and dig themselves out of a two set jam. 

Tonight, Faulkner owned the tempo. A quicker offense kept the Panthers on their heels and the visitors were in no mood to extend the match longer than necessary.

"We've had the unfortunate tendency to relax too much after taking a one to two set lead this season," said head coach Tori Bartels. "Tonight, the team wanted to win and get back on the road."

Though her team was playing well, Bartels was quick to point out some issues that were obviously taking a mental toll on the home team.

Both head coach Judy Green and one of the Panther setters missed tonight's match due to family related illnesses.

"It obviously made an impact on the team," Bartels said. "They played well, but I know they were missing some big pieces tonight. Our girls prayed with them and I think that moment was important for both teams. Those difficult off-court struggles are far more important than a volleyball game."

Neysa Hernandez led the offense with eight kills, hitting .300 on the night. The senior added 17 digs and had four total blocks.

Freshman middle Brittnay Renfore was a close second at the net with seven kills, hitting .417.

Autumn Benson and Kelsey Bell each had six kills.

Abbie Melvin secured 23 digs and KK Lo and Morgan Wilson had 16 and 12 assists respectively.

Faulkner moves to 17-12 overall and takes on No. 19 Spring Hill in a conference showdown in Mobile on Tuesday evening at 7 p.m.