JACKSON, Miss. - Faulkner entered the Millsaps Tournament this afternoon looking for the same grit they displayed last weekend at the Cumberland Tournament where the team went unbeaten. After a rough start the Lady Eagles found their rhythm and battled to a five set victory over Martin Methodist 15-25,18-25, 25-18, 25-22,15-13 before dismantling the host team 25-22, 25-20, 26-24.

Faulkner struggled early against Martin Methodist dropping the first two sets seemingly without much of a fight. Then, half way through set three the switch flipped and the Lady Eagles became a completely different team.

"If there is one thing I've definitely seen so far this season, it's heart," said head coach Tori Bartles. "You don't want to put yourself in those kind of positions, but when you can rally and pull through those difficult moments, it builds character and that's something you can't coach."

Faulkner had yet to lead or even tally a block by the mid point in set three. After the flip, Faulkner dominated and in the fifth set opened with an 8-0 run.

After the nail-biter with the Redhawks, the evening seemed slightly down hill. Millsaps was no slouch of a team, but the Lady Eagles never faltered for more than a few points and consistent play secured the straight sets victory.

Kelsey Bell had a stellar showing leading the team in both kills and digs with 23 and 17 respectively. Shelby Woods followed with 22 kills and had six total blocks.

Jessica Long logged 13 kills and eight total blocks and Neysa Hernandez had 10 kills and digs.

Abbie Melvin and Lindsey Ortner each had 27 digs and Melvin added 6 service aces.

Morgan Wilson had 32 assists.

At 6-0 the team is just one win away from the best start in program history.

Faulkner is talented for sure, but so far they have proven a team that refuses to lose and that has made the difference.

The Lady Eagles will open day two of the tournament Saturday morning against Rhodes College at 10:30 a.m.